First of many dumb questions from a newbie

[AUTAILGATER]

I hope to pick up our first AS tomorrow (19 Bambi). I've had many questions answered from reading prior posts. I plan to eventually use 2 Honda EU2000 gen for my A/C, etc. I think I'll be ok sound wise with the Hondas where we will be camping. I'm worried about using the generators during bad weather. My question is, does anyone think an old large pet crate/carrier (with bottom drain holes) would suffice to protect from the elements while running? (I haven't measured yet but I think they both would fit) Or do you just disconnect and turn off during bad weather? It's cold today but in the deep South we have warm/hot days all year. Thanks for the input in advance.

[Dave Park]

The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask.

My generators have always run fine in full rain. They weren't Hondas, but the intakes are aways protected against the elements. Or should be!

I would often leave my genny in the back of my truck when going through a touchless car wash so it could get a good coat of protectant - it would smell a little as it burned it off the exhaust first use, but after that, all the frame, tank and bushing parts were protected - especially as clearcoat protectant usually contains a UV protectant.

[aftermath]

I had the opportunity to run my Honda during a very rainy weekend this summer. I didn't have any trouble with it at all. Take a look at how it is built. It is pretty much encased in the plastic case with little actually exposed to the weather.

[Jammer]

The biggest problem with running a generator in the rain is the risk of electric shock, which is considerable.

[clancy_boy]

Always use a ground rod with a generator. A solid 3 foot piece of 1/2 inch copper rod works great.

[blmitch5]

I uses a ground as well. A makeshift tent to cover it works as well. Your going to love your Bambi! What year and model did you buy?

[Goin camping]

Ask all the questions you want. We'd rather answer than have something go haywire because you were too worried about asking something.

In the future it will be your duty to answer questions and help out fellow streamers.

[n2916s]

Pet crate should work swell. Saw one fellow this summer that had an el-cheapo kiddie tent that housed his Honda.

I just run mine in the truck bed with the cable snaked under the tonneau...

mike

[mhilley]

On your original post you mentioned that you were going to buy two generators. Why do you need two? One is enough to run the A/C if you don't run much else. You might have to replace the start capacitor in the A/C but the generator will run it. We do it all the time.

[AUTAILGATER]

I didn't intend to say buy two, I have one already with the external gas tank setup and regular access to another.

[easyride]

Don`t know about the honda gen,but on my hurricane generator at home,I remember getting to remove the gfci,and replace with a regular duplex during hurricane Wilma.
Dave

[TBRich]

The pet crate should work ... When we need the generator in rainy weather I usually fashion a shelter for it with a tarp and a kid's card table that we carry to use outside on the "patio"... The table is tall enough to sit over the genny...then we drape the tarp on three sides leaving one side (way from the direction of the rain) open for ventilation ... it's worked for a us a number of times.