Need to build a cover to protect small generator from rain

JohnDeb

We just got a Honda EU2000i generator to hook up to our popsicle cart at events. We need to design a cover for it to protect it from the rain.

Does anyone have any ideas. It should be easy to transport in our SUV when we go to the events.

Thanks

Bud Cline

Can you buy a pickup truck tool box and put it in there? There are all kinds and sizes of tool boxes made for pickup beds and flat-bed trucks.

Mr Chips

I assume he wants a method to protect it from weather while it's outside of the truck and running.

Why not just build a wooded box type cover with some expanded metal on sides for air/exhaust circulation

__________________
Those who can, do...
Those who can't criticize on the internet

Bud Cline

Yup, understood that part. Got it !!! That's what I'm talking about. There are all kinds of (steel and aluminum) truck boxes ready-made with the doors on the front of the box that could be opened while the unit was running. How would a wooden box protect it from weather if the exhaust were to burn it down first time they used it?

Mr Chips

If the exhaust from his generator sitting in a ventilated box is hot enough to cause wood 6" away to combust I'd say he should stop pouring jet fuel into the gas tank and take it in for a tune-up

__________________
Those who can, do...
Those who can't criticize on the internet

oh'mike

A card table might do what you need----

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

JohnDeb

Yes our goal is to keep it running while out in the rain. Also to save money by building it ourselves.

The challenge is venting. Building a wood box and adding metal vents is an option. We are going to Home Depot and look at the types of vents you can purchase.

I think if we used a tool box it would need to be vented at the ends.

We also considered using 3 metal sheets with a pointed top leaving the ends open. It would need to extend well past the unit to keep the rain out. Hinging them together is a challenge and the cost is not cheap.

I think this is a problem for a lot of people and if we come up with a design that works we should post photos.

oh'mike

Those generators are designed to get rained on. A simple 'roof' over the top is all you want or need--

you will kill it if the unit overheats---that's an air cooled engine----leave the sides open and just cover the top-----

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

BigJim

And chain that sucker to the biggest post you can find. A generator running is like a predator call for a wolf around some parts of the country. Sorry to be negative.

__________________
New members: Please consider adding your location to your profile, it helps other members to give more accurate answers to your questions.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Jim

Mr Chips

Yea, I was thinking you should put expanded metal on the sides just to keep kids from touching it ( you did say it's on an ice cream stand right?)

I was thinking about something that looks like a radiator cover you'd find in a home, wood on top for rain protection, expanded metal on sides to give max ventilation without allowing curious hands to touch. You can buy 36"x36" sheets of expanded metal anywhere. Hardware cloth would be another affordable option

__________________
Those who can, do...
Those who can't criticize on the internet

Jackofall1

Just remember that the generator engine is "air cooled".

(2) pieces of hinged plywood, open it up and place over it like a tent, leave the ends open, no screen required, easy to move.

Mark

__________________
When its all said and done there is usually more said than done
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Robert Ahti

Hi John

Just went through the same thing myself and found a simple solution If you google "simple generator cover" and click on videos you see my YouTube posting with photos. It involves an inexpensive cement mixing tray for $13 from Lowes and some mini bungy cords. I'm very happy with the results and hope others will find it usefull for operating a generator when it's raining outside. Best of luck

Bob

Robert Ahti

I realize your posting was last year but maybe someone else can benefit.

Attached Images

 

mannyk

Use one of those cheap Poker tables from Wall-Mart. ($30)
Place table over Generator, cover table with a piece of tarp to protect the table top place a heavy rock or other heavy object on center of table so the wind wont take it away. And there, plenty of rain protection. Cheap and effective.