Camping with generator that keeps you up half the night isn't the ideal setup when looking for a relaxing, peaceful escape into nature. Are you looking for a quiet RV generator  that can give you energy without being too loud? If the answer is yes, well, then you've come to the right place. 

Many camping generators for sale claim to be quiet, but which ones pull through? If you're interested in one of the newest quietest generators on the market, read on. We'll also discuss the specifics of what is considered a quiet generator and a few rules for using generators at campgrounds.

What is the quietest generator for RV camping?

The quietest generators for camping  are often going to be newer models because of innovative technology. 

The Onan RV generator QG 2800i / 2500i is one of the newest families of both gasoline and liquid propane generators. Both types are 62.7% quieter with 60.6% less vibration than any other Cummins generator. Another innovation that this new line of generators brings is how they can vary their engine speed to run as fast as needed. This means nearly a 50% improvement in fuel consumption with cleaner power for sensitive electronics. 

These two generators are 2800 watts and 2500 watts. They are inverter-based generators that can be used for Class B and truck campers. 

With Onan generators, adventurers are getting a quieter and more efficient generator; they're also getting a product that is easy to operate and maintain, with fewer required maintenance checks. With the move to electronic fuel injection, fuel varnishing issues are eliminated, resulting in the generator being 9% lighter than other Cummins generators.

What is considered quiet for a generator?

Noise can be subjective. From a general standpoint, if a generator has fewer than 60 decibels while running a quarter load, it is considered quiet. For a comparison, when two people have an average conversation, the rate of their voices is at 60 decibels (dB). A whisper is about 30 decibels. However, these decibel levels will ultimately depend on how far away from the conversation you are, since noise levels are greatly affected by distance. To truly find out how loud your generator is at a certain distance, use a distance attenuation calculator.

How loud can a generator be in a campground?

Loud and noisy generators are annoying no matter where you are. However, campgrounds are especially sensitive to noisy or disturbing sounds. To ensure that no one is too disturbed by loud sounds, nearly all national park campgrounds require all noises to be under 60 decibels within a 50 foot radius. This includes generators. 

Some campgrounds do not allow generators at all. Other campgrounds have designated areas or specific times of the day where they allow generators. 

The National Park Services allows select campers to use generators, but they may not exceed a noise level of 60 decibels at 50 feet.

Hear the silence of the night, with the Onan generator

There is a Green Onan generator that meets your RV's needs—whether you're looking for small gasoline, LP,  or larger diesel-powered models. Cummins has the best-selling line of generators in RV history. Along with Onan's dependable power and easy operation, you'll get connected to a vast support team with 1,500+ service locations across U.S. and Canada, so we can be right there when you need us, 24/7.

Ready to get moving? Find a Cummins Onan dealer.