Sportsman GEN4000-SS Spec Review

Description

Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000-SS

In summary, the Sportsman GEN4000-SS is a compact portable generator especially useful for:

• RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
• People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
• Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
• Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN4000-SS

The Sportsman GEN4000-SS's core is the 212 cc (7 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 3500W and a peak wattage of 4000W.

The generator is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than an office). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.

The GEN4000-SS can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.

Portability

The design of the Sportsman GEN4000-SS is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

With a dry weight of 91 lbs, the GEN4000-SS can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator further helps when holding and moving it to a different place.

Features

The GEN4000-SS's control panel

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Sportsman GEN4000-SS also comes with some accessories: funnel, battery charging cables and tool kit are included.

Emissions

The Sportsman GEN4000-SS is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

The Sportsman GEN4000-SS versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000-SS compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

• As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Sportsman GEN4000-SS weighs just 91 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 3000 to 4000 rated wattage generators. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
• This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 69 dBA. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Cat INV4000E, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 51 dBA.
• As for its autonomy, the GEN4000-SS, with an autonomy of around 10 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Honda EB4000X, as it provides around 16 hours.
• The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.39 GPH. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.17 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

The bottom line

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

About Sportsman Series

Sportsman Series is a small brand registered under the US based Buffalo corporation. Founded in 1964, the Buffalo Corporation is a small company, which sells tools and home products. Their brands include AmeriHome, Black Bull, Buffallo Tools and Sportsman Series – which offers a selection of generators and several other general products. The brand, and in fact, the corporation itself seemingly outsources all of its production overseas and acts only as a distributor, under its own brands.

Warranty Information

The Sportsman GEN4000-SS is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Sportsman generators, please contact the Sportsman Customer Support: 1-636-532-9888.

Questions & Answers

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