Ideas for covering my generator?

WildRumpus

I will be boondocking this weekend and it will definitely rain.  I have a Westinghouse WH2000 generator that I plan to run for the AC and charging, so I'm wondering if anyone has thought of a creative solution for covering a small generator to protect it from the rain?  Obviously I can put it under the 10x10 canopy that I will have next to the camper, but what if I want the fumes and noise further away? I thought of a big beach umbrella, but a strong wind could blow it away. Before I begin some crazy fabrication project out of PVC pipe and tarp, I thought I'd see if any of you creative people have already tackled this problem. My requirements are: lightweight, waterproof, easy to install, and won't restrict air flow. Easy, right?

jkjenn

Why not a small tarp and some type of stakes?

Sharon_is_SAM

How about a $7 plastic large bin from Walmart.  Just cut out vent area.

WildRumpus

I found this aluminum folding table on Amazon for $33 (http://www.amazon.com/Outsunny-Aluminum-Carrying-23-5-Inch-17-5-Inch/dp/B00DDYE5EC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_196_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31kAqsVEeoL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1QK79P5EMZ3WKGBGWDVW).  The size is perfect, especially since there are two height options with the legs.  Since the top is some sort of laminated board, I could make a cover out of a piece of tarp that hangs down low enough to provide some side shelter but high enough not to restrict airflow. Guess I answered my own post!  If it works I'll post pics. 

WildRumpus

Great idea Sam.  Sometimes I overthink things and overlook the most simple (cheapest) solution.   I could even stake down a plastic bin if needed. 

Nomad

I just tuck mine under the T@B tail. Asked a buddy in the construction trade that has several Hondas about rain and he runs his on sites sitting out with no protection all the time. No ill effects I've noticed after 20 months.

Allie

Before I got mine on wheels, I used to transport it in a plastic bin.  Why not just take the top off the bin, flip the bin upside down and put in on over the top of the generator?  Or, cut the bottom off the bin, slide it over the gen.  Then it just looks like any other bin sitting next to the trailer.

Sharon_is_SAM

I like that table, though.  I am in the market for something that hubby, who is a die hard cook, can chop and dice on a steady surface.

KeyVet

Google GenTent. Pricey but good.

Verna

Do you think the plastic bin will amplify the noise? The neighbors may not like that. 

WildRumpus

It would be interesting to see if the noise is amplified. Or maybe it will be muffled!  I bet if I glued some of that egg crate foam matress material to the sides it could actually be more of a muffler. But heat could become an issue.  I'm glad to hear that someone has run a Honda in the rain with no problems. Still seems like a good idea to keep it dry though. 

Nomad

About the only time I run the generator is in rain - If it's sunny, solar does the trick.

Tabaz

Search YouTube for videos on "How to quiet a portable generator" or "portable generator enclosures."  I remember finding several videos with some clever enclosures.

jkjenn

Won't plastic melt from the heat of the generator?

Nomad

Woul think so if the exhaust is anywhere near the plastic.