Generator that won't break the bank..

The idea of generator "Hours" seem to be to congregate generator use at the same time and if you obey those hours everyone realizes that is the deal and they accept it, in my experience, with good grace.

I only run my generator during the posted hours and then usually at or near midday (if possible)when many folks are away doing other things.

I would strongly advise anyone looking for a generator to consider the Dual Fuel Champion RV Generators. Being abler to use propane means not having to carry a third fuel (if you have a diesel) or carry gas at all. No slop, no mess no gas fumes and it runs much cleaner and is better all around environmentally.

Keep in mind Noise is not the only polluter.

I can't sleep if it is too quiet out, and have a fan going, or some other form of white noise, so a generator running at a constant speed for me would actually be nice, at least at the range of DB that the Champion runs at.

SoundGuy wrote:


Not necessarily ... with the right approach one can successfully construct a generator quiet box that will dramatically reduce the noise, to the point where it truly is difficult to tell from as little as 20' away that it's even running. Proof is in the (video) pudding, when I built my own Honda EU2000i Quiet Box ... problem is, not many would bother and simply run their own "quiet" genset in open air where it can easily be heard by other campers. :M

I understand that. I've built my own sound abatement box myself. Really you could carry a ton of batteries and run off of solar and be whisper quiet. But the point I was trying to make was that the hum of a generator at a reasonable DB is tolerable for most campers you meet. Not ideal, but ok with it. Then there will be those who have a problem with any amount of noise.

I have been considering a generator for those family "ruin" trips, or trips to a friends if the trailer is taken for more beds.

Have looked at the Champions mentioned, though I found one at TSC that is a 36XX/4500 output for about $330, and a Brute (B&S motor) that is 3500/5200 for $380 w/ a wheel kit at Menard's. Allegedly the Brute is between 58-65ish db's per calling them yesterday.... So take that for what it's worth! If I do eventually get one I will post feedback.

It's to bad there still isn't some areas that are generator free sections, and limited time use for other sections. While we haven't camped anywhere besides Mi, I can understand the desire for quiet as much as possible if that's what one is looking for!

After reading the above posts, a couple thoughts came to mind.

A few posters indicated that "we could hardly hear the generator while inside our rig". We, as your neighbor, often try to enjoy the quiet outdoors during that same time you are indoors.

Second, a number of posts once again use the statement that ...... "if it's within the rules".... We will visit the Forest Service campgrounds to try and enjoy a weekend of piece and quiet before 7pm just as much as after 8pm.

Back in the day, before RV's NEEDED generator power to survive, the dry FS campgrounds were quiet all the time, too bad those days are gone.

When we pull into a FS campground nowadays, I look for the possible neighbor's umbilical cord before finding a spot. It's getting harder and harder to find the quiet locations anymore.

Someone here will probably tell me to "go somewhere else, since what I'm doing is within the RULES!!!!" And yes, we have had to go to other places to relax and enjoy nature at it's best. Too bad, cause I kinda thought that was what the FS campgrounds were all about.

270wsmhunter wrote:
How about a nice diesel pickup with PTO output and rig up a genset? Then you can listen to the relaxing sounds of coal power with the benefit of power output and get around the generator rules.;)

Hmm, could always drag my Kubota around to camp sites. Its a 3 banger.

How about a nice diesel pickup with PTO output and rig up a genset? Then you can listen to the relaxing sounds of coal power with the benefit of power output and get around the generator rules.;)

#1nobby wrote:
I like the "advise all your neighbours" approach no matter what stupid a** genset you have. NONE of them sound remotely like chipmunks squawking or the wind blowing through the trees.

I just feel that politely informing your most direct neighbors is just plain good manners and considerate.

And you are right...no generator no matter how "quiet" is still an intrusion.

I like the "advise all your neighbours" approach no matter what stupid a** genset you have. NONE of them sound remotely like chipmunks squawking or the wind blowing through the trees.

krobbe wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:
Quiet is overrated. First of all my experience is those with the so called "quiet" generators seem to think they can run them anytime they want regardless of the posted hours.
First of all, Quiet is always better. No one wants to hear a loud, noxious generator reverberating throughout the campground whether inside or outside operation hours. And I have not personally heard any genny running outside the posted hours for very long. Usually it is just an oversight by a wayward camper. Grouping us quiet genny users as inconsiderate is absurd. Sounds like you have "Quiet Genny Envy".

Before I turn mine on I go to my neighbors and tell them I am going to run my generator and apologize for the noise.
I don't feel a need to ask permission as most are aware of the operation hours. Also, most won't hear my genny purring along while my batteries charge as I point the exhaust away from any campsites.

I paid about $600 at CW on sale.
An extra $400 would've bought you a campground friendly Honda.

First of all I was not grouping ALL quiet Generator owners. I WAS relating my personal experience with this issue and I have observed it many times in Parks, Natl Parks and other types of parks.

As for ENVY...Oh please I don't see the purpose to get into a tit for tat of what I can afford or not but suffice it to say I own a watch that costs more than my New Dodge Cummins 4x4 pick up. Envy is not the issue. I don't envy anyone who misunderstands value vs cost.

And if you read my post carefully you will see that I don't ask permission, I inform politely.

As for the last comment about the added $400. that's the Value vs cost equation I mentioned above. I didn't succeed at business by needlessly overpaying for equipment.