Open Frame Generators

Back in the 90's I found a really great deal on a Honda 6500 generator with electric start. At the time we were involved in off road racing so it wasn't much of a problem noise wise when we used it. There were a few times that we camped in state or county parks on weekend trips. I used to watch the folks in the campsites next to us head inside each time I fired it up. I tried everything I could to deaden the sound of that generator so we would only use it when needed (microwave, charge batteries, vacuum..etc) and only in the daytime after 9AM. We've moved on to much quieter generators since then.

troubledwaters wrote:
The only rules that apply are written rules.

Yeah, I've never seen "Please respect another camper's space by walking around their site."

You probably didn't get the memo: The rules only apply to other people.

There is no such thing as "rules of etiquette". The only rules that apply are written rules. Your etiquette and my etiquette can have widely different interpretations; that's why the only rules that apply are written.
Most campgrounds that I know of that don't have electric sites, have "written" generator rules. If you don't like the generator rules, don't camp there. If the camper is complying with the rules - your tuff luck; if he ain't complying with the rules, his tuff luck.
Now which part of the above are you having a problem with?

Some campers have a sense of etiquette, some just have a sense of wallet. I do my best to stay well away from them. Getting a host or ranger to shut them down is not easy.

I'm not sure some campers even know what an inverter and batteries are for.

Who wrote your rules of etiquette? My rules say generators should never be allowed unless you are at least a half mile from the nearest camper.

I have fellow campers who believe, that unless it can power all the party lights, fans, crock pots etc. around the campfire it is not big enough.

Park rules dictate generator use and camping conduct.

I guess we’ve been fortunate. Only one time have we ever heard an open frame generator in a campground.
My noise gripe is when someone starts their diesel and just lets it run for an hour or so while breaking camp first thing in the morning.

I believe most campgrounds have a rule that rangers can shut down excessively noisy generators.

Cheap

I guess I question as to why they do?? obviously they are in FULL HOOK up sites, why LUG those HEAVY generators in and out when all you have to do is plug in??

At the NASCAR races ( RIR ) , they have quiet hours that start at 11pm... NO GENERATORS are to be running after that time