5 Best RV Generator Placement Solutions For Noise Reduction Nomads Swear By
Tired of generator noise? Try these placement tricks.
Nothing shatters the peace of a remote boondocking spot faster than the drone of a generator. We’ve all been there—you find the perfect view, only to have your quiet evening spoiled by the very machine keeping your lights on. The truth is, most of the noise isn’t just the engine; it’s where you put the thing.
Get reliable backup power with the Westinghouse 12500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator. It offers remote electric start and runs on either gasoline or propane, featuring multiple outlets for versatile use.
The difference between a generator that’s a minor background hum and one that feels like a lawnmower in your living room often comes down to a few feet and a smart mounting solution. It’s about more than just convenience; it’s about reclaiming the tranquility you hit the road to find in the first place. Proper placement isolates vibration, directs exhaust away, and can make you a much better neighbor.
This isn’t about buying the most expensive "quiet" generator on the market. It’s about working smarter with the one you have. We’re going to break down five of the most effective placement solutions that seasoned nomads use to keep the peace, protect their gear, and power their adventures without losing their minds.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
5 Quiet RV Generator Mounts Nomads Swear By
The quest for quiet power is a universal RVer’s journey. It begins with choosing a good inverter generator but truly succeeds with intelligent placement. The best solutions get the generator off the ground, away from your living space, and onto a platform that minimizes the transfer of vibration into your rig’s frame.
These five solutions represent the most common and effective strategies you’ll see in campgrounds and out in the wild. They range from simple bolt-on trays to fully integrated systems, each with its own set of tradeoffs regarding cost, installation complexity, and noise reduction. There is no single perfect answer, only the right answer for your specific RV, generator, and travel style.
We’ll explore bumper mounts, A-frame trays, hitch carriers, soundproof boxes, and under-chassis systems. Each one tackles the problem of noise and vibration from a different angle. Understanding how they work is the first step toward making your power source a silent partner in your travels.
Why Your Generator’s Location Is Key to Quiet
Sound is vibration, and your RV is basically a giant soundboard. Placing a running generator directly on the ground or, even worse, in an uninsulated storage bay, transmits those vibrations directly into the floor and walls. This amplifies the low-frequency humming that travels so effectively and drives you crazy.
Distance and direction are your two best friends in the fight against noise. Every foot you move the generator away from your living space dramatically reduces the perceived sound level. Furthermore, pointing the exhaust and the noisiest part of the engine away from your rig—and your neighbors’—is a simple courtesy that makes a huge difference.
Ultimately, a good mounting solution does three things: it creates distance, it dampens vibration, and it provides a stable, secure platform. Neglecting any of these three pillars means you’re not getting the full benefit. It’s the combination of all three that transforms a noisy necessity into a quiet, reliable power source.
Mount-n-Lock GennyGo: Secure Your Bumper Gen
Securely transport cargo with the GennyGo® RevX3 RV bumper-mounted supports. Featuring adjustable 10"-26" arms that fold to 5 positions and a 200 lb load capacity, these durable steel supports easily attach to most RV bumpers.
A bumper-mounted carrier is one of the most popular aftermarket solutions you’ll see. The Mount-n-Lock GennyGo system is designed to clamp securely onto a standard 4-inch square RV bumper, providing a sturdy, vibration-dampening tray. This gets the generator completely outside and to the rear of the rig, putting valuable distance between you and the noise.
The primary advantage here is moving the source of the noise and exhaust far away from your windows and doors. It also frees up valuable storage space elsewhere. However, you must be brutally honest about the integrity of your RV’s bumper; many are rated for little more than the sewer hose they hold and may need reinforcement to safely carry a 50-100 pound generator and carrier.
Easily manage RV waste with the durable Camco RhinoFLEX sewer hose kit. This 15-foot hose features a clear elbow with a 4-in-1 adapter that fits multiple dump station pipes and compresses for compact storage.
This solution is a trade-off between convenience and structural load. While it’s excellent for noise reduction, the constant vibration and weight can stress bumper welds over thousands of miles. It’s a fantastic option for those with reinforced bumpers who want a simple, effective way to get the generator out of their hair.
Stromberg Carlson Tray: Your A-Frame Solution
For travel trailer owners, the A-frame is prime real estate. The Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray sits above your propane tanks, using the strongest part of your trailer’s frame as its foundation. This central location is excellent for weight distribution and keeps the generator relatively secure between your tow vehicle and trailer.
Securely transport generators, coolers, or gear with this heavy-duty A-frame trailer tray. Its stable mount and universal fit maximize your RV's storage capacity, handling up to 300 lbs.
