6 Best Compact Generator Covers For Limited RV Storage Nomads Swear By

You’ve just pulled into a dusty BLM spot after a long drive, ready to fire up the generator for some much-needed power. You open the storage bay, and there it is—your expensive inverter generator, caked in a fine layer of road grime and moisture from a leaky seal you didn’t know you had. A generator is your lifeline to comfort and work on the road, and leaving it exposed to the elements is a rookie mistake that can cost you dearly. Protecting that investment starts with a simple, yet crucial, piece of gear: a good cover that doesn’t eat up your precious storage space.

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Why a Compact Cover is a Non-Negotiable RV Item

A generator cover does more than just keep off the rain. For a nomad, it’s a shield against the constant assault of road life—vibrating dust, corrosive road salt, and the inevitable bumps and scrapes of being packed into a tight compartment. Your generator is a complex machine with sensitive electronics, and protecting its vents, outlets, and casing is fundamental to its longevity.

The key word here is compact. In an RV, every square inch is prime real estate. A bulky, rigid cover is a non-starter; it becomes just another piece of clutter you have to find a home for. The best covers are the ones that do their job effectively and then practically disappear, folding down into a small pouch you can tuck away anywhere. This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about functional design that understands the constraints of a life in motion.

Porch Shield Universal Cover: Maximum Versatility

The Porch Shield is the go-to for a reason: it fits a wide range of popular portable generators without being overly specific. Think of it as the adjustable wrench in your toolkit. It’s not a perfect fit for any single model, but it’s a darn good fit for most, which is ideal if you ever upgrade or change your generator.

Made from heavy-duty 600D polyester fabric with a water-resistant backing, it’s tough enough to handle being stored in an external bay or even the back of a truck. Most models feature a large pocket for accessories and a clever hook-and-loop slit on top, allowing you to use the generator’s handle without removing the cover completely—a small detail that makes moving it around much less of a chore. The bottom drawstring cinches everything tight, preventing it from becoming a parachute on a windy day or letting critters find a new home.

Honda OEM Cover: A Perfect Fit for EU Series Gens

If you own a Honda EU2000i or EU2200i, just get the official Honda cover. It’s a classic case of a product being designed for one specific purpose and executing it perfectly. This isn’t a "running" cover; it’s a tailored storage suit for your generator, and the difference is immediately obvious.

The fit is immaculate. There’s no baggy excess material to snag or flap around, which is a huge plus in a cramped storage bay. The elastic band at the bottom creates a snug seal that’s surprisingly effective at keeping out dust and insects. While it’s only made for storage, its form-fitting design and durable material make it the best choice for protecting your investment when it’s not in use. The tradeoff is its specificity—if you sell your Honda, this cover becomes a useless piece of fabric.

Igan Running Cover: Protection While in Operation

Sometimes you need to make power when the weather is actively trying to stop you. This is where a running cover like the Igan becomes indispensable. It’s not a simple slip-on cover; it’s an intelligent system designed to protect your generator from rain, snow, and wind while it’s running.

The design is brilliant in its simplicity. A sturdy metal frame clamps to the generator’s case, creating a rigid structure that holds a waterproof canopy well above the hot engine and exhaust. This ensures critical airflow is never blocked. Large, roll-up panels provide easy access to the fuel tank and electrical outlets, so you can refuel and manage connections without exposing the unit to the elements. For boondockers who can’t wait for the sun to shine, this type of cover transforms a generator from a fair-weather friend into an all-weather workhorse. It breaks down and packs into a small bag, respecting your storage limits.

Champion Storage Cover: Durable and Weather-Ready

Champion knows generators, and their storage covers reflect that practical, no-nonsense approach. Typically made from tough, weather-resistant vinyl, these covers are built to withstand the abuse of being stored in less-than-ideal places, like an open truck bed or an external storage rack.

What sets the Champion cover apart is often its rugged construction. The vinyl exterior sheds water and resists UV damage, while a soft cotton-fiber interior lining prevents the cover itself from scratching the generator’s plastic housing. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows an understanding of long-term wear and tear. A strong elastic cord sewn into the hem ensures a tight fit around the base, making it a reliable and durable choice that punches well above its price point.

GenTent Stormbracer: Top-Tier Weather Protection

When you absolutely, positively need to run your generator in a hurricane, you get a GenTent. This is the top-tier, professional-grade solution for operating in extreme weather. It is, without a doubt, the most robust and protective running cover on the market, and it’s engineered for the worst-case scenario.

The GenTent uses a patented system of frame clamps and fiberglass rods to create a self-supporting tent over your generator, keeping all electrical components bone dry. It’s independently tested to withstand hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. This level of protection comes with tradeoffs: it’s the most expensive option and has the most involved setup process. While it packs down, it’s still bulkier than a simple storage cover. This is for the serious full-timer who depends on their generator for mission-critical power, no matter the forecast.

Classic Accessories Cover: A Simple, Reliable Pick

Sometimes, you just need a dust cover. If your generator lives in a clean, dry interior pass-through storage bay and you just want to keep it from getting scuffed up, the Classic Accessories cover is a perfect, budget-friendly choice. It’s lightweight, simple, and packs down to the size of a handkerchief.

Don’t mistake its simplicity for a flaw. Its primary job is to be a barrier against dust and minor scratches during transport, and it does that job well. Made from thin, water-resistant fabric, it won’t offer much protection in a downpour, but it doesn’t need to. For the RVer who has dedicated, protected storage, this cover is all you need. It’s a prime example of not over-buying for your specific situation.

Key Factors in Choosing Your RV Generator Cover

Making the right choice comes down to honestly assessing your needs. A cover that’s perfect for a weekend warrior might be totally inadequate for a full-time boondocker. Before you buy, run through this mental checklist.

First, and most importantly, is its primary function for storage or for running? A storage cover is useless in a rainstorm, and a running cover is overkill if your generator never leaves a sealed compartment. This single question will narrow your options by half.

Next, consider the material and expected exposure. A generator riding in the back of your pickup needs a heavy-duty, UV-resistant vinyl cover. One living inside a climate-controlled bay can get by with a simple polyester dust cover. Think about where your generator will live and choose a material that can handle that specific environment.

Finally, evaluate the fit and compactness. A universal cover offers flexibility, but a custom-fit OEM cover offers better protection against dust and pests. Most importantly, how small does it pack down? A fantastic cover you can’t find space for will inevitably be left behind. The best gear for RV life is always the gear that balances performance with a minimal footprint.

In the end, a generator cover is a piece of cheap insurance for one of the most expensive and critical tools in your mobile arsenal. It’s a small, simple purchase that prevents big, expensive problems down the road. Choosing the right one isn’t about finding the "best" cover overall, but about finding the one that perfectly matches your rig, your generator, and your unique style of travel.