The Soundproof Generator Box That Actually Works! 

Great video man! As a retired U.S. Army trained generator mechanic, I would only suggest that you turn it around in your truck so the exhaust is pointed away from your open tailgate. Just so the noise has to make another 90 degree turn to get out of your truck bed. Again, awesome job. What was the total cost of material?

Very good planning and execution. I'm currently studying box constructions to mount on my van camper to supply power from a 2000w genny to a 5000 btu AC unit. Going forward, if it becomes problematic using the generator at these campsites I would recommend researching a 40 amp DC/DC battery charger. Run a piece of #6 insulated copper to the bed of your truck, install the DC/DC charger, ground to the bed frame and connect to both your boat and camper batteries to charge as your truck is running. Just the trip from the lake to the campsite would provide a good charge to your trolling motor battery and then a bit of idling at camp will charge your camper battery. Install a toggle switch at the dash of your truck to the control power of the charger to turn it off when you dont intend on using it

We have used the ru-vid.comUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

this is fun to watch because I already have plans drawn up to build almost the exact same design, it was based on some forum threads I read. One of the most exciting things for me to finally realize about the honda and im sure many other suitcase generators is the flow path of cooling air and exhuast, i was happy to see someone else capitalizing on that by separating the two halfs of the generator. In the thread I read through the guy didn't use any fans at all and relied solely on the generators air flow, he found that there was no overheating problems. That being said, im still adding fans on the intake side like you. One thing I wanted to pick your brain on though is the flow direction through the exhaust side baffles. Im using stone wool board "comfortboard" so it will be very heat resistant but I still cant help but debate about whether the exhuast should flow upwards first then exit on the bottom, or vice versa like you have done here. The heat rising and being stuck is my only concern. Do you have a reason behind the flow direction? I plan for the intake side to enter near the top and flow through fans at the bottom, finally entering near the bottom of the generator where the intakes are. Im probably overthinking it with this size generator, as it really doesnt reach extreme temperatures and requires surprisingly low air flow to operate and cool effectively. As evidenced by the honda quiet box manufactured in japan, its got very small air intake and no active cooling aside from the generators fan. Great video, really enjoy it. PS that accident with cutting the mat, would any build be complete without one of those moments? haha

With the possible blizzard and winds forecasted over the next couple days, I've been on the hunt to see what I can do to try to quiet my very noisy old generator down, and came across this video. This is a great comprehensive look into building a box and I really appreciate it!

Best generator box video on RU-vid I have seen. I was designing mine. I also had idea to mount fans in second baffle. That way first baffle silences fan. And fans are protected in box. I am adding windows air filter material on the front intake.

Great design with careful thought. For 2.0, maybe use RC channel between the OSB and sheetrock. It separates two solid materials so that they don't pass sound waves from one material to the other.

Architecturally the way to deaden sound between rooms if you are particular is to increase wall thickness enough so neither of the walls on both sides use the same studs. They each have their own row of studs. An air gap method. Very efficient. Instead of going with heavy mass using a down sized version of this architectural wall technique might offer major weight reduction with similar sound deadening performance and possibly less work. I keep meaning to try this one day if other projects clear and I'm granted an additional hundred years ! Haha.

Any update? When making sound proof music rooms, they basically build a room within a room. So the inner box would be independently formed, with acoustic caulk or rubber in between it and the next outer box- an air chamber in between being important. Might be able to get the same results with a slightly smaller and lighter box. Yours seems great tho.

I've been thinking about building a box like this as well for my hunting property. Great video, you did a great job for sure!

Thank you for all the hard work and sharing your technique.

Great stuff. Always remember that vacuum always completely nullifies sound. It may become bulky but you can introduce some level of vacuum chambers in the box.

Probably the best video here on youtube about a generator soundproof box. Gonna make one myself but probably ease up a bit on the materials to not make it too heavy, even though I won't be moving it. Have you had a chance to test temperatures? Are the intake fans enough to push air out through the back? I'm thinking of putting intake and exhaust fans for better airflow.

Mine only come out when it's Hurricane season and then I just protect them by placing them in a covered area and even with the high decibels the sound doesn't stop me from my nightly snooze!!😎

I am wondering if opening the top of the truck bed cover might quiet it down a little more. I am thinking, that the cover on the truck bed might be making an air cavity that is amplifying it slightly. Kind of like those old hyper-bass systems they had in the late 90s. Just a thought but if you have tried that out I would be interested in knowing the result. I think the truck bed might still reduce noise but may be a little more efficient with the cover raised. The exhaust, I'm sure is making most of the noise and it is super quiet. But if this has been tested please let me know. I love the design!

