One way of running your generator safely during inclement weather is by using the best generator enclosure. These units come to give you peace of mind by protecting your investment when you need power most. As you well know, we experience power loss mostly during the snow and rainy weather. Right? And since a generator can never get wet and you cannot use it indoors, it means you either use a generator enclosure or not start it at all.
The generator enclosures also make it possible to use the generator at night while camping without worrying that it might rain at night. With that said, you should understand you need the right model to enjoy all the benefits of a generator enclosure. However, finding the right and the best is never easy in the current overflowing market. Lucky for you, I’m here to help. Here is a comprehensive list of top best generator enclosure you can buy today. I have also provided a buying guide to help you make the best choice.
Read along!
Contents
Top 7 Best Generator Enclosures Review in 2021
1. Porch Shield Universal Generator Cover
If you need a reliable generator enclosure, the Porch Shield Cover that comes as a universal generator cover is there for you. The universality is extended to most portable generators, especially the 10000-watt generators. It is here to keep your generator waterproof all the time you use it outdoors. It’s made using 600D durable fabric material with added water-resistant laminated undercoating.
What’s more, there two stacks of fabric that make these cover more weather resistant and more ventilated. It does also feature Velcro on one side, allowing easy installation and removal. That to the design employed here, the generator cover is ideal for protecting your portable generator from rain, UV rays, snow, dust, birds, and tree sap. The best part is, you can use it in your storage too. It’s available in three sizes available for more universality convenience. It’s also available in multiple color options.
Pros:
- Water-resistant laminated undercoating
- Durable 600D polyester fabric
- Easy install and remove
- Two stacks of fabric
- Custom secure fit
- Bottom strap
Cons:
- Assembly required
2. Rubbermaid Resin Storage Shed
The next best generator enclosure is the Keep Rubbermaid Resin Storage Shed. It’s here to allow you to have everything you need right where you need it, including your generator. It gives you enough space to run your generator from during a power outage when it’s raining, snowing, or even during wet weather. It’s made from weather-resistant plastic, making the enclosure, or rather a shed, weather-resistant. And you know what, the material is durable, rot and rust-resistant.
That means it’ll protect your generator from moisture, sun damage, and inclement weather. The internal space is enough to keep various generators sizes. And you know what, if you’re storing your generator there, you can keep your contents here organized. What’s more, it’s large enough to keep your power tools and small landscaping equipment handy. Of course, it comes in pieces, but the assembly is quick, easy.
Pros:
- Leak, dent, and weather-resistant
- Heavy-duty floor mat included.
- Double-wall construction
- Impact-resistant flooring
- Heavy-duty plastic
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Shelving and locks are sold separately.
3. Champion Storm Shield Generator Cover
Champion Power Equipment wants you to keep your generator safe when you need emergency power while raining, snowing, and during wet weather. That’s why they are providing you with the 100376 Storm Shield designed for the Champion portable generators. It’s a perfect cover for the generators within the range of 3000-watts and 10000-watts. And now, with this generator cover, you have a safer way to run it outdoors in nearly any type of weather.
The high-quality, durable 600D polyester fabric used on the cover canopy is highly water-resistant to keep your generator dry always. It comes with an innovative attaching design that allows simple and straightforward installation; no tools are required. All you need it to clamp and frame it and then cover it. And you know what, it uses sturdy fiberglass frame rods and high-strength clamps to ensure a reliable hold to the generator. Note this; the cover is built and patented by GenTent Safety Canopies, a brand reliably producing high-quality products.
Pros:
- Tool-less Installation
- Conveniently easy to clean
- A durable, waterproof canopy
- Reliable Champion Support
- High-strength frame rods
- Self-attaching design
Cons:
- Strapping isn’t that strong.
4. GenTent 10k Generator Tent Running Cover
This GenTent Generator Tent comes as a universal generator kit compatible with most 3000w – 10000w portable generators. It’s another best generator enclosure designed with one goal in mind – allow you to run your portable generator or inverter with convenience and confidence. It does come as a patented, independently lab tested, and storm proved generator. That means GenTent engineering of this tent is exceptional.
