Will rain hurt a Honda EU2000 generator in a truck bed

[Threevagabonds]

I have plans to install two Honda's in the bed of my truck, and realized that it might rain on them at times. Is this not recommended? Do those of you that use a truck mounted generator make an enclosure, and if so, do the generators get enough air circulation when running? I anyone has used an enclosure, what did you use? Thanks for your input.

[Threevagabonds]

I have plans to install two Honda's in the bed of my truck, and realized that it might rain on them at times. Is this not recommended? Do those of you that use a truck mounted generator make an enclosure, and if so, do the generators get enough air circulation when running? I anyone has used an enclosure, what did you use? Thanks for your input.

[gearman]

Why in the world would you want to use an enclosure?!?!?! By using an enclosure you will cut off air to cool the engine down, ect....

These units are so quiet there is no need for an enclosure.
I run mine under the truck or the trailer to keep rain off the gen set, but I really don't see why one couldn't run out in the rain, other than its not the smartest thing to do by letting the plug get wet, but the gen set should run fine.

[Threevagabonds]

Thank you "Gearman", but I don't think you understood my questions. I do not want to run the generators in an enclosure, but neither do I want to run them "under the truck or trailer" in a Walmart parking lot. Regarding operating in an enclosure, all built in generators in Class A,C and and some 5er's operate in an enclosure, so I think it would be possible to construct a suitable one for the EU2000. I am hoping that someone out there can give me some constructive information based on their experience with these particular generators.

[Billy M]

I keep my 3000 behind the hitch, between it and the tailgate. As long as i'm hooked up to the trailer it's more or less covered. If I un-hook I cable it to one of the extension legs. It's covered again. I usually cover it for any length of time when not in immediate use anyway. If it rains on it, it rains on it.
Hope this helps

[Michael Richardson]

I would try to protect the unit from the elements as much as possible. I have run a eu 1000 in some pretty hard rains. I prefer to put the unit out in the open rather to locate it under the trailer. I havn't had any problems in 4 years.

[John66]

I use a custom 1/3 bed fiberglass cover. It has a huge hatch over the generator for air and exhaust out (i use a deflector to ensure as much exhaust as possible exits), and a door in the plywood filler panel in front to allow cool air in and access to the generator controls.

[gearman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Threevagabonds:
Regarding operating in an enclosure, all built in generators in Class A,C and and some 5er's operate in an enclosure, so I think it would be possible to construct a suitable one for the EU2000. I am hoping that someone out there can give me some constructive information based on their experience with these particular generators. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, you are not concidering that you want to run a "portable" gen set that is not designed to be ran in an enclosre, where as the designed 'built in' units are made for this, fans for cooling and exhaust pipes that evacuate properly.

Also let me correct my first post, I have ran my gen set under or in back of truck, and under trailer at times, even in wal marts parking lot. But when dry camped, I do prefer to run the gen set 50 feet away from trailer, for sound/exhaust fumes. I have not worried about a little rain on it either, but in a down pour I do move it to some shelter in a well ventalated area.

[Threevagabonds]

Thanks for the information on your experience with your generators. Point well taken, that these portable generators are not designed for enclosures such as in a compartment. I was looking more for something that would protect them when in the pick up bed. Protect from theft, and then convert to a suitable enclosure the protect from rain while running them. That would have to include air circulation and exhaust evacuation. Maybe to much to ask for.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I would think you could make a "roof" of sorts, like a bench, open on all sides and plenty of gap above the generator for air flow?

Portable generators shouldn't be run in an enclosure, but this could be something no more restrictive than running the generator under the overhang of a 5th wheel which people do all the time with no ill effect.

If you were looking at something easy to take in and out for occasional use, maybe just setting a little coleman camp table over them would work...

If you were thinking of having the generators and shelter semi-permanently mounted in the pickup, I wouldn't think it wouldn't be too tough to come up with something...

It could be something made with 11ga plate and some angle iron, set up with 4 sides that hinge to lay flat on the top when in use, and could lock in the down position with a hasp... Shot with spray on bedliner, it could look OK.

....check with manufacture for advice....geofkaye

[Paul Clancy]

The portable camp table/card table sounds like a great idea to keep rain off. Course wouldn't work for the odd driving horizontal rain. I'd just shut it down and tuck it under the trailer at that point. With mine I currently have it under the outer corner of the trailer awning with exhaust pointing away. Seems to do ok. I'd think a truck box could also be rigged to house the hondas but you would need some angled hatches...might be weekend welder project.

.....puting the generator under the vehicle is not wise as the Military instructs troops to -Not- have a generator anywhere near soldiers for a number of reasons: one being warm exhaust rising into a sleeping compartment and that the heat signature draws fire from nite goggle users/rocket launchers....also a sound issue is there somewhere....covers up the nite sounds....anyway if you insist please use a fan behind the generator to blow the exhaust and heat away from your area........into the neighbors trailer. geofkaye

[Threevagabonds]

Kayerivercity

Thanks for the warnings. Points well taken. I think though that I will fold up my tent and disappear into the night if I find that my camping neighbors are armed with nite goggles and rocket launchers. By the way, you need to move out of Bagdad as soon as you can.