Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-21-2019, 12:31 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
AC sound level survey

NIOSH offers a free sound level (decibels) app for the iPhone. I installed it and got a reading of 75 dB for my unducted Penguin II in a 22FB Sport. From personal experience and reading many other posts, this amount of noise makes it hard to sleep or listen to the radio/TV.
I asking others to use the app and post the results for their trailer/AC unit so we A-S owners or buyers can get an idea of how much difference there is across the spectrum. (ie, should my wife and I consider upgrading the AC or even the trailer?)
Thanks!
GetawA-S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 01:34 PM   #2
2020 Classic 33
 
Box Elder , South Dakota
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,731
Images: 1
Where did you stand in the trailer? How far away from the AC unit/outlets? 75db sounds about right. Ducted air much quieter?

Just a suggestion for better comparisons if someone wants to check and we all do the measurement at the head of the bed then there would some consistency to the numbers. I’ll check mine this afternoon.
__________________
Gary
2020 Classic 33 Twin, 2019 Ram 3500 Longhorn, ProPride
NŘVPN
ghaynes755 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 01:59 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2018 25' International
Slidell , Louisiana
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,725
Nice idea! In my 2018 25 FBT International, ducted dual unit, at ear level directly under the inlet screens, I get 60 db on low, 63 on medium and 65 on high. On high, sitting at the dinette I get 56 and laying on the bed with the front zone on high I get 58. With only the back zone on high I get 54. Didn't try the water pump noise, but with the air on you can't hear the water pump.
BayouBiker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 02:13 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Rich W's Avatar

 
2006 23' Safari SE
I'm In , Kentucky
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,251
Images: 5
There are several free sound level apps available for Android. I use Sound Meter and Decibel X. Both register at the same levels so either one will work.

Our A/C, even on low, is so loud it makes watching TV difficult. We get the AS nice and cold, turn it off for a while, then wait for a commercial to fire it up again. A fan helps keep us cool and is much quieter. At night we turn the fan on low, close the divider and go to sleep. Having the fan on all the time helps at night, makes the noise almost constant and consistent. It takes getting used to.

The heat pump is pretty loud too. We use that when we aren't home and space heaters when we come back.
__________________
-Rich
Rich & Yvonne
2006 Safari SE -Dora-
2004 4Runner SE 4.7L V8
Rich W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 02:36 PM   #5
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
Hi

One simple way to dig into this:

Visit a dealer and have them turn on the A/C in a unit with ducted air ... see what it sounds like to you / where you sit / where you sleep.

====

Sound level meters can be a bit weird. The microphones in cell phones are not set up to measure sound levels. They are set up to work best when you talk straight into them. If you grab a "real* sound meter and start comparing things, you will see differences. Measure at this vs that distance (with either one) and you will get different readings.

They are all set up to respond in a calculated way to various frequencies. That may or may not represent what "bugs you" in terms of background noise. Some people notice this or that more than others. Lots of variables.

Bob
uncle_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 02:44 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
2012 Avenue Coach
Corpus Christi , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,719
Sorry, duplicate post. See below.
rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 02:45 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
2012 Avenue Coach
Corpus Christi , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,719
Quote:
Originally Posted by ghaynes755 View Post
Where did you stand in the trailer? How far away from the AC unit/outlets? 75db sounds about right. Ducted air much quieter?

Just a suggestion for better comparisons if someone wants to check and we all do the measurement at the head of the bed then there would some consistency to the numbers. I’ll check mine this afternoon.
Excellent idea!

For consistency, how about using the same test distances as James from the Fit RV video below (between minutes 2:00 - 3:30). Arms length and waist level away on both high and medium fan speeds with all other sources of noise off.

rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2019, 07:12 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Ridgerunner3's Avatar
 
2002 25' Safari
Fountain Inn , South Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 714
Images: 13
Too Loud

We replaced our 2002 11,000 btu AC at Jackson Center in around 2014 with a 15,000 btu heat pump. This is a non-ducted system and it is much louder than the 11,000 btu AC. I'll get the app and measure the sound level.
__________________
Bud
Ridgerunner3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 09:07 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Rich W's Avatar

 
2006 23' Safari SE
I'm In , Kentucky
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,251
Images: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridgerunner3 View Post
We replaced our 2002 11,000 btu AC at Jackson Center in around 2014 with a 15,000 btu heat pump. This is a non-ducted system and it is much louder than the 11,000 btu AC. I'll get the app and measure the sound level.

Our 23' has the 15K BTU A/C. On high it is pretty loud, but you can talk over the noise. TV is difficult even on the low speed fan. When it's in the 90s outside, it's nice and cool on the inside. It reduces the humidity to a pleasant level and makes sleeping very comfortable. My wife can sleep through anything, up to and including a train wreck. I've learned to live with it, better than no A/C.
__________________
-Rich
Rich & Yvonne
2006 Safari SE -Dora-
2004 4Runner SE 4.7L V8
Rich W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 10:05 AM   #10
2 Rivet Member
 
1971 21' Globetrotter
Pittsburg , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 24
I know I have to turn off the unit to talk on the phone. It is very load, I can't stand it. The bad thing is, I'm about to stay in my Airstream for 2 or 3 months, while I build my tiny home (since my current house sold, I'm moving as I write this, to the Airstream). I'm glad it's winter and I will not need to run the A/C.
Linda71air is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 10:29 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
1981 31' Excella II
New Market , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
As long as it is white noise, I am good with it. Most camp grounds are so loud now days the only way I can sleep is with that AC fan on. Dogs Barking, loud vehicles, stereos, TV's etc should not be in that environment. I have heard that the heat pumps are loud and the low profile units. Most likely the most quiet units would be the mini split units.



