The Soundproof Generator Box That Actually Works!

[@omardude39]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I appreciate the comment. I did bring it camping and it worked well. I could barely hear it one campsite over, and it was silent any further than that. I just need to find a way to dampen the vibrations from the the generator shaking because that's the main sound source right now.

[@TEXASBLADE2006]

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?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Final cost was $368. It may have been hard to tell, but the exhaust vent was pointing toward the front of the truck. As a generator mechanic, you know a whole lot more than me, so I appreciate you watching.

[@opossumgrylls3275]

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

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

Schrodinger’s generator?

[@alextempleman6685]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I appreciate the comment. Yes, the plug does need to be weather proof. I just had that one on hand so that's what got used. That's funny how you remembered the pull cord. Luckily I did remember to leave myself enough room on the side to reach the pull cord. Having a stationary generator means you can go as big as you want and have plenty of room in there. I have a house generator as well. It has the factory box, but its really loud.

[@monroewt]

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!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I'm glad you liked it. I appreciate the comment.

[@wrifraff]

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!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Good luck!

[@seankinder2172]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's an excellent idea! I will look into that. I found that most of these primitive campsites do let you use a generator, but only during midday hours. Unfortunately, I'm always on the lake during those times.

[@sportscarclinic]

@@GoMidwestFishing Being on the lake during midday hours doesn't sound that unfortunate!

[@endstay]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's a great idea. Thanks for the input.

[@DeepDoseMusic]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I love hearing that you are doing the same thing. As far as the baffles at the exhaust. Since heat rises, I wanted the the exhaust grate on the back to be at the top, so to make that happen, I had to make the first turn go down from the generator exhaust. I originally thought I could fit another baffle in there which would have made that work, but in reality, there wasn't room. And yes, even though I measure twice, I still cut it wrong. If you don't make a few mistakes.. you're doing something wrong 😁

[@dantyler6907]

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!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I like that idea. My next build was going to be something that deflects the sounds into the ground. I will keep that in mind.

[@francisvazquez13]

Sorry my ignorance, the panels are set pyramid type or 90 degrees ?

[@jimbo5635]

Best generator box video on KZbin 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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

The fans worked great. It kept it plenty cool inside. The filter is a good idea.

[@andyjame28]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_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!

[@johnlucier5654]

Thats an open frame genny. Louder than bombs.

[@pavel9652]

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! ;)

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks! That made my day.

[@robertdoyen5434]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the info Robert. I think that might be a good idea.

[@Bwanar1]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree, it could use a moisture resistant outlet box. I had this one on hand, so that's why I used it. I am curious how hot it actually gets in there. I ran it for several hours while camping, and when I opened it up, it felt cool inside, so the fans must be doing a decent job.

[@johndough1738]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi John. That's awesome. Have you done any sound tests on them? I'm curious how much reduction in sound you got. I started out looking for an aluminum box, but couldn't find one the dimensions I wanted, so I made my own out of wood.

[@ZONIAN955]

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.

[@SlayermikeFishingandMORE]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I know it was a long one. I can't wait to get out to a campsite and try it out.

[@markwestcott3414]

@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...

[@dkafsky]

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

[@brencostigan]

Yep, works a treat and can be suspended to form the labyrinths in less space, dissipates heat too. Downside is the expense and weight. Have seen it used to great effect in conference rooms and offices to isolate sound.

[@fredbrillo1849]

I used a product to deafening the sound of my diesel om my sailboat using a foam product lined with lead and a protective foil. It works.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Wow, that sounds like some serious soundproofing material. I bet it works well.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Nice job - as effective as anything I've seen even at 5x the cost. To make it lighter, consider taking off the top during transport. A bit of weatherstriping around the lid might also help keep the rumble down. Fwiw, stone wool used for soundproofing is denser than the standard stone wool insulation you used, so there's opportunity to make it even quieter with the same basic design.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

[@Knardsh]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I love that idea. I designed this box to fit under the tonneau cover of my truck bed, so if I made it any bigger it wouldn't fit, but maybe a redesign with thinner outer walls, then a gap with an inner box. I will have to think about this one. In the meantime, I did bring it camping, and from the next campsite over I could barely hear it. Two sites over, it was soundproof.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

@@GoMidwestFishing I was seriously worried about heat (I live in Arizona), but your solution of butting the wall right up to the end of the generator is genius. It seems very little of the heat would build up in the actual box as it immediately exits into the next 'room'. Now that it's gone through a summer, how did it really hold up to the temperatures in your area?

