Generators supply the power you need while you’re camping.
But that power can come at a price… and we’re not talking about money, but noise!
Generators are often really loud. And some campgrounds have a limit on how loud a generator can be and may ask you to turn your generator off (or leave) if it’s over that limit.
So, we wanted to highlight a few of the quietest camping generators on the market. Plus, why you NEED to look at more than just noise level when choosing the best generator for you.
Overview
Generator Comparison Table
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3 Best Quiet Generators Reviewed
Here’s a breakdown of three of the quietest generators on the market and the pros and cons of each.
*Important: We picked and tested the quietest models we could find from a few different sizes and types of generators. This is important because you should look at more than just noise level. Fuel consumption, portability, size, and so on are just as important (if not more) when choosing the best generator for camping. We get into more detail on this below.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Power Station is a versatile and powerful solution for those seeking a quiet generator for camping.
This power station is not just a generator; it’s a portable powerhouse that offers a wide range of features to meet your outdoor power needs.
The AC200MAX comes with a massive 2048Wh capacity and a 2200W AC inverter, which can power up to 16 devices simultaneously. This makes it ideal for camping trips where you might need to power multiple devices at once. And unlike many other solar generators, the AC200MAX has a special built-in 30A NEMA TT-30 outlet and a 12V 30A powerful DC outlet.
One of the standout features of the AC200MAX is its expandability. It can be paired with the B230 or B300 battery modules to expand its capacity up to a whopping 8192Wh, ensuring you have enough power for longer trips or larger devices.
The AC200MAX also boasts an impressive recharge time. With the dual AC adapter, it can be fully recharged in just 2.5 hours. It also supports solar charging with a maximum input of 700W, making it a great option for sustainable energy use.
Based on various reviews, users have praised the AC200MAX for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for camping. There is a fan noise that measures about 41 decibels from a meter away, which is extremely quiet compared to your typical gas-powered generator.
Users have also noted the AC200MAX’s versatility and power. It has been used to power a variety of devices, from small electronics like phones and laptops to larger appliances like refrigerators. I did notice mixed reviews on powering RV AC units, which I’m sure wholly depends on the size of the unit, its starting surge, and how long you plan to run it.
The expandability of the AC200MAX has also been a hit with users. The ability to add additional battery modules means you can customize the power station to meet your specific needs. This feature has been particularly useful for those on longer trips or those who need to power larger devices.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Portable Power Station
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WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Now we’re going to take a big jump up in power with the WEN 56200i 2000-watt portable inverter generator.
But don’t let that big jump in power fool you! This model is still extremely affordable (the cheapest one on this list) and lightweight at only 48 pounds. Plus, it’s on the very low end of the noise scale as far as gasoline-powered generators go coming in at only 51 dB (at low load). That’s quieter than the sound of a normal conversation (which is 60 decibels).
This super quiet generator includes two 3-prong 120-volt receptacles, one 12-volt receptacle, and one 5-volt USB port to power various devices and appliances. Plus, the eco mode feature will adjust its fuel consumption to match the power output at any given time.
And if you love the quiet operation of this unit but need more power, you can link two of these generators together with the WEN parallel kit.
We struggled to find any real downsides to this unit other than it may not provide enough power depending on your needs. Wen does have more powerful portable generators, but you’ll be increasing the noise level as well, so it’s kind of a give-and-take.
WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
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Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Like I said earlier, we want to feature the quietest generators for camping that are different sizes and types since everybody has different power needs.
With that said, we had to add the Champion 3400 Watt Generator to this list because of its high power output and low noise level. Is it the quietest generator on the market? No, but trust us, you don’t want an entire list of low-power solar generators…
The Champion 3400 Watt Generator features ultra-quiet operation at only 59 decibels, which is great considering it pumps out 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts!
This unit works right out of the box using either gasoline or propane. Plus, it features a convenient electric start, a 120V 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets, and a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.
And you can buy with confidence with Champion’s 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support!
Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
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Honorable Mentions
Because everybody has different power needs, price points, and varying tolerance levels for noise, we thought it would be useful to throw together a table of the most popular generators measuring under 60 decibels. If one of the models above doesn’t match your needs, perhaps one of these will.
| Generator | DB Rating | Watts | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 48-57 dB | 2200W | Gas |
| Yamaha EF2000iSv2 | 51.5 dB | 2000W | Gas |
| Generac 7117 GP2200i | 51 dB | 2200W | Gas |
| Westinghouse iGen2200 | 52 dB | 2200W | Gas |
| Briggs & Stratton P2400 Power Smart Series | 58 dB | 2400W | Gas |
| WEN 56203i | 51 dB | 2000W | Gas |
| Honda EU7000IS | 58 dB | 7000W | Gas |
| Honda EU3000IS | 57 dB | 3000W | Gas |
| A-iPower SUA2000iV | 52 dB | 2000W | Gas |
Do I Really Want the Quietest Generator?
The three generators we tested and reviewed above are all great models that are quieter than most of their rivals, especially at their respective power outputs.
But… you really need to look at more than just a generator’s noise level when trying to find the best generator for your next camping trip.
Fuel consumption, portability, size, and so on are all extremely important factors to consider when looking at generators. In fact, what’s the point in having the quietest generator if it doesn’t meet your power needs or uses a fuel source that isn’t readily available?
If one of the models above fits your needs, great! You’ll be able to get a quiet generator plus all the power you need (and more) to get you through your camping trip.
If not, you need to find a generator that fits your needs with the lowest dB rating. But we recommend you find the one that fits all your needs first, then look at the noise level last.
How Can I Make My Camping Generator Quieter?
If you currently have a generator that is a little louder than you’d like, or maybe the generator that fits your power needs has a fairly high dB rating, you can effectively make it quieter with a few tips.
Location
Of course, the closer you are to your generator, the louder it will be. Plus, objects between you and your generator will help dampen the noise. So, placing your generator as far as away as possible and behind your RV, for example, will help lower the noise level.
Just keep in mind, the farther away it is from you, might mean it’s closer to somebody else. So keep your camping neighbors in mind when strategically placing your generator.
Adjust Exhaust Pipes
Another simple tip is to adjust the position of the generator, so the loud exhaust pipes face away from you. This won’t have a huge impact but will help reduce the noise level. Plus, it works well in conjunction with the above tip.
Reduce Vibration
Generators create a lot of vibration, and the sound it makes is amplified when the unit is placed on a hard surface like wood or metal.
You can reduce this vibration by attaching rubber feet to your generator (if it doesn’t already have them) and/or by placing it on a soft surface like the earth to help reduce vibrations.
Regular Maintenance
General maintenance can go a long way in keeping your generator running as smoothly and quietly as possible. Replacing the muffler can have a huge effect on the noise level. Plus, regular oil changes will help your generator run as quietly as possible. In fact, if a generator seems to be running louder than normal, the first thing we like to check is the oil.
Sound Dampening Box
Lastly, you can build a sound-dampening box to put your generator in. The upside to this is obvious, it will reduce the noise level of your generator. But you have to make sure the box provides adequate ventilation. And it’s just another thing to take with you on your camping trip.
How Quiet Should a Generator Be for Camping?
It’s generally recommended to use a generator that operates at a noise level of 60 decibels or less at a distance of 5 feet. This is roughly equivalent to the noise level of a normal conversation. However, many campgrounds have specific rules and regulations regarding generator use and noise levels. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the specific rules of the campground where you plan to stay.
Is 65 dB Loud For a Generator?
This is going to come down to personal preference. 65 dB may be loud to you but might not seem loud at all to me (I have three kids and am used to loud noises).
Again, a normal conversation is around 60 decibels. A business office hovers around 60-65 decibels. And a vacuum cleaner is around 75 decibels on average, according to the Yale decibel comparison chart.
Remember that a decibel rating of 60 or higher may get you in trouble at some campsites. And regardless of what a generator is rated decibel-wise, many factors contribute to noise levels – like how hard your generator is working, where it’s located, etc.
What Size Generator Do I Need for Camping?
As we mentioned above, there’s much more to a portable generator than just the noise level. And one of the most important considerations is size! In a nutshell, you want to ensure your generator can supply all the power you need for your camping trip. This is important to get right, which is why we created an entire article on choosing the right-sized generator for your camper, along with a free calculator to help you figure out your power needs!