Protecting generators from the elements

[Tiny Metal Tube]

It's time to buy a generator.

It rains, then water runs downhill or pools where it's flat. There are bugs crawling around, and direct sun can't be good for them either.  How do you protect your generator from these factors and still be able to run it safely?

 

[Dingfelder]

I just got mine and haven't done much yet, but am planning on putting together a PVC frame and then draping a a tarp over the top, leaving space at the bottom all around for air intake and probably extra space at the exhaust for the hot air to get out. That's as a minimum, so I have something portable. Getting something that is not bulky but can still cut back noise will be tricky to store considering my limited space. I'm thinking of a moving blanket. Tarp and/or blanket held in place with strong spring clips.

For now I have just leaned some plywood against its sides to cut the noise a bit, and put it up on some scrap 2x4's and tire chocks to level it out as well as to keep the blowing/drifting leaf litter from blocking the bottom too much.

Amazon sells generator covers, but I haven't found one for mine. Thing is, they do not look sturdy enough to support anything heavy enough to block out noise ... they protect from the elements only. Basically quite pricey small tents.

 

[Almost There]

For the most part I put them away if it looks like the weather is going to be particularly nasty!

Other than that, they sit out in the sun and wind with  no problem. My  12 year old Honda is barely faded in color - I'm probably the only one who could tell it apart from the 2 year old one. (yes, I carry 2 - 1000 W cause I can't lift a 2000W unit).

If I need to be running them and it's raining then I simply park them closer to the van, use clamps and a folded tarp to provide a temporary 'roof' over their heads by securing the tarp to my swing a way hitch platform.

I do put them up on pieces of wood I carry if the ground is particularly soft or unstable.

 

[camping bum]

while i don't full time when i boondock i have a extra shower pop up. It has window and even with the door half zip
it work perfect to keep gennie out of rain. fold flat for travel

 

[johnny b]

A while back Honda ran a commercial called "My Dad"...it shows Mom running out in a storm to fire up the genny.

Yet, read any Honda gen manual and it warns to keep your gen dry...it produces lethal amounts of juice.

Water and electricity just don't play well together.

I usually do the tarp 'lean to' when running my Honda in the rain or snow. Always allow enough space for ventilation and exhaust.


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[speedgene]

I got a dog carrier and put covers over the vents that keeps rain out and lets air in to cool. The door I covered 1/2 way and the exaust blows out the top half. Top is held in place with pins easy to pull the top off to start or service the gen. Two holes in the bottom so any water that gets in would drain out. Put a hole in the front for the electical cord to come in. Works great. Carrier was $15.00 used pins and covers a few dollars.

 

[Dingfelder]

LOL saw something in craigslist the other day and thought about doing the same thing. Sold out too fast though. *sigh*

Any problems with overheating or air circulation?