I would have loved to see it actually fold into itself slowly. I'm assuming just loosen the wing nuts and it should collapse down? I'll find out because I'm definitely building it! Thanks...
Thanks for video and build instructions. Some insights post-build: (1) I bought three, ten foot 2x4s and had about 4 feet of scrap when I was done. Like another poster below, recommend buying treated lumber. (2) During assembly, think it would be better to marry the two frame sections together with the cross piece first, then layout the three top boards and hinges. Also, I spray painted my hinges first, to ensure they didn't later rust. (3) Reccomend finding a heavy duty tarp versus the thin weave light duty used here. I've found those light duty tarps don't repell water as well. I went with a 5x7 version at Harbor Freight for $4.99.
I’ve cut the wood and ready to put frames together with screws & bolts. Storm is coming tonight!! Thanks to the great instructions & ease of getting my Lowe’s to put my shopping list together. Gonna be ready to be “RIDING THE STORM OUT” Just finished it today. I was able to find the TARP at Harbor Freight. It’s heavy and sturdy. I will put some outside paint on the lower frames to withstand moisture. I’ll send pics if you care to see them.
I built this about a year ago with two minor changes. I used pressure treated lumber because often times during and following a storm, the lumber is exposed to rain water, which could even puddle where your generator is sitting. I used outdoor rated hinges to prevent rust, or at least, extend the amount of time before the hinges need to be replaced.
That's an awesome and inexpensive generator cover! Looks easy to construct. I have purchased my first generator this month just in case of a hurricane inspired outage. I was trying to figure out how to protect it etc. After reading the CYA instructions for my Champion generator(model # 46539) and getting annoyed I was glad to find your TH-cam channel and website. After seeing your video and other's it's apparent the fire hazard is mostly, if not completely, from the hot exhaust. Thank you!
My gas cap is at the 'far' end from my pull handles so I will need to pull the entire generator out of the 'shed' in order to fill it up. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can avoid that? I guess just remove the tarp? I'm in Vermont and the snow gets deep in the mid to late winters..
If you look at the finished product at the end of the video, only the top and the back side are hinged on the inside. The front side and the top are wingnut connected so they can be disassembled and nested on the back side of the back wall. The brace is also hinge connected so he can take it out and nested on the back side as well. You can improvise upon his idea and design your own tent to fit your own generator...two set of hinges will allow you to fold easier but you will need to align them so they will fold into place, and make sure they are study. Remember, hinge connection, especially two sets and not going to be rigid and sturdy...
Well for me it's not overkill. I prefer things that are sturdier and it certainly works well. I suppose you could go with 2 x 2’s although they tend to twist especially in high moisture type environments. Mike
Lighter may be better for handling but too light and you may find you have to weigh the thing down when the wind blows. The tarp makes a good sail. A few tent stakes and a bungee cord may be an idea if wind is an issue.
rupe53 It may be good to have the base extend enough to rest on top of the horizontal piece of the frame, so the weight of the generator would help keep it planted.
That would just add another step to the assembly process. But more importantly it is very important to keep any combustible material as far away from the generator as possible.
It looks like the frame doesn't have a bottom to it, so it wouldn't be part of the frame. Do you normally sit it on the dirt or grass or place a board underneath it when operating? If you do use a board, it just needs to be narrow enough to fit between the supports.
I was gonna build one til I saw this! I have 2 plastic saw horses hanging the garage. Just need a small tarp and figure out a way to fasten the tarp. Thanks!
Mike, I really like this idea, but i'm not certain of the assembly. Can you / have you made a video showing the completed parts being assembles and then disassembled? I think it would go a long way in helping me make this if I see the pieces in that manner. Thanks
No I do not sell them. That's because the shipping weight would be so outrageous that no one would buy one. They're easy to make and of course as you know, I included the instruction sheet that you can print, Mike 🙂
I like the design just need the material list and instructions. Im gonna just add measurements to mine to make it larger so it will fit good job thanks
That's great Mike.....with the way the various sides "nest" into one-another as you fold it up, I wasn't sure if there would be intereference among the various surfaces. Some paint on the luan and maybe even the frame and it should be fairly weather-resistant...at least for the duty it will be put to ( it won't be out in the open like a permanent house). Thanks !!
Obviously you are trying to make a joke. But what would you think if you found out that someone saw your comment and actually did this? Every year people including some children died from doing exactly what you are suggesting.
