Generator quieting

profdant139 wrote:
I can't see spending hundreds to quiet my Honda, but if you have a less expensive way, I am very interested -- thanks in advance!

Yeah, I'd have loved to have duplicated jauguston's genset quiet box but from scratch I figured I'd have been into at least $400 Cdn for materials alone, which I just couldn't justify. The biggest savings was achieved by utilizing an existing plastic storage box (about $12 @ Home Depot) in place of custom building one and forgoing the really expensive noise control barrier material, instead using some Reflectix that I happened to have on hand. The only part I did have some difficulty sourcing was some high heat insulation for the exhaust box but jauguston kindly sent me a small piece he had left over from his own project, otherwise most other materials I already had on hand in my workshop so overall cost was minimal. If there is any one improvement that I'm sure would make a noticeable difference it would be to use purpose designed noise control barrier inside the box instead of Reflectix but with West Marine here having to import it from the US and the exchange rate being as awful as it is I just can't justify the expense. With the genset running inside the box noise is greatly reduced but then placing the box in the back of my Avalanche with the cargo compartment closed up (but vented) really adds to the effect. I realize most don't tow with an Avalanche but anyone with a truck equipped with a hard tonneau cover could I'm sure achieve similar results. It's always easy to just throw $$$ at any project and make it successful but the real trick is achieving acceptable results while keeping the cost of the project within reason. ;)

Sound Guy, do you have a link to your Quiet Box? I can't see spending hundreds to quiet my Honda, but if you have a less expensive way, I am very interested -- thanks in advance!

Never mind -- I just found the link:

Sound Guy's Quiet Box -- lots of photos on how to build it

Thanks for posting those photos! (Is is sad that I am really excited about spending some quality time examining this project?)

AFHauler wrote:
I have a Honda 3000 EU, I am looking for some ideas to quiet it down. Anyone had success with this, want to share some ideas?

RTompkins3 wrote:
Check out this thread (but be prepared for a lot of reading). Has multiple ideas for quieting the 3000 kw sized generators.

3000W Chinese Gensets Info

And here's another:

My $500.00 almost silent generator with pic.&db readings

FAR simpler for the OP to sell his Honda EM3000 open frame genset for a class leading Honda EU3000iS and not have to do anything additional at all ... it's as quiet as it gets when we're talking portable generators and heck, it even has electric start. :B

Air conditioning? Trade the EM for an EU :)

Are you just charging the battery? Consider 200+ watts of solar to reduce or eliminate the need for running a generator.

Watching tv? Consider a small inverter.

Also time to review your charging system to reduce run time.

AFHauler wrote:
I have a Honda 3000 EU, I am looking for some ideas to quiet it down. Anyone had success with this, want to share some ideas?

Check out this thread (but be prepared for a lot of reading). Has multiple ideas for quieting the 3000 kw sized generators.

3000W Chinese Gensets Info

And here's another:

My $500.00 almost silent generator with pic.&db readings

I have a Honda EX 1000 that is a constant RPM genset. Getting it quieter really depends on deflecting the noise. I used 3/4" pvc pipe and fittings to make 2 frames that fold together. I used tie wraps to fasten carpet squares inside the frames. The frames unfold and are free standing so I can put them between the RV and the generator or the generator and the neighbour depending on the situation. The best carpet to use is a heavy rubber backed door mat and according to my dB meter it lowers the volume by 3 to 4 dB at 10 ft. It only works in the direction of the carpet but at least your neighbour can see your trying.
And it folds almost flat for transport and there are no cooling issues.
Oh and to fasten them together you can do it with pvc fittings or just use a couple hose clamps.

I would look at some type of a muffler retro fit to start with...maybe something from Tractor Supply or the internet that either attaches to your current muffler or replaces your current muffler. There is bound to be something made for ATV or other vehicles that can be retrofitted to the em3000.

profdant139 wrote:
We have a Honda 2000 -- it is quiet but not silent. When we are boondocking, we add an extra extension cord so that the generator is as far from us as possible, preferably behind a big rock.

It's certainly possible to quiet an EU2000i to the point where it's barely audible 20' away. I based my own EU Quiet Box on one built for an EU1000i by rv.net forum member jauguston ... his pics are here for anyone interested. However, a major issue became abundantly clear in building my quiet box - "quiet" is directly related to how much you're willing to spend. :W After calculating I'd be in for hundreds $$$ to duplicate jauguston's box for my own EU2000i I looked for alternatives that wouldn't break the bank and although what I came up with certainly works quite well I have no doubt the results would have been even better had I been willing to spend more - lots more. I wasn't so it is what it is BUT with the box sitting the back of my Avalanche and the cargo lids in place my EU2000i running full tilt is barely audible 20' away. :B

We have a Honda 2000 -- it is quiet but not silent. When we are boondocking, we add an extra extension cord so that the generator is as far from us as possible, preferably behind a big rock.

The other possibility is if you have two batteries, take one and the generator and put them out in the forest, far away from you.

In a campground, these options would not work as well.