Perry
perryg114 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 10:35 AM   #12
2 Rivet Member
 
2012 27' Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
San Angelo , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 32
I don't remember what our sound level is sitting at the table in the rear but we got around the worst part by running the AC in the bedroom area when we were in the living/dinette area and the living area AC when we are in the bedroom. I also use noise canceling head phones when I'm trying to read or watch TV in the front when the wife is asleep in the back. Works for us. Another solution is to not "camp" when the AC needs to be run much.
Jim A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 12:34 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Vantair's Avatar
 
2005 25' International CCD
Westlake Village , California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 508
Images: 2
db levels 11,000 BTU Penguin/25’ Intl

Using trusted “Decibel X” iPhone app
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	3FCAE1B8-4496-4F1C-AA27-54BDE83499F1.jpeg
Views:	99
Size:	160.4 KB
ID:	358064   Click image for larger version

Name:	605AD346-672F-4543-BB64-5786ED27370D.png
Views:	91
Size:	118.8 KB
ID:	358065  

Vantair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 12:35 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
2012 Avenue Coach
Corpus Christi , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,719
FYI.

Here is Advanced RV's response to Jame's (Fit RV) ac noise video I posted above.

rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 03:43 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
Thanks, all! A-S owners are on top of things.
I ran my test again at different speeds:
Compressor on: Hi 77 dB, Med 75 dB, Lo 72 dB
Fan only: essentially the same.
All were taken with the phone sitting on the dinette table approximately 4’ under the AC.
NIOSH limits its app to iphones because they say the mikes are consistent enough to provide reliable results.
If I got numbers like James in the video, I would agree with Steph: It’s good enough.
The AC may be white noise, but aircraft landing lights are white too. 75 dB is like a vacuum cleaner!
I’m a country boy and like it quiet, but now that we are in Florida AC is a necessity.
A neighbor installed a split unit on the back of his Arctic Fox truck camper.
He loved the quiet, but it looked kind of Yooperish. (Sorry if you come from there.)
I would have to clear the battery tray by installing AGM’s inside, and even then it would be tight for ventilation of the condenser. No way would I put something that heavy and fussy on the back bumper, even if I had one!
Dometic has been crappy about the warranties on their stuff (second owner) so if their AC goes out, I’ll look at the Coleman “Quiet” model. Till then or the next upgrade, earplugs.
Hopefully this thread will be helpful to the shoppers out there.
GetawA-S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 04:12 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
Blog Entries: 1
Here's another advantage of having 50 amp service, two AC units.
I have ducted air, and if I want it a bit quieter, I'll run the bedroom air only while I sit in the living area. Reverse that for sleeping.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 04:29 PM   #17
3 Rivet Member
 
wilsodf's Avatar
 
2014 27' Flying Cloud
2023 30' International
Las Cruces , New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 166
We have a 2014 FC 27FB with only one AC unit, not ducted. It was hard to hear the TV while it was running. I picked up in another thread that you can play the TV sound through the Audio system. I think it is under CD2. The only downfall is it plays what ever is on the main TV, not the bedroom TV. It made a big difference.
wilsodf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 07:29 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Al and Missy's Avatar
 
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,668
I tried playing my Samsung Smart TV sound through the Pioneer stereo I replaced the failed Sony with. The delay in the sound drove me nuts. IIRC there was an adjustment but it didn't have enough range.

In the vein of the original post, we have to turn up the TV to hear it over our 13,500 BTU heat pump, but like several others, I turn the fan ON at night to keep the noise level constant. I had an EasyStart installed so the compressor start is so quiet as to be barely noticeable.

Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
Al and Missy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-2019, 07:34 PM   #19
4 Rivet Member
 
369goose's Avatar
 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
1987 29' Sovereign
1978 31' Sovereign
Tampa Bay , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 412
Quote:
Originally Posted by wilsodf View Post
We have a 2014 FC 27FB with only one AC unit, not ducted. It was hard to hear the TV while it was running. I picked up in another thread that you can play the TV sound through the Audio system. I think it is under CD2. The only downfall is it plays what ever is on the main TV, not the bedroom TV. It made a big difference.
We had our son do this for us quite some time ago and it helps a lot. Next we might add a sound bar too once we figure out if that will make it any clearer over the AC or if it will just be way too much sound with both.
__________________
☘ 369goose

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
369goose is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-2019, 05:49 AM   #20
Rivet Master
 
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
I realized that I could use a vacuum cleaner for comparison. Our Eureka Mighty Mite registered 86 dB. Seems high. Take my numbers posted on 12/22 with a grain of salt.
GetawA-S is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ducted Air Conditioning; Sound Level Numbers mefly2 Airstream Trailer Forums 29 07-13-2016 09:24 PM
recommended sound level for generator guadalupegrl Generators & Solar Power 6 09-07-2013 04:07 PM
to level or not to level urnmor Jacks, Stabilizers, Lifting and Leveling 23 07-30-2012 11:21 AM
Buzzing sound from sound system, walking on floor makes it stop. foqus Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 9 08-24-2009 08:22 PM
How level is level? RichardT 1961 - 1963 Bambi 7 03-12-2006 03:52 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.