Great idea. Those stupid generator tents are $160 for $5 worth of bungee cords and tarps. And when this one tears or the tarp wears out, you replace it for $2 instead of replacing the entire generator tent.
I'm not sure if you are asking a question or making a statement? I won't be able to answer the question if that's what you are asking because I do not know the dimensions of the generator in question. The dimensions for the enclosure are pretty well documented in the video so you should be able to measure the generator to determine if it fits. Mike
@@Getmytips what if we add a bunge cord connecting the structure to the generator itself since that weighs 100lbs? Do you see anything wrong with that? Thank you 🙏
I would have no way of knowing that. I recommend that you look at the dimensions provided and decide what generator will fit in there in your case, Mike
Is there any benefit to covering the central air conditioning condenser unit for the winter? It seems most people don't bother, and some said it may be bad to trap moisture under the cover. If an oversize frame is used so there's air circulation then it may be better; this setup might be good for that purpose-
I lived in Ohio, most of my life and I never covered mine up. So I don't know if there is any benefit or not. Perhaps someone better qualified such as a HVAC technician, might see this and can answer your question.
A recent snowfall with 2 foot drifts covered the unit, I figured it couldn't hurt to try to keep the snow from filling up the interior with the fan, but I guess they're designed for withstanding exposure to the elements.
I think you are correct when you say the unit was design to withstand the elements in the winter. Although I can say I never had 2 feet of snow around my condensing unit in Ohio. I'm still holding out hope that someone with some HVAC experience will add some insight.
Yes there is a benefit to covering your AC unit because it keeps out debris from the fall and spring seasonal tree droppings. It also keeps snow and ice from filling up the inside where it can melt then freeze again. Personally I favor covering only the top to keep out the junk while leaving the sides open to the air for breathing. This also keeps is less comfy for mice to move in. Same thing for pool heaters in the off season... cover only the top to keep the junk at bay. Be sure to shut of the power when you do this to avoid an accidental start while the cover is in place. What to use? Personally I have a few scraps of plywood that are the right size and treated to prevent rot. I weigh them down with a rock or something heavy enough to keep the wind from blowing it away.
If you click on the link to look at the schematic oh, you'll be able to see the inside dimensions of the generator cover. From that you'll be able to determine if your generator will fit, Mike
Sand bags. Endless variations. If you have a couple bags of play sand on hand you can decide the best way to use them when the time comes. But a bag laid across members D & E in your design should do it. I will probably do a hardtop variation of your design even if I then cover it with the same tarp. I am a woodworker so have plenty of lumber and sheet goods scraps. Most of us would be dealing with power outages after a hurricane or tornado not during.
Jordan Reese I’m going to try installing some sort of metal eyelet or rings at each corner where it touches the ground, then I’ll use extra long tent stakes or spikes told it to the ground. Just a thought...
I thought I'm the only one overthinking it... I have a box 42x40 and 36"tall 5/8 plywood, re-enforced with 4x4 at joints - all pressure treated. 2 fans 6" diameter on exhaust side, one inlet hole for fresh air on opposite side bottom(never gets hot). Shingles on top(6deg sloped roof) - all 5 sides enclosed. I think I payed about $150 for materials. It weighs about 150lbs. I roll it on its side to turn gen on, then cover it back on - never gets moved. It is sound proofing also. I have it for 6 years and use it whenever power goes out. 75ft long 8gage 50amp cable, powers the whole house from across the backyard(220v30amp setup), no noise at all. It connects to an outside power inlet straight into fuse box(all circuits on - the main and gen can't be one simultaneously). It sounds like you might like this kind of box, more. Depending on what you have in mind, I can see how this video comes up short :)
Simple, sturdy, easy to move, folds up, inexpensive, plenty of ventilation, keeps the generator dry.
Well done!
Just the type of cover I need.
Psy-Fi Eye, thanks, Mike ☺
I've been toying around with the idea of using foam board as a sound reducer. This frame would probably be ideal for that.
I would have loved to see it actually fold into itself slowly. I'm assuming just loosen the wing nuts and it should collapse down? I'll find out because I'm definitely building it! Thanks...
