Forum Discussion

ETCrockett's avatar
ETCrockett
Explorer
Feb 10, 2018

DIY Generator Quiet Box

I just ordered a new portable Champion generator. I would like to build a quiet box for it to reduce the sound while boondocking. I have searched the internet for plans and videos but I have not found plans that include drawings or a material list. It seems like everyone either pays a fortune for a custom build or the DIY guys don't really give any material lists or instructions. I was hoping maybe some of my fellow campers might have built their own quiet box and would be willing to share how they did it. What did you use for soundproofing, did you put in exhaust fans or just cut outs for air circulation, does it breakdown for easy transport? Pictures would be great!

Thanks,

10 Replies

  • SoundGuy, I totally agree. Using a construction type generator is brutal to everyone camping around it. I viewed your video and I was impressed, excellent job. The panels I carry does help to some degree with an already fairly quiet generator, but is in no way as good as your set up. No one should use a construction type generator in a campground, but go to a campground at a NASCAR track and you are surrounded by them and occasionally hear the odd one in a park. It's nice the US National Parks have a limit on generator noise level at 60 decibels at 50 feet away plus limit hours they can be used. I appreciate any effort anyone makes to reduce generator noise, or in your case, nearly eliminate it.
  • Although it appears the OP has left the building along with Elvis I'll post this link to a past discussion on the topic of building a genset quiet box for others who may be interested. :)

    Genset Quiet Box Discussion
  • I own a nearly identical (Powermate) generator and you could build a garage around it and it will still be noisy.
  • GREGORYJ wrote:
    The video is an example of the worst case, a really loud generator.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zwc5mdEbDI


    And a classic case of someone who has no idea what he's doing. :R Additionally, there's no way anyone should be using an open frame genset of this type in any organized campground. :M
  • I have an 2000watt inverter generator similar to yours. I carry a couple a acoustic ceiling panels with me and use them like this video shows, bouncing noise down to the ground. The video is an example of the worst case, a really loud generator.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zwc5mdEbDI
  • SoundGuy wrote:
    Pics and videos are near the end of my gallery, starting here.



    Very nice ! Forced air cooling is a must !!

    Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.

  • The vast majority of so-called generator quiet boxes are designed improperly and don't allow for the separation of cool intake air, hot "cooling" air that needs to be exhausted, and hot exhaust gases. I built one for my Honda EU2000i that's based on a proper design by forum member jauguston, built for his EU1000i. I didn't want to invest a lot of $$$ in this project and could have improved on the performance had I been willing to spend more, nonetheless the results were quite impressive. Pics and videos are near the end of my gallery, starting here.
  • 3/8 plywood.. 2 inch foam stiff insulation board

    cheap hinges... "A" type roof. with hinge to flip roof over backwards

    tall sides.. like a foot above generator top.. vents at bottom.. all 4 sides..

    I made a non folding, like a dog house.. with top that hinges backwards... for house.

    I built it like 15 years ago.. still useful.. I used vinyl siding to hide it.

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