Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS - 3500/4000W Dual Fuel Generator
The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is a compact open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS
In short, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is a compact portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The dual-fuel technology of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,000W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,100 rated watts and 3,600 starting watts.
Rated for 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Concerning its running time, the GEN4000DF-SS, featuring a 3.9 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.39 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH) of runtime.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles.
Portability
At L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Weighing 91 lbs, the GEN4000DF-SS is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grasp the frame in order to change its location.
Features
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS also includes several accessories: propane hose, funnel, battery charging cables and tool kit.
Product Video
The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- Having a dry weight of 91 lbs, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS belongs in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators which produce 3000 to 4000 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Champion 201050 appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 51.8 pounds.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 69 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar type and power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- In terms of its autonomy, the GEN4000DF-SS can operate for around 10 hours at a 50% load, placing it within the lower bracket among generators of similar type and power range. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with around 15 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.39 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.23 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel generators, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Dual fuel
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (91 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
- No data center
- 1-year warranty
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W | 3,100 W |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps | 25.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 3.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 91 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23 x 19.5 x 17.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables |
| UPC | 027077082357 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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, Buffalo 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 GEN4000DF-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 Buffalo Tools Customer Support: 1-636-532-9888.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Total | 2767 W | 3767 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Can it be converted to natural gas instead of propane? (Asked August 11, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits. You may find non-officials. However, we do not recommend such modification. In addition to potentially voiding your warranty, you could also be breaking your local emission laws.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




User Reviews
Great machine weather in a power outage for days and weeks. To using camping or just backyard fun. I live in the Florida panhandle which sees alot of severe storms and tropical storms and hurricanes. Plus a tornado once in awhile. So this generator is a must and starts up with one pull usually. Thanks Buffalo Corp.