Generators .. Silent or quiet ?.

oldbobsbus · Guru

RE: Generators .. Silent or quiet ?.

Bryan · Guru

Nomad1946 wrote:
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

Its OK Nomad. Its one of those forum things, the written word sometime comes out harsher than the spoken word. There's disagreement in every family.

native pepper · Senior Member

oldbobsbus wrote:
native pepper wrote:
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.

NP, Wouldn't it be better to just stick to the subject instead of attacking every poster that ever differs from your opinion..

My apologies, believe I was answering on topic, an abusive attack upon my credibility, by someone who has no idea what they are talking about. You've happily jumped on their abusive band wagon, as usual. Both attacks upon me, have no reference to the topic at all, just personal abuse, for what ever infantile reason you've dreamed up.

Can assure you, have no interest in emulating your elitist know all approach to posters, much prefer to have civil discussions where every one is welcome to put forward their view, learn and not get insulted.

Those with closed minds are those who create the problems for our future and you're more than welcome to wear that hat, as it's a pathetically primitive approach.

Just because you and some others can't handle the realties of life and difference in approach, is not my problem, but yours. This thread is about generators, if someone doesn't point out the alternatives and long terms drawbacks associated with using such disgustingly expensive polluting junk, many people will miss out on knowing what the state of the art is in travelling and energy production.

I expect his post will be removed and probably banned. Those that abuse, also instantly report any who defend themselves and point out the reality, unlike their inadequate delusions. Just more proof of how empty and boring their lives really are

oldbobsbus · Guru

I rest my case..

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Nomad1946 wrote:
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?

Yes.

"Efoy Comfort" http://www.efoy-comfort.com/technical-data

You need deep pockets though.

We just bought a second hand one of these in Europe as a back-up.

In Australia there is little need for a generator if you take the trouble to set your rig up appropriately.

Cheers,

Peter

03_troopy · Guru

Simply hanging something like an old blanket over a wire, suspended between two star pickets, between the genny and your (or others) location can cut the noise significantly more. We used a Honda 20Eui for over 6 months this way. We powered some heavy varying loads, so the throttle was working pretty well, and this made it much more bearable.

Sorry I stunk up the environment though, but we needed the 240V to power the beer fridge, and the stereo so we could listen to a bit of Led Zeppelin.

