Ideas wanted for portable generator rain cover

[Eagle]

We use 2 Honda EU2000i inverter generators connected together for our XT-276. They say it's not good to run them in the rain......but have had rain showers pass thru some nights. Didn't have any issues but thinking maybe a cover would be good.

The best I've found are near $200 each and seems expensive for what is there.
https://www.gentent.com/ProductDetai...ode=GT10KXKITB

Anyone have thoughts on these ..... or one devised that is quick/easy to setup and portable?

[profdant139]

I know this sounds silly, but I have had great success using a plain old plastic tarp as a rain cover for the generator. I fold it into a rectangle so that the front and back have some airflow. It forms a tunnel over the generator. I put big rocks on the corners of the tarp so it does not blow away.

Go ahead and laugh, but it really works! Stores flat, too. Lightweight.

The key is to make sure there is plenty of airflow on both ends of the tunnel.

[Eagle]

Thanks prof. I had considered something similar only 'pup tent' style. No end poles, just PVC pipe formed into a triangle with one removable length for the top ridge & tent stake the bottom 4 corners. Rocks not always available.

[Eagle]

Also considered this tent: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...780_em_1p_0_lm for quick, easy set-up/fold up.
By cutting openings in each end, it should provide ample flow thru venting.

Another possibility and thought.

[mjpguy]

Another idea that sounds silly but we used a small folding table. I cut the legs down and it worked great, plus it folds up and stores easily. Takes one minute to set up at a cost of $28.

[Eagle]

Thanks but whatever is used here in the upper Great Plains states of the U.S. it will have to be secured/anchored down darn good.

Today it's 87 degrees and clear skies with a 30 mph BREEZE blowing with higher gusts.

Not at all uncommon as are days with thunderstorms and a breeze of 50- 70 MPH with higher gusts.

[Agnitio]

Maybe a a large Rubbermaid tub, upside down with the ends cut out. You could lay the lid on the ground and snap the tubs into the lid. This would also work to keep Them up out of the mud.

[Xerofall]

What about this?

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-up-Automa...420221&sr=8-11

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Xerofall

What about this?

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-up-Automa...420221&sr=8-11

I had looked at that as a possibility ... with modifications of course.

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Agnitio

Maybe a a large Rubbermaid tub, upside down with the ends cut out. You could lay the lid on the ground and snap the tubs into the lid. This would also work to keep Them up out of the mud.

Good possibility ........will have to look around for one of the size that would serve the purpose. Thanks

[Eagle]

Gave up on the plastic tote for a rain cover.

Each Honda EU2000i is 21" x 12" x 18" high and found a tote it would fit in but has bad reviews as being thin and often broke when received. China made of course.

There are others but to long/wide....most are not tall enough and when are, to short.

[Agnitio]

Maybe you could fashion a little pup tent out of PVC pipe and tarp materials.

[Agnitio]

Originally Posted by Eagle

Gave up on the plastic tote for a rain cover.

Each Honda EU2000i is 21" x 12" x 18" high and found a tote it would fit in but has bad reviews as being thin and often broke when received. China made of course.

There are others but to long/wide....most are not tall enough and when are, to short.

How about this

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-2...ng-Lid/4462423

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Agnitio

How about this

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-2...ng-Lid/4462423

Good possibility as dimensions seem to work. But, closest Lowes is 116 miles away.
Ooops, out of stock in stores up to 250 miles away.

[Eagle]

I believe I may have solved the issue.

I've acquired a collapsing L.L.Bean Rugged Pet Tent, X Large, previously used one time.

This tent is made of a study dark green material with 'venting mesh' about 12" high, mid wall, all the way around. The zippered pet door on one end can be rolled up and secured out of the way w/velcro strap.....perfect for the exhaust to vent from. There is a floor sewn in also.

The top is zippered on 3 sides for easy access to insert/remove the Honda EU2000i inverter generators.

The size is 42" long, 25" wide and 28" high allowing 2 Hondas to sit side by side.

The framework is made of scissored metal rods that lock in place when opened and give the 'tent' it's shape. There are 6 sewn in floor tabs with grommets for 'tent pins' if needed.

The whole thing folds up into a package about 9" in diameter x 30" long and weights around maybe 5 # so lite weight.

L.L.Bean sold these for around $140 and picked this one up for under $40 so pleased.

Thanks for all that responded.

[Xerofall]

That's cool.

I wish I could get a gen, but the wife absolutely hates them... so I'm focusing on solar.

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Xerofall

That's cool.

I wish I could get a gen, but the wife absolutely hates them... so I'm focusing on solar.

From what I've read about solar for a camper, that will cost you far more to do it right than a generator.

Plus, while not used when camping, the gens can be used anywhere and also as emergency backup power in the house.

[Xerofall]

Originally Posted by Eagle

From what I've read about solar for a camper, that will cost you far more to do it right than a generator.

Plus, while not used when camping, the gens can be used anywhere and also as emergency backup power in the house.

I agree, luckily I have most of the solar already purchased. I just need to integrate it into the trailer because before it was a stand alone unit.

She actually doesn't mind having one for a house backup... just not camping. She likes it quiet.

[Eagle]

The Honda's are quiet.

From 15 feet away they cannot be heard when running.

Placed next the the camper running, they cannot be heard inside the camper.

[Xerofall]

Preaching to the choir!