I would think if you added more rockwool to the intake and exhaust baffles, as well as inside the main chamber, that would help quiet it. Having mass to block the sound does a good amount of work, but without it being a foot thick there’s only so much it can bock. Some more deadening material would help.

Is it possible to make the box a bit wider for 2 generators? Would I need double the fans? Would you recommend insulation in between each generator? I’m sorry if these questions are stupid. I’m a beginner. Thank you for any advice you can give

With ear plugs, no sound, no problem. Also put a flexible exhaust extension with a simple motorcycle silencer for 0db.

It gets pretty hot in south Louisiana after a hurricane. Generators are welcome, but a little too tempting for some folks to either try to use it or steal it. I`m thinking just plywood and styrofoam with 3-4" holes for the heat, then another styrofoam wall several inches outside of that, with huge gaps for air.

Brilliant stuff - bravo!

Perfect thank you guys

This is awesome Rande!!

Great video! Plus your local to me, so we deal with same climate issues, thx for all your hard work!

Brilliant !

Rubber in between the OSB and the DryWall would help. Drywall right up against the OSB would resonate a bit more. Great video. Also, test to see how much CFm is needed

Looks like some sound is coming from exhaust fill the exhaust sections with still wool the air will pass but it will stop the sound vibrations by a lot it even halps to decompose gases.

Noise cancelation woofer for the low rumble?

Since it's primarily intended to be used for camping which requires transportation, why not make it modular? You could set it up on-site.

Great....all set to go camping now..have fun peter

Great job, but why don't you use a power bank and a solar panel? You wouldn't have so much trouble with the sound, weight and space needed for the generator. However, I have a cabin and some neighbours. So I will do something similar to what you have constructed. I have another point which is my wife needs to operate it when I am not there, this means she hates lifting up the generator, she has enough trouble starting it, so the trap door will have to be on the side to access the starter cable. And lastly, mine is a dual fuel, so I need a gas outlet. Anyone has any ideas about that one. Thanks for sharing. This is fun.

"Sound doesn't like 90 degree angles" Can you supply verification of that. I have had better success with smaller angles to divert wide spectrum sound waves. Directing sound into soft ground has worked for me.

Getting ready for bed times. It best not for anyone to hear your generator because it will attract unwanted attention. My goal is below ambient.

If it were me I'd put your fans lower. That would help with cooling yhe generator as well as air intake for the engine. Most generators have air intakes lower and along the sides for cooling. A lot of the air coming in on yours is just hitting plastic and bouncing around before escaping through the engine or doing any cooling.

25:00 if you want to jump straight to the actual box without all the chatter

Why not run your truck and use an inverter to charge the minimum amount of stuff you want to use?

Wonder where the Grills for the fans came from ? ? ? Thnx,,,, : j

Yes, you are breaking the rules of the site owner.

you cant hear this generator 100 feet away. your in the country. its kinda waste of time

241 pounds for those looking. That's insane.

sand filled panels

It's a Honda 2000i . It's not loud when it's setting in front of you. Get a real comparison.

Too much wind noise to get an accurate reading. Go solar.

And there’s the guy who built a quiet box for a quiet generator. 🤦🏻‍♂️🙄

Am I the only one. Who notices he is trying to to silence an investor generator???? They are NOT loud at all u can stand and talk to your buddy with one between you at your feet and it’s that quiet The point of silencing is the big open sides mom inverting type . This is seriously a waste of time

I absolutely love the premise of this video... "if they cant hear the generator, do i have a generator?"

The effort, forethought, research and planning that went into this project is absolutely commendable! What a great demonstration of what can be achieved when somebody puts their mind to achieve a goal. The results are astounding and speak for themselves; when you closed the box at 1:44 it practically fell silent. Heavy, dense materials really worked for creating this and I loved the idea of creating the 90 degree turns for the exhaust to deaden the sound while still allowing airflow using forced ventilation. There's no way anybody would complain about that. They'd have to know it was there first.

What a baffling video.

I was at a flea markets and a food truck had a 3500 Inverter Predator generator and they had a pipe coming right off the muffler with a 90 degree angle on it and just that helped a lot hope this helps. Thanks From Wisconsin

A couple things. I would put a temp sensor in there and check how high the temperatures get during the heat of the day (worst case scenario). Also I would you a exterior moisture protective outlet box on the outside, to prevent any electrical issues.

