A noisy generator will not only be a nuisance to you but to your neighbors too. This is why many parks don’t allow RV vehicles. If your RV generator is producing more than 50 decibels of noise, this can be considered noisy. A good portable generator should make a noise level below 65 decibels. Fortunately, if your RV generator is noisy, there are a few ways you can quiet it. These include:
1. Use a soundproof box
You can use a soundproof box to make your RV generator quiet. Get a piece of wood and a sound dampening material to make the enclosure. Ensure that there is an outlet in the box, so that exhaust fumes are emitted well. The enclosure should also have an inlet opening for air circulation so that it doesn’t overheat.
You should design the door of the soundproof box to face away from your RV. You can also use sound reflectors. These should be positioned in a way that they reflect the sound away from your location. Ensure that the box is bigger than the generator itself, to provide it with enough breathing space. The inside walls should be covered with noise reduction foam. This extra layer will help to contain the sound.
2. Use of high damping mounts
One of the reasons why generators are noisy is because they vibrate at the motor and engine frequency resulting in noise. You can use generator mounts to reduce the noise as long as these are tuned for RV road vibrations. If you have an old RV generator, we suggest that you look at the mounts. Consider if these are worn-out or if they need replacement. When you use good quality mounts, you can easily reduce the noise.
3. Put your generator on a soft surface
There are several ways in which you can use plywood to dampen the generator noise. These include:
- Sound deflection
- Sound absorption
- A combination of the two
The goal of sound deflection is to direct sound in a way that it cancels one another in a similar way to how a muffler works. Noise absorption on the other hand involves an object that takes away the sound energy and, therefore, reduces the noise level. For instance, you may have noticed that a room with a carpet has a lower noise level than another without. This is because the carpet tends to absorb the sound. You can also redirect the sound in a way that it’s absorbed by the object.
Avoid putting the generator on a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt, or wood as these surfaces tend to increase the noise level. When camping, you may put your generator on grass or dirt. You can also consider buying an anti-vibration mat that can soften the noise and vibration from the generator.
5. Add a muffler
Adding a muffler may take time and skills but you will love the results. It can help to reduce your noise level by 10 to 15 decibels, a huge reduction. Before you add one, you want to research a good option that can be added to your generator. While some mufflers are specially made for generators, you can also use a car muffler.
Once you have chosen a muffler that fits your need, you will want to consider whether you should weld it or you should use clamps and flex tubing. If you have the necessary skills for welding the muffler piping, this will go a long way in adding an extra barrier.
The noise amount that will be reduced will be more as compared to when you use the flex tubing and clamps method. Be careful when using this method. If welding isn’t your thing, use the metal flex pipe to attach the tubing with flex pipes and clamps. While this won’t be as effective as welding, it will still serve you well. Use a muffler that allows for the exhaust to escape. When the exhaust is trapped, this can result in a fire or can ruin your machine.
6. Let the exhaust pipe face away
The position of your generator will be a big factor affecting the noise level. Pay special attention to where the exhaust is facing. Ensure that the exhaust faces away from your campsite. With some generator models, you have the option to face the exhaust pipe upwards. This will ensure that the noise is redirected away from you.
7. Put your generator at a distance
The location of your generator will affect the amount of noise it produces. This is why you want to keep it away from your campsite. If you are camping in an area without other people, the distance of the generator will be affected by the cord. You may want to invest in a long cord so that you can keep your generator as far away as possible.
In most generators, the decibel ratings are usually measured at a distance of around 7 meters. Therefore, you should ensure that your generator is placed about 20 meters from your campsite if it will operate in the decibel range.
8. Buy a more quiet generator
Generally, bigger generators will be noisier than the smaller ones. By understanding your power needs, you can avoid noisy generators. When buying a generator, consider your power needs, the amount of noise you are ready to take, and your budget.
When camping, you probably only need electricity for lighting and charging your mobile accessories. In such a case, you may choose a smaller generator that isn’t noisy. To find some of the quietest generators on the market, check this article here.
Conclusion
While generators provide us with our power needs when camping, they have one major drawback: they can be noisy. Fortunately, you can use one of the above tips to make your generator quieter.