According to customer reviews, the GenTent Generator Tent has impressive performance in keeping a generator dry and safe during rain and severe weather. With it in your possession, you’re sure that your family will be protected during power outages. And you know what, this cold-crack protective cover has a durable, sturdy design. It’s made using a dual-coated vinyl material that is water and rips resistant. It has welded seams to ensure excellent watertight performance.
Pros:
- Easy no-tool installation
- A waterproof, rip-stop material
- Durable, Marine-Grade & Dual-Coated Vinyl
- A patented self-attaching clamp system
- 25 Degree Celsius Cold Crack Rating
- Welded Watertight Seams
- Universal fit
Cons:
- Available in one color
5. IGAN Generator Tent Running Cover
Ultra heavy-duty Tarpaulin Enclosure is what you get when you purchase this next model, the IGAN Generator tent. It’s a generator running cover here to ensure you have some peace of mind next time to need emergency power during snow, rain, or wet weather.
What’s more, it’s designed to fit most generators ranging from 3500-watt to 12000-watt. And you know what, the cover is also ideal for use during storage. As an operational safety cover, it features the U.S patented hangable skirt system put in place to allow your portable generator to run safely in inclement weather and high winds.
The skirts used here suspend from metal buckles on top except on the side with the generator electrical panel. The durability of this cover is highly impressive. It comes with a new, improved stainless steel pipe frame that connects directly to the generator frame. The design ensures the cover provides excellent stability and sturdiness, thus preventing collapse and deformation.
Pros:
- Easy assembly
- Ultra heavy-duty
- 100% waterproof tarp
- Durable Stainless Steel Frame
- All-weather Protection
- Self-adhesive canopy
- Patented Design
- Multipurpose
Cons:
- Setup required
6. Microfab Portable Generator Enclosure
Microfab portable generator is another heavy-duty enclosure I can recommend to you. It comes as a new and improved product made with thick aluminum. The material makes it ultra-lightweight. Another thing, the material used is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. And to make things better, the structure is painted to add more protection while also making the unit more attractive. Besides this, the enclosure comes with four mounting holes at its base for better securing to the cement or paver blocks.
It does also have ventilation holes to allow fresh air inside. However, it would help if you opened all the doors when the generator runs to prevent damaging your generator. Assembling the enclosure is easy, but you will need a licensed electrician to install the cables to your home. It’s a heavy-duty enclosure perfect for most portable generators. Even though it’s a fixed structure, moving it to a new spot is easy and straightforward.
Pros:
- Powder Coated Aluminum
- Double hinge front and top
- Spring-loaded handle
- Four mounting holes
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- Fixed installation needed
7. GenTent 20k Generator Tent Running Cover
If you need an extreme, universal generator enclosure kit compatible with 10000w+ generators, then this GenTent 20k Generator tent is the perfect choice for you. It’s a heavy-duty tent designed to keep your generator dry, safe, and portable while also giving it a cooling profile.
Furthermore, the GenTent Generator Tent is made using dual-coated, marine-grade vinyl material to make it highly durable and water-resistant. The fabric features welded watertight seams to make it 100% waterproof. It’s merely an enclosure built to last.
It uses a self-attaching clamp system and sturdy fiberglass rods and these materials make the cover highly sturdy. It connects to the sturdy generator frame for sturdy performance. And you know what, this GenTent does also feature a vented top cap featuring welded seams. That allows airflow while also protecting the generator from water. It’s a perfect design to allow hot air out.
Pros:
- 100% Waterproof Fabric
- Welded Watertight Seams
- Dual Coated Marine Grade Vinyl
- Vented top cap with welded seams
- Self-attaching clamp system
- Strong Rip-Stop Material
- Fiberglass rods serve
- Patented design
Cons:
- The sizing could be better.
Best Generator Enclosure Buying Guide:
If you need the best generator enclosure for your generator, you have to buy the right unit. It’s necessary to match a product with your needs, preference, and functionality before you can add it to your cart. Here are some considerations you have to go through when making your selection.
Generator enclosure type
Generator enclosures come in various types depending on the design, functionality, and installation. Here are the few generator enclosure options to consider.
