Generator box (sound muffler)

[BamCamper]

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Honda eu2000i. I fired it up yesterday and am pleased to report that it runs my AC (11000 btu in the 16 footer).

I have heard that some people have constructed boxes to run the generators in to minimize noise. Does anyone have pictures of designs they have used? Or ideas for plans?

I also like the rubbermaid type box for travel. Anyone know brands or sizes that work for the 2000?

Thanks!

[vajeep]

Hey Bam,
Your Honda EU 2000 is just about as quiet as they come, the sound boxes are usually for the "frame/construction" gens.

Be careful running your a/c on just one EU 2000, I am not sure if just one EU2000 has enough amps for long term A/C use. When we need A/C we use 2 EU 2000's in parallel.

I know you will love your new Honda!!
Abe

[CanoeStream]

Abe is right from what I hear -- the A/C compressor needs about 20 amps at startup or else it labors and wears out.

I don't know that you could enclose one of these in a box without some very specific planning for air intake and cooling. Sound cancellation systems are an expensive topic and I've not heard of simple applications for Honda gensets.

Quiet as your Honda is at idle, it will rev up significantly when given strong demand. Maybe you've already tried running a convection microwave using the Honda -- I have and will again but it gets LOUD!

[doorgunner]

Nice Laurel: Now all you need is a Barista espresso machine to go with it. (as he sips his latte). I can make you a sweet carbon fiber box probably cost as much as the gen tho , lol See you at Casini on the 4th weekend! DG

[Wabbiteer]

The generator uses lots of material tweaks to change sounds to a lower group of frequencies that we don't readily hear - standing next to mine reminds me of being near a freight train locomotive from the way it shakes the ground and creates a cascade of rumbles in the air. The best one can hope for is reflecting sound upwards but any material chosen to make a shield will have its own resonance point where it rings like a bell and might undo the Honda cloaking.

A plywood cage wrapped or lined with cheap indoor-outdoor carpeting to act as hinges (so it folds flat for travel) might be do-able to keep the busy noises reflected upwards... and also hide that $1000-bill looking generator from opportunistic thieves....

[davidz71]

I've seen individuals use the styrofoam type insulating board used on houses to form 3 sides and a top. The foil side was to the outside and the foam toward the inside. The gen is placed with equal amounts on all sides and the open end pointed toward the woods or water. I've seen addition of bales of hay around the 3 sides to further muffle the sound. I wouldn't wanted it pointed toward me. You could box in the last side but would have to install some type of blower connected to the 110 v. side which would start up automatically and force fresh air into the compartment while allowing some type of screened vent on the exhaust side. Heat buildup would be my concern especially if you used many bales of hay. Can you say bonfire?

[BamCamper]

Hmmm. Sounds like I probably shouldn't worry about the (minor) noise.

What about security? Do you lock yours up? Put it inside?

[Fyrzowt]

Yes.

[Wabbiteer]

Could be a good use for hitch safety chains; problem could be remembering to lock it every time. I'd really like a nice shoplifting device squealing if a break-away switch was activated even then. Maybe even a small solar electric cattle fence unit attached to chain and squeally alarm tent stake & tether, though remembering that could be a problem too...

Knowing the prices of Airstream door locks and windows forces me to use tow vehicle for generator storage & even then its hidden in a Chinese restaurant wooden crate... I had a Z-28 window smashed out for a handful of change once & am not looking forward to baiting criminals again.

[GetOutDoors]

If you really want to deal with the noise, you could build a steel box out of sheet metal, provide proper venting and exhaust, then line the outside of the box with Dynamat Xtreme (B-Quiet sound deadening material).

I used this with my built-in generator and it really made a difference. It's like a sticky solid-state tar with an aluminum backing. It's very pliable, easy to cut, and easy to apply.

If built correctly, the box can also server to contain a fire (if or when).