Diesel vs Gas - lets get some data

[jondrew55]

I propose to make this a sticky topic. Let's all actually measure the noise level of our MHs and post it in this thread. Class A,B,C gas, diesel whatever. With the advent of smart phones, this should be easy to do. iPhone has dozens of sound meter apps and I'm sure the Android store has a similar selection.

We should agree on common measurement conditions. As an example, I'd suggest using the dB(A) setting on your meter (read the user manual to understand how to do that for your particular app). Take measurements at both idle and at highway speed. Take two measurements, one with the phone held at the drivers face, the other at the passengers face. Note how fast your highway speed is. Note if your generator was running or not (that's more for the DP crowd). Also note subjective things like " I hear lots of wind noise", rough or smooth roads, ability to converse with your passenger at a normal voice level.

This might not be a really scientific study, but if enough people participate over the next few weeks and months we'll be able to look at a table of data instead of people's subjective recollections.

Be safe, don't get distracted making measurements. Let the passenger take the measurements for the driver. And let's not get into arguments or generate harsh feelings. This should be fun.

After a few months if there is enough data I can create a spreadsheet we can all look at

Here is the sound meter I use. It probable doesn't matter which one everybody uses as long as you note the measurement setting (in my case dB(A))

[jondrew55]

I forgot, also take a "baseline" measurement at each position. I.e. Engine off, no accessories running

[wendyjeff]

Don't have a meter, but when we had our gasser, Winnebago Adventurer 35U, we would have to almost shout to have a conversation. We now have a Journey 36G pusher and we can carry on a conversation without having to shout.

[MRUSA14]

Be sure to take the sound measurements going up a steep grade. Even then, I can barely hear the engine at all in my 45' DP.

[Theberrys]

Replying to get subscribed to this thread.
Shouldn't we also take a reading in the bedroom to keep things unbiased?
Dick

[JFXG]

Hold on! Don't do anything yet!

I'm quite confident that if you submit the right application you can probably get a couple Million bucks from the Federal Government to fund this research. They specialize in overpaying for unnecessary stuff.

[OLYLEN]

Free device. "Sound Meter" Google play just down loaded it for smart phone.
Maybe more data with the ability to be FREE.

LEN

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by Theberrys

Replying to get subscribed to this thread.
Shouldn't we also take a reading in the bedroom to keep things unbiased?
Dick

Absolutely, if you drive from your bedroom!

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by Theberrys

Replying to get subscribed to this thread.
Shouldn't we also take a reading in the bedroom to keep things unbiased?
Dick

Sure, why not? I don't spend any time back there while driving, but I know from reading here lots of people sleep in the bedroom during travel. I was just trying to cover the basics.

[DGBPokes]

Sounds interesting......(pun intended.)

I had a gasser and did what you described, but didn't write it down. Bought a DP last year and checked it in the drivers chair. Seems like it was about 20-25 db lower.

But in the weeks ahead, I will be a participant.

[Theberrys]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

Absolutely, if you drive from your bedroom!

I was more interested in the true sound level delta between a pusher and a gasser. I believe that the lower RPM and bigger cylinders of my CAT produce less noise than say a Ford V10 at higher RPM. If we don't measure in the bedroom that data won't be available.

Please excuse the Engineer in me

Dick

[Mike and Cha]

What??????????????...I can't hear you I'm the owner of a Gas MH....Pun Intended. Really who cares, it's all a matter of choice. I didn't choose a gas over a diesel for the noise aspect, ours is actually pretty quiet unless climbing a grade, even then not bad. I chose a gas MH because I can do all my own maintenance. Do you really need to do studies, graphs, charts ect...I think everyone knows a diesel MH is going to be quieter in the drivers seat...the engine is in the rear, and my "smart" phone didn't tell me that.

[aauummm]

Does this include FREDs (front engine diesels) and rear engine gas (UFOs) and Class C's, both diesel and gas?

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by aauummm

Does this include FREDs (front engine diesels) and rear engine gas (UFOs) and Class C's, both diesel and gas?

Whatever you got. Just note what it is