Eddie SanMarco Sr, you're welcome, I appreciate the feedback, Mike ☺
Built this, followed directions, had one 8 foot 2x4 left over, had to buy much smaller bungee cords
Thanks for video and build instructions. Some insights post-build: (1) I bought three, ten foot 2x4s and had about 4 feet of scrap when I was done. Like another poster below, recommend buying treated lumber. (2) During assembly, think it would be better to marry the two frame sections together with the cross piece first, then layout the three top boards and hinges. Also, I spray painted my hinges first, to ensure they didn't later rust. (3) Reccomend finding a heavy duty tarp versus the thin weave light duty used here. I've found those light duty tarps don't repell water as well. I went with a 5x7 version at Harbor Freight for $4.99.
Thanks for the feedback and leaving detailed advice for other folks. I appreciate it, Mike 🧔
good build my only critique is that it would've been nice to see it collapse so we all could see how the final product works. Thanks.
That's a good suggestion thanks for the feedback, Mike 🧔
I’ve cut the wood and ready to put frames together with screws & bolts. Storm is coming tonight!! Thanks to the great instructions & ease of getting my Lowe’s to put my shopping list together. Gonna be ready to be “RIDING THE STORM OUT” Just finished it today. I was able to find the TARP at Harbor Freight. It’s heavy and sturdy. I will put some outside paint on the lower frames to withstand moisture. I’ll send pics if you care to see them.
Welcome, thank you for taking the time to leave feedback, Mike 🧔
I built this about a year ago with two minor changes. I used pressure treated lumber because often times during and following a storm, the lumber is exposed to rain water, which could even puddle where your generator is sitting. I used outdoor rated hinges to prevent rust, or at least, extend the amount of time before the hinges need to be replaced.
Those are excellent suggestions! Thanks for sharing, Mike 👍 🧔
Do you always wear gloves when handling the pressure treated wood?
@@kanive1566Is this supposed to be a thing?
That's an awesome and inexpensive generator cover! Looks easy to construct. I have purchased my first generator this month just in case of a hurricane inspired outage. I was trying to figure out how to protect it etc. After reading the CYA instructions for my Champion generator(model # 46539) and getting annoyed I was glad to find your TH-cam channel and website. After seeing your video and other's it's apparent the fire hazard is mostly, if not completely, from the hot exhaust. Thank you!
shinerlightman, thanks for your kind words and feedback. Mike ☺
There's a hurricane coming in Florida this week, so I built this over the weekend. Now I feel better prepared. God bless you sir!
You're welcome, 🧔
Do you happen to have the measurements list? Website appears to be down.
Awesome, I'm going to use easily removable pins for quick assembly.
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it, Mike 🧔
My gas cap is at the 'far' end from my pull handles so I will need to pull the entire generator out of the 'shed' in order to fill it up. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can avoid that? I guess just remove the tarp? I'm in Vermont and the snow gets deep in the mid to late winters..
If you haven't built the cover yet you may want to consider building a bigger one. Aside from that removing the carpet is the best you can do, Mike
Ingenious! Exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you so much.
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback, Mike 🧔
Your website is down, and there's no link to the plans. Do you have it somewhere else?
Thank you once again! I like how you made it fold into itself for easy storage.
You are welcome, and thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment. ☺
@@Getmytips I wish I could have seen it being folded.
So with a hinge on only one side how can you fold it up?? You would need hinges on both sides......The video shows one hinged side
If you look at the finished product at the end of the video, only the top and the back side are hinged on the inside. The front side and the top are wingnut connected so they can be disassembled and nested on the back side of the back wall. The brace is also hinge connected so he can take it out and nested on the back side as well. You can improvise upon his idea and design your own tent to fit your own generator...two set of hinges will allow you to fold easier but you will need to align them so they will fold into place, and make sure they are study. Remember, hinge connection, especially two sets and not going to be rigid and sturdy...
You can do the same with some PVC piping and it will be even lighter and easier to put together.
That's a good tip Chuck, thanks for sharing, Mike 🧔
Wouldn’t pvc be too light for any storm winds? It turns into a sail at that point
@@1997LT1Camaro im attaching 2 sand bags.
When you come up with a plan could you post it for us? Thanks
Isn’t 2x4’s overkill? Wouldn’t 2x2’s or pvc be lighter?
Well for me it's not overkill. I prefer things that are sturdier and it certainly works well. I suppose you could go with 2 x 2’s although they tend to twist especially in high moisture type environments. Mike
Lighter may be better for handling but too light and you may find you have to weigh the thing down when the wind blows. The tarp makes a good sail. A few tent stakes and a bungee cord may be an idea if wind is an issue.
rupe53
It may be good to have the base extend enough to rest on top of the horizontal piece of the frame, so the weight of the generator would help keep it planted.