rockylizard · Guru

03_troopy wrote:
~~~ SNIP ~~~ Sorry I stunk up the environment though, but we needed the 240V to power the beer fridge, and the stereo so we could listen to a bit of Led Zeppelin.

Gday...

... no probs maaate - a bitta breeze will clear the air and a bloke's gotta wet the whistle and if ya can't listen ta ya music at the appropriate level wot's the point hey ! ! ! aww

Cheers - John

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Generator is would mainly be used if your using air con, frying pan, elect jug, or toaster. High load items.... Yes some of these can be used with gas alternative..
This IS where we have to think a little.. If you're traveling 500k a day your batteries should be well charged ??
If we run our genny we use it it around 6pm to either cook or quick charge on batteries if they are down ??
Would rather start genny then than either run low as the grandkids can be HELL these days with NO TV!!! Lol..
Some tolerance either way..
I have seen people run 200 metres to complain about genny noise .. They heard it running when they walked past mind you !!!
From they were camped there's NO way they could hear it.. BTW it wasn't me using the genny it was a fellow GM beside me..
I guess a combination of solar, 12v assistance from main motor ? Then Genny as back up..
Seems some diesel heaters are smelly ?? I cant even smell ours even when I know its on ...
Not a cheap ebay heater though..
The main thing is we ARE out there enjoying this great country !!!

D and D · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Nomad1946 wrote:
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?

Yes.
"Efoy Comfort" http://www.efoy-comfort.com/technical-data

I can't find noise levels specified in the technical data and this generator is only producing a maximum of 105 watts (12 volts @ 8.5 amps) which doesn't really compare with a 2kW or higher generator and it would be expected that the noise levels produced would therefore be substantially lower.

Dave

SnowT · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Generator is would mainly be used if your using air con, frying pan, elect jug, or toaster. High load items.... Yes some of these can be used with gas alternative..
This IS where we have to think a little.. If you're traveling 500k a day your batteries should be well charged ??
If we run our genny we use it it around 6pm to either cook or quick charge on batteries if they are down ??
Would rather start genny then than either run low as the grandkids can be HELL these days with NO TV!!! Lol..
Some tolerance either way..
I have seen people run 200 metres to complain about genny noise .. They heard it running when they walked past mind you !!!
From they were camped there's NO way they could hear it.. BTW it wasn't me using the genny it was a fellow GM beside me..
I guess a combination of solar, 12v assistance from main motor ? Then Genny as back up..
Seems some diesel heaters are smelly ?? I cant even smell ours even when I know its on ...
Not a cheap ebay heater though..
The main thing is we ARE out there enjoying this great country !!!

Sorry, a well designed system with the correct gear will handle all of that Plus More..

- You don't need to run a Generator full stop..

and Yes the 500ks of travel will full charge the Well designed system.. In fact if you have an electric HWS there is a damn good chance that you will have a full tank of hot water..

- I know of one system that might even have the Aircon running ..

Juergen

Ontos45 · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
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..

Ditto here AK. Purchased some "anti-vibration" matting for airconditioners from Clark Rubber to sit the geni on (2.5KVA) and fitted a 90* bend on exhaust to ground. Worked wonders.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

D and D wrote:
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Nomad1946 wrote:
2. Is there such a thing as a "quiet" generator?

Yes.
"Efoy Comfort" http://www.efoy-comfort.com/technical-data

I can't find noise levels specified in the technical data and this generator is only producing a maximum of 105 watts (12 volts @ 8.5 amps) which doesn't really compare with a 2kW or higher generator and it would be expected that the noise levels produced would therefore be substantially lower.

Dave

The Efoy is a fuel cell, not an internal combustion engine.

It converts the fuel to electricity by chemical reaction. There are no moving parts. The noise level is less than a compressor fridge.

Why on earth do people need 2kW in the bush anyhow?

Cheers,

Peter

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

SnowT wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Generator is would mainly be used if your using air con, frying pan, elect jug, or toaster. High load items.... Yes some of these can be used with gas alternative..
This IS where we have to think a little.. If you're traveling 500k a day your batteries should be well charged ??
If we run our genny we use it it around 6pm to either cook or quick charge on batteries if they are down ??
Would rather start genny then than either run low as the grandkids can be HELL these days with NO TV!!! Lol..
Some tolerance either way..
I have seen people run 200 metres to complain about genny noise .. They heard it running when they walked past mind you !!!
From they were camped there's NO way they could hear it.. BTW it wasn't me using the genny it was a fellow GM beside me..
I guess a combination of solar, 12v assistance from main motor ? Then Genny as back up..
Seems some diesel heaters are smelly ?? I cant even smell ours even when I know its on ...
Not a cheap ebay heater though..
The main thing is we ARE out there enjoying this great country !!!
