Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine
If you’re a full-time RVer or enjoy camping off the grid, one of the most important investments you can make is in a portable generator. A portable generator can get you out of a ton of jams and help you make memories that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. If you’re going to invest in a portable generator, however, it’s crucial that you protect your investment.
One of the best ways to do this is with a portable generator cover. There are many different types of portable
If you recently purchased a portable generator to add to your RV and want to protect it, you’ve come to the right place. Portable
- Confidently run your generator in the rain
- Sheds water away
- Stands up against the worst weather
- Lots of components if you take the cover off
- Protect your generator against the weather
- Ultra heavy duty
- Run your generator in the rain
- A lot of pieces to put together
- Durable against wear and tear
- Great air circulation
- Easy to put on
- Some people think it is too thin
How to Choose the Best Portable Generator Cover
Type of Cover
The first major thing to consider when picking the best cover for your portable generator is the type of cover you want. In general, the two types of covers are ones for storage and ones for protection that you can use while the generator is running. The latter type of cover won’t be airtight and will leave openings around the generator near the intake and exhaust for airflow.
Both types of covers will work for most generators, but the times when you use them will differ.
Material
The material your cover is made of is the next most important thing to consider. In order to be effective, the cover should be made of waterproof material that’s flexible, compact, and easy to store. You also want it to be durable so that it doesn’t rip or tear when it’s subjected to storms, winds, and debris.
Most waterproof canvas covers will be made of some type of polyester, vinyl, nylon, or tarpaulin.
Durability
Durability and the quality of the material your cover uses are tied hand in hand with one another. In order for a portable generator cover to be effective, it has to be waterproof and tearproof. If it checks both of these boxes, it will likely be durable as well.
Budget
You’ll probably be surprised to learn that there’s a big price range when it comes to portable generator covers. In general, running covers are much more expensive than storage covers because they have more capabilities and more intricate designs. However, if you want to use your generator while it’s covered, you’ll have to cough up the money for a running cover.
Ease of Use
The main goal of a generator cover is to provide protection for your generator. While it’s worth paying whatever is necessary to make this happen, certain covers are much easier to use than others. You might have to get your cover out and erected in a hurry, which means you’ll need a cover that’s easy to use. Easy covers might cost a little more, but it’s well worth it when you’re in a hurry.
Best Overall Portable Generator Cover
GenTent Generator Running Cover
- For open frame generators
- Confidently run your generator in the rain
- Sheds water away
- Stands up against the worst weather
- Lots of components if you take the cover off
If you want the macdaddy of all portable
This cover is made of flame resistant vinyl and is in the shape of a dome tent. This unique shape ensures that there will be plenty of air circulation as your generator is in operation. It also comes with a steel pole for added support and is capable of withstanding winds of up to 70 miles per hour. It’s also waterproof, tearproof, and can stand up against a foot and a half of snow.
Runner Up for Best Portable Generator Cover
IGAN Running Generator Tent Cover
- Ultra Heavy Duty Tarpaulin Enclosure
- Portable All-weather Generator Rain Shelter
- Works With Most 3500w-12000w Generators
- Protect your generator against the weather
- Ultra heavy duty
- Run your generator in the rain
- A lot of pieces to put together
While the IGAN running generator tent cover is advertised as a running cover, you can also use it for storage. Rather than being in the shape of a dome tent, this cover has a semi-solid frame with flaps all around that go up or down depending on if your generator is running or not. This is a heavy-duty generator cover that you can use year-round and in all types of weather.
The steel frame around the perimeter of the cover makes it extremely strong and durable. There’s plenty of ventilation as well when you lift the appropriate flaps. While it gets plenty big enough to store generators of all sizes, the frame is compact when you fold it down and very easy to store.
Best Portable Generator Cover on a Budget
Himal Waterproof Universal Generator Cover
- For 2200-5000 Watt Portable Generator
- (32 x 24 x 24 Inch)
- Durable against wear and tear
- Great air circulation
- Easy to put on
- Some people think it is too thin
If you don’t have $100 plus to spend on the best portable generator cover, the Himal Waterproof Universal Generator Cover is an excellent option. The Himal Cover is made of durable, waterproof polyester, and the exterior is coated with PVC to make it UV-resistant. It will take a lot of wind and a sharp object for this bad boy to tear, and even then, it’s nearly impossible.
This cover is designed as a storage-only cover, so you can’t have your generator running with the cover on. However, it drapes all sides of your generator for 100% coverage. It’s big enough to cover most generators, and you can tighten the bottoms to make the seal as tight as possible.
Best Portable Generator Cover for Storage
Leader Accessories Universal Generator Cover
- Very durable
- Complete coverage
- Weatherproof
- You can’t use this cover while your generator is running
If you only need a generator cover for storage because you don’t anticipate using it during foul weather, the Leader Accessories Universal Generator Cover is perfect. This cover is made of durable, waterproof polyester that’s also UV-resistant and tear-proof. The edges of the cover come all the way down to the ground to provide full coverage and protection.
While you can’t have this cover on your generator while it’s running, it’s a great investment to protect your generator while you’re not using it. For style points, this cover comes in various colors and sizes to accommodate your desires. To top it off, the cover also comes with a three-year warranty in case it tears or malfunctions.
Also in the Running
Champion Storm Shield
- For 3000 to 10,000-Watt Generators
- No tools needed for installation
- Large door makes it easy to refuel
- Durable
- The frame isn't as strong as some people would like
In addition to the dome style cover that took the top spot on our list, the Champion Storm Shield is the second-best dome-style, and one of the best portable
It’s capable of withstanding winds of up to 70 miles per hour, up to a foot and a half of snow, and any other type of weather you can think to throw its way. While it’s meant for larger generators, you can also use it for smaller ones. Additionally, you can use this generator for long-term storage or while the generator is running.
Not only is this generator cover one of the most durable and resilient, it’s also one of the easiest to use and install. No matter what type of situation you find yourself in, this generator cover will protect your investment.
Pros
- You can use this cover for storage or during operation
- One of the most durable and versatile covers available
- Easy to install and erect and doesn’t require any tools
- Designed with safety in mind so that you don’t electrocute yourself
- Can stand up against rain, snow, UV rays, and anything else imaginable
Cons
- Made specifically for Champion generators
- Fairly pricy
Final Thoughts
No matter what your budget is or what type of cover you’re looking for, there’s no shortage of excellent options to choose from. Before making your choice, however, it’s important to use our buying guide, determine your budget, and decide what you’re looking for in a generator cover. By picking one of the options in this article, you’re sure to have one of the best portable
Jalin's day job has been working as an HVAC professional but it's transitioning to full time writer and RVer.
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