Generators .. Silent or quiet ?.

Nomad1946 · Veteran Member

Generators .. Silent or quiet ?.

Murraman · Senior Member

I would look into upgrading your Battery/Solar first as it is a better option, Yes a genny can be an asset if needing to charge batteries if run down but you will make enemies if you run the genny all the time to power fridge.

We have a Yamaha Genny and yes it is quiet by comparing to others but no genny is quiet when it is late at night with no noise in the back ground.

I would think if you could be genny free for a two night stay, Then it would be a better option. So look into adding a batt or two and solar.

More info would be helpful as to what fridge you have, Is it 3 way or a compressor fridge 240/12v. You need to work out what amps/watts you will use per day to get an idea of what batt/ solar or for that matter what genny to get.

-- Edited by Murraman on Sunday 11th of May 2014 12:30:44 AM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Depending on klrs driven per day ?? Another option is to fit an extra alternator and charge your storage batteries while traveling..
So they last the time you camp.. With solar, enough battery storage so gen set isn't used very often..

oldbobsbus · Guru

We have a full size 320l household fridge along with the usual electrical appliances and lighting and run it all 24/7 from 3 x 200w (600w) of solar and 4 x 200ah batteries.

We carry a Honda 20i genny and as yet haven't used it after 6yrs of traveling around 20000k per yr.

I might also add we have never yet paid to camp we always find a nice spot somewhere to park up.. smile

So as others have advised look at becoming self sufficient free from the sun in the electrical department.

KevinC · Senior Member

I'd like to see this thread left as a discussion about the use of generators without it being hijacked to another discussion about solar and batteries.
I'd like to know about generators for the time they can be used rather than reasons why they shouldn't.

For example, is it possible to reduce the noise from a generator?

Is it exhaust noise or engine clatter?

Does the output from the generator get plugged into the van input or is it kept separate?

There must be folk out there who've overcome the issue of generator noise, and I for one think this is a good thread for them to say how.

-- Edited by KevinC on Sunday 11th of May 2014 07:40:33 AM

oldbobsbus · Guru

KevinC wrote:
I'd like to see this thread left as a discussion about the use of generators without it being hijacked to another discussion about solar and batteries.
I'd like to know about generators for the time they can be used rather than reasons why they shouldn't.
For example, is it possible to reduce the noise from a generator?
Is it exhaust noise or engine clatter?
Does the output from the generator get plugged into the van input or is it kept separate?
There must be folk out there who've overcome the issue of generator noise, and I for one think this is a good thread for them to say how.

-- Edited by KevinC on Sunday 11th of May 2014 07:40:33 AM

Well best you start your own thread in Techies Corner instead of hijacking this one ... biggrin

The OP has asked for advice about power when free camping and thats exactly what he is getting.. smile

native pepper · Senior Member

KevinC wrote:
I'd like to see this thread left as a discussion about the use of generators without it being hijacked to another discussion about solar and batteries.
I'd like to know about generators for the time they can be used rather than reasons why they shouldn't.
For example, is it possible to reduce the noise from a generator?
Is it exhaust noise or engine clatter?
Does the output from the generator get plugged into the van input or is it kept separate?
There must be folk out there who've overcome the issue of generator noise, and I for one think this is a good thread for them to say how.

-- Edited by KevinC on Sunday 11th of May 2014 07:40:33 AM

Never seen a silent generator, those that claim they are silent, are either deaf or spend their lives in noisy environments and constant noise if normal for them. The noise s a combination of engine and exhaust and the smell is atrocious. To really quieten them they need to be in a heavily insulated sealed box well away from anyone and even then you still have exhaust noise and smell to contend with.

You plug the generator straight into your 240v power inlet, just as you do with mains power. We took a generator once with us and never again, the bush is for peace and quiet, not never ending noise of generators and smelly diesel heaters.

KevinC · Senior Member

I think Bob might've missed the point.
Thanks Native Pepper, but I'm still thinking, there must be some folk out there who use generators. Are they all bad?

chopit · Senior Member

When I was researching generators I'm sure I came across clips on YouTube of gennys with slip on mufflers that made them extra quiet.
Might be work a look around.

native pepper · Senior Member

KevinC wrote:
I think Bob might've missed the point.
Thanks Native Pepper, but I'm still thinking, there must be some folk out there who use generators. Are they all bad?