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

@@GoMidwestFishing And one more thing. Your box doesn't appear to need any improvement, but you did ask for suggestions... (Of course I'll take the bait! lol!) Seriously, if you added some foam to all the hard walls it might improve your outcome.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284 So far its been working just fine. Its a struggle to lift it into my truck, so really, just finding a lighter design is my next goal. I'm thinking of an angled cover that just goes over the top and deflects the sound into the ground. I'm still working on the details though.

[@PeterLawton]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That is a good idea. If I do a second design, I will be sure to do that.

[@redsquirrelftw]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's a great idea. I hope it works out for you.

[@shigatsuningen]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Very interesting. I did not consider a vacuum chamber. Thanks for the great idea.

[@shigatsuningen]

@@GoMidwestFishing Just consider everywhere you put supporting pieces in not to get the compartment to implode on it self you will experience less reduction of sound. Double vacuum barriers with cross mounted trusses may counter this phenomena so the support does act as a direct line through interior segments.

[@LetsGoYall]

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!

[@Asidebar]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Yep. its about as quiet as it gets. I just don't like being the annoying camper with a generator, so I'm trying to make it soundproof. Thanks for stopping by.

[@yvanpimentel9950]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

[@tjay7233]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

My pleasure!

[@DpuckFishingandOutdoors]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Haha, that's the first time I've been called Bob Villa. I'll take that as a compliment. Now to test it out in the real world.

[@volitionglobal]

Followed your design and built one of these, it's worked a treat, I put in one more baffle and the noise is extrememly low humm, can talk quietly with it running right beside you. Thanks for you help. I'll upload mine to youtube when I get a chance and post the link. Thanks again for your share!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That is awesome! I would love to see yours. Share the link in this post and I will pin the comment to the top so other people can see it as well.

[@DeezNuttz_BoffaDem]

Let me know if you get around to posting your design. I’d love to see it.

[@annwithaplan9766]

@@GoMidwestFishing - I was going to suggest to you @GoMidwestFishing that you put in another board to make it travel even father. It reminds me of how they made the Bose Acoustic Wave Music System (I was one of the first reps for their original back in the early 80's). That's how their speaker sides were built.

[@AdrianvanEeden]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Those AC powered fans I used put out a lot of air and I've had no trouble keeping it cool with them. I'm not sure how much heat your air compressor will give off, but just having a stream of air blowing through it should work.

[@Kcube989]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I did not put an actual thermometer in there, but when I opened it after hours of use, I did not feel any heat in there. These fans really push a lot of air through the box. The weight does make it hard to move, but if you are making a stationary one, that shouldn't matter. Good luck!

[@mattwaters6987]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks. It does work well, but way too heavy. I might work on a second edition that's much lighter. I've gotten lots of good input that I can use on my next design.

[@IM-jy2ks]

👏👏👏 In principle Excellent 1st try! Get a thermometer & measure the internal temp. That Honda generator could surprise you & melt the plastic covering. Would go with a low wattage extraction fan with a ~28 to 32db range. The good ones are pricy but they offer a live temp reading.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the tip. I will consider it if I make a second version.

[@steventhubbard]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi Steven. Excellent idea. I like that one and will try it out if I make another version. Thanks for the input.

[@WesLovelace]

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!!😎

[@GoMidwestFishing]

We don't have hurricane's here, but my home generator gets quite a workout. It just ran for 12 hours yesterday when 12 inches of snow fell and knocked over a bunch of trees onto the power lines. If its not the weather, then its usually a car hitting a telephone pole. Good thing I live in the country and can be as loud as I want.

[@WesLovelace]

@@GoMidwestFishing In all the years of having this coastal property I've only been without power 3 days.....I've lost 4 trees to lightning and parts of 2 trees to down drafts....These coastal storms get violent and I've had parts of 9 hurricanes/tropical storms run over the house with no damage!!

[@mystic22222]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I never thought of that. I do see how it can be a problem though. I did find out that the state parks without any electrical service, do allow generators during daylight hours. I still want to be as quiet as possible though. I may experiment with solar next year. Thanks for the feedback.

[@toddspencer2149]

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!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi Todd. I see your point. I did not try it without the truck bed cover. I'm finding that most of the noise I can hear is a rumble from the the generator vibrating, not so much the exhaust. I'm wondering if suspending it, or putting some vibration proof pads under it would help.