Placing the generator here moves the noise to the front of the rig, often far from the rear bedroom where you sleep. The sturdy A-frame is also better at handling the weight and vibration than a flimsy rear bumper. The main consideration is tongue weight; adding a generator and fuel can significantly impact your towing dynamics, so you’ll need to verify you’re still within safe limits.
The biggest drawback can be access. Depending on the model, the tray can make swapping propane tanks more difficult. It’s a purpose-built solution that solves the noise problem for a specific type of RV, but it requires careful thought about weight management and routine maintenance access.
CURT Hitch Carrier: Your Portable Power Station
Carry up to 500 lbs outside your vehicle with this durable steel cargo carrier. It features a folding shank for easy storage and integrated reflectors for enhanced safety on the road.
The simple hitch-mounted cargo carrier is a versatile workhorse for RVers. Using your receiver hitch as the mounting point is brilliant because it’s tied directly to the strongest part of your rig’s frame. This solution puts the generator at the absolute rear, maximizing the distance from your living quarters for excellent noise reduction.
One of the best things about a hitch carrier is its modularity. You can easily remove it when not needed, and it doesn’t permanently alter your RV. This setup also allows you to secure the generator in a lockable box or with a heavy-duty cable, offering a solid theft deterrent.
Be mindful of the downsides. A hitch carrier adds length to your rig and can seriously reduce your departure angle, making steep driveways a scraping hazard. It also puts your expensive generator right in the line of fire for road grime and dirt. For many, though, these are acceptable compromises for a quiet, portable, and non-permanent power station.
ZombieBox: Your Ultimate Soundproof Generator Box
Sometimes, a simple mount isn’t enough. The ZombieBox is a portable, weatherproof, sound-deadening enclosure. This isn’t a mount itself, but rather a solution you place your generator inside of, which you can then place on the ground, in your truck bed, or on a cargo carrier.
This is the nuclear option for noise reduction. A quality soundproof box can reduce noise levels by 50% or more by absorbing sound and blocking its path. It also offers unmatched security and weather protection, turning your portable generator into a mini, all-weather power plant.
The trade-offs are significant: weight, bulk, and cost. These boxes are heavy and take up a lot of space, which is always at a premium. But if you absolutely must run your generator for long hours for work or medical needs and want to be a good neighbor, there is no substitute for a dedicated soundproof enclosure.
Onan Under-Chassis Mount: Your Integrated Solution
For the ultimate in convenience and quiet, nothing beats a professionally installed, under-chassis generator like those from Cummins Onan. These are the systems you see on most Class A and Class C motorhomes. The generator is housed in a sound-deadening, weather-resistant case and bolted directly to the frame.
The genius of this setup is its integration. The exhaust is routed away like a car’s, and the entire system is designed with vibration-dampening mounts. Because it’s underneath the floor, the RV’s own structure helps to muffle the sound, often resulting in a low hum that’s barely noticeable inside.
This is not a simple DIY upgrade. It’s an expensive, complex system that requires professional installation and is only compatible with specific generator models. For those buying a new rig or undertaking a complete overhaul, however, designing in an under-mount generator is the gold standard for quiet, seamless power.
How to Choose Your Ideal Generator Placement
Making the right choice comes down to balancing four key factors. There’s no magic bullet, only a calculated decision based on your specific needs. Start by honestly assessing your situation.
First, consider your RV type and generator size. A travel trailer has an A-frame, while a motorhome has a robust frame perfect for an under-mount. A heavy 300-pound generator has far fewer options than a light 50-pound inverter. Your rig’s physical layout and your generator’s specs are your primary constraints.
Next, think about your power needs and budget. If you only use a generator for a few hours a week, a simple hitch carrier might be perfect. If you’re a remote worker running it all day, investing in a ZombieBox or an integrated Onan system makes more sense. Be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend for a given level of convenience and quiet.
Finally, weigh these factors to find your sweet spot:
- Noise Reduction: How important is near-silence to you?
- Convenience: How easily do you need to access and refuel the generator?
- Security: How concerned are you about theft in the areas you travel?
- Weight & Balance: How will the solution impact your tongue weight, GVWR, and towing safety?
At the end of the day, your generator is a tool that enables freedom. But that freedom shouldn’t come at the cost of peace and quiet—for you or for others. Thinking strategically about where you place it is just as important as choosing the right model in the first place.
The best solution is rarely the most expensive one, but rather the one that fits seamlessly into your travel style. It’s the one that lets you push a button and get power without grimacing at the noise or worrying about your neighbors. It transforms your generator from a loud chore into a silent, reliable partner.
So take a hard look at your rig, your generator, and your priorities. By choosing a placement that dampens vibration, creates distance, and offers security, you’re not just mounting a piece of equipment. You’re investing in a better, quieter, and more respectful experience on the road.