That would just add another step to the assembly process. But more importantly it is very important to keep any combustible material as far away from the generator as possible.
It looks like the frame doesn't have a bottom to it, so it wouldn't be part of the frame. Do you normally sit it on the dirt or grass or place a board underneath it when operating?
If you do use a board, it just needs to be narrow enough to fit between the supports.
That's rather kind of you to post this instruction. Will maintain till we get out generator
Thanks 🧔
I just use plastic folding saw horses with the tarp.
Vinnie Romano, that's actually a very good idea. How do you secure the tarp? Mike ☺
I was gonna build one til I saw this! I have 2 plastic saw horses hanging the garage. Just need a small tarp and figure out a way to fasten the tarp. Thanks!
How do you secure the saw horses if it's windy?
Mike, I really like this idea, but i'm not certain of the assembly. Can you / have you made a video showing the completed parts being assembles and then disassembled? I think it would go a long way in helping me make this if I see the pieces in that manner. Thanks
what would be a good combination of 2x4's lengths to purchase?
Is there a guide on how to fold the tarp?
Not sure why he forgot to show how it collapses
Any design suggestion on how to make the generator quieter, please give some thought on this. Thank you!!!
Juan Ortega, Actually I don't have any suggestions for you, sorry. Perhaps someone who reads this will make a suggestion for you. Mike
I need one for a Duromax 13000eh generator. 36 inches across the front and back. 32 inches down the sides and 30 inches high. Any dimensions for that?
Sorry I do not. I just made the one wood cover, Mike
This is awesome. Can I buy one from you that's pre-built?
No I do not sell them. That's because the shipping weight would be so outrageous that no one would buy one. They're easy to make and of course as you know, I included the instruction sheet that you can print, Mike 🙂
glad i found this. i have a bunch of scrap wood from an ikea bunk bed i can use
thank you!
You're welcome!
How does the hinged 2×4s fold back wards so they form a grate to hold the front support?
Had hinges wrong place
I like the design just need the material list and instructions. Im gonna just add measurements to mine to make it larger so it will fit good job thanks
Thanks here you go, Mike www.getmytips.com/diy-generator-cover
Would The TARP catch on fire from the heat of the muffler
No It is open on the side for that reason.
I dont quite understand why the top is angled.
The top is angled so if it rains it will run off, Mike
Instead of a tarp......can you fashion a luan ( thin plywood) sheet on the 4(?) sides and still have it fold?
That will work, thanks for the tip. Mike ☺
That's great Mike.....with the way the various sides "nest" into one-another as you fold it up, I wasn't sure if there would be intereference among the various surfaces. Some paint on the luan and maybe even the frame and it should be fairly weather-resistant...at least for the duty it will be put to ( it won't be out in the open like a permanent house). Thanks !!
That's what I plan to do! This design is simple and smart -- I love it.
In order to save weight, could this be built out of 2x2's or evenpvc pipeusing the same dimensions?
That is too awkward to carry around.
I just bring my generator inside but I always end up getting dizzy and passing out for some reason. 😂
Obviously you are trying to make a joke. But what would you think if you found out that someone saw your comment and actually did this? Every year people including some children died from doing exactly what you are suggesting.
Maybe it’s not the exhaust fumes making you dizzy. It’s the weed you are smoking 😁
Great idea. Those stupid generator tents are $160 for $5 worth of bungee cords and tarps. And when this one tears or the tarp wears out, you replace it for $2 instead of replacing the entire generator tent.
Matt R, thanks, I appreciate feedback It works like a champ for me. Mike ☺
These dimensions fit with a large portable generator such as Firman p08004?
I'm not sure if you are asking a question or making a statement? I won't be able to answer the question if that's what you are asking because I do not know the dimensions of the generator in question. The dimensions for the enclosure are pretty well documented in the video so you should be able to measure the generator to determine if it fits. Mike
@@Getmytips I didn't put together my generator yet, will have to measure once I do. No matter what, great simple design you've got there!
Seems like a good design. Thanks for sharing
Thanks 🧔
Is this heavy enough so the wind won't blow it away?
I have never wind tested it. It is a temporary portable structure so it's not that heavy, Mike
@@Getmytips what if we add a bunge cord connecting the structure to the generator itself since that weighs 100lbs? Do you see anything wrong with that? Thank you 🙏
Yeah that would work, Mike
Will this fit a Honda eu2200?.