[@toddspencer2149]

@@GoMidwestFishing I would imagine it would help some at least. How much I wouldn't know but it is a very cool set up. And you are right most of the other ones I have seen don't have nearly as good results as yours does.

[@seanmuehlhauser9612]

You gave me some really good ideas. You could have built a few more baffles on both ends and changed the fan intake system up some but definitely like the ideas.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the input. I'm finding that the little noise coming from it seems to be from the generator vibrations, not so much the exhaust noise. Maybe some vibration absorbing pads underneath it?

[@seanmuehlhauser9612]

@@GoMidwestFishing yeah I have been figuring out the darn engines are loud and not really the exhaust so much. Back to designing something different now. Dynomat Lol!

[@badgerchillsky535]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

The more material the better! That would really work well for a permanent structure. Now I just got to figure out how to make it better and more portable. I appreciate the input.

[@diamous]

I wonder if we can use glass for another layer of insulation? I seems glass is great for blocking sound. what do you think?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I'm not sure about glass. I'd have to experiment with it to see. Most of the sound seems to be coming from the generator vibrating. If I can dampen the vibrations, I think that would help the most. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@chrisschaerli4035]

This is something I have been looking into too. The tough part is cost of solar is getting to the point where for around $1000 you can build or buy a 200ah lithium battery and adequate solar panels to keep the battery going and you just need a basic inverter to get 110v. I still like the box idea as a backup though

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Solar does seem to be a popular choice these days. I think it would work well for just keeping the basics charged up, but for charging things like deep cycle marine batteries, you need a lot of power. I'm fishing all day when the sun is out, so the only time I can charge it is in the evening, so solar isn't going to cut it. It would be nice to have the option of either one though.

[@chrisschaerli4035]

@@GoMidwestFishing Could you just get two Lithium batteries and keep one hooked up to your boat and the other on shore charging and then swap them at night? I replaced the deep cycle batter with two Lithium batteries that weighed less than the one deep cycle and basically doubled my battery life.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@chrisschaerli4035 That's actually a great idea. I haven't thought of that yet.

[@hamiltonharper]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Haha.. you never know when you'll need one.

[@chinkajack]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's exactly what I found as well. I'm thinking of finding a ways to dampen the vibrations coming from the engine. Maybe suspend it with straps? If you got any good ideas, let me know.

[@chinkajack]

@@GoMidwestFishing Honda 2000i weighs 46.5 lbs. What would you suspend it with? Bungees (stretch cord) would stretch over time so something like seatbelt (or similar) webbing? - Webbing with a rubber section to lessen vibration might be do-able (might be overkill). But fastening the rubber section to the webbing so that the rubber doesn't wear and then break over time might be an issue. - Webbing with an elastic section sewn in would also stretch over time. Just using webbing could work and its simple. Could support the Honda on Sorbothane. Unfortunately its not cheap so maybe just use enough to support the 4 corners of the Honda. - Not sure it would be good in terms of wear and tear (of the Sorbothane - i know about this product but have never actually used it). - Otherwise could place the Honda on sheet of rubber which is on another board and that sits on the Sorbothane > so you have the floor of your quiet box (as you have currently built it (not the bare wood)) then Sorbothane, another (thinner) board, rubber, then the Honda on that - am thinking of stability and simplicity in regard to removing/placing the Honda when necessary. I am at present attempting to build a quiet box for my Honda EU10i using your design (thank-you VERY much for KZbin-ing it).

[@chinkajack]

There was mention of the box being made by someone else and they didn't use fans. USE FANS. I made a similar box using ply instead of the type of particle board in the video (I am unable to get the same board as is used in the video). I built the box with same design as in the video, but with no fans and i added a pipe to vent the exhaust straight out (i cut additional holes for that). When I put insulation all the way around - on the sides and the top of the Honda, it got too hot inside the box when the lid its closed. With just the insulation around the sides and the lid closed, the Honda's casing still got too hot to comfortably touch. I ended up removing all the insulation to increase airflow (NO FANS) around the Honda EU10i inverter generator (different model to the one in the video). When NOT USING FANS, the Honda needs as much airflow as possible around it. I need to prop the lid open so it angles the breeze into the box and a better temperature level is maintained inside the box. The Honda is comfortable to touch with it this way. So, with the lid open the Honda is still quieter in the box with the lid ajar than if it wasn't enclosed at all. Its about as loud as an idling car and at a (comparable) distance (as in the video) the sound drops off substantially. So, no night time power for me until i get the deep cycle batteries I want. :)

[@busterhyman6633]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for all the info. My instinct was to have the first baffle so the exhaust would go up. The reason I didn't is because I wanted the exhaust to exit at the top of the box. If I had room for one more baffle, I could have made this work. I ran this for a couple hours when camping. When I opened it up, it was still cool inside. Those fans really push a lot of air through and kept it at a good temp. Thanks for your input.

