Running a generator in inclement weather

Thanks for all of your replies. Plenty of things to think about there. I hadn't given too much thought to the strong windy conditions that we often experience in MT, but now that I think I about it, whatever type of cover I might construct or buy will need to be able to withstand that, and for sure I'd need something that would not blow against the generator and burn or destroy the generator.

I like the pyramid style for that reason, like the ones pictured in RoyB's reply, but I am not sure for the moment how to construct a lightweight, breakdown frame for that style of cover.

I also came across something called GenTents that are sold by Camping World, Cabelas, and other places. Does anybody actually use these things for small portable generators like a Honda eu2000i? They are somewhat pricey, at about $150, and I'd be leary how their fiberglass, and what appears to be plastic, frame would hold up in strong winds, or withstand a pile of snow on top.

I'd have similar concerns about a doggy tent, but maybe some are constructed to withstand the elements better than others.

Several years ago, I had Montana Canvas (tent manufacturer) custom make a cover for me for my Polaris Ranger side by side. They made the cover out of pvc material that truck tarps are made from. It only took them a couple hours to make it, and it's a wonderful, study, cover, and did not cost very much. If I had a frame, I suspect they could make a custom cover for it for a generator that would be very rugged and durable, either out of tent canvas or pvc material.

I run mine in rain wind by placing it under the camper rear over hang. I place it under there on the leeward side. With a tent I would worry about a fire if the wind made a flop over the hot exhaust.

I just watch for a moment for the best side for no rain and put it under there. I always park so the leeward side is to the rear of the camper

We keep ours out of the rain and snow in a dog tent (attached floor and open on one end only; facing down wind) along with the extended duration gas tank for several reasons:

- generators are stored under the table inside the TC, so wet or snow covered makes a mess inside

- storing inside keeps it warm and easier to start when we put it outside in winter

- under cover makes it easier to find and dig out, if you are in an area that can get two feet of wind driven snow in 24 hours. Cover needs to be able to deal with snow load.

- Air inlet path for the Honda is pretty well protected, but very small crystalline, wind driven, cold snow can make it in, melt and freeze on the air filter foam. Problematic when you want power in a Montana blizzard and the air inlet is full of snow and it stops the motor. Happened when I was too lazy to assemble the tent, since total accumulation wasn't supposed to be much ....

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No... you do not have to do anything other than...use it. They could care less about the weather.

Generator tents are like Doggie clothes... for folks that think everything is like them; wimpy.

I don't worry too much about ours...seems to take a licking. I did see a neat idea recently on another forum; a cheap little umbrella strapped to the genny! Kept it dry and allowed good air flow....all for $3.

You can pickup a doggie tent for around $20. They work gret - Open in the front and cut out in the rear where the exhaust is located...

Saw one guy cut a piece of plyboard into two pieces and then mounted them to a hinge strip. This sets over the 2KW generator...

Mine is secured to the tail gate corner of my truck and when I need to use it I just pull it out onto the dropped tail gate. Of course this won't work with a truck camper...

Here is neat setup from google images...

google image

Here is one using pvc pipes and a smal tarp...

google image

Roy Ken

Appreciate both of your comments, and I read the entire prior thread on this subject. It appears that a person could run these generators in the rain, or make some type of covering to protect them. Being the anal type of guy that I am, I think I'll do the later. I breakdown frame made of pvc tubing, with some type of tarp over it seems like a good idea. Thanks.

Here's a previous thread this year on running them in the rain. :) https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28930096.cfm

Sealed gas can keeps it out of the weather.

Fabricate a little house shaped frame out of PVC pipe and make a little tent cover out of a scrap of blue (or brown) tarp material, or tyvek house wrap to cover the PVC pipe frame, VOILA. protected from the elements.