Your only breaking the rules if you get caught 🕵️‍♂️

@19:00 - That moment of discovery that the fan body was traced and cut, instead of the hole just big enough for the fans to work and the mounting bolts have material to go through. Ask me how I know...

The industry standard distance is stupid. What is the db at 1'? Thats what they should tell us.

I don't know about you but the only time I use my generator is when there is a power outage. Usually, when it is storming that means rain. The plug you added to the outside needs to be the type that protects against water (RAIN). Also, a great feature is to have a small light connected to the lid. For when or if you need to add more gasoline, my generator is large and heavy 12500 watts. My box is for a whole house genny it is stationary there for I allowed room for other things like oil an extension cord a few rags a funnel, a genny air filter oil filter maintension stuff. This is the best video I have found on the internet for a DIY. Great job keep up the good work. I almost forgot I had to allow access to the pull-start, just in case the push-button start did not work.

Sheet lead will stop sound. Used in for secure conference rooms to keep sound in.

Hands down, the best video on the platform on this subject! Since I have seen it two weeks ago, a dozen other videos where recommended to me by the algorithm, but they presented half-* projects. Just like your said, there might be fewer than a handful of decent videos on the platform! You are the hero we don't deserve, but we gladly have! ;)

A humble dad who does DIY projects in his shop with his kiddo's before work, yet also cites Google Scholar pubs? Thumbs up, man, got my sub. Great work!

I made it back for the second half that box is looking and working great!

If a generator runs in the woods and nobody hears it ....

Awesome project Bob Villa. That thing is ready for the campground or a memorial service.

Quite apart from neighborly peace keeping, I'm pretty sure the ban on generators is concern for wildfires. Even with a spark arrester, the insecurity and paranoia is due to the stakes being just too high. They're probably far more lenient during and soon after rain.

Why not just get an adequate power station like a BLUETTI or a jackery no noise no exhaust not breaking any rules can be moved around easily and can be charged from a wall socket a power port in the cab of your truck or from a portable folding solar panels

I'm impressed! I am finishing up my 3rd Honda sound box. Aluminum box, plywood liner and Composite foam. One thing I have never been able to find is the CFM of the generator fan. I suspect some of the designs I have seen over the years the fans are insufficient and are actually restricting the flow of air. I have a 12V fan, it will be used to cool down the unit after shutting off.

What about heat? They make a thick rubber mat which has adhesive on one side I used for sound deadening and rattling of car from 3,000watts of bass, now it has done remarkably well, I will never be rid of rattling trunk lid raises up 1/4” at times, but maybe line your bed as box in a box amazon has all kinds. Thanks for sharing good luck

Hi. I don't know why you need such a dangerous thing in your car, but I have to keep it in my apartment in a high-rise building because I live in Ukraine...

Try having shower sheet rock framed leaned on a angle, think A-frame look the noise that escapes the box will be deverted into the ground.

I really like some of your ideas. Have you found a solution to cool the generator down after it’s turned off, or are you not concerned about that?

I have that same Honda Generator. It's the best and most quietest generator available. No need to build a box for it.

Your ambient noise is too high to make any conclusions 😂

I don't own a generator but I'm glad I know how to build a silent enclosure just in case

I really like this idea, but I can’t make my box walls this thick. I’m trying to fit my generator on the a frame of my camper, and it’s bigger than yours.

4, 4x8 sheetrock panels. One end on the ground, the other end(s) up on the generator. Best sound block I've seen. The 8 foot length serves as a great reflector to direct all reflected sound off the generator into the ground. Cheap and solid noise fix! Spray paint the high side with some cheap outdoor paint (green? brown?) and, walla!

I own the Honda EU10i which is smaller version to yours. I found that the majority of the generator noise doesn't come from the exhaust but the engine itself.

Temperature?

If they can't hear it - you don't have it. Works for me, as long as you don't spill anything. Gas, oil or info about it.

good job, good sound proof box, with this I can use generator anywhere, let Lithium battery go to hell

Great build sir. Most impressive. Heavy but very quiet. Well done! 👍 😊

Wow that's a really cool build. Been toying with setting up a generator near my shed to top up my solar battery, which also doubles as backup power to the house, but a generator in a residential area would probably be against some kind of bylaw so it would be cool to hide it. Also less likely to attract generator thieves.

broadcast anti noise speaker

Was there a 2.0?

would be nice if you could get LPG powered solid state generators.

