A low-tech way to quiet down an FC generator

[Scott Forman]

Happy New Year everyone,

I have had my FC for about 2 years now, and in that time, one of the
few things I have disliked about it is the amount of noise the
generator creates in the porch area. I use my coach primarily for
college football, which means that I am rarely on hook-ups. The gen
noise has really been a draw back to me as I'm sure it is to you.

I have made good progress at quieting it down by re-insulating the
compartment inside and readjusting the door so that it fits
snug...these changes have helped reduce the engine noise down to a
reasonable level. What I hadn't been able to change, though, is the
jet-engine like racket created by the radiator fan sucking air in
through the intake grill. You FC owners know it is deafening.

I considered several fixes, from John Finn's radiator/fan relocation
to springing the bucks for a new Onan Quiet Diesel. Instead, I have
solved it for about $30 in materials and 2 hours of work.

I have built a "sound deflector". I took a piece of plywood and cut
it 20" wide by 35" high. The 20" is the approximate width of the
intake grill, and the 35" allows me to place the board on the ground
6 or 8 inches out from the coach and lean it in to the side just
above the intake grill. I finished the plywood on all sides to make
it waterproof and added a strip of rubber at the top edge so that it
wouldn't mar the paint where it leans to. Then, to the back side
that faces the intake, I stapled some of the pyramidial acoustical
foam used in recording studios and radio stations...this absorbs
sound that hits it instead of reflecting it. The end result is
amazing.

The sound from the air intake is now virtually nonexistant. Airflow
is not a problem, as the sides are still open to allow air to flow in
to the grill. The acoustical foam is the key, all the sound that
hits it is killed...without the foam, it would still be quieter, but
not nearly as much.

If you are bothered by the noise, try this fix, it is simple & cheap,
so if you don't like it, you haven't lost much. You could easily
paint the board to match your coach color and it would hardly be
noticable. Email if you have any questions or would like me to snap
a picture for you.

Scott Forman
82 FC35RB
Memphis