Appalling sound from Onan QG 2800

wincrasher65 wrote:
Good question. I suspect Onan's are cheap to the RV manufacturers - especially on volume.

The Honda 2000 would be good as a built-in, as it's already can be fueled with a gravity fed tank - like an outboard boat motor. The 3000 cannot be fueled the same way, so would need some modification. Across the board, the inverter type generators are quieter. Why the onan is so unnecessarily loud is beyond me - mostly because they have no insulated enclosure or muffler on the exhaust.

They have an enclosed muffler.
The Onan can be make quieter. Resonator, exhaust hanger mounts, thicker rubber washers on the mounts. Make sure everything is tight, and not causing other things to vibrate.

I urge you to try a baffle. It works in recording studios. I realize it is not technically lowering the db output but it will diffuse the sound to the ground and if you are camped on dirt or better yet grass there will be an appreciable difference. Concrete is the worst reflective surface as far as sound deadening. Asphalt would be next but baffles could help. I too hate to run my generator for the same reasons as you and applaud your efforts.

SkiMore wrote:
Is the Honda really less reliable/durable than the Onan? I understand why the cheap contractor grade generators are loud - they are cheap. The Onan isn't cheap. How can Honda and Yamaha make something so much quieter and why aren't they in the business of making a built in model? What is it that I don't understand?

As far as Honda reliability, the comments I've read and made are based on the older & discontinued 3010 & 4010 (think those #'s are right) that are made for RV installation... water cooled, constant-speed, heavy & complex, seem to be as noisy as an Onan.

Why no one builds a a B-sized quiet inverter unit for RV installation? Probably because it A) a very limited market with high liability potential, and B) it's a very harsh environment (exposed underfloor mount). Probably more reasons, too.

Is it practical to DIY modify a quiet portable for installed use? Depends on your engineering skills and risk aversion. Consequences for a less-than-perfect installation can be lethal.


Jim, "In the real world there are no rewards of punishments, only consequences."

Good question. I suspect Onan's are cheap to the RV manufacturers - especially on volume.

The Honda 2000 would be good as a built-in, as it's already can be fueled with a gravity fed tank - like an outboard boat motor. The 3000 cannot be fueled the same way, so would need some modification. Across the board, the inverter type generators are quieter. Why the onan is so unnecessarily loud is beyond me - mostly because they have no insulated enclosure or muffler on the exhaust.

Is the Honda really less reliable/durable than the Onan? I understand why the cheap contractor grade generators are loud - they are cheap. The Onan isn't cheap. How can Honda and Yamaha make something so much quieter and why aren't they in the business of making a built in model? What is it that I don't understand?

Hi gerrym51,

An increase of 3 db requires twice the power but not double the sound. It is somewhat subjective, but double the sound is about a 10 db increase that requires 10 times the power. Twice the power for each 3 db increase.

The Onan is LOUD, the honda is quiet.

Bud

SkiMore wrote:
Isn't the Honda 3000 generator rated at something like 55db? How can they be so much quieter?

every 3 decibles more is DOUBLE the sound. 55 to onans 70 is at least 5 times louder

1775 wrote:
What readings do you get inside the RV with the generator running with and without the add ons?

I will check this weekend when I'm home. Not too concerned with interior noise though. More concerned with disturbing other campers.

SkiMore wrote:
Isn't the Honda 3000 generator rated at something like 55db? How can they be so much quieter?

Much less - closer to 50 db. I have one and it's an amazing piece of equipment. Too bad it's too heavy to carry with me (159 lbs.)

Too bad these units can't be integrated into a B van.

What readings do you get inside the RV with the generator running with and without the add ons?