Rigid Generator Enclosure
If you’re looking for a generator enclosure to use at home and you’re planning to use it frequently, you can decide to go with one of the rigid generator enclosures. An inflexible generator enclosure comes as a structure designed to be mounted outdoors to provide the much-needed shelter or storage space. The best part is, these models are multipurpose. Most of the rigid enclosures are used as fixed storage spaces in the backyard. Their sizing varies from large and room to compact and to confine. Very few of the rigid generator enclosures are portable.
Flexible generator shelters
If you need a generator enclosure to use while you camp, tailgate, or while on the road with your RV, a flexible generator enclosure is your perfect choice. They come as small shelters or tents with a canopy. They are available in various sizes and styles; they are completely portable and lightweight, in most cases. Most of them look like a small tent that fits over the top of the generator.
Most of these flexible generator enclosures use a framing system that keeps them spread well on the generator. Some come with ventilated tops to allow airflow, while others feature open-able sides. The fabric used here is waterproof or water-resistant to keep your generator dry and safe during inclement weather.
Durability
Of course, it comes without saying that you need to invest in a durable generator enclosure. But that isn’t easy if you don’t consider how the generator is built. You need to consider the materials used and the structure overall. Since you’re buying a generator enclosure to keep your generator safe while it’s running during inclement weather, you must understand its construction needs to be heavy-duty and weather resistant. It needs to be highly weather resistant to protect your generator from moisture, rain, snow, and UV rays.
Assembly and Installation Ease
A generator enclosure will mostly arrive in pieces that you will need to put together. Most of these units feature an easy assembly and installation but not all the time. That is why you need to check the installation and assembly easiness before you purchase. Check the product reviews to understand how it faired for other uses.
Compatibility
I don’t know if you noticed there is compatibility mentioned in the above reviews. The generator enclosures come with particular sizes meaning they only fit specific models. What’s more, other models are built to suit particular generator capacity depending on the generator size, fumes produced, and the cooling needed. You must understand if the generator enclosure you’re about to buy is compatible with your generator.
Best Generator Enclosures (FAQs)
Q: Why should I buy a generator enclosure?
A: There are a couple of reasons why you should buy a generator enclosure. The list is long, but I will list for you some of the primary reasons. Here we go:
Q: Protects your generator from weather elements
A: As I mentioned earlier, a generator enclosure is mostly used to shelter a generator while it runs during inclement weather. And as you well know, power loss comes when we least expect and mostly during extreme weather.
Heavy rains, snowstorms, wind, and other weather conditions can affect your generator performance or even cause damage. And since it’s never safe to use a generator indoors, you need to have a better way to protect it from the bad weather. That’s one reason for buying a generator enclosure.
Helps with noise reduction
If you’re using your generator in an urban residential area, a generator enclosure can be a sure way to keep your neighbors happy. In those remote or rural areas, noise might not be an issue, but for the kids and your peace of mind, a generator enclosure can be a handy structure. If you get the best noise-reducing enclosure, it will get easier to keep your outdoors silent, especially when camping.
Mobility and Portability
Suppose you have a large generator with no wheels and you need it moved. In that case, you can get a cart-like generator enclosure to help protect the generator and also improve its mobility and portability. Some generator enclosures feature wheels that provide the needed mobility convenience, especially for the campers.
Protection from dirt, debris, and intruders
A generator enclosure, especially a tent or cover, offers ideal storage equipment to protect your generator from dust, dirt, and debris. It’s also a better way to protect your investment from intruders that can cause damage to your equipment.
Can I build a DIY generator enclosure?
Of course, you can! However, there is much that you need to consider. While building your generator enclosure, you have to make sure the materials you use are heavy-duty and weather resistant. What’s more, the unit has to be well ventilated while also keeping all the moisture out. It needs to be sturdy enough if you live in an area that received heavy snowstorms. Instead of all these hassles, it’d be best to invest in an already built unit.
Conclusion
The best generator enclosure will offer you a lot from the peace of mind to protecting your investment. This post is here to help you move forward with an easy mind while searching for the best generator enclosure. Use the buying guide I have included here to smoothen the process. Good Luck!
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