What do you do for a shelter for a running generator?

[Dan_69GTX]

We recently got a Honda EU6500is generator to replace the 2 EU2000s. I would just slide the 2000s under the camper if weather was an issue. I've got some ideas on how to protect the EU6500 but am curious to find out what others have done for larger sized generators. I'd like to protect if from rain yet still allow the unit to run. This will typically get used 1-2 times a year for "camping" at music festivals/other events. I put camping in quotes since you are living in a tent city and my idea of camping is to not see another person.



Thanks!

 

[Dieselnerd]

I used to use a generator for power when deer hunting in remote areas. I made a "pup tent" with a 4 X 8 canvas tarp and a couple of sticks. Worked great.

 

[Newt]

These are Honda 2000's. But, the concept could be used for larger generators.



Newt

 

[RBridenbaugh]

I use a Coleman Large dog tent to keep drifting snow off my honda generator during winter camping. Easy to setup and self standing. Open at both ends, fine for rain, but I sewed in a panel at one end and put a zipper in, just like the two sides, to keep drifting snow out. Exhaust points out the opening. Side zippers give access to controls. Easy to run cords under to access connections.

 

[Maathai Wangari]

Mate,



canvas tarp is fine to protect your generator from rain and storm. Its easy to stitch and simple to setup. Sticks and Iron rods can help to fasten the canvas tarp with beautiful manner. Open and close to this tent with zip on both sides can be easy all times.

 

[jelag]

I have a Honda 5000 watt gen set... the old fashioned noisy ones... it sits on a rack on the back of the 5er... bolted down... its covered when I go down the road and I uncover it when I use it... I have a piece of canvas with 2 magnets... the tank is metal so I put the canvas on the tank and drape it over the electrical connections... and let it rain...

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Jim (and everyone), Thanks for the replies. The magnet idea is good - but for the EU6500 I'd have to modify that since the air intake (cooling) is around the electrical connections. I like the pup tent idea - then maybe use a rod attached to the gen set via magnets that is connected to the tent to prevent it from blowing into the exhaust if it got windy... . Hmmm things to think about and plan.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I figured I'd show what I did for a cover for the generator. It is a PVC frame attached to a wood pallet structure I build. I used the pallet to keep the gen off the ground in case of rain water collecting around it. I use a 6x9 tarp over the structure held in place with bungee balls. The exhaust side is attached even with the rear bar (to allow the air and exhaust to escape) and the front and sides are draped down. I just used it in a heavy thunderstorm and it worked great! The first board of the pallet got damp.



Just the top corners are glued together. Everything else is just pressed together. That way it fits in an unused bag for a folding camping chair.



Next I'll make some sort of lighter base for it to attach to for easier transport. Then I can decide what to use for each instance.

 

[jelag]

I've now pulled out my 5000K watt Honda... and installed 2 Honda 2000 units that are nice an quite... they are water proof and have a little lip to keep the water from running into the plug... . I've made a cover so that when we're down the road they stay clean... . but when I use them I uncover them and let them run... when I bolted them down... I found a venting all around the case... . I'd personally be afraid to enclose them when they run... .

They sit 4" apart and 5" of offset... so you can reach the pull cable and switch on the second unit... .

 

[Shadrach]

When I borrow an Onan 3200 portable from my buddy. I leave it in my truck box ( I have a canopy ) as it is too heavy for me to lift by myself. When I need to run it I roll it onto the tailgate, leaving the canopy door in the up position and open the side window of the canopy for cross ventilation. For a smaller genset I have also used 2 large (4x4 ) sheets of heavy cardboard and bent one into a "V" and put the other on top keep the noise down. If it rained I put a tarp on it. Crude but it worked. I like Dan's idea with the white pipes. David

 

[BIGNASTY]

Heavy canvas tarp over everything except the exhaust with rocks to hold it down on the gen set, NEVER A PROBLEM YET!!!!

 

[K5IP]

I've now pulled out my 5000K watt Honda... and installed 2 Honda 2000 units that are nice an quite... they are water proof and have a little lip to keep the water from running into the plug... . I've made a cover so that when we're down the road they stay clean... . but when I use them I uncover them and let them run... when I bolted them down... I found a venting all around the case... . I'd personally be afraid to enclose them when they run... .



They sit 4" apart and 5" of offset... so you can reach the pull cable and switch on the second unit... .

Jim,

Did you ever solve the problem of charging your trailer battery while on the road?

I ask because I ran across a solid state switching supply that will increase a low battery voltage, as low as 10VDC, (your truck system along with line loss) and bring it up to 13. 7 VDC. These are made for Amateur radio use since most transceivers like a stable voltage. In this case the output 13. 7, is adjustable and can be increased to what ever you want. They supply about 10A,

not great but they are only about $60. If you still have problems, you might consider one. This particular Battery Booster is made by GumpyShop. www.gumpyshop.net. Take a look.

Rog

 

[BIGNASTY]

I thought about the Post when I was out servicing a gen set that we are going to use starting tomorrow morning bright and early. The gen set is covered and protected by a 40ft motor home This is not the actual genset