How to build a portable generator shed enclosure? 

Hey Eric, just wanted to say I just finished watching all your videos. Idk if you were trying to make inspirational videos, but I love the inspiration I got from this page. Man loses his job, spends all his money on desert land & a dream. To see where you started to where you are now is so inspirational and really kicked my butt into gear. You seem like an awesome man and I hope Luthorville continues to succeed!

Love the vent, brick & box fan ideas, just what Im looking for. Thank you !

Thank you for the heads up. I went ahead and added vents to the Go Board light weight box I built for the back of my truck. Thank you for the venting ideas, awesome video,

Beautiful place in the desert you have. Also, your video was very helpful too, thanks from Ontario, Canada.

Thanks for the video, it certainly gave me some ideas. I especially like the idea of using the paving stones and bricks.

Thank You for the simplicity! 👍🎅👍

that was exactly what I was thinking. Ive seen all of those videos where they fabricate exhaust pipes and all that. I kept thinking why not just put a box fan and the exhaust aimed right at the fan. glad to see that it worked out for you. going to be doing something similar here also.

Good informative video. Thank you.

Ok, this was a great video! I loved all the logic and do it yourself approach. Love the gun sling and all! But what I absolutely loved the most, was the life advice you gave at the end: "if your ambitions don't scare you, they are not big enough." That my friend, is exactly the advice I needed today. I am eternally in your debt. And I subscribed.

This was helpful. Thank you.

Thanks a lot. Two great idea in this video: Using the stones and the square fans.

Need a generator shed (West central Indiana). Have looked at a lot of ideas. Yous and your explanation is the I've seen. Thanks.

Thanks. Great suggestions for the shed and using bricks inside as a heat and a shed anchor.

Lots of important info here, thanks

Nice Job! Thank you for Sharing!

Great video!...well done Eric...

Very helpful. Well thought out. Thanks.

awsome the best vid on this yet

Love the box fan idea!

Thank you. Great information

Good video,I wasn't sure what type of fan to go with and never thought about a cheap $20 box fan.

Nicely done. Effective without the over kill

Perfect. Too many people are obsessed with venting the exhaust and all this other frilly stuff. If you are venting the volume of the air inside the generator every few seconds. If there is negative pressure in that shed. Your set.

I like the box fan idea.

Great video, I really enjoyed your logic and insight. Very informative and helpful. Thank you! Definitely subscribing.

Great suggestions. I like to do this same plan

looks good i was thinking of doing the same set and i would use the tie downs too

Good idea on the bricks and Box fan! I was also annoyed by the small and overpriced exhaust fans.

Your videos are very professional This one gave me some good ideals, although I build most all projects south of Miami, FL for hurricane winds and intense sun so most wood/plastic inferior to concrete blocks down here. Blocks are my adult legos. I will eventually build a generator enclosure near our family campground and turn key vent blocks sideways and fold some metal or nylon screen material over opening and have weight of blocks hold screen in place. Your probably to far for Lowes concrete block delivery :) but many people who aren't can just get contractor account with SSN and make up company name by just say mow lawns for business, or landscaping or farm/nursery. Then instead of $90 delivery down here it's $20 per load and they put Pallets right where you need blocks! Plus they don't charge for pallet(except concrete bags down here) and you get 5% off all orders. Might do video on block enclosure if ever build it. Consider putting furnace filter behind your vent screens to reduce dust in more expensive generator air filter. Thanks for great videos.

excellent thanks ~~~

Maybe the next video would be you actually showing us how you cut the walls and installing the vents

Thank you for your last statement. Thank you.

Wonderful.../ sold

Best video on the subject! The fact you have so many hours on your setup if proof of your design. Simple is better. Only request would be some shooting at the end with your six gun! cheers, Kirby

Good design and video. One thing I have to comment on is the fan. You stated that the box fan moves a lot more air than an exhaust fan. This may be true in the open but you are missing a crucial thing. Once you restrict the flow by putting the fan in a shed, you will find that the exhaust fan will be able to develop a higher pressure differential than the box fan. This will result in much more airflow. Also, a cheap box fan is cheap for a reason. It is not built to last very long. The last thing you need is for your generator to overheat because your $20 box fan quit in the middle of the night.

How cool are you with your sidearm thanks for making this video

I'm gonna need a bigger shed. I watched your video and decided to buy the shed. I checked the dimensions of my generator before hand. Long story short here don't forget to add how much the power plug will stick out. My generator will have a little more than 2 inches on the sides when put in the shed, yup you guessed it no room for air flow. Not all bad, it can still use the shed to store the generator in closer to the. house when I need it. Lol Thanks for the video, we live in the desert also.

nice !

I am dig the six-shooter.

Nice shed. Even nicer 6 shooter.

Thanks for the video. I was thinking about asking you about that shed when I saw it in the other video. Did the generator come with the extension cord? I read that extension cords were not meant for long term/permanent use and that over time the cords degrade and can cause a fire. And can you do a short video showing what the wind storms are like out there?

