Generator that won't break the bank..

[mdprowash]

Is there anything in the $500 range that has a respectable decibel level?

[TomG2]

Good catch. I use mine to run a 8,000 portable air conditioner that only draws about 800 watts.

[Community Alumni]

That unit maybe a little undersized for the OP. The OP wants to run the AC when needed.

[TomG2]

Thanks for allowing me to make my own choice. The OP asked for a bargain, not the quietest. If the extra noise, logarithmic or not, doesn't bother then this little unit might be worth a look. There must be a thread for the quietest somewhere. Solar is silent.

[SoundGuy]

TomG2 wrote:
It is not quiet, but at 65 db rating, it is not terrible either. Output is similar to the Honda 2000i, which I have owned.

Presumably you realize that because these sound measurements are based on a logarithmic scale that a genset rated at 65 dbA is significantly louder than one rated at 58 dbA. :E Truth is, you've gotten what you paid for ... quite a step down for someone who has already owned an EU2000i. Of course, it's still your choice to make. :W

[TomG2]

To the original poster asking about an economical generator, I may have found the most "Bang for the buck" this week at Tractor Supply. I purchased one of their Champion 1400/1800 units on sale for $179. It is souped up version of their 1200/1500 model that is sold everywhere else. It is not quiet, but at 65 db rating, it is not terrible either. Output is similar to the Honda 2000i, which I have owned. Fuel consumption is about the same, if the Honda is putting out 1,400 watts also. Under 60 pounds means that I can load and unload it easily. Five for the the price of one Honda may work for some, including me.

[westend]

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

That setup is a thing of beauty. Nice work!

[SoundGuy]

Clockman wrote:
Actually there really is near silent Generators made, they are Honda's that are rated for Movie set use, they are SUPER exspensive and are about as loud as your refrigerator running...

It's not the generator itself that is "quiet" but rather the enclosure it's mounted in that minimizes the racket - for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, irrelevant to this discussion. :R

[Clockman]

Actually there really is near silent Generators made, they are Honda's that are rated for Movie set use, they are SUPER exspensive and are about as loud as your refrigerator running...

[270wsmhunter]

I just ordered a Powerhorse 2k inverter generator from Northern Tool. It comes with parallel cables, a 30A receptacle, and a $100 E gift card to Northern for $569. Seems very comparable to Honda 2k. I plan to use it to charge battery when we go to Glacier. If it is as good as the reviews I have read, might get another one so we can run air when it's hot out.

[DHDB]

We use a "Campground Friendly" Boliy 3600 inverter generator. This unit is about $1400 and can power everything in the TT. Just can't run AC and microwave at same time. Very quiet unit! Unit has been virtually problem free for the last 6 years.

[4X4Dodger]

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.

[Acdii]

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.

[Community Alumni]

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.

[Need-A-Vacation]

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!