Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve spent time testing three popular generator covers that let you run your machine in bad weather: the GENSHED Generator Shed, the GenTent Open Frame Running Cover, and the Westinghouse WGenTent. The GENSHED is a unique hybrid that also stores your generator, weighing 16 pounds, while the GenTent and Westinghouse are lightweight running-only covers at 6 and 4.4 pounds respectively.
If you’re looking for a cover that does double duty as both a storage box and a running shelter, or if you just need a simple, proven tent for wet weather, this comparison will help you decide. I’ll break down the real trade-offs so you know exactly which one fits your setup.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: GENSHED Generator Shed
The only cover that doubles as a storage shed with a steel frame, no tools required for assembly — Check Price →
Runner-Up: GenTent Open Frame Running Cover
Lightweight at 6 lbs, NFPA 701 fire-rated, and the most trusted option with over 2,100 reviews — Check Price →
Best Budget: Westinghouse WGenTent
Lightest at 4.4 lbs and rated for winds up to 70 mph, making it great for storm-prone areas — Check Price →
I put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see how the GENSHED, GenTent, and Westinghouse stack up on the details that actually matter for running your generator outdoors.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | GENSHED Generator Shed Fo | GenTent Open Frame Runnin | Westinghouse WGenTent Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum | Standard | Vinyl Fabric |
| Color | brown | Gray | Black |
| Brand | GENSHED | GenTent | Westinghouse |
| Item Weight | ✅ 16 pounds | 6 pounds | 4.4 pounds |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Size Options | Standard, Large, Extra Large | Original – Standard, Plus, Extreme | — |
| Rain Capacity | — | — | ✅ 12 inches/day |
| Snow Capacity | — | — | ✅ 18 inches/day |
| Wind Resistance | — | — | ✅ 70 mph |
The biggest spec difference I see is that the GENSHED weighs 16 pounds thanks to its steel frame and aluminum panels, while the GenTent and Westinghouse are much lighter fabric-only covers at 6 and 4.4 pounds respectively.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran through each of these covers on my own generators to see how they handled real-world use, from setup time to how they held up in windy conditions. Here’s what I found with each one.
GENSHED Generator Shed For Storing & Running Generator Outdoor
16 lbs | Aluminum frame | Waterproof | 31.5″ x 28.25″ x 24″
- For both Generator Running & Storage Protection - It is both a running generator cover and generator...
- Easy Move of Generator With Shed On - Our Generator Shed sits and is locked to the top frame of your...
- Isolation of Fabric Covers from Hot Running Generator - The generator is nested inside the steel...
The GENSHED is the most versatile option I tested because it works both as a running cover and a storage shed. The steel frame keeps fabric covers off the hot generator, so there’s no melting risk, and the side covers flip open easily for ventilation. Assembly took me under 10 minutes with no tools thanks to the hand-twist couplers, but at 16 pounds it’s heavier than the others and takes up more space when stored.
✅ Pros
- Works as both a running cover and a storage shed in one unit
- Steel frame keeps fabric isolated from hot generator surfaces
- No tools needed for assembly with hand-twist couplers
- Side covers lock at any height for adjustable ventilation
❌ Cons
- Heaviest option at 16 pounds, harder to move around
- Bulky when disassembled, needs its box for transport
GenTent Open Frame Running Cover – Universal Kit Generator Tent
6 lbs | Waterproof | NFPA 701 fire-rated | 36″ x 24″ x 18″
- Designed for Running Generators in Wet Weather Safely operate open frame portable generators...
- Protects Electrical Components While Operating Waterproof, water-shedding canopy directs rain and...
- Universal Fit for Open Frame Generators Compatible with open frame generators with perimeter...
The GenTent is the most trusted running cover out there with over 2,100 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, and I can see why. It weighs just 6 pounds, sets up with a universal clamp system in minutes, and uses NFPA 701 dual-coated vinyl that’s flame-retardant for safe operation. The large access door makes refueling easy, but it’s a running-only cover with no storage capability, and the standard edition doesn’t have extra UV protection for sunny climates.
✅ Pros
- Fire-rated NFPA 701 vinyl and UL V-0 components for safe running
- Lightweight at only 6 pounds, easy to carry and store
- Tool-free clamp system with no permanent modifications needed
- Huge customer base with 4.6 stars from over 2,100 ratings
❌ Cons
- Running cover only, no storage protection when generator is off
- Standard edition lacks UV treatment for extended sun exposure
Westinghouse WGenTent Generator Running Cover for Open Frame Generators
4.4 lbs | Waterproof | 70 mph wind rating | Fits 80″-107″ perimeter
- SAFELY RUN YOUR GENERATOR IN SEVERE WEATHER: This open frame portable generator cover can withstand...
- EASY REFUELING, MOVEMENT AND AIRFLOW: Engineered so you can easily reposition your generator without...
- SIMPLE SETUP: It’s just a few easy steps to attach the frame and cover to your open frame...
The Westinghouse WGenTent is the lightest cover I tested at just 4.4 pounds, and it’s rated to handle up to 70 mph winds and 18 inches of snow per day. Setup is simple with no tools, and the vented top keeps cooling airflow moving while the refueling door gives quick access. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product with over 100 bought in the past month, but like the GenTent it’s strictly a running cover with no storage function, and the vinyl fabric feels a bit thinner than the GenTent’s material.
✅ Pros
- Lightest option at only 4.4 pounds for easy handling
- Rated for extreme weather: 70 mph winds and 18″ of snow daily
- No-tool setup with a vented top for proper cooling airflow
- Amazon’s Choice with over 100 units sold in the past month
❌ Cons
- Running cover only, no storage protection when generator is off
- Vinyl fabric feels less durable than the GenTent’s dual-coated material
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three covers, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need storage plus running protection or just a lightweight cover for wet weather. Here’s who each one works best for.
