Sound deadener for genset compartment?

[maillemaker]

Looks like I am going to have to remove the genset from my RV to replace the ignition control module and/or the ignition rotor.

While I'm at it, I'm thinking of replacing the insulation inside the compartment. Currently it is thin fiberglass cloth of some sort.

What do you recommend? I'm considering Boom Mat:

https://www.amazon.com/050204-Damping-Material-Adhesive-Backing/dp/B001ELW8JA

What do you all think?

Steve

[pnichols]

Use what boaters use to sound isolate their inboard engines and generators. I wouldn't use anything else - the marine world solutions are the best.

[Bill_Satellite]

maillemaker wrote:

I have the material like is linked to by Home Skillet but I see that many of the newer bus conversions are using this kind of material.
Sound barrier

I have seen "egg crate foam" like that before, in fact my RV came with it over the mattress (previous owner) as a mattress pad. But I would be leery of putting this in an area exposed to the elements and water spray like the genset compartment is. This is open-cell foam and will soak up and retain water easily.

Steve

Obviously, I am not talking about the stuff used on a bed. I am also not speculating about whether it does or does not work, only reporting what many manufacturers are currently using. These spaces are enclosed compartments so it might be a different application than the OP is considering.

[pauldub]

For airborne noise, you need a barrier with mass and the barrier needs to be isolated from the substrate.

[troubledwaters]

I used the egg crate foam in a box I built for a small generator; it worked pretty darn good. Built it for the Marching Band so they could practice on the field with their electronics. They Only used it for a few months in the fall. I don't really know if it ever got wet, but if it did, it would probably dry out pretty quick. That's just my experience, yours may vary.

[Lwiddis]

Would a good solar system at least cut down on generator use?

[SoundGuy]

maillemaker wrote:
You need to spend more time reading what people write and less time rolling your eyes.

Only trying to help steer you to a product that will actually solve your problem ... it's your problem, not mine, if you choose to ignore this advice. :R :R

[RV_daytrader]

"mass loaded vinyl"...this place sells it by the running foot.

http://www.supersoundproofingsales.com/Mass-Loaded-Vinyl-45W-per-foot/productinfo/09-00005-54/

[maillemaker]

Everybody and his uncle is producing so-called "acoustic foam" but if you're serious about doing this correctly keep in mind you only get what you pay for. [emoticon] Surely you don't expect "egg crate foam" like that used as a mattress pad is going to have any meaningful impact at all when used as a noise barrier. [emoticon]

Of course not. That's why I said:

But I would be leery of putting this in an area exposed to the elements and water spray like the genset compartment is. This is open-cell foam and will soak up and retain water easily.

The stuff the guy linked to that I was replying to was regular old open-cell egg crate foam just like what was on my mattress.

You need to spend more time reading what people write and less time rolling your eyes.

Steve

[Chum_lee]

1/16" thick lead sheathing glued over a flexible base like 1" solid core insulating foam.

That will also protect you from x-rays, gamma rays, stray neutrons and other nuclear fallout should the need arise.

P.S.: This wont be cheap or light, but it will work.

Chum lee

[MrWizard]

The acoustic egg create is for recording studios, broadcast booths etc..

Those particular panels will not hold up, in the conditions of an RV generator compartment

[DrewE]

How much of the noise is transmitted via the air, and how much is vibration through the mount causing the rest of the RV to vibrate? If it's the latter, working out some better isolation mounts would probably be a whole lot more helpful. Increasing the mass of the RV bodywork in the area will help cut down on its vibrations; increasing its stiffness might also help some, as would layering materials of different acoustic impedance (i.e. squishy like foam and stiff like metal) as each change in impedance tends to prevent transmission.

Many foams do not hold up well to gasoline vapors or spray, and quite a few don't do well with heat. The stuff that's there already is possibly as much a heat shield material as it is there for acoustics.

[SoundGuy]

I have the material like is linked to by Home Skillet but I see that many of the newer bus conversions are using this kind of material.
Sound barrier

maillemaker wrote:
I have seen "egg crate foam" like that before, in fact my RV came with it over the mattress (previous owner) as a mattress pad. But I would be leery of putting this in an area exposed to the elements and water spray like the genset compartment is. This is open-cell foam and will soak up and retain water easily.

Everybody and his uncle is producing so-called "acoustic foam" but if you're serious about doing this correctly keep in mind you only get what you pay for. 😉 Surely you don't expect "egg crate foam" like that used as a mattress pad is going to have any meaningful impact at all when used as a noise barrier. :R

[maillemaker]

I have the material like is linked to by Home Skillet but I see that many of the newer bus conversions are using this kind of material.
Sound barrier

I have seen "egg crate foam" like that before, in fact my RV came with it over the mattress (previous owner) as a mattress pad. But I would be leery of putting this in an area exposed to the elements and water spray like the genset compartment is. This is open-cell foam and will soak up and retain water easily.

Steve

[Bill_Satellite]

I have the material like is linked to by Home Skillet but I see that many of the newer bus conversions are using this kind of material.
Sound barrier