Lot's of people use generators Bob, we stay as far away from people like that as possible. The places we camp, there's rarely any one else and if there is, they are like us and prefer peace and quiet. The time we come across generators is when we camp at festivals and there is no where else near by to camp. Then we are surrounded by the noise of generators and at night smelly noisy diesel heaters if it's cool. Luckily that's once or twice a year and last year we found a great secluded camp site right by one festival, so won't be anywhere near others.

It depends on what you are looking for, smelly noise or peace and quiet. To many constant noise and toxic smells is what they are used to, so generators heaters and blaring music, are what they expect and are comfortable with. Luckily the majority stick to the main highways and tourist area's, so never see the majority of Aus and it stays peaceful and natural for camping.

-- Edited by native pepper on Sunday 11th of May 2014 08:54:33 AM

rockylizard · Guru

KevinC wrote:
I think Bob might've missed the point.
Thanks Native Pepper, but I'm still thinking, there must be some folk out there who use generators. Are they all bad?

Gday...

I have been travelling for five years (full-time). I camp predominantly and when camped I run the fridge on gas, cook on gas but need the van battery to run the lights, water pump, radio. I don't watch TV when camped.

I originally set out with a Honda Eu20i genny (2Kva) which I ran every 2nd day to re-charge the battery - turned on at 5pm and off at 8pm. This worked very well for me and I was a happy liddle black duck.

The Honda is a "very quiet" genny and very economical. Using the genny the way I was a tank of fuel (4ltrs) would last me 5 uses.

I always camped away from others as much as possible and I had never had anyone complain to me about the 'noise'. In fact, the Honda is "almost silent" from about 25 paces away. If I thought someone was a bit close, I would always ask if running the genny was a problem. No-one ever said it would be.

I have always been a 'camper' going back over 50 years and I always enjoy the 'silence and solitude' of the bush. For that reason, despite no-one complaining to me, I always felt 'guilty' making an 'unnatural' noise in the bush.

I lashed out three years ago and got two 80-watt solar panels on the roof and a 30amp controller into my 120Ahr battery. I have not used the genny since.

There is not much difference in the cost of a solar set-up compared to a Honda genny. I really do enjoy the 'convenience' and lack of running costs for the solar. However, I still carry the genny and would have to use it if stuck anywhere with a couple of days of rain. I have not yet found more than two days of rain and the panels have coped - but then again I adjust my power usage on overcast/rainy days.

Bottom line - no such thing as a silent internal combustion motor (which is what a genny is). The power from the genny is taken to the van by an extension cord just like plugging into a normal 240v socket - male socket into genny and female socket into the van's normal input point. Keep the genny out of the weather - under the awning or the van itself. Chain the genny to the van chassis or a big tree - they have been known to "walk" if left alone

From my experience, I would suggest if you are starting out and have yet to buy a genny, then invest in a solar set-up and a small (Honda eu10i 1Kva) genny for back-up. But if you get a good solar set-up, you won't need to run the genny very often which is why so many vanners, these days, will go straight to a "buy solar" response to a question about gennys.

Cheers - John

2weis · Senior Member

Nomad1946 wrote:
G'day,
Am looking at traveling soon and anticipating that we'll take advantage of the occasional free camping sites along the way. Hence we think we'll need a generator to operate fridge, lights, etc.
Have experienced generators (other people's) in the past and the noise can be a tad discouraging.
We have three questions:-
1. What "size" generator is recommended? ... Looking at using for Fridge and Lighting only.
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?
3. Are they difficult to use ... does one have to be a techo, or could a one-eyed accountant set up and operate?

Well best you start your own thread in Techies Corner instead of hijacking this one ... biggrin

The OP has asked for advice about power when free camping and thats exactly what he is getting

sorry oldbobsbus i must have missed that specific point

i also thought they wanted to know about generators specificaly hense the title of the post

brian

KevinC · Senior Member

Thanks for the information so far. Obviously there's a lot of experience out there, and it's good to be able to tap into it. I hope Nomad picks out the good bits, after all it is his first post.
I have solar and batteries, and to date there's not been an issue with power, even if we watch a bit of TV we haven't run short so far. But there's always been the nagging doubt that we might.
And since seasoned travelers like Bob and John still carry one, it would seem that there's still a place for a generator even if only as an insurance policy rather than a necessity. If that's correct then a small one would do for batteries during the day and trust the moon at night.
I'll keep watching for other input.