I love what you have done with this installation. I know you talked about this in your comments and I still cannot understand why you did not run the exhaust out the side of the compartment. It seems obvious to me that over time the inside of that compartment will see the effects of oil and carbon.

Awesome video Eric. Excellent ideas and information. I am looking to do something similar and your video showed me a lot. Thank you very much for the info.

That looks like a nice shed! I did not go with it, as I was worried about the plastic getting eaten by the strong sun.

Really enjoyed your video!!! Best. BIG help about box fan. Do you connect box fan to generator? THANKS so much.

A like from me for the revolver 👍👍👍

I'm in the process of doing this. After looking at a bunch of other videos where people had bought attic fans I figured that was my best option. Love the simplicity of the box fan. One question though; do you simply have the exhaust aimed out one of the vents? I guess it's not hot enough to cause any issues with the plastic of the shed? Thanks for the video.

Just found your video and love it. Looks like you are in the desert. I take it you have run the generator on the heat with no issues since you shot this? Also, are you familiar with hardie board? Was thinking of using that instead of stones for heat protection.

You are right those portable generators must runs outdoor to be rain proof indoor :).

Thank you for this info. I'm wondering if you plug the box fan into the generator while it's running or do you plug the fan into a separate outlet? Thanks.

Sry for the delayed questions but what cutting tool did you use for a clean cut like that? Did you secure the fan to the shed? Did you use any sealer or gasket around the vents? We just had a huge near miss here in Melbourne Fl and this is exactly what i need. Your video is awsome.

Hey Eric. Looks like a great idea. Did you use a Sawzall to cut the vent holes? Getting ready for fire season here in California!

Love your video. The scenery is great too. Where do you live?

Eric, great video. What is the minimum distance the generator should be away from my concrete block home? I was thinking about placing it about 5 feet away from the house. The nearest opening is a door that is 15 feet away from the generator and my garage door is about 15 feet away also. You mentioned that the opening for your power cable leading to your generator was replaced. What did you replace it with? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the video. Question. how far away from the walls of the shed did you place the generator? Thanks Luther!

Hi, in the comments, you mention a previous video that shows the generator running. Is there a link to this video somewhere!

I like your version of this. Could I ask, does to fan blow toward the generator or does the fan blow out toward the vent?

Could i build a completely brick shed. With a side wood door for putting the shed in and out

Whats that suncast part number and is the fan blowing towards or away from the generator

Hi, what temperature is espected inside? Maximun?

You did an excellent job with your shed it looks perfect to protect your generator for many years to come. The only question I have is, is the west going back to the days of unconcealed pistol carrying and looking ready for a gun fight?

Tin roofing and 2×4s work for me don't need a melt down.

How did you secure the box Fan?? I appreciate it

Great shed! I do have a question and I'm not seeing videos of people talking about it. If it rains, do you have issues with water getting inside your shed (water coming through the vents)?

what did you use to cover the hole that the plug goes thru?

Thanks for your video, very informative and perfect for me. I got the same Suncast Shed, I searched online and caught a Lowes sale and took the online printout to a Lowes in Fairfield,CA and got it for $136.00. I checked every Lowes online, then called to see if they had it. And the Fairfield, CA store had two left and I jumped on it. They were selling the sheds for $249.99, marked down to $136.00. Now to my question, ....you said you didn't use a long pipe for the exhaust and why it's not needed. Does that really work without the long pipe as seen in the other videos with exhaust exiting the shed? Thanks, Bob

Eric, not sure how the pavers are placed. Does the exhaust go out the vent or do you have it directed into the pavers?

Has this held up in the winds? I'm about 100 miles north west of you in the mountains and the winds destroyed it, despite the heavy generator within. Will have to build a wood structure. We get some pretty heavy gusts, but I think you do as well.

I like the shed. So what type of revolver ya carrying???

Hello Eric, I really enjoyed your video. I have a question concerning proper ventilation/cooling. What do you think of using "tunnel ventilation" where the fan is at the exhaust end but blowing AWAY from the generator, and a single vent opening (same size of the fan end) on the other? Basically, doing away with the vents in the middle from the back side. My thought is that it would create a type of wind tunnel, whereas the air coming in would be at the same pressure leaving the box, creating a type of cooling/vacuum system. Would the air temperature be cooler that way? I purchased all of the supplies, and I just thought of this. I wanted people's opinions about it before I start making cuts in the structure. Any advice?

Does your exhaust blow directly at the left rear vent? I'm doing a similar shed (craftsman) and the exhaust is only about 3or 4 inches from the vent. I'm worried that it may melt the plastic where where the lower part of the vent is attached. What do you think?

I know this is a old video but if you see this would you happen to remember what model shed this is or the size

Hey buddy... I did subscribe and have a couple questions for you about this since I bout my new generator and just bought the same shed. Has this held up just the way you showed it with a vent on each end and 2 vents on back wall, with some paver stones and a box fan ? If it hasn't over heated or melted im gonna run it the same way because I really like the simplicity of it. I think the 2 things I want to know is do you have the exhaust going out the vent of back wall or hit one of the stones, and I see you have the generator on the left side of shed with the box fan on the right,do you pull air from the vent and blow it across on the generator or use it to exhaust the hot air out the vent? Thank you so much for any help you can give me!!!! THANKS!!!

