Generator covers and tents (2026)
A running cover, or generator tent, is a canopy that keeps rain and snow off a portable generator while it runs outdoors. This page compares the running covers we list, for small inverter and open-frame generators, and one storage cover for when the generator is off. Every spec is from the product listing, read on the date in each card's notes; we haven't used these ourselves. A cover changes nothing about where a generator may run: outdoors only, and Ready.gov says at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
By Tom Calder · Updated November 8, 2026 · 8 products, all price-tracked
Our picks
GenTent Open Frame (Original)
Open-frame generators up to 105 inches
GenTent Inverter (Original)
Enclosed inverter generators up to 120 inches
Champion C90010 storage cover
Storing a small inverter generator
All 8 compared
| Cover | Type | Fits | Material | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. GenTent Inverter Generator Tent, Black, Original Standard (GTOICSMSBK) Best running cover for an inverter generator Running cover · Fully encased inverter generators with case perimeters up to 120 inches · Ripstop vinyl (per the title), NFPA flame retardant canopy Enclosed inverter generators up to 120 inches | Running cover | Fully encased inverter generators with case perimeters up to 120 inches | Ripstop vinyl (per the title), NFPA flame retardant canopy | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A running cover for fully encased inverter generators with case perimeters up to 120 inches, with an NFPA flame retardant canopy and a Kevlar mounting system. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Enclosed inverter generators up to 120 inches Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is open frame: this one is for fully encased inverters. | |||||
2. GenTent Universal Open Frame Generator Tent, Black, Original Standard (GTOPFUC) Best running cover for an open-frame generator Running cover · Open frame generators with post perimeters up to 105 inches · Ripstop vinyl (per the title), NFPA flame retardant canopy · 6 lb Open-frame generators up to 105 inches | Running cover | Open frame generators with post perimeters up to 105 inches | Ripstop vinyl (per the title), NFPA flame retardant canopy | 6 lb | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A running cover for open frame generators with post perimeters up to 105 inches, with an NFPA flame retardant canopy and a universal clamp system. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Open-frame generators up to 105 inches Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is an enclosed inverter: this one is for open frame units. | |||||
Running cover · Westinghouse open frame generators up to and including the 11500 Series, and the ecoGen10000; open frame generators with 80 to 107 inch perimeters (length x2 + width x2, excluding wheels and handles) · Vinyl fabric · 4.4 lb Westinghouse open-frame generators outdoors | Running cover | Westinghouse open frame generators up to and including the 11500 Series, and the ecoGen10000; open frame generators with 80 to 107 inch perimeters (length x2 + width x2, excluding wheels and handles) | Vinyl fabric | 4.4 lb | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A running cover for open frame generators, sized for Westinghouse models up to the 11500 Series. The maker lists a vented top and a refueling door. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Westinghouse open-frame generators outdoors Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is an enclosed inverter: this one is for open frame units. | |||||
Running cover · Universal open frame fit · Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl canopy · 5 lb Open-frame generators, DuroMax or others | Running cover | Universal open frame fit | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl canopy | 5 lb | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A running cover for open frame generators, made of NFPA 701 flame retardant vinyl. The maker lists wind, rain and snow-load ratings and says it is made in the USA. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Open-frame generators, DuroMax or others Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is an enclosed inverter: this one is for open frame units. | |||||
Running cover · Most 3,500W to 12,000W portable generators with a tubular or square frame, except the models and brands shown in the listing picture · Tarpaulin on 5/8-inch stainless steel tubing · 9 lb Frame-type generators of 3,500 to 12,000 watts | Running cover | Most 3,500W to 12,000W portable generators with a tubular or square frame, except the models and brands shown in the listing picture | Tarpaulin on 5/8-inch stainless steel tubing | 9 lb | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A running cover for portable generators of 3,500W to 12,000W with a tubular or square frame, with a windproof kit of stakes and ropes. The listing says to check its picture for excluded models. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Frame-type generators of 3,500 to 12,000 watts Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is a fully enclosed inverter: this one is for frame-type units. | |||||
6. Champion C90010 Weather Resistant Storage Cover for 2,000 to 4,000W Inverter Generators Best storage cover Storage cover (not for use while running) · 2,000 to 4,000W inverter generators or generators sized 23.8 x 16.4 x 19.4 inches · Vinyl · 1.1 lb Storing a small inverter generator | Storage cover (not for use while running) | 2,000 to 4,000W inverter generators or generators sized 23.8 x 16.4 x 19.4 inches | Vinyl | 1.1 lb | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A light vinyl storage cover for 2,000 to 4,000W inverter generators of about 23.8 x 16.4 x 19.4 inches. It is a storage cover only. Remove it before starting the generator, which runs outdoors, far from the house. Best for Storing a small inverter generator Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a cover for use while the generator runs: this is a storage cover. | |||||
