Quieting Generator

[BrandonH]

Before anyone says it...I know I should have bought a Honda or Yamaha if I wanted a quiet generator. Unfortunately those weren't in my budget and my Rigid 6700 watt has been going strong for 2 years now. I use this generator to power our small cabin that we visit a couple times a month. Since the beginning I have had it in an enclosure very similar to the one pictured. When running I leave the doors open and facing away from the cabin. Even with the above conditions the noise is crazy loud. While researching how to quiet the generator I've read where a box like this can often increase the noise...an echo of sorts. I see where some build a compete enclosure with vents and fan to prevent overheating, and many run ductwork from the outside to the generator.

Would adding some kind of insulation help absorb the noise? If so what kind? Any other tips or tricks without having to buy a new generator?

Thanks

[Big pig]

I keep mine 100 ft from the trailer. And I set a sheet of plyboard between me and the generator. Simple but effective.

[techzan]

I stacked cinderblocks about 4 feet tall around my generator in a U shape with sand inside the blocks. Piece of plywood on top along with a long extension cord.

[eradicator]

propane

[Thumper]

I keep mine 100 ft from the trailer. And I set a sheet of plyboard between me and the generator. Simple but effective.

This^^^^^

I use two sheets nailed together in a V shape, free standing. Placed in a flat open field, this cuts the echo off the timber/hillside.

[BrandonH]

This^^^^^

I use two sheets nailed together in a V shape, free standing. Placed in a flat open field, this cuts the echo off the timber/hillside.

No problem with flat own field since I'm in the prairie with little to no trees.

I can make a longer cord, but I'd really like to keep it inside my locked fence of possible. I leave the generator in the same place since it's difficult to move over 200# each time I'm there, not to mention my wife goes alone sometimes.

[HoustonHunter]

Man that plastic box just looks like it would make everything louder. We make boxes out of plywood with one side open facing away from us. Then we insulate them with carpeting to help with the sound. It's also parked far away from the camper at night.

[hellbndr23]

You can also add a small super cheap car muffler from autozone. Do a Google search, there's info everywhere.

[texan4ut]

You can also add a small super cheap car muffler from autozone. Do a Google search, there's info everywhere.

I saw this on you tube. Took a muffler adapter welded it to the generator muffler reinstalled the muffler then attached a small car muffler with a muffler clamp. Pretty good idea.

[clintb]

Just put a better muffler on it. That's all the Hondas do

[Tmag]

Add a muffler and build a thicker box.

[kmitchl]

If you want to add a muffler I have one I used for one season on an ATV that you can have for free. If interested send me a PM.

[Fargus]

If you want to add a muffler I have one I used for one season on an ATV that you can have for free. If interested send me a PM.

If the OP passes, I would be interested in the muffler for my genny

[BrandonH]

The issue I've read with adding a muffler is that I'd be changing the back pressure and possibly reducing the generators capabilities. Not sure how true that is, but does make sense.

Does anyone think adding some sort of insulation on the interior walls of the enclosure will help? If so is there something I can pick up at Home Depot that will work? Maybe foam insulation and possibly a layer of carpet on top of that?

[Dave]

Most of the noise from a generator comes from engine noise and not the muffler. Simply adding a muffler will have minimal effect.

Add sound proofing to the inside of the box, create a 90 angle so sound waves have to bounce around corners to exit.