What is the internal temperature of the shed? In Texas when it's 95 degrees outside I can not keep the inside of the shed under 110 and that's to hot for my firman tri-fuel generator.

What type of wood is used for shed walls?

Interior HVAC grills might need a little exterior paint or something

Just be sure you understand the air flow to your genset. Most mfts require 5 feet around all sides so fans are important to supply genset separately from engine.

How's the generator shed holding up?

Hi Eric! About how many paving stones did you put inside? I’m going to do the same to mine. I have the exact shed I need to put together. Thank you and take care!

Have any issues with paint peeling/heat build up on metal vents?

How much was that suncast shed, if I may ask

The one thing that you didn't mention is security. Now I know, you say,' Yea, but it's the desert' and I say, ' If you build it, someone will try to steal it'. So, yes that the chains would deter the temptation to try to steal it. I mean, that total set up is worth some money. And you're right, sound control is not a factor in this situation.

Where did you purchase these parts? Links?

So did you put the gen set in the shed for protection from the elements or for sound reduction? Majority of people do it for sound reduction and protection from the weather is just a benefit of using a shed. With all your vents I can't imagine the sound being reduced maybe why you didn't do a noise level check with the generator running. Nice shed though I'll have to check it out!

This is in my opinion the best made generator shed, but I have one question, do you think this will work with a bigger portable generator? Mine is Champion 9375, is that to big for this set up in your opinion?

This protect from getting stolen

Hi, Which is more efficient, pushing fresh air in to the shelter or pulling hot air from inside the shelter?

what is the ground rod for?

Early in your Vid, I can see a problem. Your fan is standing free inside the storage container, with a large gap between the ventilation hole and the fan. This will allow air inside to keep being recirculated. You need to put the fan inside a shroud sealed to the outside perimeter of the vent hole nearest to it, so as to draw fresh air inside and direct it over and around the engine. The warmed (heated) air will then be expelled through the other vents by virtue of the slightly increased airpressure from the sucked in air. You need positive circulation. Your exhaust should be piped to the outside. Whilst doing that you could add an extra silencer to keep the exhaust noise down -- important if you use it where you have neighbours. Piping it to the outside helps keep down the heat inside the container. If you are still worried about noise, sound deadening material can be attached to the unvented sections of the inside of the container. You are on the right track, though. You just need to go a bit further. As for manufacturers of those resin or plastic storage containers, "Keter" makes a very good range of sheds of various sizes. Keter is an Israeli company and has a branch in the USA:- Keter North America, Inc. is located in Anderson, IN, United States and is part of the Linens Manufacturing Industry. Plywood makes a good shed building material if you wish to build your own shed. It is quite easy and you can make it pretty much any size you wish. Just ensure any timber you use is treated to rot-proofing standards and use rust resistant screws and nails.

Wouldnt you want the fan blowing the air out of the shed, not into it?

What pistol do you carry?And why don't you conceal carry?

That Suncast shed isn't cheap. Nice set-up though.

I see a lot of people piping the exhaust outside. No issues with soot inside and fan from the exhaust? I would think there would be some accumulation over time.

Where did you get that shed from? who makes it

Why are you putting the fan so far away from the opening of the case? Only part of the cool outside air goes through the opening, the majority of the (warm) air is taken back out of the housing by the fan, almost like a short circuit. If you want to cool the generator effectively, the suction side of the fan must be as close as possible to the opening in the housing. It is best if a rubber seal or something similar is placed between the fan and the wall. Due to the higher air volume, the generator remains significantly cooler.

no listings for where to get the sheds and the vents and everything else. We aren't psychic. I need mine for south florida hurricanes.

Realizing that this video is 3 yrs old, I still think it's worth mentioning that not all generators are created equal when it comes to keeping them from overheating. Yours looks like a 3kw unit with a small single cylinder engine. Nowadays there are tons of generators over 10kw that produce 3-4 times the heat, using twin cylinder engines, yet people still put them in the same size enclosure as yours, with same size vents, etc. With larger generators, if you don't direct the exhaust to the outside directly with a pipe, the generator will overheat no matter how big the vents are. Not to say that your idea does not work for small generators, but people need to be careful.

One thing that I learned as a firefighter regarding airflow. You want to have the outflow approximately twice the size of the inflow openings when you are using a forced exhaust system like this. It creates more of a suction which strengthens the airflow through the room, or in this case the shed. Before becoming a firefighter I would have thought the complete opposite would be true, but that is one of the first things we learn and it is used to quickly clear smoke from a room or building. Just something to keep in mind if you ever decide to redo the generator shed later.

Ferrocement construction is a pretty simple type of construction. Fireproof, windproof, earthquake proof. But maybe lower cost per square foot just isn't American. Did I mention Ferrocement?..

Made in USA😎😃