Generator modification what is for a 5th wheel RV

Bluerciii wrote:
I currently own a 6500/8000 watt Generac generator and looking to modify the generator specifically the muffler so I may use it in my RV any suggestions.

Just one: DON'T...:(

BTW - you will find everything "generator" on/in the *Tech Issues* forum (here).

~

laknox wrote:
I had a small engine mechanic tell me that half the noise is likely =mechanical=, not exhaust. Just plain =noisy=!

I recently bought a 3250W generator to use on our annual dry camping trip. It's rated at 68db and as gennies go it is fairly quite. It has a huge muffler on the little thing and I can tell there's very little noise going out the actual exhaust pipe. The vast majority of the sound is from the gas motor itself.

KJ

TXiceman wrote:
The standard contractor grade generator is not suited for RV mounting. Adding a muffler will not make the generator quiet.

You also have to deal with venting and cooling.

The best thing to quiet down a contractor generator is DISTANCE.

Ken

You're absolutely right, Ken. I have an old 4k Generac with a "quiet" kit on it. Never heard it run =without= the kit, but it's probably 90 dB =with= it. Also, I had a small engine mechanic tell me that half the noise is likely =mechanical=, not exhaust. Just plain =noisy=! OTOH, my dad's old MultiQuip Whisperwatt 25kw, with an Isuzu diesel, is probably =half= as loud. I'd love to tow it behind my FW, but it's one heavy sucker! :-)

Lyle

The standard contractor grade generator is not suited for RV mounting. Adding a muffler will not make the generator quiet.

You also have to deal with venting and cooling.

The best thing to quiet down a contractor generator is DISTANCE.

Ken

If you think a new muffler will make the generator anywhere near quiet I think you will be disappointed.
Seen plenty of complete sound boxes built to make these quiet.

Most important is for the CO to be moved out and away from the RV. Needs to be a sealed pipe to the exterior. Even better is to vent above to the roofline.

Impossible to answer without knowing what your concerns ARE.

The muffler doesn't have to be mounted right ON the engine. The manifold can be extended a bit with a pipe and the muffler and exhaust pipe then routed about any way that you need to.......EXCEPT that too many bends is a bad thing.

Also keep in mind that the entire exhaust pipe will get extremely HOT and it needs to be ventilated and FAR away from anything that will burn.

also watch out for exhaust leakage into the compartment. Carbon Monoxide is a silent/odorless killer.. many of the standalone units aren't as carefuly designed to limit this as they would not normally be contained.

Does the rv have a dedicated generator compartment? If so you could fabricate an exhaust pipe to run under the unit to an external muffler making sure it is least the same diameter as the engine outlet. Don't use flex pipe, this stuff doesn't last long before rusting through and leaking. Also ensure it has an adequate supply of fresh air for cooling and clean running.
It will still be unpleasantly loud, you and the neighbors will hate it. It is designed for outside use and runs at double the speed of a good rv unit, quiet operation was not one of the design priorities.