Quiet Box For A Generator: Do They Really Work?
8 Min Read
Spending the weekend out in your RV with your family can be very therapeutic. That feeling of getting away from the big city, putting your feet up and just enjoying the peace and quiet is something we all need every now and then.
Well, That’s up to the moment you fire up the generator, right? and if you have been on camping trips in your RV before then you know how loud a generator can be and this is where you could do with a Quiet Box For A Generator “but” the question is do they really work?
That constant buzzing you get from the generator at night can be very annoying. However, there are some inverter generators that are extremely quiet that’s designed for (RVs) and for camping, producing under 60dBA of noise.
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The bigger more powerful generators can be a lot louder and can be very annoying when running not just to you, “but for others around you” especially if you’re staying on a campsite.
Most people who tend to camp out in there (RV) use what’s called a “quiet box for a generator” to help minimize the noise “but” do they really work?
Yes, they do! A quite box for a generator can reduce the noise from high as 90dBA to levels closer to inverter generators that are between 48dB and 60dB. By using a quiet box for a generator this can reduce the noise and keep the dBA at a reasonable level that’s suitable for campsites.
However, there are some quiet boxes that can still make your generator sound loud typically if you’re using a metal box with no padding.
This is where you need a quiet box that uses materials like rubber and plywood boards that can absorb the noise making it quieter.
Quiet Box For A Generator
When looking for a quiet box for your generator there are some things you need to take into account, and what to avoid. For example, did you know using all metal boxes can actually have the opposite effect?
That’s right! if you are using an all metal quiet box for your generator that has no installation this can have no effect in reducing the noise.
The best quiet box for a generator are usually made out of rubber and plywood, which are the best materials for absorbing sound especially something as loud as a generator.
If you already have a quiet box for your generator but you find that it’s still too loud, there are ways to reduce the noise, “not completely” but by following these simple tips below you can definitely improve it.
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Rubber Absorption: When your generator is sitting in the quiet box with the engine running the unit does tend to vibrate slightly and by adding soft rubber, not will it stop the shaking but will also help reduce the noise.
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Plywood Boards: Another great way to reduce the noise from your generator is by using plywood boards. To get the best possible results it’s better to have a custom quiet box made from scratch using this type of wood. However, you can build around your current quiet box using this wood just be sure not to block the exhaust and airflow.
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Foam backer board: Another great way to reduce the noise from your generator, is to build your quiet box using foam backer board which is a type of plasterboard. It’s very cheap to buy and lightweight, making it easier to move around.
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Insulation: By adding some standard loft insulation to your quiet box can help reduce the noise from your generator and like the form backer board it very cheap and lightweight.
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Muffler: This option is great for those who already have a generator and just want to find ways to reduce the noise, and the best option for this is to buy a muffler for the exhaust. Have you ever heard a car with no exhaust? It’s the same priceable, and by adding an exhaust to your generator, this can dramatically reduce the noise level.
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Exhaust Pipe: Did you know that changing the position of the exhaust pipe of your generator can actually help reduce the noise level. By having it pointing towards the sky rather than around the campsite actually works.
How To Build A Quiet Box For Your Generator?
Building a quiet box for your generator can be a lot cheaper than buying it already made and if your a complete at this beginner “don’t Worry” everything will be explained in detail starting with the tools and materials you need to get started.
Tools Check List:
- Measuring tape
- Right angle ruler (with level)
- Screws and nails
- Electric saw
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
The cheapest way to build your quiet box is to use materials like backer board and loft insulation instead of using rubber or plywood boards.
This is because if it’s your first time building a quiet box there can be a lot of trial and error to start with, so if there are any mistakes, it will be at a very low cost.
Materials Check List:
- Furring Strip Board (frame)
- Standard loft insulation
- Lightweight tile backer board
- Copper piping to channel out exhaust
The easiest and best way to teach and show you exactly how to make a quiet box for a generator is by watching this video below created by the youtube channel Landberg Tile TV, there you can see step by step how it’s built.
Although this method doesn’t remove the sound from the generator completely it does reduce the noise drastically making it more bearable.
Where To Buy A Quiet Box For A generator ?
We are all pressed for time these days and if you find that you just don’t have the time to build a quite box for your generator from scratch you can actually buy one already made.
However, the selections are limited and are mostly made of metal and again, as you know metal isn’t the best material to use unless it’s been well insulated to reduce the noise level.
Still if you want to view these Portable Generator Enclosures and get an idea what they look like in more detail you can find them on amazon.
Conclusion
So does a quite box work? absolutely “but” as mentioned above it really depends on how your quite box is Insulated. If you’re using a portable generator for camping it’s best to use a box that’s made from plywood and rubber.
However, if you’re on a budget then your best option would be to use materials like loft insulation and tile backer board, all you need to do then is add an exhaust muffler and you’re ready to go.
This is the best way to save yourself some extra buck “but” if you find that your generator is still too loud then your next option would be to use plywood and rubber for Insulation, it’s a bit more expensive but will, have much better results.
Alternatively, there are quite portable inverter generators you can buy that are perfect for things like camping, charging your equipment, and are under 60dBA.
If you don’t already have a generator or your current one is not up to scratch then check out this article below you should find this very helpful.
