generator noise

[Manitou]

this has probably been talked to death in a lot of places, but wondering if anyone has first hand knowledge of how to either:
1) make the onan generator quieter
2) replace it with something that is quiet.

[Blue~Go]

I can't speak for sure to the results, but I can tell you this:

1) The generator in my Chinook is separated from the living space by a sheet metal box.

2) The box was covered on three of the four exposed-to-the-interior sides with carpet and carpet padding, and on the fourth (forward) side with nothing.

3) Carpet and padding doesn't do a whole lot for sound deadening.

4) I have removed the carpet and padding and have purchased some sound-deadening products to apply to the box instead (constraint layer damper, mass loaded vinyl). These are typically sold to make cars quieter for stereo listening, etc.

I haven't applied nor tested the new products yet, although it's hard to imagine they won't be more effective than shag carpeting.

OTOH, I don't run the generator often, so it wasn't a high priority for me; but I had the box exposed while doing other work and couldn't imagine not improving it.

[Dano]

Onan makes a resonator now for our 4K generator and it appears to take off some of the noise, if only a little. Installed inline in your exhaust. I've watched a few videos and I think it takes some of the harshness away...Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00HSO ... 8K12&psc=1

[sm350bl]

Are the gas units louder than the propane ones? Mine has the propane and for the little bit i have been playing with it ,but it seems to be surprising quite. I don't see why you couldn't add another layer or some sort of automotive sound deadening material to the box though?

[HoosierB]

I upgraded to a new Onan 4k model. I also "wrapped" the metal enclosure with two layers of Dynamat sound deadening and a layer of 1" foil-faced rigid insulation in my galley remodel (no more carpet pad or carpeting). Now, with the generator running, the sound level is barely audible from the interior.

[SMan]

The Honda EU6500 I have for my house whispers compared to the Onan. Has anyone ever installed a Honda into that space. I have limited electrical knowledge and talent so not sure how one would go about it.

[Blue~Go]

I think Scott has a Honda EU2000 that he carries in the former generator compartment. That said, you wouldn't run it in there, I don't believe, but would take it out and set it someplace outside, then run it. So a slightly different concept. Whether that would be a plus or a minus would depend on how and when you use the generator.

[Scott]

Yup, I have a Honda 2k. I store it in the rear locker, and put it on the ground when in use. Honestly, I rarely use it other than to run the air conditioner for my dog and occasional power tools (off grid carpentry and such). I've come across the propane Onans in campers and they were quieter than my gasoline Onan was. The power conversion difference between propane and gas isn't really worth considering since power plants like these are quite inefficient regardless. But gasoline is a lot easier to procure than LPG, so there's that. Wait, what were we talking about? Oh yeah. If your Onan is annoying, get a silencer and maybe some rubber isolators. But the Honda is certainly a superior machine.

[pdemarest]

Hi - I didn't like the hammering sound that the Onan makes so I ordered the Onan resonator and had a muffler shop install it mid-way into the existing exhaust pipe. It is noticeably quieter and the hammering sound is gone. Well worth installing. And as Blue pointed out you can reduce the inside noise by using sound deadening insulation around the generator box.

Of course, we can all continue to pray that Honda will make a Onan replacement that fits our rigs.

[Blue~Go]

I pray that everyone gets solar (but then I'm a curmudgeon )