Silent generators

Jazzybaby replied on 17/10/2019 15:22

Posted on 17/10/2019 15:22

Hi all, has anyone got any experience of the so called silent generators and if so how silent are they? In a nutshell after owning a caravan for the last 25 years we have only ever been off grid for one week end in June this year and tbh I didn't  really enjoy the experience not being connected via the umbilical cord.  We have just had our electric pitch cancelled this week end but have been offered a non electric pitch instead,  I have tried to find an alternative site in the same area but there is nothing available.  A work colleague suggested hiring a silent generator but I don't know anything about generators. I certainly don't want to annoy the immediate neighbours unless of course they could hook up as well. 

lornalou1 replied on 17/10/2019 15:45

Posted on 17/10/2019 15:45

there's no such thing as a silent generator, yes some are more quiet than others but during the night you will here it running and the same during the day. It would also have to be quite a size to get  the same as an EHU.

ocsid replied on 17/10/2019 16:40

Posted on 17/10/2019 16:40

We have the small Honda so about as quiet as you could get, however its noise is going to be evident to all those with decent hearing out to about 75 metres as an estimate. If like me, they will find other people's generators irritating, the more so the generally quieter the background noise.

You can mitigate things if there is a large trunk tree to "hide" it behind as the noise is largely direction, so out of sight behind some high mass feature leads to some reduction.

Whilst that might sound all negative it is worth exploring how much you would require it to be running, and if not profligate that could be minimal just to keep the battery in a decent state of charge.

Such a small generator, ours is 650 Watt, really can't replicate in any way a 16 Amp EHU, so if it is hair dryers or similar high powered devices forget it. It is way large enough to keep the lights working and battery topped up if used for a couple of hours, so better replicates a good solar system.

Therefore, if you think in terms of your lighting for as long as needed and 2 to 3 hours of TV in the evening, work the heating systems electronics, and can find the time to run it with minimal hassle to others for a couple of hours, it is viable. You will need to run the fridge and power the heating by gas, budget this time of the year 6 plus Kgs a week unless it turns bitter.

Ask much more and you are going to be a pain in the butt to any of the more sensitive souls on site, which IMO is unfair. Load your Kindles up and look into having a different sort of break and it is workable , as qualified above.

young thomas replied on 17/10/2019 18:29

Posted on 17/10/2019 18:29

with just a weekend on a pitch, what specifically are your 'power' concerns?

lights and a couple of hours TV over 2 days wont seriously tax a fully charged battery....but what about other things?

heat and hot water is easily covered by your gas bottle (youll be pleasantly surprised at how well it performs), also your fridge will work just as well on gas....and over one weekend, even if chilly, you wont use that much gas.

electrical devices can easily be charged ising usb sockets (or adapter).

hair can be dried in the washrooms...im assuming that there is power and hot water available for showers as you mentioned an electric pitch being cancelled...

so, over just two days, i dont think you'll be needing a generator.

you could even take a 2nd battery to ease your fears...

good luck, relax and enjoy your break smile

replied on 17/10/2019 19:35

Posted on 17/10/2019 19:35

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Bluemalaga replied on 17/10/2019 20:48

Posted on 17/10/2019 20:48

I have a silent Honda generator that was used for another purpose than caravanning and I would not have the nerve to use it on site as it is far from silent, especially when an extra demand is called for such as extra lighting or the kettle, when the revs increased along with the noise.

Our last trip with the van was a couple of months ago now, but the VW campervan pitched next to us felt the need to keep a diesel generator on all night. It woke me up on several occasions, perhaps when called upon to provide a bit more power. The chap was not to concerned and explained that as it was on the van it was acceptable to use all night to keep the van warm. Perhaps they forgot their duvets. Not sure how loud it was in their van, but fortunately we were moving on the next morning.

I would definitely explore the solar panel and, or extra battery option, unless you are wild camping away from others perhaps.

richardandros replied on 18/10/2019 08:03

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:03

I had a so-called ‘silent’ Honda generator on one of my boats and whilst it was OK if moored up in the middle of nowhere, there’s no way I would have used it with others around. They’re fine on tickover but as soon as the load comes on they’re anything but silent. In this day and age, solar is definitely the way to go.

replied on 18/10/2019 08:23

Posted on 17/10/2019 19:35 by

For less than a generator your could buy a portable solar panel go green and not risk upsetting your neighbours.  

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:23

Jazzy is talking about a 'one off' weekend off grid and hiring. 

replied on 18/10/2019 08:50

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:23 by

Jazzy is talking about a 'one off' weekend off grid and hiring. 

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:50

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

replied on 18/10/2019 08:56

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:50 by

Strangely I was aware of that undecided.  If you have a look you will find that hire prices for a small Honda suitcase generator are in excess of £60-£80 for the weekend.  For around £100 one can purchase a 100w SP cover the w/e and be ready for off grid next time. 

Posted on 18/10/2019 08:56

Nothing strange DD. I just thought that, like the rest of mankind, you might have been fallible and not noticed. Silly of me wasn't it.

Personally, if I was not happy of grid I suspect that there might be an alternative site

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