Generator housing “front” suggestions

[DaveK]

I want a front on this shelter I just built. 
 

Yes, pricks…I did it all by myself. PS - post spikes are amazing. It’s solid as fuck! But I want to put a front on it that’s removable. Like something on screw hooks and eyelets. Wood is just a bit too heavy - any suggestions? The front piece will be removed maybe 4-5 times a year….leaving the left side open because that is the exhaust side. Right side I left venting up top by sealed the rest with T1-11. 
 

Thoughts and suggestions? When it rains sideways the front gets wet and would like to prevent that. 
 

Ideas welcome and thanks! 
 

 

[SwampNut]

41 minutes ago, DaveK said:

Like something on screw hooks and eyelets.

 

Buy some canvas, fold the edges, put grommets in it, hang on the screw hooks.

 

[DaveK]

Will canvas mold if it gets wet often?
 

Love this idea!!!! 

[SwampNut]

Just now, DaveK said:

Will canvas mold if it gets wet often?

 

Wet often?  How the fuck would I know?  LOL

 

I believe that only would happen if you left a big wet piece folded up.  I have actually seen that when someone left a camping mat that way after a trip.  I can't see that happening in open air.

 

[SwampNut]

If you want fancy and tight-fitting...

 

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-20308-P2-Toggle-Holding-Capacity/dp/B09VBDC4DW/ref=asc_df_B09VBDC4DW?mcid=ac8e3ddca56a30dab16bfe877474e5d8&hvocijid=6431866699090911127-B09VBDC4DW-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6431866699090911127&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030159&hvtargid=pla-2281435179258&th=1

 

Hang from a few hooks across the top, then use those on the bottom to pull down/outward.

 

[DaveK]

18 minutes ago, SwampNut said:

 

Wet often?  How the fuck would I know?  LOL

 

I believe that only would happen if you left a big wet piece folded up.  I have actually seen that when someone left a camping mat that way after a trip.  I can't see that happening in open air.

 

True, it’s stretched out, in the air and the sun. Worth a try. Great idea!!!

[blackhawkxx]

26 minutes ago, SwampNut said:

 I can't see that happening in open air.

Our flag started to mold hanging from a flag pole.  Not bad and it took time but....

[DaveK]

You thinking this Carlos? 
 

https://a.co/d/84mFVU9

[DaveK]

6-ft x 8-ft Green Water resistant Standard Canvas https://www.lowes.com/pd/Stansport-6-ft-x-8-ft-Green-Water-Resistant-Standard-Canvas-1-mil-Tarp/5003400521

[DaveK]

Military Tarps 

 

https://whiteduckoutdoors.com/products/18-oz-100-cotton-canvas-tarp?variant=40103546060899&country=US&currency=USD&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=22470654371&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22470663329&gbraid=0AAAAADClcZ-0Y8n0hel31Q39VkPnVueLe&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzt7C5eTijQMVHEdHAR1HihrdEAQYDCABEgLTBPD_BwE

[DaveK]

22 mil is pretty thick. 
 

https://a.co/d/hrKipui

[SwampNut]

My ownership of canvas has been whatever was cheap at HF or the military surplus store, not sure I can offer any more.  I think any of those are fine. 

[SwampNut]

16 minutes ago, blackhawkxx said:

Our flag started to mold hanging from a flag pole.  Not bad and it took time but....

 

Made in China?

 

[blackhawkxx]

3 hours ago, SwampNut said:

 

Made in China?

 

No.

[Zero Knievel]

I wouldn’t do it.  The generator needs air flow to run and exhaust.  You’re doing enough sheltering it from sun and rain.  The unit is designed for total exposure to the elements.

[DaveK]

4 hours ago, Zero Knievel said:

I wouldn’t do it.  The generator needs air flow to run and exhaust.  You’re doing enough sheltering it from sun and rain.  The unit is designed for total exposure to the elements.

The exhaust is on the left hand side which is completely exposed. 

Edited June 9, 2025 by DaveK

[Zero Knievel]

1 hour ago, DaveK said:

The exhaust is on the left hand side which is completely exposed. 

 

Then why cover the front?  If you've blocked the right side and then block the front, you'll be pulling exhaust gases back into the intake.  You're doing too much.

[DaveK]

53 minutes ago, Zero Knievel said:

 

Then why cover the front?  If you've blocked the right side and then block the front, you'll be pulling exhaust gases back into the intake.  You're doing too much.

That's a good point, I didn't think of that.  The space inside is pretty big and I did leave a 12" vent space on the blocked side but to your point I may be over-doing it at this point. I'll keep that in mind and appreciate you mentioning it. 

[SwampNut]

There's no reason to cover it other than cosmetics.

 

You're also absolutely not going to smother it with a canvas cover as discussed here, which will have plenty of air slots around it.  By definition, eye hooks won't let you cover it all and will have air openings.

 

[superhawk996]

6 hours ago, DaveK said:

That's a good point, I didn't think of that.  The space inside is pretty big and I did leave a 12" vent space on the blocked side but to your point I may be over-doing it at this point. I'll keep that in mind and appreciate you mentioning it. 

If the exhaust is aimed so that it is directly shooting out the open end what, Zero said is, well, the usual zero value.  Recycling the hot cooling air is the only thing I'd be concerned with.  If the cooling air exhausts along with the engine exhaust then your fine, otherwise it could be a problem.

[XXitanium]

Faux hedge

 

[DaveK]

I think I have it. In combination with Carlos latching system and this >>> I have my answer. 
 

Mesh will breathe but also not let rain through. 
 

https://a.co/d/8Z2tQvP

[fizzy]

I would build a simple frame with lightweight wood lattice insert. Note: not the heavy privacy lattice. Use super simple hooks or twist clips to hold it in. 

 

Problem with the fabric is if is isn't secured properly all the way around a strong wind will tear it up. 

 

Also, roof should have been "pitched" forward a little, but oh well, never mind. 

[superhawk996]

6 hours ago, DaveK said:

I think I have it. In combination with Carlos latching system and this >>> I have my answer. 
 

Mesh will breathe but also not let rain through. 
 

https://a.co/d/8Z2tQvP

Before you do any more, take note of the cooling air outlet direction and whether it's diffused or directed.  It can take as little as one obstruction to cause a problem, or it might be fine in a 95% enclosure, as long as the openings are in the right place(s).

[DaveK]

5 hours ago, fizzy said:

I would build a simple frame with lightweight wood lattice insert. Note: not the heavy privacy lattice. Use super simple hooks or twist clips to hold it in. 

 

Problem with the fabric is if is isn't secured properly all the way around a strong wind will tear it up. 

 

Also, roof should have been "pitched" forward a little, but oh well, never mind. 

It’s pitched.