I would have no way of knowing that. I recommend that you look at the dimensions provided and decide what generator will fit in there in your case, Mike
Nice buddy👍
Thanks 👍 🧔
Is there any benefit to covering the central air conditioning condenser unit for the winter? It seems most people don't bother, and some said it may be bad to trap moisture under the cover. If an oversize frame is used so there's air circulation then it may be better; this setup might be good for that purpose-
I lived in Ohio, most of my life and I never covered mine up. So I don't know if there is any benefit or not. Perhaps someone better qualified such as a HVAC technician, might see this and can answer your question.
A recent snowfall with 2 foot drifts covered the unit, I figured it couldn't hurt to try to keep the snow from filling up the interior with the fan, but I guess they're designed for withstanding exposure to the elements.
I think you are correct when you say the unit was design to withstand the elements in the winter. Although I can say I never had 2 feet of snow around my condensing unit in Ohio. I'm still holding out hope that someone with some HVAC experience will add some insight.
Yes there is a benefit to covering your AC unit because it keeps out debris from the fall and spring seasonal tree droppings. It also keeps snow and ice from filling up the inside where it can melt then freeze again. Personally I favor covering only the top to keep out the junk while leaving the sides open to the air for breathing. This also keeps is less comfy for mice to move in. Same thing for pool heaters in the off season... cover only the top to keep the junk at bay. Be sure to shut of the power when you do this to avoid an accidental start while the cover is in place. What to use? Personally I have a few scraps of plywood that are the right size and treated to prevent rot. I weigh them down with a rock or something heavy enough to keep the wind from blowing it away.
Okay that makes complete sense. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
What are the dimensions of the generator you’re covering there??
If you click on the link to look at the schematic oh, you'll be able to see the inside dimensions of the generator cover. From that you'll be able to determine if your generator will fit, Mike
Yea, stupid question...sorry!...I added 10 inches to all measurements and it came out great!!!!...THANKS!!!!
Not a stupid question, you're welcome thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for this! Any suggestions on how to keep it weighed down in high wind environments?
Jordan Reese, no not really, I suspect it will not hold up well in high wind. Mike ☺
Sand bags. Endless variations. If you have a couple bags of play sand on hand you can decide the best way to use them when the time comes. But a bag laid across members D & E in your design should do it. I will probably do a hardtop variation of your design even if I then cover it with the same tarp. I am a woodworker so have plenty of lumber and sheet goods scraps. Most of us would be dealing with power outages after a hurricane or tornado not during.
You can bungee cord onto the generator
Jordan Reese I’m going to try installing some sort of metal eyelet or rings at each corner where it touches the ground, then I’ll use extra long tent stakes or spikes told it to the ground.
Just a thought...
I need to do this, my generator might be a little too big, but I could try to scale up this design by a few inches
Yes actually you could probably add 1 or 1.5 inches to every measurement and still use the 4 foot by 6 foot tarp. Let us know how it turns out.
I have to try this myself...
Isn’t this frame better in aluminum or galvanized metal? Should probably be less bulky to store.
I suppose it would be but how many homeowners have the ability to fabricate a frame out of aluminum or steel? Mike 🧔
Well spoken my friend and nice camera work. Your video graphics are great but, damn that is one ugly a$& generator structure. Holy crap what a mess.
Rik Miles, thanks for the kind words and taking the time to leave feedback, Mike ☺
I thought I'm the only one overthinking it...
I have a box 42x40 and 36"tall 5/8 plywood, re-enforced with 4x4 at joints - all pressure treated. 2 fans 6" diameter on exhaust side, one inlet hole for fresh air on opposite side bottom(never gets hot). Shingles on top(6deg sloped roof) - all 5 sides enclosed. I think I payed about $150 for materials. It weighs about 150lbs. I roll it on its side to turn gen on, then cover it back on - never gets moved. It is sound proofing also. I have it for 6 years and use it whenever power goes out. 75ft long 8gage 50amp cable, powers the whole house from across the backyard(220v30amp setup), no noise at all. It connects to an outside power inlet straight into fuse box(all circuits on - the main and gen can't be one simultaneously). It sounds like you might like this kind of box, more.
Depending on what you have in mind, I can see how this video comes up short :)
Nice!!
Thanks 🧔