-- Edited by KevinC on Sunday 11th of May 2014 11:54:47 AM

blaze · Guru

Ok
You come into my camp at 7pm and complain about my noisey generator ( now I cant hear my generator over the county and western or music of the grey nomads happy hour invading my space) you tell me you like to hear the sounds of the bush. Being the good natured fellow I am I turn my genie off and wonder off to bed only to be kept awake by your happy hour that has turned into happy 6 hrs.
Now a little about me
I run sola and havnt got a generator but will buy another one sometime in the future and If needed I will use it, I have always used a bit of common sence when using one and I must say using more common sense than the people at there happy hours that think just because I didn't attend it gives them the right to invade my space with their music or raucus laughter, oh the peace of it all.
The OP asked about generators and not solar and batteries, there may be a very valid reason for that.
IMHO I would much rather the drone of a genie than music and raucus laughter.
I am not at all anti social and mix well with most I meet and enjoy a happy ale or 2 myself but I really get sick of the anti genie brigade and implore to those people to think about their activities and how they may affect others, maybe the early start, maybe the barking dog, the disagreement with partner over whats for lunch, the rubbish left in a tree in the name of art, the waste left behind when know one is looking. At the end of the day we all have faults and different needs so lets be more tolerant of those around us
cheers
blaze

blaze · Guru

Nomad1946 wrote:
G'day,
Am looking at traveling soon and anticipating that we'll take advantage of the occasional free camping sites along the way. Hence we think we'll need a generator to operate fridge, lights, etc.
Have experienced generators (other people's) in the past and the noise can be a tad discouraging.
We have three questions:-
1. What "size" generator is recommended? ... Looking at using for Fridge and Lighting only.
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?
3. Are they difficult to use ... does one have to be a techo, or could a one-eyed accountant set up and operate?

I think in your postion you would be advised to go with a brand name inverter type genie like the Honda, Yamaha or the like. My reason for this is the local back up support and after sale service will be the key to many happy hours of genie use. If you was to buy a cheaper one such as off ebay there will be no on going service or support.

I would think a 2kva will suit your current needs and give scope for future growth.

Many happy hours in the future with your new purchase

cheers

blaze

ps

my next genie will be a 3 to 4 kva cheap ebay copy of some brand name but I am also a mechanic so not after after sales support

native pepper · Senior Member

blaze wrote:
Ok
You come into my camp at 7pm and complain about my noisey generator ( now I cant hear my generator over the county and western or music of the grey nomads happy hour invading my space) you tell me you like to hear the sounds of the bush. Being the good natured fellow I am I turn my genie off and wonder off to bed only to be kept awake by your happy hour that has turned into happy 6 hrs.
Now a little about me
I run sola and havnt got a generator but will buy another one sometime in the future and If needed I will use it, I have always used a bit of common sence when using one and I must say using more common sense than the people at there happy hours that think just because I didn't attend it gives them the right to invade my space with their music or raucus laughter, oh the peace of it all.
The OP asked about generators and not solar and batteries, there may be a very valid reason for that.
IMHO I would much rather the drone of a genie than music and raucus laughter.
I am not at all anti social and mix well with most I meet and enjoy a happy ale or 2 myself but I really get sick of the anti genie brigade and implore to those people to think about their activities and how they may affect others, maybe the early start, maybe the barking dog, the disagreement with partner over whats for lunch, the rubbish left in a tree in the name of art, the waste left behind when know one is looking. At the end of the day we all have faults and different needs so lets be more tolerant of those around us
cheers
blaze

G'day Blaze, there seems to be 3 types of travellers, those on holidays, those who follow the crowd on the beaten tourist rails and those who love the peace and quiet of the bush. What you describe and probably experience, cover the first two categories, what we experience is the total opposite.

No happy hours, no loud music, no outside fires, no noise, no pollution or rubbish, just peace and quiet in clean pleasant surroundings

The anti genny people, are those sensible enough to realise, to experience the wonders of nature, urban noise and pollution defeats the purpose. I find it extremely hard to understand how anyone could prefer the horrible sound of an internal combustion engine, to people having fun.

This is the 21^st century, not the 19^th or 20^th, the internal combustion engine is on the way out, solar and electrical power is the energy of this century. With a generator you always have your hand in your pocket and it gets more and more expensive as fuel prices continue to rise. Within the next couple of years fuel will start to become so expensive and scarce, for most, travelling will become a luxury.

Most think it's easier to have a generator than step into the future and have real energy production and storage. You spend over $1000 for a supposed good genny, but still have to have fuel, oil, start, stop, store it maintain it and put up with the horrible noise and smell. Then you have breakdowns and service costs unless you can fix it yourself, which the majority can't.

