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Generator Vibration/noise, Isolator

Jay_Pat
Explorer
Explorer
I have two Honda generators mounted in a alum tool box on a steel frame, all mounted on the back of my trailer.
When I run the generators, there are vibrations and the sound resonates loudly in the trailer. The living room is at the rear of the trailer. Not pleasant to use.
I have a heavy cloth type material (about 1/8" thick) between the steel frame and the tool box. It is the same material that goes between alum fuel tanks and the strap that holds the tank to the saddle on a 18 wheeler.
I am thinking about checking in with the local Onan repair shop to see what they suggest.
Thanks for any ideas and help!!
Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315
15 REPLIES 15

RVUSA
Explorer
Explorer
hunt for these things, Ive seen them in action and it was amazing.

air bags

TurnThePage
Explorer
Explorer
I've created shock/vibration mounts from thick rubber hose based on the coiled cable mounts for the heavy electronics and weapon systems I worked on in the navy. Works great.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE

westend
Explorer
Explorer
Sorbothane is going to be the best dampener you're going to find. Using a mass-damping product on the inside of the box will also help. Something like Dynamat
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton

Jay_Pat
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks to everyone for responding, ideas and posting images!!
I have looked at the Sorbothane site.
Looked at Grangers site. I have one close by.
I hope to check the tool box next week for clearances and dimensions to decide how I can improve my box.
I'll follow up when finished. Just don't know how long it will take me....
So, thanks, again!
Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315

Mr_MrsSchleppro
Explorer
Explorer
Tractor Supply has rubber truck bed mats that I believe are about 3/8 in thick. I'm not sure of the cost but cut a placed under the gennys would dampen the vibes.
Phil&April
'99F-250Superduty4x4/CrewCab/7.3
'04Tahoe4x4/5.3
'14 Salem 29ud3 TT
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eHoefler
Explorer II
Explorer II
Check with Grainger, look up "Isolators"
2021 Ram Limited, 3500, Crew Cab, 1075FTPD of Torque!, Max Tow, Long bed, 4 x 4, Dually,
2006 40' Landmark Mt. Rushmore

guidry
Explorer
Explorer
Check out where they sell horse supplies. There are rubber mats made for horses and it should also be soft and work. Check those prices compared to the other mats. Good luck.
I place both of my Hondas inside my truck bed and have them chained and locked. I've run them at night and they are not as loud as when I tried them inside my 5th wheel storage in front.

bcbigfoot
Explorer
Explorer
I have used a product called Sorbothane, it is truly amazing at absorbing vibration you can check it out here. http://www.sorbothane.com/products.php
2002 Dodge 3500 2wd dually, cummins, 4.10 gears, 10500gvwr, Rancho 9000's shocks
2005 Bigfoot 259.6E, 80watt solar, eu2000 Honda gen., 2x group 31 AGM bats., 7100 btu aircond, electric rear step.

msiminoff
Explorer II
Explorer II
My generator is mounted into my camper using two boards that each have rubber vibration dampening mounts on/between them. It's basically "floating" in the generator compartment. There's no noticeable vibration inside the camper. Below are a few pics that may help to explain what I've done.
Hope this helps,
-Mark







'04 Alpenlite Saratoga 935, 328W of solar, 300Ah Odyssey batt's, Trimetric, Prosine 2.0
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Jay_Pat
Explorer
Explorer
Tin Pusher wrote:
The box itself may be resonating. Rubber under the gens may help.

Thanks!!
Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315

Jay_Pat
Explorer
Explorer
Trackrig wrote:
The cloth won't help your vibration problem, you need to put some rubber between the generator and the frame - and then don't over tighten it. The Onan people should be able to sell you some sort of rubber vibration dampners from one of their generators. Or, look in the yellow pages if you still get them for a rubber supply place that sells hoses, conveyor belting, sheet rubber, etc. They should be able to give you some scrap belting (3/8" to 1/2" thick) that will do the same thing.

Bill


I'll check with Onan.
Thinking more about this, there is a thick rubber mud flap material for the big trucks that could work. Thick and not too hard.
Thanks!
Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315

Jay_Pat
Explorer
Explorer
ktmrfs wrote:
If you find a solution, post it, I and others would like to find a solution. I just make sure mine is on the ground and not on the trailer when I run it.


I'll do it!
Pat
2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315

Tin_Pusher
Explorer II
Explorer II
The box itself may be resonating. Rubber under the gens may help.
Tin Pusher's Guide To Successful RV'ing: "Don't get mad, don't get in a hurry"

2002 1500HD
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Trackrig
Explorer II
Explorer II
The cloth won't help your vibration problem, you need to put some rubber between the generator and the frame - and then don't over tighten it. The Onan people should be able to sell you some sort of rubber vibration dampners from one of their generators. Or, look in the yellow pages if you still get them for a rubber supply place that sells hoses, conveyor belting, sheet rubber, etc. They should be able to give you some scrap belting (3/8" to 1/2" thick) that will do the same thing.

Bill
Nodwell RN110 out moose hunting. 4-53 Detroit, Clark 5 spd, 40" wide tracks, 10:00x20 tires, 16,000# capacity, 22,000# weight. You know the mud is getting deep when it's coming in the doors.