Sorry, a well designed system with the correct gear will handle all of that Plus More..
- You don't need to run a Generator full stop..
and Yes the 500ks of travel will full charge the Well designed system.. In fact if you have an electric HWS there is a damn good chance that you will have a full tank of hot water..
- I know of one system that might even have the Aircon running ..
Juergen

Sheesh need too much battery storage to do that !! sounds like you want an argument ! I've already said solar is best if you can . Too much weight to tow around ! Would be almost counter productive ?

native pepper · Senior Member

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
SnowT wrote:
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Generator is would mainly be used if your using air con, frying pan, elect jug, or toaster. High load items.... Yes some of these can be used with gas alternative..
This IS where we have to think a little.. If you're traveling 500k a day your batteries should be well charged ??
If we run our genny we use it it around 6pm to either cook or quick charge on batteries if they are down ??
Would rather start genny then than either run low as the grandkids can be HELL these days with NO TV!!! Lol..
Some tolerance either way..
I have seen people run 200 metres to complain about genny noise .. They heard it running when they walked past mind you !!!
From they were camped there's NO way they could hear it.. BTW it wasn't me using the genny it was a fellow GM beside me..
I guess a combination of solar, 12v assistance from main motor ? Then Genny as back up..
Seems some diesel heaters are smelly ?? I cant even smell ours even when I know its on ...
Not a cheap ebay heater though..
The main thing is we ARE out there enjoying this great country !!!
Sorry, a well designed system with the correct gear will handle all of that Plus More..
- You don't need to run a Generator full stop..
and Yes the 500ks of travel will full charge the Well designed system.. In fact if you have an electric HWS there is a damn good chance that you will have a full tank of hot water..
- I know of one system that might even have the Aircon running ..
Juergen
Sheesh need too much battery storage to do that !! sounds like you want an argument ! I've already said solar is best if you can . Too much weight to tow around ! Would be almost counter productive ?

He's not looking for an argument, just stating the facts. Battery technology of today is about a 1/5 of the weight of LA and has usable capacities almost double what LA batteries have. Our 200ah lifepo4 system along with 710w solar, provides us with all the energy we need.For about $3000 you can have energy for the next 20 years without having to continuously buy fuel which gets dearer and dear all the time, oil or annoying other travellers. This is the 21st century, not the 20th and at home, we plug the bus into the houses, so when we increase the bus energy storage, it also increase our houses capacities, so we can do even more.

Soon we will double the storage capacity as we have so much room in the battery box, we could build it up to 1000aha and it would easily fit. My 4 year old great grandson picks up a 50amp/800cca lifepo4 battery with ease, the girls picked up the 200aha lifepo4 at the depot and were shocked when I said it was going to replace our heavy gel batteries. Now they love them, because they are no longer being told to watch their power usage when we are camped for more than a few days. If we are moving on the next day, they can use all the power they want, including hot water, toaster and cooking on thermal hotplates. So no noise, smell, or unhappy neighbours, if and when ever have them.

-- Edited by native pepper on Tuesday 13th of May 2014 07:38:34 PM

SnowT · Guru

To Give you a hint..

My Personal system is going to be..

24v 300Ah LiFePO4 Batteries [weigh about 70kg] 240Ah usable
1600w of solar Panel.. The Complete roof of the bus is covered by a Tropical roof of Solar.

24v 2400/4800w MPPSolar inverter.

All Installed by me..

The Cost is a Little bit dearer than NP's But then I have a bigger system, as I'm building from scratch.

Juergen

oldbobsbus · Guru

SnowT and NP,

Again you have hi jacked a thread on generators to push your own barrow and to be honest you are getting to sound like a broken record, we heard you both the first time you told us about your systems..

I personally think your systems are great IF you have the funds to install them and are intending to get the maximum out of them as full time motorhome dwellers..

Lots of members on this forum including me can't justify such a system, we are only part time travelers and have homes we live in most of the time, some members also like their creature comforts of pulling into a powered site where there are other benefits of being at a C/Park.

Why don't you start your own thread and help those that are interested in your ideas..

In the meantime I will stick with my cheap and nasty AGM's and suffer the consequences.. smile

Peterpan · Guru

oldbobsbus wrote:
SnowT and NP,
Again you have hi jacked a thread on generators to push your own barrow and to be honest you are getting to sound like a broken record, we heard you both the first time you told us about your systems..
I personally think your systems are great IF you have the funds to install them and are intending to get the maximum out of them as full time motorhome dwellers..
Lots of members on this forum including me can't justify such a system, we are only part time travelers and have homes we live in most of the time, some members also like their creature comforts of pulling into a powered site where there are other benefits of being at a C/Park.
Why don't you start your own thread and help those that are interested in your ideas..
In the meantime I will stick with my cheap and nasty AGM's and suffer the consequences..