With solar and the battery technology of today, there's no need for a generator. Done properly for less than $3000 you can be fully self sufficient and never have to worry about power on the road again. If you already have batteries, you can set up 500w of solar and MPPT charge controller for less about $650 and that will last you for 20+ years. Except for your LA batteries, they have very limited lifespans compared to the state of the art energy storage of today and it's getting better all the time.

To be honest, except when we go to festivals, it's been years since we've come across some one using a generator in places we camp. Our camps are very quiet and we socialise inside in the evenings, never have a camp fire or happy hour. We get lots of satisfaction watching the native wildlife check out our MH once they realise we aren't a noisy threat to them. That's what travelling is all about, not noise or horrible smells, however others see it differently and that's fine.

oldbobsbus · Guru

KevinC wrote:
I think Bob might've missed the point.
Thanks Native Pepper, but I'm still thinking, there must be some folk out there who use generators. Are they all bad?

Hi Kev,

I really am interested in finding answers to ways of using a genny that isn't even the slightest annoyance to others..

I have one of the best but it still annoys me let alone others..

Thats why I suggested a separate thread so the pros and cons of doing whatever to make it quieter can be discussed.. smile

I'm with NP on this and go out of my way to find somewhere to park up where I can enjoy the peace and quiet around me when like him I am not at a festival where I have to put up with all sorts of noise.. cry cry

KevinC · Senior Member

oldbobsbus wrote:
Thats why I suggested a separate thread so the pros and cons of doing whatever to make it quieter can be discussed..

I don't think we need a separate thread Bob. This one "Generators .. Silent or quiet ?" seems the right place to discuss the anti social aspects as well as the optimum size and ease of use. I think the OP will get more answers now than he would from discussions about alternatives that don't address his original three questions.
Since we have no information about his accommodation, van, trailer, tent or whatever, telling him to go solar with batteries might be totally inappropriate.

rockylizard · Guru

Nomad1946 wrote:
G'day,
Am looking at traveling soon and anticipating that we'll take advantage of the occasional free camping sites along the way. Hence we think we'll need a generator to operate fridge, lights, etc.
Have experienced generators (other people's) in the past and the noise can be a tad discouraging.
We have three questions:-
1. What "size" generator is recommended? ... Looking at using for Fridge and Lighting only.
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?
3. Are they difficult to use ... does one have to be a techo, or could a one-eyed accountant set up and operate?

Gday...

Above is the Original Post (OP) .... including the three questions posed by Nomad1946.

This is KevinC's post -

KevinC wrote:
I don't think we need a separate thread Bob. This one "Generators .. Silent or quiet ?" seems the right place to discuss the anti social aspects as well as the optimum size and ease of use. I think the OP will get more answers now than he would from discussions about alternatives that don't address his original three questions.
Since we have no information about his accommodation, van, trailer, tent or whatever, telling him to go solar with batteries might be totally inappropriate.

Please read my reply post made at 08:56 AM May 11, 2014 - this morning.

I would suggest I have answered each of the three questions posed by Nomad1946. Indeed I think most of the responses have addressed the queries posed - albeit including some advice about using solar and the advantages of having solar as well as genny backup.

Not sure I understand what you are getting at KevinC confuse

Cheers - John

KFT · Guru

I might put some popcorn on

this could get interesting

frank

Bryan · Guru

The motor home I just sold relied on solar but I carried a 1Kva genny as a back up. When my new van arrives I will do the same.

Kooroorinya Kelpie · Senior Member

Onya Native Pepper. Your rants re "noisy, smelly, fuel consuming gennies begs me to ask what fuel you use in your M/home ?. gum leaves, liqorice sticks, used tea bags, gin, or some secret fuel that us Australians are unable to procure, IMO your comments are hypocrisy personified.

KevinC · Senior Member

Rockylizard,

I agree, you have answered the three questions.
Don't misread my statement. I'm saying that the OP will get more information out of this thread now it has focused on generators than he would have if the discussion had been about alternatives to generators, i.e. solar and batteries.
I am not having a shot at you or anyone else. But the thread is still open for other answers or opinions if there are any.

Baz421 · Guru

Oh well,,, here I go.

Heaps of intolerance out bush re generators,,, and yes we go bush too,,, seen heaps of issues with flat batteries, noisy and quiet genny's and arguements.

One common "misconception" that Native Pepper alluded to is the noise is hard to contain ESPECIALLY on quiet nights around/across water or in a bush camp, AND MANY BOXES MADE FOR GENNIES ARE TOTALLY USELESS IN ATTENUATING NOISE.

