Protecting generator from weather

[banefamily]

For those that do not have a built in generator how do you protect yours from the weather?
I have a cover for storage but if I'm boondocking mine should not be in weather and my parallel kit is not weather proof.

I am going to run 2 generators; champion 2000 watt inverter, not the stackable.

Thanks!

[NMWildcat]

I place mine on a small pallet, to keep them off the ground. Then screwed uprights to all four corners. Then staked a tarp over the whole thing, leaving open spaces for ventilation and exhaust.
Have run this way for 13 years in every kind of weather imaginable.
Can't find a picture with the tarp, but here's the rest of my setup. Cheap, easy, compact. And yes, I are a redneck

[ependydad]

Scott, freaking brilliant in its simplicity!

I considered the Gen Tent but they were too spendy for my blood.

Since I had mine mounted on the rear bumper when in use, I always considered a PVC contraption w/ tarps mounted to the wall of the rear of the camper and then going out over the generators. Never implemented it, though.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Scott, freaking brilliant in its simplicity!

I considered the Gen Tent but they were too spendy for my blood.

Since I had mine mounted on the rear bumper when in use, I always considered a PVC contraption w/ tarps mounted to the wall of the rear of the camper and then going out over the generators. Never implemented it, though.

I agree! Simpletastic!

I too believe the commercial covers are way too much money.

Here are some examples I've copied from.
Umbrellas can be had for $2 at Goodwill.
Coroplast is cheap too but doesn't fold to as small as an umbrella.
I haven't tried the Rubbermaid Tub but when I do, I will put cleverly placed holes in all the sides.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Scott, freaking brilliant in its simplicity!

I considered the Gen Tent but they were too spendy for my blood.

Since I had mine mounted on the rear bumper when in use, I always considered a PVC contraption w/ tarps mounted to the wall of the rear of the camper and then going out over the generators. Never implemented it, though.

Thanks! I also looked at all the store bought protectors and just never thought they were worth it.
I do like your idea with the PVC for yours on the bumper. I might have to explore that for a frame around my pallet!
That pic of mine is about three years old, since then I took a sander and rounded off the top corners of the 1x4 uprights. It was one of those 'a duh' moments when Liz asked me why didn't I do that so it would stop ripping the tarps. ;0 I just use those free 5'x7' tarps you get at Harbor Freight, but I went through them pretty regular.
What would we do without our smarter halves?

[CincyGus]

I generally put mine under the camper if it's raining with the exhaust pointing downwind. Generally there is some wind when it's storming. When it's not raining, just over close to the utilities side of the camper.

[jkoenig24]

I used the Honda Handi 3Kw inverter generator for four years. It was chained to the A-frame on my travel trailer and, was exposed to weather (including rainstorms). It was VERY reliable, even when used in the rain.

[Tom911]

I have an EU3000 a little to heavy for me to lift alone. I could probably do it but if I did pull something it would kind of ruin the trip! A tarp, string, a couple of long steaks I can wedge in my tailgate area. I put tennis balls on the long steaks so it doesn't poke a hole in the tarp. Lots of excess tarp on all sides and good clearance for air. I would love to have gen tent but I'm cheap.

[rfifer]

When we lose power in following a hurricane, my generator goes in the back yard under a 10' X 10' shelter. The legs of the shelter come in 3 pieces to achieve the full height, so I take at least one length of the 3-piece legs off to lower the canopy. It leaves enough room for good air circulation but is low enough that even blowing rain seldom touches the generator. That has always given good protection to our generator, even in squally weather. The same set-up can be done to many camp sites next to or behind the TT or MH.

[banefamily]

Thanks guys, after looking at these ideas and doing some brainstorming with dw I am going to put them under our folding table and throw a tarp over it then put the generators on the tarp.

[Walholler]

I mounted a aluminum box with a lockable lid on rear of my 5th wheel travel trailer and have the two Honda EU2200i generators inside. I have a 12V automotive radiator fan drawing fresh air into the box and two exhaust ports to discharge the exhaust from generators.

[McRabbet]

Back in August 2017 I posted my solution to a weather (and security) shield for my Champion Dual Fuel 3400 watt generator, found here. I've used it a few times and it works great. Because the PVC pieces are not glued together, it breaks down into easily stowed components and cost less than $40.

[ezitin]

https://www.supergenproducts.com/cat...gen-tent-small
I've used this for several years. Works great.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by McRabbet

Back in August 2017 I posted my solution to a weather (and security) shield for my Champion Dual Fuel 3400 watt generator, found here. I've used it a few times and it works great. Because the PVC pieces are not glued together, it breaks down into easily stowed components and cost less than $40.

Great solution! Thanks for sharing the link.

[Beachbourbon]

I have a folding table with a plastic tablecloth it goes under while sitting on some wood blocks to get it off the ground away from water, but haven’t tested it out. It was supposed to be close to the camper so the cable locks were also engaged. I should have tested it Memorial Day, when a rain shower came up suddenly, but had to quickly roll it under the camper instead while cable locked to the rear bumper....still learning

[Bluepill]

I use a cheap BBQ Grille cover. Hopefully the Char Broil logo on it will make most people think it's a grille and not attempt to steal it. Of course, I have a 5/8" steel cable and large lock on it in case they are not fooled.





I carry a folding picnic table, and if rain is a threat I cover the genny with it and secure with a cargo strap so it doesn't blow away.

[dcheatwood]

When I had a fifth wheel and uses my portable generator, I carried a half sheet 4'x4' of 1/4" plywood in my truck bed. In good weather I'd lean it against the generator to deflect sound into the woods (boondocking), and when it rained, I laid it across the top for rain cover. Worked for several years, but I didn't dry camp very much.

[HONDAMAN174]

I have 2 Honda 2000. Bought an $8 music tripod and bungee a golf umbrella $10 to it

[RangeMaggotBob]

All great ideas! I think I'm going to take all of these ideas and come up with a PVC/BBQ cover solution.

Laugh all you want- I'm gonna make something cool that works!

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by Bluepill

I use a cheap BBQ Grille cover. Hopefully the Char Broil logo on it will make most people think it's a grille and not attempt to steal it. Of course, I have a 5/8" steel cable and large lock on it in case they are not fooled.





I carry a folding picnic table, and if rain is a threat I cover the genny with it and secure with a cargo strap so it doesn't blow away.

Just noticed your water heater behind the gas cans. I assume you don’t flame it up with the gas cans there?