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Old 09-13-2018, 08:37 AM   #1
Moneyslinger
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Operating Generator in the Rain

Hello...searched the site but do not see this addressed anywhere. Does anyone run their generator without cover in the rain, or put into a small tent or cover of some kind that also keeps it hidden. I realize ventilation is important but wondered what others are doing? Thx
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Old 09-13-2018, 08:58 AM   #2
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A 5'x7' tarp strung between two trees makes an excellent rain shelter for most generators. Don't use a tent, carbon monoxide doesn't flow through tent walls easily and the buildup will be in the tent while you walk in to turn the generator off or to refuel or even just to check on it.

As for operating a generator in the rain, essentially it's the same as standing in a bathtub and plugging in a hair dryer... If you "really REALLY feel it's safe" go ahead. For me, I'll find a work around to keep the generator dry and not service it until the rain clears. Generators, water (rain or spilled beer) just don't go together.... YMMV
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Old 09-13-2018, 09:31 AM   #3
KeithInUpstateNY
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I keep my Honda EU2000i in a 20" x 28" x 22" dog crate my dog out grew on a bumper mounted hitch platform I got at Tractor Supply. When I'm traveling the generator goes in an exterior compartment in the trailer and the crate and platform go in the back of the truck.

I covered three sides of the ventilated top half with a tarp with a felted mover's blanket folded into it to help keep the rain out and reduce noise. It's held in place by binder clips on the front and a bungee cord in the back. The back is hinged with Velcro tie wraps.

The generator sits with the exhaust facing the door opening on three layers of kneeling pads alternated with scrap pieces of milkhouse plastic to virtually eliminate any vibration transferred to the trailer and raise it up. Some water does get in through the front and the ventilated lower half in heavy rainfalls, but in three five month seasons dry camping in a State Forest it has never been a problem.

I tried to attach pics, but the forum doesn't allow it. If you are interested send me a private message and I will try to send them that way.

Keith
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Old 09-13-2018, 09:40 AM   #4
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"Generators, water (rain or spilled beer) just don't go together.... YMMV"

Spill beer! Heaven forbid.
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Old 09-13-2018, 10:03 AM   #5
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For the inverter generator I would just place it under the truck or the trailer, wherever it it fits, or provide some kind of small cover. At home, the 6,000 watt I use during power outages 1-3 times a year and normally during nasty storms. The way it's built, the large plastic fuel tank provides cover for all of the electric components.
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Old 09-13-2018, 10:08 AM   #6
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Cabelas sells a little EZ Up style generator tent. I w been tempted but never pulled the trigger. Instead I've set up under a table or EZ Up style tent.
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Old 09-13-2018, 01:32 PM   #7
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Here are some rain tent covers for operating generators in bad weather:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_at/?...ab9a962d555ccc

This is a blog discussing options:
https://generatorgrid.com/blog/wet-rain-snow/
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Old 09-13-2018, 04:23 PM   #8
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I had a Guardian 15000KW generator that I used for a food truck and it was great back-up for my house during hurricanes here in Florida. I installed Plexiglas panels in areas that would be affected by rain including building a box over the controls and outlets. Never had a problem and it would run all night. It was big enough to run the whole house including two central air units. My electrician wired an outlet on the pole that my RV and/or food trailers plugged into so it was well away from the house. I cut the panels and then pre-drilled holes in them. I then used self tapping screws and attached it to the steel frame.
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Old 09-14-2018, 02:23 AM   #9
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Keith, "I tried to attach pics, but the forum doesn't allow it"
Simply click on the "Reply" box, type your message and then look for the little paper clip towards the top of the message area. Click on the paper clip and simply load your pictures. Not too many and not too big.....
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Old 09-14-2018, 08:51 AM   #10
KeithInUpstateNY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines View Post
Keith, "I tried to attach pics, but the forum doesn't allow it"
Simply click on the "Reply" box, type your message and then look for the little paper clip towards the top of the message area. Click on the paper clip and simply load your pictures. Not too many and not too big.....
Thanks Jim. On my phone it's a grey square at the bottom with a plus sign in it. I tried attaching the pic, but got a message "file type not allowed" or something similar. I'll try resizing it.
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Old 09-14-2018, 08:54 AM   #11
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Hopefully the pic will attach this time.Click image for larger version

