3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

professor95 wrote:

The introduction of the Chinese style generator with the huge muffler created an inexpensive, powerful generator that was "in the middle" with noise levels. It was a considerable improvement over what was then used by many campers and, unlike the smaller units, could power a RV rooftop air conditioner.

About the quietest camping generator you can purchase is something like a Honda 1000 and keep the load under 500 watts so it stays in econo mode. Unfortunately, about all you can do at that power level is watch TV.

I think the Prof hit the nail on the head! From what I've learned in my experiments and from this thread, you have to look at your intended application and then go from there with your generator choice. A single quiet little putt-putt Honda is not going to run your A/C, microwave, etc.! A contractor generator will run everything and also get you run out of camp!:o The Chinese gensets are a great compromise, and since they are relatively inexpensive, lend themselves to modification.

I initially envisioned building up a genset that would be totally enclosed for maximal sound suppression, but then looked at my intended application. My FW did not have an abundance of externally accessible storage, and although the genset would fit in the front compartment where the batts reside, that's right under the bedroom :Z ... not a good spot without considerable modification! It also raises issues of vibration, ventilation, safety, etc. All these issues are surmountable, but I really didn't want to sacrifice any more storage.

I therefore decided to go the external, receiver hitch mount route. That puts the genset as far away from the bedroom as possible and eliminates a whole host of technical issues - about all I had to do was run a LPG line and a +12v line (even those could be eliminated if I had decided to stay with gasoline and the OEM internal starting battery.)

Because of my mounting decision, it then appeared logical to stay with the DuroPower's open-bottom/enclosed sides and top design. I did the Hardiebacker mod to attentuate the sound a little more and wrapped and enclosed the muffler and rerouted the exhaust downward rather than straight out the side to cut the already quiet exhaust noise a bit more.

So, I wound up with a hybrid design - a partially-enclosed, externally mounted, LPG/remote start conversion. If I get the notion to suppress the noise a bit more, I left a few inches of space between the genset and the back wall of the FW so I still can easily add a "Gen Tent" or some sort of portable enclosure to attenuate the sound inside the FW.

Looks like there is no "one" solution for everyone - that's what makes this thread so fun!:B

Regards,
John