[@thisone.]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Great idea. I will look into it. Thanks.

[@FixItYerself]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the info and checking it out.

[@laurarichards5732]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hey, I'm a beginner too. These are all good questions. You can make the box any size you want. I will warn you though, that this box was heavy! If you want it to be portable, it will have to stay small. Otherwise, you can make it as heavy as you want if it will stay stationary. I think some insulation between generators would help dampen the noise. Just make sure they each have adequate air flow for cooling. Good luck on the build!

[@24nikita]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I'm fine with the sound. It's my neighboring campers I'm trying to protect, so ear plugs probably won't work, unless I pass them out to everyone. The silencer is a good idea though.

[@petekraemer6613]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the info Pete. Its too bad people can't just leave things alone.

[@WWDtmelcher]

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?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi tmelch. I ran it for a while and it doesn't get very hot, so I'm not very concerned. The fans inside really push a lot of air through. If it does get hot, I could easily take it out of the box to let it cool. Right now, my only main concern is the weight. It takes two people to move it around.

[@fuzfire]

Put wheels on it

[@donyates749]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the info. I ran it for hours and it stayed cool inside, so heat wasn't an issue.

[@JasonMcFly]

Fellow Wisconsinite here, south central. Awesome video! Liked and subscribed

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Glad to have you as part of the family.

[@ChaJ67]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

You bring up lots of good points. Thanks for al the info.

[@tristanschaper281]

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?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I used it on my camping trip in the fall. Ran it for a few hours at a time in 70 degree weather. It stayed nice and cool inside the box. No problems with overheating at all, although it wasn't that hot out, but I don't think it would have mattered. It works great. My only concern is the weight. Its hard to move around by myself. I'm thinking up some lighter weight designs for my next version.

[@jameskringlee8974]

for quietly moving a lot of air at lowest cost at a low pressure a 20 inch box fan comes to mind, Those 2 fans sounded much louder.and operating at a higher pressure? I do not know if the low pressure 20 inch fan would work with all the turns in the air path.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's an interesting idea. I don't see why it wouldn't work. It would take up more space, but it that doesn't matter then I think it would work.

[@artest7]

Wow! I Can barely here it watching it with my phone. 2 Questions Please? 1- Is it totally rain proof (sorry if u already mentioned this in ur video)? 2- if anything…..What would you do different if you had to build it all over again? Thank you sir! Art

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I painted it with an exterior paint, so it should be waterproof, for a while anyway. You can always coat it in something more waterproof. My only real issue is the weight. Its hard for one person to move around. I would like it to be more portable, which means making a lighter weight version.

[@artest7]

Unfortunately I wud think the weight comes along with how effective it is no? Wouldn’t switching to a lighter weight material make it louder. That’s what I’ve been finding out anyway. Thx

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@artest7 Yes, the heavy weight is what's blocking the sound. I'm just wondering of there is another way to get results. Like making angles to direct the sound into the ground. Just playing with some new ideas.

[@VdubSPAZ]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Even a little wind was causing a big jump in the meter. I did consider a decibel meter, but I had no use for it other than this test, so I just went with the phone app. Thanks for the info!

[@yuriykhmaruk9399]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the info!

[@HilltownCreations]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Nice to see some locals on here. Thanks!

[@sdk8555]

Thanx for sharing your time and effort for great result .

[@jimmybrad156]

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

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Impressive build!

[@jimwes8479]

Perfect thank you guys

[@koolkevin2357]

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.

[@papshumidor]

Could there possibly be an area off-site of the primitive area? May be a bit of a hassle but at least you don't put yourself in jeopardy of being asked to leave, and not allowed back, any way great video I plan on building something similar myself, thanks for the content man

[@papshumidor]

Maybe you could have sprayed the entire insidesurfaces of the osb with a rhino liner type product, for an added layer of sound deadening

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I found out that the state parks that have no electrical service allow generators during day light hours, so we didn't have to break any rules. Rhino liner would help a little bit. From what I read though, any type of "soundproof paint" doesn't do a whole lot. Its just too thin of a material. It may help a little but, but not really worth the trouble. Thanks for the input!