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Old 09-14-2018, 10:19 AM   #12
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It should be noted that the Champion tent gizmo costs more than what I paid for my dual fuel 3800 running watt Champion generator. Ouch. PVC and tarp would be a tad less or stick it in a large metal dog crate set on some blocks and put a tarp over it with a little open on the exhaust side.
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Old 09-14-2018, 11:58 AM   #13
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I've used a golf umbrella, a piece of pvc, and a bungee cord. It worked out well. You put the umbrella in the pvc and then strap the bungee around the generator.
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Old 09-14-2018, 02:38 PM   #14
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www.gentent.com is the one I purchased for work. It’s a very nice system. They didn’t have this one for inverter generators when I got the one for our Generac but this one is for 1000w to 3000w models.

Edit: It’s nice because like a large golf umbrella, it has the flap on the top which releases the pressure caused by severe wind. It’s very sturdy.
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Old 09-14-2018, 05:09 PM   #15
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Using prudence and safety in mind is called for.

Man dies attempting to plug in generator; hurricane death toll now 4
https://foxbaltimore.com/weather/hur...s-a-third-life
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Old 09-15-2018, 06:45 AM   #16
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No way I'm paying $250+ for a little tent. I just got the Champion 3500 and it's small. A golf umbrella would easily cover it and then some. But it's also bright yellow and light that says "hey I'm over here, come and get me" so an easy build PVC frame w small camo tarp would hide the generator more and perhaps even make it more quite. I would also be leaving a few inches open all the way around the bottom areas of tarp.

I may also be cabling or chaining generator to the bumper and then adding a solar motion sensor light to the backside of trailer that would afford me a level of protection against rain or theft and let me sleep comfortably.

That should do the trick.
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:41 AM   #17
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For a 5er it's easy just have it under the king pin by the front bay.
Safety hint plug trailer into the generator before starting the generator.
Follow directions and warnings from generator mfg.
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:59 AM   #18
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I received the following from a concerned member who didn't want to start a controversy on the forum but wanted to warn members about operating a generator under their trailer or under the front "pinbox area" of their fifth wheel. Sometimes we all tend to overlook or forget the basics of carbon monoxide safety. Here's his experience and his concerns. Definitely something to think about !!!

I'm hesitant to contradict another member's advice, but I'm concerned about the suggestion to put the generator under the trailer because of the potential for carbon monoxide entering through the floor. Before I came up with the set up I now have, I used to just sit the generator on the ground three to four feet away from the camper. One night in the fall the carbon monoxide detector went off after the generator had been running 3-4 hours. The windows and door were all closed so I have to assume it came in through the floor, even with the enclosed underbelly. I had inadvertently set the generator up with the exhaust pointed toward the camper. It was after that that I came up with the current setup.

Sorry for the long message. Thoughts about posting a warning about putting the generator under the camper? I respect your opinion. Thanks


To the member who sent me this PM, thank you for your concern.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:31 AM   #19
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I understand the concern about carbon monoxide, but we all realize the manufacturer mounted the Onan generator under the bedroom closet with the exhaust exiting under my bedroom window? Obviously they have confidence in the integrity of their workmanship. If this had been a problem I would like to think we would have heard by now. Don't get me wrong, your concern is valid. But it appears these RV's are fairly air tight. I have not noticed any fumes while running mine.
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Old 09-15-2018, 11:25 AM   #20
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The CO/LP sensors can also be triggered by anything from low battery to dog farts, not saying theirs didn't detect CO, but if they were running to charge batteries may not have been CO that set off the alarm.
Yes by all means it could be a concern, but as stated most are mounted under the bedroom from the factory.
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