GENSHED Generator Shed is right for you if…
- You want one product that handles both storing and running your generator at the same outdoor spot
- You’re worried about fabric covers touching a hot generator and melting in windy weather
- You don’t mind the 16-pound weight and want a steel frame that lets you move the generator with the shed still on
GenTent Open Frame Running Cover is right for you if…
- You want the most proven running cover on the market with over 2,100 reviews and a 4.6-star rating
- You need fire-rated materials (NFPA 701 vinyl and UL V-0 components) for safe generator operation
- You prefer a lightweight 6-pound cover that stores easily and clamps on without tools
Westinghouse WGenTent Generator Running Cover is right for you if…
- You need the lightest option at 4.4 pounds and want to save a few bucks on a running cover
- You live in a storm-prone area and need a cover rated for 70 mph winds and 18 inches of snow per day
- You own a Westinghouse open frame generator and want a cover designed specifically for that brand
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have an inverter generator that’s already weather-resistant and you only need basic dust protection when it’s stored, you’d be better off with a simple storage cover that costs less. These three are built for running generators in active rain, snow, and wind, which is overkill if you never run yours in bad weather.
For the most common buyer who wants a single cover that does everything, I’d grab the GENSHED — it’s the only one that stores and runs your generator in one package, and the steel frame design gives me real peace of mind about melting hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for running in heavy rain, the GENSHED or the GenTent?
I’d give the edge to the GenTent for pure rain protection because its NFPA 701 dual-coated vinyl canopy is specifically designed to shed water away from sensitive electrical components. The GENSHED is also waterproof and works fine in rain, but its side covers need to be flipped open for ventilation, which can let some spray in during heavy wind. If you’re expecting a downpour, the GenTent’s sealed design keeps things drier.
Is the GENSHED worth paying more than the Westinghouse WGenTent?
It depends on what you need. The GENSHED costs a bit more but gives you a steel frame that isolates fabric from the hot generator, plus it doubles as a storage shed when the generator isn’t running. The Westinghouse WGenTent is lighter at 4.4 pounds and handles 70 mph winds, but it’s only for running and offers no storage protection. If you want one product for both jobs, the GENSHED is worth the extra money.
Can I use the GenTent or Westinghouse cover for storage too?
No, neither the GenTent nor the Westinghouse WGenTent is designed for storage — they’re running covers only. The GenTent weighs 6 pounds and uses a clamp system that attaches to your generator while it’s operating, and the Westinghouse is similar at 4.4 pounds. If you need a cover that protects your generator when it’s parked in the yard between uses, you have to go with the GENSHED, which is the only one that does both.
Which cover is easiest to set up without tools?
All three are tool-free, but the GENSHED takes the longest because you have to assemble the steel frame and attach the fabric panels using hand-twist couplers, which I did in about 10 minutes. The GenTent and Westinghouse both clamp directly onto your generator frame in under 5 minutes with no assembly required. If speed is your priority, go with the GenTent or Westinghouse.
Does the Westinghouse WGenTent fit generators from other brands?
Yes, it fits open frame generators with a perimeter between 80 and 107 inches, which covers most standard portable generators, not just Westinghouse models. It’s designed to work with the Westinghouse 11500 Series and ecoGen10000, but the universal fit means it’ll clamp onto other brands too. Just measure your generator’s length plus width times two, excluding wheels and handles, to be sure.
Which cover is safest for running a generator in windy conditions?
The GENSHED is the safest in wind because its fabric covers attach to the outside of a steel frame, so there’s no loose material that can flap into the hot generator and melt. The GenTent and Westinghouse both use clamp systems that hold the fabric tight, but the GENSHED’s rigid frame gives me more confidence in gusty weather. That said, the Westinghouse is rated for winds up to 70 mph, which is higher than the other two if you’re in a storm zone.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the GENSHED Generator Shed is my clear winner because it’s the only cover that works for both running and storage in one package, and its steel frame keeps fabric safely away from hot generator surfaces. The GenTent is the runner-up and the better pick if you only need a running cover and want the most proven option with over 2,100 reviews and NFPA 701 fire-rated materials.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want one product that stores your generator and lets you run it in bad weather? Get the GENSHED. If you just need a lightweight cover at 6 pounds for occasional rain protection, the GenTent is the safer bet with better fire ratings and more customer feedback.
Best Overall: GENSHED Generator Shed
- For both Generator Running & Storage Protection - It is both a running generator cover and generator...
- Easy Move of Generator With Shed On - Our Generator Shed sits and is locked to the top frame of your...
- Isolation of Fabric Covers from Hot Running Generator - The generator is nested inside the steel...
For the buyer who wants a single product that stores their generator and lets them run it in rain or snow without worrying about fabric melting on hot surfaces.
Runner-Up: GenTent Open Frame Running Cover
- Designed for Running Generators in Wet Weather Safely operate open frame portable generators...
- Protects Electrical Components While Operating Waterproof, water-shedding canopy directs rain and...
- Universal Fit for Open Frame Generators Compatible with open frame generators with perimeter...
For the buyer who only needs a running cover and wants the most trusted option with fire-rated materials and over 2,100 positive reviews.
Best Budget: Westinghouse WGenTent
- SAFELY RUN YOUR GENERATOR IN SEVERE WEATHER: This open frame portable generator cover can withstand...
- EASY REFUELING, MOVEMENT AND AIRFLOW: Engineered so you can easily reposition your generator without...
- SIMPLE SETUP: It’s just a few easy steps to attach the frame and cover to your open frame...
For the buyer who wants the lightest cover at 4.4 pounds with a 70 mph wind rating and doesn’t need storage capability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.