Leave a Comment
Camper FAQs is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Three of the quietest generators suitable for camping are the Bluetti AC200MAX, WEN 56200i, and Champion 3400, which are all rated under 60 dBs.
There are other quiet generators, which I highlight below, but these 3 cover a wide wattage range (2000-3400 watts), so you’ll be able to find the best generator for your camping needs.
Comparison Table
*Buying through links in this chart may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
1. 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.
Pros
- Massive 2048Wh capacity and 2200W AC inverter
- Can power up to 16 devices simultaneously
- Variety of output options for versatility
- Includes a 30-amp outlet
- Expandable with additional battery modules
- Fast recharge time with dual AC adapter
- Supports solar charging
- Quietest generator on this list
Cons
- The unit is quite heavy (62 pounds), which may make it less portable for some users
- The initial cost is high, although the versatility and power may justify the price for many users
BLUETTI AC200MAX Portable Power Station
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
2. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Now, I’m 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.
I 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.
Pros
- Most affordable generator on our list
- Lightweight
- Very quiet at only 51 dB’s
- Eco mode to help save fuel
- Can chain together two Wen generators for double the power
Cons
- Only real con is that it may not provide enough power for your camping needs
WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
As I said earlier, I want to feature quiet generators that are different sizes and types since everybody has different power needs.
With that said, I 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!
Pros
- Lot’s of power at a low level of noise
- Can use gasoline or propane
- Parallel ready
- Fuel efficient economy mode
- RV ready
- Portable inverter generator so you can safely charge sensitive electronics
- Industry-leading warranty and support
Cons
- The loudest generator on this list. But, if you need the power this is one of the quietest generators you can get your hands on.
Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Honorable Mentions
Because everybody has different power needs, price points, and varying tolerance levels for noise, I 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 |
| 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 |
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.
How Can I Make My 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Reduce Vibration
Generators create a lot of vibration, and the sound they make 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.
4. 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 I like to check is the oil.
5. 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.