How to reduce generator noise?

Handbasket wrote:
Some of the noise is from the RV maker's low-cost installation. I'm really surprised such a small RV uses such a large Onan. Be that as it may, get the _installation_ manual from Onan for your model. It'll give you the minimum requirements for the air intake opening, and minimum compartment clearances.

My Tiger CX has a rear compartment mounted Onan 2800. I was able to get it down to under 58 dbA @ 23', mostly by doing 'Onan-allowable' things.

I added the Onan resonator, and a SuperTrapp spark arrestor.

I used 1" thick rigid fiberglass furnace insulation, smeared with silicone goo for weatherproofing. That was used both to insulate the compartment, and to reduce the 'way-larger-than-required air intake opening in the door. The latter made the most difference of all the steps I took, IMO; it was sure the most bang for the buck.

I put .20" rubber washers around the mounting bolts, between the truck frame & the Onan's base pan.

My compartment is under the end of the couch, with a small space above. I use that to store extra blankets, so they help with sound management in the interior.

Most of the remaining noise is mechanical, exiting with the cooling air around the exhaust pipe. Do not restrict this air flow. I installed a flat f'glass baffle about 12" down. It's open at both front and back to allow the hot air to escape.

I can stand right against the rear of the RV and carry on a conversation with someone standing on the opposite side of the exhaust without raising my voice. There's a brief burst of louder noise when the generator reacts to a sudden heavy load like the A/C compressor cycling on. Otherwise, it runs at the same noise level, loaded or not.

I do a roughly quarterly safety inspection of all my 'self-engineered' arrangements, more frequent in the summer.

Jim, "Statistics mean never having to say you're certain."