Using a portable generator can be one of the best ways to keep you and your family safe and comfortable during a blackout or power outage. They can be a great way to keep your appliances and electronics powered up all day or night. However, they can be quite noisy, which can be a problem in rural neighborhoods or when being used at a campsite. Luckily there are ways to keep it quiet.
Making a generator quieter is easier than most people think. There are many different options from mufflers you can purchase to DIY solutions that you can make at home. Each can provide a noise suppression that will make using just about any generator much more bearable.
Today, we are going to look at a few generator mufflers you can purchase, as well as a few ways you can make your generator quieter.
1. Camco Gen-Turi RV Generator Exhaust Venting System
First on the list is the Camco Gen-Turi RV Generator Exhaust venting system. This kit is designed to be used on most RV generator exhaust systems to reroute the exhaust gases from ground level to above the RV.
Features
This all in one kit give you the ability to adapt this exhaust to fit just about any RV generator exhaust system. It comes with a variety of different pipes, clamps, and hardware to build your own exhaust system. Think of it as more of a smoke stack for your generator exhaust system.
Downsides
While this exhaust kit is great for really fitting just about any RV generator exhaust system, it will take some figuring out and manually building the exhaust. Since it is designed to put the exhaust above the RV, you will need to scale your RV to complete the install.
Verdict
While this set up will take a little bit of figuring out to work on your specific application, it is a very low maintenance kit that can be assembled and broken down in minutes. If you are going to be using your generator on your RV and have an exhaust system, this will make your campsite much more pleasant.
PROS
- Versatile
- Reroutes exhaust above RV
- All in One Kit
- Many Great Reviews
CONS
- Will Require Assembly
- Can Be Difficult To Install For Those Not Mechanically Inclined
2. Walker 22266 Stainless Steel Muffler
If you are wanting to build a customer exhaust for your generator, buying a standalone muffler can really make things quieter. The Walker 222666 stainless steel muffler is going to be a great, budget friendly choice to go with.
Features
This stainless steel muffler is a very simple single in and out muffler that has a direct fit bolt on application. OE-styled louvered tubes that are built into this muffler allow for reduced noises without sacrificing performance. The Walker 222666 muffler is acoustic and flow tested for quality OE-style sound.
Downsides
The only real disadvantage to this muffler is that it is going to require more room due to the size of the muffler. Measuring in at 20”x9”x4”, this muffler is going to require custom exhaust tubing to be bent for your generator exhaust, so this will be an involved process.
Verdict
If you are wanting to build out a custom exhaust for your generator or RV, this stainless steel muffler will help complete the process. I would suggest this muffler to those who have the capability to either build or have built a custom exhaust system.
PROS
- Stainless Steel
- OE Style Features
- Quiets Generator Exhaust
CONS
- Will Require A Custom Exhaust Built
3. Walker 17911 Universal Muffler
Last on the list is another universal muffler that can be used to build a customer exhaust system for your generator. This aluminized steel tube and partition style muffler will provide noise suppression and an easy install to ensure your generator’s exhaust is just what you need.
Features
The Walker 17911 muffler is easy to bolt-on a muffler that can be fitted to just about any custom exhaust that you are building for your generator. With a 2.25” outlet, you will have no problem finding the appropriate size pipe to custom fit this muffler. Made from aluminized steel, this muffler will outlast your generator with many years left in its life.
Disadvantages
There are not many disadvantages to this muffler as it is pretty straightforward and is built to last. The only thing I can think of is that it will require custom work when it comes to the rest of your exhaust, but bolting this up to the correct size pipe is as easy as tightening some exhaust clamps.
Verdict
Much like the previous muffler, this muffler is also going to be great for those looking to build a custom exhaust for their specific generator setup. This muffler is going to be a little longer so you will need the space to accommodate it, but once installed, it is going to provide a much quieter generator experience.
PROS
- Aluminized Steel Construction
- Universal Design
- Great For Reducing Noise Levels From Generator
CONS
- Will Most Likely Require Custom Exhaust Work
7 Ways to Minimize Your Generator Noise
Use A Muffler
If you are reading this article, then you are well aware of one of the most common ways to minimize your generator noise – with a muffler. This article should give you a good feel for what type of muffler you would need and which may be best for you. Mufflers are used on many engines to keep their volume down, and putting one on a generator will have the same effect. Muffler size will depend on how you will be using it and what size piping you will be using.
Build A Silencer Enclosure
Another great way to reduce the noise created by your generator is by building a silencer enclosure. A silencer enclosure can be built as a DIY project to safely cover your generator to muffle the noise of your generator. This will need to be done with caution to allow the generator to have enough air to stay cool so that it does not overheat. This can cause serious damage to your generator, so be sure to follow detailed instructions on building a generator silencer enclosure.
Deflect The Sound
If you are not wanting to build a full enclosure for your generator, you can at least learn how to deflect the sound away from your home or neighbors. This can be done using just about anything that can be placed between the generator and the home that will allow the sound to bounce off of it. This can be a large piece of plywood, a metal sheet, or any other items you may have laying around.
Place The Generator Further Away
A simple task to keep your generator noise levels down is by simply moving it further away. Doing this may require the use of longer extension cords, but if you are going to be using your generator often, it may be worth the investment. You can alway move it further away and use one of the other tips on this list for even better noise silencing.
Add Padding Under The Generator
When looking at reducing the sound emitted from your generator, you can also look at absorbing some of the sound being emitted. This can be done by adding padding under your generator. Finding a material that is known to absorb sound can help make sure that the noise is absorbed before echoing off the concrete.
Reduce Vibration
Vibrations are another source of noise when it comes to larger generators. With larger engines, you are going to get more vibration from your engine. Finding ways to reduce vibrations such as putting it on a hard rubber surface or ensuring everything is completely tight can help reduce noise levels.
Purchase a Quiet Generator
Last but not least, the most obvious way to keep your generator noise levels down is by just purchasing a quieter generator. If you live in a very densely populated neighborhood, a noisy generator could cause some complaints. Finding a generator that is quiet to start with could help you with headaches in the long run.
Conclusion – About This Guide
With everything we have discussed in this article, you should have no problem getting your generator a little quieter. Whether it is with one of the mufflers that we mentioned or by one of the other methods listed, your generator should be much quieter with a little work.
