Generator Noise

[rockman 1]

I have a new to me 2003 four winds 31z. One thing that bothers me is the noise the generator makes inside the motorhome. Is there something I can do to reduce the sound? John

[TXiceman]

Welcome to iRV2. What brand of generator do you have? If it is one of the 3600 rpm units, you won't be ab;e to get it any quieter. They are what they are.

You might try removing the generator from the bay and them lining it with some sound deadening matts.

Ken

[rockman 1]

Ken, thanks for the reply...Without going outside to look, I think it is an Onan
4000 watt. Probably is 3600 RPM. I may look into your suggestion to reduce the sound. John

[TXiceman]

You can pick up some sound deadening pads from J.C. Whitney on-line.

Ken

[golden]

I can't suggest how to dampen the noise, but I can tell you that you will get used to it. Our generator runs the A/C or the furnace at times and I still sleep like a baby.

[Diplomat Don]

rockman 1.....Do what insulation you can, but you're stuck with some of the noise. Depending on what surface you're parked on, the noise from the 4000 can bounce off of the ground. Try throwing a piece of thick carpet or padding under it when running. This can absorb/deaden some of the noise.

[YC1]

I spent hours and a few $ trying to get my 4000 quieter. I even bought a DB meter to measure any improvement. I am sad to report the solution was to buy a new MH with a diesel generator. If Honda would make a generator at a decent price for rv's they could steal the market. A Genturi will help move some noise up but still little help.

[rockman 1]

Ok, thanks. I guess I will just try it for awhile and see if I get use to it. I really doubt if it will bother me so much that I sell the motorhome and get a DP

[Gary - K7GLD]

As I understand it, the Onan gensets like yours - and mine - spin at 1800 RPM or so - check the Onan suspension to see if it is free in it's supports and can move freely while running to mechanically isolate it from it's supports.

In our case, since the only real need for the Onan is for the A/C or microwave, we use the Honda 2K generator - runs quieter by far, and can be placed as far as appropriated from the MH - better for us, and the neighbors!

[TXiceman]

Gary, the Onan 4000 Microlite operates at 3600 rpm. In the Emerald series, they operate at 1800 RPM.
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/981-0503.pdf

There is considerable difference in cost between the Microlite and Emerald series.

Ken

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Gary, the Onan 4000 Microlite operates at 3600 rpm. In the Emerald series, they operate at 1800 RPM. http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/981-0503.pdf There is considerable difference in cost between the Microlite and Emerald series. Ken

WELL - I certainly do not know all the various types of Onans used in various RVs - and ya made me go look at mine!

The 4KW Emerald I model in OUR '88 Winnie Super Chief IS, indeed, a 1800 RPM model - I'll hafta be more conscious of the various other years and models Onan produced...

SO, the remaining question is, what version does John have?

.

[TXiceman]

I have never seen a class c with an Emerald series. They will go with the smaller and cheaper Microlite. We had two older class A's with the Emerald series and they were much less noisy then the high speed units and generally a more reliable generator. Our Winnebago class C had the Microlite.

I sure wish that Honda would enter the RV generator market....they would kick butt. I carry a pair of the Honda UE2000i with the 30 amp parallel kit.

Ken

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

I sure wish that Honda would enter the RV generator market....they would kick butt. I carry a pair of the Honda UE2000i with the 30 amp parallel kit.

We sure love our Honda 2KW - actually much quieter than the Honda 1KW it replaced - at about the same weight! For the more routine, lighter duty use other than A/C, the 2KW rating works great, is quieter and uses far less fuel. We bought our 2KW Honda for the 5th wheel, but it easily packs along in the MH as well.

[rockman 1]

The plate on my Onan says 3600 RPM. Not sure what series it is.

John