Should You Buy a Generator Cover or a Generator Tent?
By John Funk, December 02, 2025
Anyone who owns a portable generator knows just how handy it becomes during blackouts, camping adventures, or any outdoor gathering. But here's something many generator owners overlook: protecting their investment from the elements. That's where the great debate comes in — should you buy a generator cover or a generator tent?
Both options serve the important purpose of keeping your generator safe from rain, snow, dust, and debris. However, they work quite differently and suit different needs. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the option that best fits your needs.
Understanding Generator Covers
A generator cover is essentially a fitted or universal protective shell that wraps around your generator. It serves as a layer of defense that keeps your equipment dry and secure.
Most generator covers are made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials like polyester or vinyl with water-resistant coatings.
A portable generator cover is designed to keep your generator protected from rain, dirt, and sunlight whenever it's stored away. Some covers are designed for storage only, while others can be used while the generator is running, featuring vents and openings for exhaust and cooling.
Pros
Generator covers are incredibly affordable, with most quality options ranging from $30 to $100. Their lightweight design makes them easy to pack and store wherever you need.
Installation is simple; you just slip the cover over your generator like putting a cover on a grill.
They also provide excellent protection during storage, keeping dust and moisture away during those months when your generator sits idle in the garage or shed.
Cons
Here's the catch: most basic generator covers are designed for storage, not operation. If you need to run your generator in the rain, a standard generator rain cover might not cut it. While some specialized running covers exist, they can restrict airflow if not designed properly, potentially causing your generator to overheat.
Covers offer limited workspace — if you need to refuel or perform maintenance during operation, you'll need to remove the entire cover.
Understanding Generator Tents
A generator tent is more like a miniature canopy or shelter specifically designed to house your running generator. These structures typically feature a metal or plastic frame covered with weather-resistant fabric, creating a protected space where your generator can operate safely.
Generator tents are built with ventilation in mind, allowing proper airflow while keeping rain and snow out. They're specifically engineered for use while your generator is running, which sets them apart from basic covers.
Pros
The biggest advantage is that generator tents are designed for operation in any weather. You can safely run your generator during rainstorms without worry. They provide superior ventilation compared to covers, significantly reducing overheating risks.
The open design makes refueling and maintenance much easier — you can access your generator without dismantling anything. Many models are also spacious enough to accommodate multiple generators or additional equipment.
Cons
Generator tents are generally more expensive, usually costing between $150 and $400 or higher.
They're bulkier and require more storage space than a simple cover. Setup takes more time and effort — you're essentially assembling a small structure.
Some models also require staking or weighing down to prevent wind damage.
Key Factors to Consider
How Often Do You Use Your Generator?
If you only fire up your generator once or twice a year during emergencies, a simple portable generator cover for storage protection might be all you need. However, if you use your generator regularly — for job sites, camping, or frequent power outages — investing in a generator tent makes more sense.
What Weather Conditions Do You Face?
Do you experience only mild rain at times, or does your area frequently see heavy downpours and severe conditions? For mild conditions, a quality generator rain cover designed for running use might suffice. But if you're dealing with serious weather events, a generator tent provides much better protection and peace of mind.
Storage and Portability Needs
Consider where you'll store your protection equipment when not in use. If space is tight, a foldable generator cover wins hands down. If you have a garage or shed with room to spare, a generator tent's bulk becomes less of an issue.
Budget Constraints
If you're working with limited funds, starting with a good portable generator cover is perfectly reasonable. Upgrading to a tent is always an option if you decide you need better coverage.
Noise Considerations
Here's something people don't always think about: generator tents can help muffle some of the noise your generator produces. In areas where generator noise could be disruptive, a tent can double as a sound-dampening barrier.
Can You Use Both?
Here's a clever solution many experienced generator owners use: keep both on hand. Use your generator tent when you need to run your generator in bad weather, and use your portable generator cover for storage protection the rest of the time. By combining these approaches, you get maximum benefits without overspending.
Making Your Final Decision
So which should you choose? Here's our simple recommendation:
- Choose a generator cover if you mainly need storage protection, have limited space, are on a tight budget, use your generator infrequently, or typically only operate your generator in good weather.
- Choose a generator tent if you frequently run your generator in rain or snow, use your generator for extended periods, need easy access for refueling and maintenance, have space for storage and setup, or want the best possible protection for a valuable generator.
Important Safety Reminders
Regardless of your selection, never overlook this vital safety tip: maintain adequate airflow to protect against carbon monoxide hazards.
Never run a generator in an enclosed space like a garage or basement, even with a tent or cover.
Position your generator a minimum of 20 feet away from your house. Make sure exhaust outlets have clear pathways that aren't blocked by your cover or tent walls.
Making the Right Choice
Both generator covers and generator tents have their place in protecting your investment. A quality generator rain cover offers affordable, convenient protection for storage and occasional use. A generator tent provides superior protection for frequent operation in challenging weather conditions.
Think about your specific needs, weather conditions, usage patterns, and budget. As long as it suits your situation, either option will work well.
Keep in mind, taking steps to protect your generator now ensures it’s ready to support you when you need it most, whether during a major storm or your next outdoor trip.
Choose any option, but always take measures to shield your generator. These machines work hard for us, and they deserve a little shelter in return.
What Makes Seal Skin Covers Unique
If a generator cover feels like the best fit for you, be aware that some covers are built better than others. Seal Skin Covers stands out as a premium option that delivers exceptional value without the premium price tag of fully custom solutions.
What makes Seal Skin Covers different is their commitment to quality and smart design. Their semi-custom approach means you get a cover that fits your specific generator model almost as perfectly as a custom-made cover, but at a fraction of the cost. This is the sweet spot many generator owners are looking for — professional-grade protection that doesn't drain your wallet.
Here's what sets Seal Skin Covers apart:
- Superior Material Quality: Seal Skin uses heavy-duty, marine-grade fabrics that stand up to the harshest weather conditions. These aren't the thin, flimsy covers that tear after one season — they're built to last for years of reliable protection.
- Breathability Factor: This is crucial and often overlooked. Seal Skin Covers feature breathable fabric technology that prevents moisture buildup and condensation inside the cover. This breathability helps prevent rust, corrosion, and mildew that can develop when moisture gets trapped against your generator's metal surfaces.
- Perfect Fit Without Custom Pricing: Their semi-custom sizing system means your cover will fit snugly without the gaps and loose areas that universal covers often have. A proper fit provides better protection and prevents the cover from blowing off in strong winds.
- Long-Term Durability: The reinforced seams, double-stitched construction, and UV-resistant materials mean your Seal Skin Cover will outlast cheaper alternatives by several years. When you calculate the cost per year of use, it's actually more economical than repeatedly replacing budget covers.
- Weather Resistance: Whether you're dealing with scorching sun, heavy rain, snow, or coastal salt air, Seal Skin Covers provide consistent, reliable protection in all conditions.
When you pick a Seal Skin portable generator cover, you’re extending the life of your generator with protection, value, and craftsmanship you can rely on.
Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST), and we will help you find the perfect generator cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