Running cover · Honda and most 1,000 to 2,300 watt generators · Vinyl (spec row); the bullets describe waterproof tarpaulin with a metal base and fiberglass support rods Small inverters up to about 2,300 watts | Running cover | Honda and most 1,000 to 2,300 watt generators | Vinyl (spec row); the bullets describe waterproof tarpaulin with a metal base and fiberglass support rods | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A small running cover for inverter generators of about 1,000 to 2,300 watts, listed as fitting Honda units. It has a metal base and fiberglass support rods and a 2-year limited warranty. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Small inverters up to about 2,300 watts Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your generator is over 2,300 watts: this cover is sized for smaller units. | |||||
Running cover · Most 4,000W to 13,000W generators; the listing says to check its images for specific models · Metal frame, waterproof tarpaulin Larger generators needing a frame-and-tarp tent | Running cover | Most 4,000W to 13,000W generators; the listing says to check its images for specific models | Metal frame, waterproof tarpaulin | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A frame-and-tarp running cover for most 4,000W to 13,000W generators. The listing says to check its images for your model, and it does not give weight or whether it suits open frame or enclosed units. A cover does not change where a generator may run: outdoors, far from the house. Best for Larger generators needing a frame-and-tarp tent Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need a confirmed fit: the listing tells you to check images for your model. | |||||
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Before you buy
Fit comes first.
Running covers are sized either for enclosed inverter generators or for open-frame generators; makers give a wattage range, a perimeter measurement or a model list. Measure your generator and check the maker's fit list.
Running cover or storage cover?
A running cover is made to stay on while the generator runs. A storage cover is for when it is off: OSHA says generators stay hot for long periods after they stop, so let the engine cool before you put one on.
Keep it on a dry surface.
CPSC's advice is an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water can't reach it or puddle or drain under it. Dry your hands before touching the generator.
Leave room to breathe.
OSHA says a generator needs 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it for ventilation. Follow the cover maker's and the generator maker's instructions on clearances and exhaust.
Wind: stake or weight the cover as its maker says.
A cover that blows over can tip onto a hot muffler.
Material: the running covers here are vinyl or tarpaulin on a metal or fiberglass frame, and the storage cover is vinyl; some makers say theirs is flame retardant. Each card says what the listing says.
Fit carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of your home before you run the generator.
We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labeled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test. When two products are close, commission can decide which one we pick. A clearly better product always wins. Read our full methodology →
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Common questions
Can I run a generator in the rain with a cover?
OSHA says to keep a generator dry and not use it in the rain or wet conditions, and to protect it with a canopy if needed. CPSC says that if you must run one when it is wet outside, use an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water can't reach it or puddle or drain under it, and never run it indoors or near openings to any building.
Can I run a generator under a porch roof or in an open garage?
No. CPSC says never to use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas, even with fans or open doors and windows, and CDC says never in a garage or carport. Ready.gov says outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
What's the difference between a generator tent and a generator cover?
A tent or running cover is a canopy made to stay on while the generator runs. A storage cover wraps the generator when it is off and cool, and should never be on it while it runs.
Will a running cover fit my generator?
Check the maker's fit list or perimeter measurement against your generator. Covers for enclosed inverter generators and for open-frame generators are different shapes.
Can I run a generator with a CO shutoff in the garage?
No. CPSC says never to use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas, even with fans running or doors and windows open, and CDC says never less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent. A CO shutoff stops the engine when carbon monoxide builds up around the generator; it is a backstop, not permission to run one near the house. Fit battery-operated or battery back-up CO alarms in the home too.
Sources (4)
- CPSC: Portable generator safety alert (CO, wet weather, backfeeding)
- OSHA: Using portable generators safely, fact sheet OSHA 3286transfer switch, clear space, wet conditions
- Ready.gov: Power outagesgenerators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages
- CDC: Protect yourself during a power outagegenerators at least 20 feet from any window, door or vent