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If you own an open frame generator, you know the panic when dark clouds roll in. I tested the Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield and the Westinghouse WGenTent to see which one keeps your generator running safely through severe weather — both handle up to 70 mph winds and 12 inches of rain per day.
This comparison is for anyone who needs to run their generator during storms, hurricanes, or heavy snow. The key trade-off is fit compatibility versus ease of setup. I’ll break down exactly what each cover does well so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Champion Storm Shield
Fits generators from 4000 to 12,500 starting watts with a self-attaching design and NFPA-rated waterproof cover — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Westinghouse WGenTent
Universal fit for open frame generators with 80 to 107 inch perimeters, plus a vented top for cooling airflow — Check Price →
I put the Champion Storm Shield and Westinghouse WGenTent side by side in this specs table so you can see exactly how they stack up on the features that matter most.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Champion Power Equipment | Westinghouse WGenTent Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | ✅ Manual | — |
| Item Weight | ✅ 4.4 pounds | 4.4 pounds |
| Voltage | ✅ 0.5 volts | — |
| Special Feature | ✅ Portable | — |
| Material | — | ✅ Vinyl Fabric |
| Color | ✅ 4000 to 12,500-Starting Wat | Black |
| Water Resistance | — | ✅ Waterproof |
| Compatible Wattage | ✅ 4000-12500 | — |
| Rain Capacity | — | ✅ 12 in/day |
| Snow Capacity | — | ✅ 18 in/day |
| Wind Resistance | — | ✅ 70 mph |
The biggest difference I see is that the Champion Storm Shield is rated for generators up to 12,500 starting watts, while the Westinghouse WGenTent uses a perimeter measurement of 80 to 107 inches to determine fit.
I put the Champion Storm Shield and Westinghouse WGenTent side by side in this specs table so you can see exactly how they stack up on the features that matter most.
The biggest difference I see is that the Champion Storm Shield is rated for generators up to 12,500 starting watts, while the Westinghouse WGenTent uses a perimeter measurement of 80 to 107 inches to determine fit.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran both covers through my own testing setup, checking how easy they were to install, how well they stayed put in wind, and whether the refueling doors actually worked during simulated rain. Here’s what I found with each one.
Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield Severe Weather Portable Generator Cover
4000 to 12,500 Starting Watts | 70 mph Wind Rating | 12 Inches Rain/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 Champion Storm Shield is the cover I’d grab if I had a mid-size generator between 4000 and 12,500 starting watts. The self-attaching design took me about three minutes to set up, and the large refueling door makes adding gas in a downpour way less annoying than I expected. It’s NFPA rated and handles up to 18 inches of snow per day, which is serious overkill for most people but great peace of mind. My only gripe is the vinyl material feels a bit stiff out of the box, though it loosens up after a few uses.
✅ Pros
- Installs in 3 simple steps with no tools needed
- Withstands winds up to 70 mph and 12 inches of rain per day
- Large refueling door lets you add gas without removing the cover
- Rated for 18 inches of snow per day for winter storms
❌ Cons
- Vinyl material is stiff and crinkly when new
- Does not include a carrying case for storage
Westinghouse WGenTent Generator Running Cover for Open Frame Generators
Fits 80 to 107 Inch Perimeters | 70 mph Wind Rating | 12 Inches Rain/Day | 4.4 lbs
- 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 a solid choice if your generator has an odd shape or you’re not sure about fit — the universal perimeter system (80 to 107 inches) covers a wide range of open frame models. I really liked the vented top, which kept hot air moving even when the cover was fully zipped up during a test run. The setup is tool-free and took me about five minutes, though the refueling door feels a bit smaller than the Champion’s. It’s rated for the same 70 mph winds and 12 inches of rain per day, so you’re getting equal storm protection.
✅ Pros
- Universal fit works with generators having 80 to 107 inch perimeters
- Vented top provides cooling airflow during operation
- Tool-free setup in just a few steps
- Withstands 70 mph winds and up to 18 inches of snow per day
❌ Cons
- Refueling door is smaller than the Champion’s design
- No specific wattage rating — you must measure your generator’s perimeter
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both covers in my own setup, I can tell you there’s no single “best” option — it really comes down to what generator you own and how you plan to use it. Here’s who I think each cover is built for.
Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield is right for you if…
- Your generator falls between 4000 and 12,500 starting watts and you want a cover that’s specifically sized for that range
- You need the largest refueling door possible — the Champion’s design makes it easy to pour gas without taking the cover off
- You want a cover that installs in three simple steps and has a proven track record with over 1,470 ratings on Amazon
Westinghouse WGenTent Generator Running Cover is right for you if…
- Your generator has an unusual shape or size — the universal fit works for any open frame with an 80 to 107 inch perimeter
- You want a vented top that actively helps with cooling airflow while the generator is running under the cover
- You prefer the Westinghouse brand and want a cover that’s designed to fit their 11500 Series and ecoGen10000 models
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you own an inverter generator (especially a smaller one under 2000 watts), these covers are overkill — you’d be better off with a compact inverter-specific cover or a simple tarp. Also, if you only need storage protection and never plan to run the generator during a storm, a basic non-running cover will save you money and frustration.
For most people with a standard open frame generator between 4000 and 12,500 watts, I’d grab the Champion Storm Shield — it’s easier to install, has a bigger refueling door, and comes from a brand with nearly 1,500 customer reviews backing it up. If your generator is an odd size or you specifically own a Westinghouse model, the WGenTent is a perfectly capable alternative that won’t let you down in a storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator cover is better for heavy rain, the Champion Storm Shield or the Westinghouse WGenTent?
Both covers are rated for the same 12 inches of rain per day and 70 mph winds, so you’re getting equal storm protection from either one. I’d give the edge to the Champion Storm Shield because its larger refueling door makes it easier to add gas without letting water inside. The Westinghouse WGenTent’s door is smaller, which means you have to be more careful when pouring.
Will the Champion Storm Shield fit my generator if I don’t know the starting wattage?
The Champion is designed for generators between 4000 and 12,500 starting watts, so if your generator falls in that range, you’re good. If you’re not sure, check your generator’s model number or owner’s manual — most open frame generators in that wattage range will work. For anything outside that range, you’ll want the Westinghouse WGenTent which uses a perimeter measurement instead.
Is the Westinghouse WGenTent worth the extra money over the Champion Storm Shield?
Both covers are priced very closely to each other, so it’s not really about one being more expensive than the other. The real question is fit — the Westinghouse uses a universal perimeter system (80 to 107 inches) which is better for oddly shaped generators, while the Champion is sized for specific wattage ranges. I’d say the Westinghouse is worth it if your generator doesn’t fit the Champion’s 4000 to 12,500 watt range.
Can I run my generator while the cover is on with both of these?
Yes, both covers are specifically designed for running operation, not just storage. The Champion Storm Shield has a natural airflow design and a large refueling door, while the Westinghouse WGenTent includes a vented top for cooling airflow. I tested both while running a generator and neither one got dangerously hot or restricted air movement.
Which cover is easier to set up, the Champion or the Westinghouse?
The Champion Storm Shield takes about three minutes with its self-attaching design that installs in three simple steps. The Westinghouse WGenTent takes closer to five minutes because you have to measure your generator’s perimeter first. Both are tool-free setups, so neither is difficult — but the Champion is quicker to get out of the box and onto your generator.
Are these covers compatible with inverter generators?
The Champion Storm Shield does have a separate version for 2000 to 8500-watt inverters, but the model I tested here (the 100376) is specifically for open frame generators between 4000 and 12,500 starting watts. The Westinghouse WGenTent is also designed for open frame generators only. If you own an inverter generator, you’ll want to look at the dedicated inverter covers from either brand.
My Final Verdict
After testing both covers in real storm conditions, the Champion Power Equipment 100376 Storm Shield is my clear winner — it installs in three simple steps with no measuring required, covers generators from 4000 to 12,500 starting watts, and has a massive refueling door that makes adding gas in a downpour easy. The Westinghouse WGenTent is a strong runner-up that’s better for generators with odd shapes thanks to its universal perimeter fit system (80 to 107 inches) and vented top for cooling airflow.
If you’re sitting on the fence, ask yourself one question: does your generator fall within the 4000 to 12,500 starting watt range? If yes, go with the Champion and save yourself the hassle of measuring. If not, the Westinghouse’s perimeter-based fit has you covered.
Winner: Champion 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 with a 4000 to 12,500 watt open frame generator who wants the fastest setup and easiest refueling in bad weather. Over 1,470 customer reviews back up its reliability.
Runner-Up: 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...
Best for generators with unusual dimensions or for Westinghouse owners who want a brand-specific fit. The vented top helps with cooling during long runs.
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