RV generators can make a lot of noise. Here are easy methods to quiet down your RV generator.
How to Make My RV Generator Quieter? You can make an RV generator quieter by using a fiberboard soundproof box, metal soundproof enclosure, tent covering methods, and by covering the sides of the generator.
How to Make My RV Generator Quieter?
Most of us are afraid of loud noise coming from the RV generator. This noise creates irritation in the peaceful environment and can cause stress on the ears.
You can see in the different advertisements of manufacturing companies that their RV generators will not produce noise. But these generators make some noise which can be distinguishable.
So, there is a solution to make your generator quiet. There are different sources from which you can make it silent.
Fiberboard soundproof box for RV generator
Measure the size of the generator
At first, you have to take a complete measurement of your generator. You should carefully measure the dimensions of the generator.
While evaluating the device, you have to note the dimensions on a notepad. After it, you have to draw a sample box on paper.
The case should be colossal and substantial than the generator so that you can install it easily. You can make a complete strategy of making a box. It is vital because it will save time and money.
Cut the fiberboard
In this step, you have to take a fiberboard. Draw a cutting line from a lead pencil according to the measurement of a generator. A large plastic measuring scale helps draw lines.
Before cutting the fiberboard, you have to check the value on a notepad. You should smartly cut the material. You can use wood instead of fiberboard.
Make your cutting saw sharp so that it cut neat and accurately. While cutting the fiberboard, you should keep your hands in the right place.
Make holes of ventilation
Make circular or square holes on both sides of the board. You must do it before screwing nails. Make two circles on each side of the board and cut them using a circular cutter.
Make ventilating holes adjacent to each other. The ventilation holes on the box are vital for the proper functioning of the generator. It will exhibit toxic gases. These holes maintain the internal temperature of the box.
Adding insulation material
You have to measure the insulation sheet. Then cut it according to the measurement of constructing the box. Paste glue on the inner side of the board.
Also, paste the adherence liquid on the insulating sheet. Now you have to ligase both of these items. While joining, press the insulating sheet using a fist.
You have to buy non-flammable insulation material. It is because exhibiting gases from the generator can cause a fire. The insulation layer deploys in the box will dead the noise from the RV generator.
You can also apply glue on the insulation sheet that makes the box soundproof. Paste the glue on the corner sides of the sheet. It will bind the sheet properly with fiberboard to make the sound quiet.
After drying the glue, you have to prepare the second layer of insulation of the box. You can find an old mattress in the store.
Cut a suitable piece according to box size. The second layer is compulsory to absorb the sound. For the binding, make sure to paste glue on the foam and bind it on the first layer.
Secure the box and put it on the generator
Now, place nails, screws, and hammers on the table. Before making the final shape of a box, you have to join its edges without nails.
Then, make a small hole on the fiberboard with the help of a drill machine. The drill machine will avoid producing scratches on the board.
Fix the nails with a hammer. Also, add a metal grill to the ventilation holes to prevent dust and dirt.
A box is ready, and you can put it on your generator. This method is easy to make and is less expensive. You must keep it from the rain and maintenance is compulsory after every month.
Metal Soundproof Enclosure
In this method, you have to buy machines like welding plants, metal cutters, and driller, to work fast. You have to buy a first-class metal sheet from the market. Now measure the sheet and draw the line on it with the help of a board marker.
You cannot cut the sides separately. Place a metal pipe on the sheet and bend the sheet. Your metal sheet should have good tensile strength.
After folding all the sides for the box, make ventilation holes. By using a drilling machine, make a small hole for the binding of a soundproof layer.
You can add foam as sound deadening material. Paste glue on the foam for attachment. Then you have to fix the soundproof layer with nails.
Now you have to weld the front side of the enclosure. It is your choice to make a door and shade for the box. In this case, you have to buy extra material from the market.
You should buy a high-quality metal sheet. You have to check the welding capacity of the sheet. Pure metal sheets are best for welding, and you can redesign them according to the size of the Rv generator.
You can paint the box regularly because corrosion may destroy your box. You can also clean the enclosure to avoid humidity and dirt. The sharp corners of the box can cause injury. So, while handling the carton, take care of yourself.
Concrete Soundproof Enclosure
Before designing this enclosure for your RV generator, you have to select a suitable place in your home. It is not a portable soundproof box. You will need a concrete block to build sidewalls. While designing walls, you have to add an exhaust fan.
The exhaust fan cools down the internal environment and also exhales the gases like carbon dioxide. Also, you will need a concrete slab.
You have to buy a 3’ metal rod from the steel market. Cut these rods according to the size of the generator. For the slab, make a paste of cement and sand. You have to place a metal rod and put a paste on it. After drying the slab, place it on the concrete walls.
The concrete enclosure may not deaden the sound completely. You have to add some insulation layers to overcome the problem.
The insulation will also maintain the temperature. If you are not good at construction, you should hire labor to construct the box. The cost of building the concrete-made box is low. However, since it is a fixed structure, so you can only use it when your RV is at home.
Adding a muffler on a generator
The muffler is directly attached to the generator to absorb the sound. It is like a cushion to convert the high-frequency sound into low-frequency sound.
You may not find the exact size of the muffler in the market. In this case, you have to go to an aftermarket shop and find it.
Ask your auto mechanist to alter the muffler according to the size of the generator. He will make a small change in it.
He will change the diameter and add sound-absorbing material to the muffler. After installing the device, you can check the sound on sound detecting on your smartphone. You will notice a gradual decrease in the sound.
Use water to quiet down the RV generator
This method follows the principle of a muffler. Attach one end of a plastic pipe on its exhaust, and place the other end in the water.
Now, place the generator at a higher place than the bucket. In this way, you can avoid the water flow in the generator. Turn on the generator and check the noise-producing rate on the noise detector.
Tent Covering Soundproof
The tent covering soundproof is a waterproof enclosure. It takes less space in the storage cabin because you can fold it and it will quiet down an RV generator.
You can buy it from the market at a reasonable cost. For making at home, you have to buy a parachute cloth from the market.
Also, buy a stick that holds the cover. Now cut the clothes into pieces and sew them on the sewing machine. You have to add an insulating layer as a soundproof. You can make the ducts for exhausting fume.
After tailoring it, put the sticks in the line. This method does not entirely end the sound. The cost of a readymade tent enclosure in the market is between $25 and $30. In the market, every size of portable generator tent covering is available.
Cover the sides of the generator
The grassy floor is the best place for absorbing sound. You can place acoustic panels on all sides of the generator. You can also add a plastic panel to the concrete-made box.
You can design boxes from different materials like aluminum, plastics, etc.
Conclusion:
We have added all the proven techniques to quiet an RV generator. If your RV generator still produces noise in an enclosure, you have to check it from a mechanist.
The exhaust system of the enclosure may not work correctly. You can check the problem of the RV generator using a Sonic Shield. This will help you to diagnose the fault of the device.
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