[@caryreed1563]

Wow great job!

[@Superkuh2]

What a baffling video.

[@nmatthew7469]

I'm bafuddled by your comment.

[@leeinwis]

@@nmatthew7469 befuddled , and it's not even a pun .

[@tommygood2929]

Awesome work!!! Thank you!

[@johnstraw6138]

Could also use a liquid cooled genset

[@johnhubble5373]

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

[@mb_a5383]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Great idea. That would make it much easier to transport. Right now I use my tractor to lift it into my truck.

[@char_herm]

This is awesome Rande!!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks Charlie. I will get to test it out in June to see if it actually works well enough. How's life treating you?

[@char_herm]

@@GoMidwestFishing awesome! I hope you put out a review video! Life is good! Keeping the greasy side down!

[@anontimothy8]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's a great observation. You are right on! I found that the vibrations are causing the most sound. I will look for something to keep it from vibrating the box.

[@mazin_0_0]

This is what I am looking for.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

It worked well, but it is also really heavy. I'm working on a lighter version that will be more portable.

[@froesefamilyadventures4616]

How about considering a Tonneau cover made of solar panels?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Never thought of that. I have a soft tonneau cover which probably wouldn't work, but I think that might work well with a hard cover. Great idea. Keep them coming.

[@keithposter5543]

Brilliant stuff - bravo!

[@bryanrussell6679]

Honestly, i think some solar panels and an inverter and a battery might be an easier, cheaper, and more mobile solution. It also avoids breaking the "no generators allowed" rule. Just because you can't hear it doesn't mean it isn't there. The tree that falls in the woods without someone hearing the sound of it happening still results in a once standing tree now being on the ground.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the feedback. Solar panels would work for the camper, but I think the trolling motor would require too much power for the solar panels to properly charge it.

[@bryanrussell6679]

@@GoMidwestFishing You may be right. And I'll be the first to tell you I'm no expert on solar. But a lot of what I've been seeing lately has been quite a bit better than I previously thought could be achieved with solar charging. One thing I wanted to mention about your sound proof box is that it's also going to be a heck of a thermal insulator. The enclosed generator already has a more limited cooling capacity than an open frame generator. I'd be worried about it overheating in that box, even with the fans. But if it's only used in small amounts it might be ok. You know your generator better than I do, and I'm sure you've considered that. But just in case, my two cents.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@bryanrussell6679 I think I might experiment with solar just for the fun of it. I was concerned about overheating too, but after testing it for hours, it stayed nice and cool inside. Those fans push a lot of air through the box and keep it cool.

[@bryanrussell6679]

@@GoMidwestFishing That's good to hear. Have you taken the camping trip yet? Just curious on how it worked out.

[@deadeye3666]

I have the same goal. Need to charge 300ah of trolling batteries at a WI State Park campground. Wish me luck

[@darthmatt4120]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Room inside was getting a little tight, so I had to make the lid a little thinner so it would shut. Otherwise having rubber on the lid would have helped. Thanks for the comment.

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

Use Industrial Grade Noctua Fans. You can shave off 10-15 dBs with that swap out.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks for the tip. Do they run on 110 AC?

[@bryanrussell6679]

Asphault and butyl rubber are good sound deadeners.

[@saggy028]

Nice build use a layer of sheet lead

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I'm sure sheet lead would work great. Its probably super heavy too! I need to figure out a way to make this more portable. It already weights 240lbs. The lead would be great in a stationary set up though.

[@tim196868]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's super quiet!

[@old-n-still-runnin1597]

Noise cancelation woofer for the low rumble?

[@patrickhenigin4805]

I like that. Got a design?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I actually looked into that. It would have cost a lot and would have been complicated to install, so I didn't go that route.

[@hilaireoloughlin]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi. The only reason I'm not using a power bank is because charging the trolling motor with two large marine batteries would deplete the power bank in one charge. I need to charge the motor every night for several nights in a row. If you want to put a sound box at your cabin, you could make the box bigger to have more wiggle room inside since you probably wouldn't need to move it. Then you could add access doors wherever you need them. I appreciate the comment.

[@petersmith8765]

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

[@RogerKey-h1e]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

That's an idea I haven't heard yet. I bet its possible, but I would need some help getting that set up. I'm finding that most of the noise is from the generator vibrating. I need to find a way to dampen the vibrations.

[@royspeakman1157]

Brilliant !