Aluminium boxes not adequately dampened for sound attenuation, actually can increase the genny noise through resonance and gennies in the wrong place can reflect exhaust and air inlet noise (necessary openings by the way) from the skin of a van or nearby structured. The noise can bounce around and around.

So a 68db inverter genny ie Honda/Yammy may be very quiet under minimal load (ie running a 240V fridge) but on max load can be annoying.

I have about 50m of power cord to put genny away from van if required.

Cheaper gennies can rattle (engine rattle) a lot and drive you crazy, as we experienced at Medindie Lakes in 2013,,, the owner got the message and apologised the next day and didn't repeat the running next to us.

Hope this helps the OP.

-- Edited by Baz421 on Sunday 11th of May 2014 08:52:57 PM

The Phantom · Guru

I have a genny but seldom use it. If it is absolutely necessary I will run it but only during acceptable hours so as to cause minimal interference to others. I also have a diesel heater that I run on occasions to keep warm.

I find that neither causes as many problems to wildlife as the couple that pull up alongside with 1 or 2 yapping dogs.

The Phantom

Bryan · Guru

To add another dimension. Is it the generator thats bothersome or is it inconsiderate people using generators.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I fitted some insulation around my diesel generator . The most noise was reduced when I fitted rubber matts under it so vibration doesn't
cause harmonics through motorhome.. In my case [5000 watt diesel Onan] the exhaust was fairly quiet..
I fitted a 90* bend on the end facing exh to the ground..

SnowT · Guru

Kooroorinya Kelpie wrote:
Onya Native Pepper. Your rants re "noisy, smelly, fuel consuming gennies begs me to ask what fuel you use in your M/home ?. gum leaves, liqorice sticks, used tea bags, gin, or some secret fuel that us Australians are unable to procure, IMO your comments are hypocrisy personified.

Actually I think you are beginning very ignorant of what is out there..

- I think Native Pepper has a Diesel Motor[guess actually]..

But I can say for a fact that they[NP] has a system that is completely self reliant with the only source of charge for the system from the SUN.

- Batteries give enough charge to run everything that they need via an inverter.

- Heating is most probably via small 240v heater or reverse cycle air-con.

And Yes you can run everything via batteries and an inverter.

- You don't need to run a Generator to power your Stuff..

Juergen..

Psst I'm building a similar system to give me complete independence..

Nomad1946 · Veteran Member

Hi, it's me back again. I didn't mean to cause any angst just looking for information, advice in a general sort of way as we debate each other re our power needs. It's been 30+ years since we towed a van and no doubt things have changed substantially since then.
Didn't mention specific details as didn't think they'd be necessary. However, in short we believe our van is a standard 2007 Jayco Pop top, 16', our tow vehicle is a 1996 4L Toyota Diesel 'cruiser, dual batteries fitted, 150Lt fuel tanks.

We wouldn't expect to travel in excess of 500k per day ... wanting set down stumps at about 4:00pm - Merlot/Chardonney O'clock.

From all the banter we get the idea that we'd be best going solar, adding a second gas bottle, and ensuring the van's batteries are not too old and easily hold charge.

Many, many Thanks for all your input, it's been fun and edu-Mackay-shun-el....

-- Edited by Nomad1946 on Monday 12th of May 2014 01:09:44 AM

native pepper · Senior Member

Kooroorinya Kelpie wrote:
Onya Native Pepper. Your rants re "noisy, smelly, fuel consuming gennies begs me to ask what fuel you use in your M/home ?. gum leaves, liqorice sticks, used tea bags, gin, or some secret fuel that us Australians are unable to procure, IMO your comments are hypocrisy personified.
You're welcome to your opinion, a pretty hilarious one considering the facts and your post is a perfect example of an off topic sour grapes rant of ignorance. If you'd ever read any of my posts, you'd know we use a fuel which produces 80% less pollutants, is extremely cheap and would solve our countries looming future fuel problems.
You can't access the fuel because you're to damn lazy to research and take responsibility for your footprint on the planet. Stick to your wasteful, polluting, noisy, smelly and last century junk approach to life. That's why you always have your hand in your pocket paying exorbitant prices for things you have no need of in this century, this encompasses health, food, fuel, power, computing or other technology. We'll stick with enjoying life at low cost and with the least pollution we can create, unlike the majority.
You opinion is a welcome confession of your understanding, stick with it.