Generator db's?

[rhino_160]

Newbie to rv world with a 2015 Avenger Ati 30 amp
I have been looking at generators and not trying to break the bank with a honda eu series. I have looked at a few that claim a 64-70 db range. Is this acceptable in an rv park? Or is this too loud? If it's too loud, are their options to quiten them down or do I need to bite the bullet and buy a more specific/expensive brand? Looking around the 3000-3500 range as my hot weather is gas only and my a/c is 13,500 btu. The max the camper is rated is 3600 watts and I don't plan to max it anyways. Thanks all

[Filthy Beast]

I had an open frame generator when we first started RVing, it was rated somewhere around 70db and I thought I had looked it up somewhere and it was below the max for national parks. I bought a Yamaha because I got tired of hearing that thing run so I can only imagine what my neighbors that had to listen to it thought. Mine is only a 2400 watt generator as when we are in the national parks or where ever without hookups there is no air conditioning. I bought this size so when we have power outages here in NM, I had enough power to run my boiler and fridge.

[BendOrLarry]

The Champion 3100I is a great campground generator. It's 1/3 the price of the same size Honda and just a bit louder. Goggle it and you will many positive reviews. The only real negative is the wheels don't work real well in gravel. I wouldn't be with out mine.

[Flybob]

Remember that every 3db increase in sound level represents an increase of 2x or 100%. Most parks make decisions on asking you to shut your gen off based on complaints. at those levels there will be complaints from neighbors.

[rhino_160]

Do you think the champion 3100i is suitable? It's rated 58db

[BendOrLarry]

We have that generator and have never had anyone even seem to notice ours was running. It's much quieter than the Onan in the coach!

[drittal]

My father loves his honda eu3000. It's quieter than the built in onan 4.4k.

[Jane1550]

We have a Champion 3500/4000 ($299) and Hubby affixed an additional muffler to it, pretty quiet, most of the noise is mechanical.

[Haul-a-Fifth]

I have the same Champion 3500/4000 and was thinking of attaching a second muffler also. Could you send some pics and where he got the muffler. I am thinking of putting mine in the compartment and having a exhaust pipe made .

[B and B]

Originally Posted by Jane1550

We have a Champion 3500/4000 ($299) and Hubby affixed an additional muffler to it, pretty quiet, most of the noise is mechanical.

You are so right Jane. If the construction non investor style generators have some noise suppression with covers and sound insulation they would be better camping use in close quarters.

[rhino_160]

Well I went with the Champion 3100i. Got it shipped to the house for $625. Plugged it in and it ran my 13.5k a/c and fridge without an issue. I turned the microwave on and it ran all 3 but the overload light came on so I shutoff the microwave. Plenty quiet and not too bad on the size either. It even ran the fridge and a/c on the economy mode without throwing the overload light. As of now, only 10 mins of use, it seems like a good unit.

[BendOrLarry]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Well I went with the Champion 3100i. Got it shipped to the house for $625. Plugged it in and it ran my 13.5k a/c and fridge without an issue. I turned the microwave on and it ran all 3 but the overload light came on so I shutoff the microwave. Plenty quiet and not too bad on the size either. It even ran the fridge and a/c on the economy mode without throwing the overload light. As of now, only 10 mins of use, it seems like a good unit.

I have the same generator and have experienced the same results as you. It does a great job.

[Kevin & Judy]

Might want to check with the Generator manufacture about adding a 2nd muffler. This causes more backpressure than the emgine was designed for, I have seen this tried and both times the engine on the unit has failed. Went back to the manufacture and they would not cover it as the exhaust had been modified and the extra muffler was the cause of the problem.

[Flybob]

One of the selling features in this type of generator is the quietness. If the manufacturer could have changed/added a muffler to reduce the noise level without impacting performance or reliability they would have. Changing the exhaust on an internal combustion engine also requires a change in the intake and fuel side (jets).

[rhino_160]

Why would i add a second muffler? This thing is really quiet as is

[elind]

The Champion 3500/4000 is a construction generator and the Champion 3100i is an inverter generator that is quieter. The 3500/4000 runs at full throttle and the 3100i runs at variable speeds according to loads. Most inverters do run quieter is why they cost more.

[bshort]

I tried a Champion 3100 and it would not fire up the 13.5 AC unit. Tried a Yamaha 3000 and a pair of Honda 2000 and both ran the AC w/o issue.

[BendOrLarry]

Originally Posted by bshort

I tried a Champion 3100 and it would not fire up the 13.5 AC unit. Tried a Yamaha 3000 and a pair of Honda 2000 and both ran the AC w/o issue.

3100I or 3100. there is a big difference.

[bshort]

Originally Posted by BendOrLarry

3100I or 3100. there is a big difference.

Never heard of a 3100I, but it was a 3100 inverter generator. The only difference I'm aware of in the 3100 inverters from Champion is a Pull start model and an electric/remote start model.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by BendOrLarry

3100I or 3100. there is a big difference.

Champion only makes one 3100 watt generator and it's an inverter generator.
They don't make a non-inverter open frame 3100w generator.
So having to put an "i" after the 3100 number isn't necessary.

Champion doesn't put an "i" after the 3100. They put a w after the 3100.
The only place Champion puts an "i" in, is in their 75531i model number.
Check their website.