[@davidschroeder9650]

How much does this weigh? What about the heat and exhaust created?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Hi David. Its heavy at 241 pounds. That's why I put a handle and some wheels on it. Unfortunately, heavy materials are better at blocking sound, so unless we can figure out another way, I'm not sure how to make it lighter.

[@JohnAmes]

Great video my friend

[@patrickhenigin4805]

"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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Sure, here is where I got that info: acousticalsolutions.com/soundproofing-small-loud-machines/#:~:text=Sound%20doesn't%20like%20to,with%20them%20as%20they%20leave.

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

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 😁👍

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Thanks Dave. I'd love to have a battery power station, but I think it would be dead after one charge. My trolling motor takes a heavy draw. Maybe I could get some solar panels to recharge the power station while I'm fishing during the day. Reggie's been wanting me to get some solar panels anyway.

[@CreachterZ]

Then get a gas generator to recharge the battery every day? Not a great plan.

[@fuzfire]

I have a power Bank all in one EcoFlow and 1 400 watt portable solar panel. My way is to use my Ai Power dual fuel UAS 2000 ID INVERTER GENERATOR TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY BANK. SO NOISE FOR AN HOUR OR SO AND QUIET FOR 7 OR 8 HOURS.

[@goranvuletic8873]

I suggest that you suspend the generator or simply put a soft bottom under it, to prevent the vibrations spreading around the box.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Suspending the generator is my next idea to try. It currently is sitting on 3/4 inch rubber, then 3/4 inch plywood, followed by another 3/4 inch rubber feet on the bottom of the box. The vibrations still create much of the noise. I think suspending it would be the way to go. Thanks for your input.

[@steveanimatrix3887]

@@GoMidwestFishing I would suggest looking at sorbothane as a vibration dampening material. It's a very soft, plyable rubber. It reduced the sounds of my 3d printer by preventing sound transfer through the feet into the stand by about 4x, and I've since put on some large exhaust fans that sat on the floor and totally killed that sound as well. Good stuff.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@steveanimatrix3887 Sounds good. I'm going to look that stuff up now.

[@johnlucier5654]

Have you tested this on a hot summer day under load?

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I have only run it in the fall. It was in the 70's and it ran for several hours under load, and stayed nice and cool. Those fans really push a lot of air through the case. This box works really good, but its so heavy, that it makes it less portable than I would like. I have a new, lighter weight design in my head that I might try making this coming year.

[@johnlucier5654]

@@GoMidwestFishingi was halfway finished with one for a predator 2000 then someone stole the gen. I replaced it with a champion 2500 might still finish it who knows. Its designed to be barely bigger than the gen and use a very powerful 4" duct blower for forced cooling. Think its outside dimensions were 19" h x 16" w x 26"l.. plus the blower is on the outside.. labyrinth at each end. Was going to put the blower on the exhaust end. Theres a guy in an rv forum that did a writeup on a hush box he did for an eu2000, apparantly he found the cooling system worked so well he didnt need fans. In that thread someone linked to a youtube video of a compilation of japanese honda gen owners who made some very impressive enclosures. Noise is a big no no over there. Sorry dont have a link.

[@johnlucier5654]

@@GoMidwestFishing Ive built hush boxes for a big shop vac and a dewalt 4 gallon 4.5 cfm compressor. The vacuum was easy I used 4 6.75" fans i got surplus, 2 in and 2 out. The compressor i ended up doing 2 enclosures, one over another. Had remote tank drain and a mechanical thermometer in the oil dipstick to monitor the heat for continuous operation. You could barely hear it standing next to it. Neither had internal combustion engines to deal with.

[@robertboyer5498]

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.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

There is not a whole lot of room on the A frame, so you will have to get creative. I hope it works out for you.

[@robertboyer5498]

@@GoMidwestFishing I’m going to use a Stromberg-Carlson trailer tray.

[@freelectron2029]

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

[@jimdavenport4484]

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

[@GoMidwestFishing]

The main issue is that my trolling motor needs to be charged. It has two 100ah lithium batteries. The power station might barely recharge it once. Solar won't work because I fish all day and charge the boat at night. I would love to not use a generator, but I don't see any real alternative at the moment.

[@tylerfoss3346]

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!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

I think you are right on with that comment. It is a heavy beast, which makes it not very portable. I think putting the generator on the ground with a box that goes over the top would work better. That way the ground can absorb a lot of the sound. Then I could use lighter weight materials to deflect and absorb sound. There might be a generator box 2.0 next spring. I appreciate the feedback.