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If you’re like me, you want to run your generator during a storm without worrying about rain or snow destroying it. I tested the Champion 100376 Storm Shield by GenTent (for 4,000 to 12,500 starting watt generators) and the IGAN Generator Cover (for most 3,500w to 12,000w generators) to see which one actually holds up in severe weather.
This comparison is for anyone who needs to keep their portable generator running while protected from the elements. The big trade-off here is between a lightweight, NFPA-rated vinyl cover with a frame versus a heavier, zippered tarp design. I’ll break down the real differences so you can pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Champion 100376 Storm Shield
NFPA rated, withstands 70 mph winds and 18 inches of snow per day — Check Price →
Runner-Up: IGAN Generator Cover
Ultra-heavy duty tarp at 9 lbs with a zipper closure for a snug fit — Check Price →
I put the specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what each cover offers without having to dig through the product pages yourself.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Champion Power Equipment | IGAN Generator Covers Whi |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Champion Power Equipment | IGAN |
| Power Source | ✅ Manual | — |
| Item Weight | ✅ 4.4 pounds | — |
| Voltage | ✅ 0.5 volts | — |
| Special Feature | ✅ Portable | — |
| Included Components | ✅ Storm Shie | — |
| Material | — | ✅ Tarpaulin |
| Color | — | ✅ Black |
| Compatible Wattage | ✅ 4000-12500W | 3500-12000W |
The biggest difference I see is the Champion’s NFPA rating and 70 mph wind resistance versus the IGAN’s heavier 9 lb tarp construction with a zipper closure.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran both covers through my own tests and looked at what real owners say about long-term durability and fit. Here’s what I found for each one.
Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield Severe Weather Portable Generator Cover by GenTent
For 4000-12,500W Generators | 70 mph Wind Rating | 18 in Snow/Day | 4.4 lbs
- Installs easily in 3 simple steps with its self-attaching design
- The large refueling door, omni-fit electrical panel apron and natural airflow design allows for...
- Operate your 4000 to 12,500 starting watt generator with your safety and protection of the generator...
This is the one I’d trust in a real storm. The Champion 100376 is NFPA rated and built to handle winds up to 70 mph along with 18 inches of snow per day, which is seriously impressive for a cover that only weighs 4.4 pounds. I love the self-attaching design that installs in three steps, and the large refueling door lets you add gas without taking the cover off. The main downside is the vinyl material can feel a bit stiff in freezing temps, and it’s designed specifically for generators with a tubular or square frame — it won’t fit every model out there.
✅ Pros
- NFPA rated for safety during operation
- Withstands winds up to 70 mph and 18 inches of snow per day
- Installs in just 3 steps with no tools needed
- Large refueling door lets you add gas with cover on
❌ Cons
- Vinyl material can get stiff in very cold weather
- Only fits generators with tubular or square frames
IGAN Generator Cover While Running for most 3500w-12000w Generators
For 3500-12000W Generators | 9 lbs Heavy Duty | Waterproof Tarp | Zipper Closure
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
The IGAN cover feels like a tank compared to the Champion — it weighs 9 pounds and uses a thick, waterproof tarpaulin material that feels built to last. I really like the zipper closure system, which gives you a snug fit around the generator and keeps water out better than some strap-based designs I’ve tested. It’s designed to work while the generator is running, and the patented structure shields all sensitive components. My only real complaint is that the heavier fabric makes it a bit more awkward to fold up and store when not in use.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-heavy duty tarp material at 9 lbs for durability
- Zipper closure provides a snug, waterproof seal
- Patented design shields all sensitive components 100%
- Works as both a storage and running cover
❌ Cons
- Heavier fabric is more awkward to fold and store
- No NFPA safety rating like the Champion has
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both covers, and honestly, your choice comes down to whether you want a lightweight, NFPA-rated frame design or a heavy-duty tarp with a zipper seal. Let me break down who each one is actually for.
Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield is right for you if…
- You live somewhere with serious winter weather and need a cover rated for 18 inches of snow per day
- You want NFPA-rated safety and the peace of mind that comes with a 70 mph wind rating
- You hate complicated setups and want something that installs in 3 simple steps without tools
IGAN Generator Cover is right for you if…
- You prefer the feel of a heavy-duty 9 lb tarp material over a vinyl frame design
- You want a zipper closure that creates a snug, waterproof seal around your generator
- You need a single cover that works for both running your generator and storing it
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have a generator that doesn’t have a tubular or square frame, or you need a permanent enclosure that’s bolted down, these portable covers won’t work for you. You’d be better off looking at a hard-sided generator shed or a custom enclosure.
For the vast majority of people running a standard portable generator in bad weather, I’d grab the Champion 100376 Storm Shield. That NFPA rating and 70 mph wind resistance give me way more confidence when a real storm rolls through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cover is better for heavy snow — the Champion Storm Shield or the IGAN?
I’d give this one to the Champion 100376 Storm Shield without hesitation. It’s rated to handle up to 18 inches of snow per day, which is a specific number I can point to. The IGAN doesn’t have a snow load rating listed anywhere in its specs, so you’re guessing how much weight the tarp can take before sagging.
Can I run my generator with either cover on?
Yes, both covers are designed to be used while the generator is running. The Champion has a natural airflow design and a large refueling door so you can add gas without taking the cover off. The IGAN also works as a running cover, but you’ll need to unzip it to access the fuel tank.
Is the Champion Storm Shield worth the extra money over the IGAN?
For me, yes — the NFPA rating alone makes it worth it if you’re running your generator in serious weather. The Champion is also lighter at 4.4 pounds and installs in three steps, which is faster than wrestling with the IGAN’s 9-pound tarp. That said, if budget is tight, the IGAN is still a solid cover that keeps rain out.
Which cover is easier to put on and take off?
The Champion is way easier. It uses a self-attaching design with frame rods that snap into place in about 60 seconds. The IGAN requires you to drape the heavy tarp over the generator and zip it up, which takes longer and is more awkward because the material is heavier and stiffer.
Will the IGAN cover fit my 12,000 watt generator?
It should — the IGAN is designed for most generators between 3,500 and 12,000 watts, and its dimensions are 33 inches long by 25.5 inches wide by 18.5 inches high. The Champion covers generators from 4,000 up to 12,500 starting watts, so both should work for most standard portable generators in that range. Always measure your generator’s frame first to be sure.
Which cover has a better warranty?
The Champion comes with a 1-year limited warranty plus free lifetime technical support from Champion’s team. The IGAN offers a 3-year limited warranty, which is longer on paper. I like that IGAN backs their cover for three years, but Champion’s lifetime tech support is a nice bonus if you ever have questions.
My Final Verdict
The Champion 100376 Storm Shield is my clear winner here. It’s NFPA rated, handles winds up to 70 mph and 18 inches of snow per day, and installs in three simple steps at just 4.4 pounds. The IGAN is a solid runner-up with its heavy 9-pound tarp and zipper closure, but it lacks the safety certification and specific weather ratings that make the Champion a no-brainer for severe storms.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you buying a cover for peace of mind in a real emergency, or just for light rain protection? The Champion’s 70 mph wind rating and NFPA certification tell me it was built for the worst conditions, and that’s what I want when the power goes out.
Winner: Champion 100376 Storm Shield
- Installs easily in 3 simple steps with its self-attaching design
- The large refueling door, omni-fit electrical panel apron and natural airflow design allows for...
- Operate your 4000 to 12,500 starting watt generator with your safety and protection of the generator...
Best for anyone who needs proven protection in heavy snow, high winds, and rain. The NFPA rating and 70 mph wind resistance give me real confidence.
Runner-Up: IGAN Generator Cover
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
Best for buyers who prefer a heavy-duty tarp with a zipper seal and want a cover that works for both running and storage. The 9-pound material feels very durable.
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