I must agree with oldbobsbus, even though I like the idea of going solar,I find that there are a numberof things that prevent me from doing so.

1. My van is small, and only has 3 x 240v/12v lights,

2. Not being electrically competent, I would have to have the van rewired and pay some one to do it.

3. I would have to purchase a number of solar panels,

4. I would have to purchase an inverter

5. I would have to invest in some good batteries,

6. I would have to modify the van to fit the batteries and inverter as there is no front boot.

Yes I could possibly buy a van with every thing fitted, but limited finances prohibit that.

So it looks like I will have to stay as I am and do as oldbobsbus does, use the gennie when required and be courteous and responsible when using it.

-- Edited by Peterpan on Wednesday 14th of May 2014 02:46:01 PM

Baz421 · Guru

oldbobsbus wrote:
SnowT and NP,
Again you have hi jacked a thread on generators to push your own barrow and to be honest you are getting to sound like a broken record, we heard you both the first time you told us about your systems..
I personally think your systems are great IF you have the funds to install them and are intending to get the maximum out of them as full time motorhome dwellers..
Lots of members on this forum including me can't justify such a system, we are only part time travelers and have homes we live in most of the time, some members also like their creature comforts of pulling into a powered site where there are other benefits of being at a C/Park.
Why don't you start your own thread and help those that are interested in your ideas..
In the meantime I will stick with my cheap and nasty AGM's and suffer the consequences..

Agree 100% Bob

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I second that ! Our system is only 120 watt and its good for TV etc.. When we can we use gas for making hot water for coffee etc .. Only use generator when it's NOT annoying anyone plus it's hardly noticeable 10 / 15 meters away. Inbuilt and well insulated generator.. Runs max of 20 min a day or time to do what we want and charge batteries..
My old motorhome which is 9m long has almost 100% solar panels on roof. Using the inverter on heavy current just draws too much from batteries .. Large 6v X 4 .. I must say I don't know how old they are as I'm about to replace them as I can't sell it with old batteries .. The thing with generator is you can use it any time with in reason .. I mainly use it as stand by using the solar as much possible..LED TV's hardly draw much anyway ! A DVD is sleep controller ( passifier) for 2 year old !! Mayhem without it ! Yea I know kids these days .. We go the Bathurst 1000 and many dig a hole, fit generator in there, place a box or Esky over and you don't even know its running..

oldbobsbus · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
.. We go the Bathurst 1000 and many dig a hole, fit generator in there, place a box or Esky over and you don't even know its running..

I like that idea..

When we were building our first house I had a very old and very very noisy genny and I tried burying the exhaust but it didn't make a lot of difference cry

With the current breed of gennies I can see how digging a hole would help.. smile

Mind you with our current setup it would take longer to dig a hole than it would take to run the genny for the short time we would need it.. biggrin biggrin

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Mongrels up there on the mountain !!! Keep in mind it was only running a TV and FRIDGE !! Lol

Thunderchild69 · Veteran Member

G'day Nomad1946. My two cents (at some risk) - I have a 3.5 kVa gene I carry as a back up to my solar setup. I must say that I rarely use it, but it is nice to have on board for "justin".

Noise varies between makes, but my personal experience listening to fellow campers' sets running has been that the Honda, Yamaha and Onan units seem quite friendly - of course those same users have observed reasonable etiquette as well by asking permission from fellow campers nearby first, then not starting them too early in the morning and making sure they shut down at sundown. Rule of thumb - count back eight hours from published sunset in your locale as a start up time. Most modern gensets have very good muffling and the noise fades away dramatically as you get further away. Another consideration when selecting a genset - you should have the dealer start one up for you and run with a light load. Walk away from it - You should be able to carry on normal conversation at about ten feet.

Saw an interesting quietening baffle setup when away over Easter - the owner had a fairly large Honda (5 kVa I think) with factory standard mufflling in place. He had further muffled the unit by the simple addition of a piece of board hanging down from the carry handle on the unit hanging directly in front of the muffler outlet with about two inches (50mm) gap. Cheap and very effective. I could barely hear it and it ran ALL DAY EVERY DAY!! Hope this helps.

-- Edited by Thunderchild69 on Wednesday 14th of May 2014 09:06:06 PM

-- Edited by Thunderchild69 on Wednesday 14th of May 2014 09:09:28 PM

Nomad1946 · Veteran Member

Hi, it's me/us back again.

Many Thanks for all your input it's been enlightening and helpful.

We figure that our concerns re overnight stays and electrical power were a tad unfounded.

It seems that our batteries will be sufficiently charged to cover needs, together with an LED lantern, albeit we'll have a good look at a solar unit in the long run.

Only one thing to add, if we may, it concerns us that some of the banter came across as a tad personal and aggressive at times .... Didn't expect that ...

as Grey Nomads we feel that it's not really needed ....... Life's too short to argue ....