I suppose there is the question of if you are turning a small, fairly quiet generator into a big, heavy box to make it even more quiet for outdoor use, what about say getting a large LFP battery, all-in-one solar charge inverter and some solar panels or maybe even piecemeal the parts for more flexibility? The idea being if you want high power and don't mind some residual draw, just want convenient AC, you go 48V. If you want lower power and more flexibility, you do more piecemeal and 24V. I don't think you want to go out when the weather is crappy, meaning you should have some sun to work with, and such a battery - solar - inverter setup should be doable for $2k - $3k or something like that for the 48V system with the 24V system closer to half that depending on how much power you need to collect and store. If it is a short trip with just a little extra charging involved, then you don't even need the solar panels if you have enough battery capacity. I have done a lot of my hobby stuff with just a 24V LFP battery, things that directly connect to the LFP battery, including charging smaller battery packs for stuff as my hobby charger is a DC-DC buck-boost converter at its core, and then the inverter hooked to the battery when I really need AC power and not just DC-DC is good. My portable fridge can run off of a 24V battery directly, so don't have the conversion losses to power it, which is important as I like to leave that powered around the clock. For 24V DC for the fridge, I just need to budget capacity around ~30W of average power draw. Then for camping specific, most stuff is propane, so don't need electricity. Just mainly the fridge and USB, which can be done straight off the battery, no inverter. If I need more power, I have a hybrid electric vehicle. Just shut off things in the vehicle like the air conditioner and keep my continuous power draw at 800W or less and I can efficiently charge off of my vehicle. If you have a big LFP battery, you could bring a charger with you to charge up the battery that way. Say it is overcast and solar just isn't doing it. No rule against using your hybrid vehicle as a generator. With a full hybrid, the engine turns a large generator, charges the traction battery, and then shuts off. Seeing the engine is mostly off, it doesn't use that much fuel.

241 pound 😂 it’s a great build tho I love it

Giant kudos for all your research and your efforts on this project. Bravo! That said (and sincerely) it would have been better knowing from the outset that your goal was to soundproof (as in no sound) a portable generator outdoors. Just saying. The box is too heavy at 200+ pounds and pretty much fails the portability test. The box DOES make the generator quieter (already quiet = it IS a Honda after all, AND small) but not soundproof. I think (my guess) that you could achieve an equivalent level of noise dampening (not soundproof) with a lighter weight structure that you could assemble on site that deflects the sound into the ground. Again, big kudos to you for the build!

Instead of a box, would it be conceivable to pipe the generator’s exhaust into the truck’s exhaust system while camping? You basically can’t hear a modern car when it’s idling.

I went through the same thing 20 years ago, I was using a diesel generator I said heat source an electrical source for my house. on the really low end you run into the decompression on the carburetors ,and explosion of the muffler , that is a 60 HZ Soundwave, lower in eco mode.

when the exhaust exits I would think hot air would want to rise thus it would be my instinct to make the first baffle up high. Have a generac 17500 with a plastic shed and rockwool. Man it's 110 in there in the summer in Houston. When it's running 130 easy that's with 3000 CFM. I used to worry about sound but I'm more worried about heat. I think if you hung a box of the exit vent and deflected it down it may help the low rumble. I like a lot of your ideas my give this a try.

My harbor freight 3500 watt inverter generator I've had for 4 years. Without it being covered up only runs at 57 decibels 20 ft away. Lol

This is awesome. I just boight a 150l air compressor which os too large for my shop and ive been trying to figure out how to build an outdoor ca i et which doesnt annoy the neighbours. Just worried about managing the temperature.

I dont know of anyone else recommended but an intake muffler would hep to reduce some of the overall noise. The carb is a direct link to the cylinders and a source of noise. I haven't done so on a gen but I have on my air compressor and it did make a noticeable difference. Also maybe an additional exhaust muffler.

Your problem was more about wind pressure because I was on a windy day it actually been quiet we did SPL test back in the day which also uses a decimal meter something you may have considered

Seriously??? That tiny thing hardly makes any noise to begin with.

Nice build use a layer of sheet lead

Great research, development, and production of your sound dampening box (or as I call it.. a workout box). 😮 The only advice I’d offer is to ditch the gas powered generator for a battery power station 😁👍

Asphault and butyl rubber are good sound deadeners.

Can you give an update on this? Any issues with high temperatures or overheating? What is the highest ambient temp you have used this with?

I believe you can add a muffler to these as well. Nice box!

That's great. For comparison, I'd love to see your sound test with the generator off and the truck idling.

Awesome. But the lid is only plywood. I would have definitely put rubber matting on the lid

Thanx for sharing your time and effort for great result .

Try putting something to separate the bottom of it from the rubber and the box. You might be hearing vibration rather than the motor