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Quick Tips to Quiet an RV Generator

Published on January 25th, 2019 by Camper Report
This post was updated on April 23rd, 2021

Sound deadening mat on bay door is used to quiet an RV generator.
These ideas can make your ride quieter. Image: @Idleup, iRV2.com

One loud RV generator can ruin your whole trip. These quick tips to quiet an RV generator will keep everyone around you happy and friendly.

Four Ways to Keep a Noisy RV Generator Quiet

There are many options when it comes to quieting an RV generator. Here are my favorite four tips to quiet an RV generator. You’ll see they are ranked by cost.

  • RV Generator Noise Reduction Box ($120-$150)
  • RV Generator Muffler ($400-$500)
  • Soundproof onboard RV generator compartment ($120-$150)
  • Replace the Noisy RV Generator ($1000+)

Whether you’re a DIY RVer or just want to pay to have someone keep your RV generator quiet, keep reading for these four easy ideas to reduce RV generator noise.

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RV Generator Noise Reduction Box

The best and cheapest way to quiet an RV generator is to create a noise reduction box.

An average old school RV generator emits close to 80 decibels while in use. Modern, quieter generators run anywhere from 50 to 60 decibels. Do you want to be the guy with the noisiest RV generator? I dohn’t!

A DIY RV generator noise reduction box is as simple as it sounds. You can buy noise reduction panels made of foam that noticeably reduce RV generator vibration and sound.

This DIY RV generator hack is simple: build a fiberglass box.

Make sure that the box is larger than the generator so it has space to breathe. Remember, the generator must have enough air intake for the engine to run unobstructed.

After you build the box, blanket the inside walls with noise reduction foam. Adding this extra layer keeps the noisy RV generator sound contained.

This is one of the cheapest and effective ways to quiet a noisy RV generator. But you will still invest over $100 in materials. Several hours of labor time is also something to consider.

What are the Best Materials for Soundproofing? Materials with loosely packed fibers are the best for sound absorption. Fiberglass board is also very effective. Foam is great for temperature control but is not the highest quality for keeping sound contained.

Several types of foam insulation stacked for comparison.
Cheap foam panels in a box can keep RV generators quiet.

Or, install an RV Generator Muffler

Adding a muffler onto your generator will take some time and skill. But the result can be impressive. On average, adding a muffler to your generator can reduce the noise output by 10-15 decibels.

First, research the type of muffler that you would like to add on to your generator. Here is the cool part. There are special mufflers designed just for a generator. But you can add on any car muffler to your RV generator.

Next, decide if you want to weld the muffler on, or if installing with clamps and flex tubing are acceptable. Welding creates more of a sound barrier than attaching a muffler with clamps and flex tubing. This is not as effective as welding but it still will help.

Always be safe and make sure that the muffler that you are using allows for the exhaust to escape. When the exhaust becomes trapped it can increase the potential of fire and the possibility of ruining your machine.

Another Option: Soundproof your Onboard RV Generator Box

If you have an onboard RV generator box, this may be an option for you. Depending on your RV’s age, it may be possible to upgrade and soundproof your onboard RV generator box.

If you have an owners manual, find the dimensions and details about the storage areas. Or just open up the compartment and take a look. Tap on the walls to feel for the construction. If walls are made out of a softer, malleable material there is a good chance that this has been soundproofed. If the shell of the compartment feels like metal or a hard plastic then there can be 2 things happening:

  1. The compartment is not soundproof
  2. The soundproof material is on the other side of the plastic.

To know for sure, purchase a decibel reader. Then turn on your generator in the compartment and listen for sound. Use the reader to gauge the decibel output.

Digital decibel gauge being held and used to check sound levels.
Decibel readers show RV generator noise levels

Soundproofing your onboard box will be pretty similar to how you would build a soundproof box. Remember to include ample air flow.

Depending on available space, consider investing in sound reducing fiberglass board, or other noise reduction panels. The more layers, the easier it is to quiet RV generator noise.

Keep in mind that by altering the RV, you may void a warranty. Before you alter anything, check the warranty disclosures. No warranty? No problem! Get to work.

Replace Your Current RV Generator

Nobody wants to buy a new RV generator. But sometimes even the expense of purchasing one makes sense. For example:

One pro of buying a new generator is you will have a brand new, quiet generator. A lot of us just don’t have the time for an RV overhaul, building boxes, soundproofing this and that.

Another pro of buying a new RV generator is it is a good, long term fix. If you buy now, you won’t have to buy again for a while. No generator repairs, no box repairs. Camping gets easy!

The most obvious pro of buying a new, quiet generator is that it is new and it is quiet! New RV generators are very quiet compared to older models. Even if you soundproofed your old generator from 85 decibels down to 70 decibels, it’s still not in line with current RV generator technology.

Before you run out the door with the credit card lets talk about a few cons that may slow you down just a little bit.

The first and most obvious con of a new RV generator is the cost. The lowest price for a halfway decent generator is around $1000 USD. Higher-end RV generators cost $2,500 to $3,000 USD.

Consider how much you will use your RV. If you only take it out once each year, noise pollution probably isn’t as bothersome. But if you go out camping most summer weekends, a new RV generator investment could be worth your money. It’s always nice to have new stuff but do you really need it? If so, consider alternative RV power sources. They may be a little spendy but they sure are worth it!

Quietest Generator on the Market

Honda EU2200 Generator on sale rack.
Honda makes the quietest generators on the market.

Many companies make quiet and efficient RV generators. One company that has done this so well is Honda. They have made some of the quietest generators so far, with a part called the “eco-throttle.” This function quiets the engine by monitoring the exact amount of output needed. The eco-throttle makes it so when there is less pull of electric current the engine runs at a lower, quieter level. When the pull increases, it once again meets the required output. Honda generators never constantly run at full speed. Honda generators are also made using special materials that further dampen the sound.

Alternative Power

There are a lots of ways that you can quiet down your generator. Or you can just install an RV solar power generator kit. These solar powered RV generators are great for basic camping needs. They store solar energy in lithium-ion battery cells that can be used at any time! You can run them during the day while the panels are in the sun. At night when you need power, it will be powered up and ready.

One of the most powerful solar powered generators is the Goal Zero Yeti 3000. This generator is great as a backup generator for your home, or as a generator for you on all your RV boondocking trips. The Yeti 3000 weighs close to 70 pounds. It can be charged at home or through solar panels. The Yeti meets basic needs as long as you aren’t running all of the appliances in your RV at once.

If you do need to run a lot of camping appliances at the same time, many of RV solar generators have the ability to chain together. This gives them more power and ability to output larger amounts of electricity.

RV solar power generators are not for everyone. But if you feel like making a smaller carbon footprint, consider one of these RV generator alternatives.

Conclusion

Building a box or muffler to quiet an RV generator isn’t hard. Anyone with basic tools and a DIY attitude can do it. But sometimes, replacing your old noisy RV generator is a better idea for you and the environment.

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