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 summary, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,000W. When propane-powered, it has 3,100 rated watts and 3,600 peak watts.
Operating with a noise level of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator starts up via a manual recoil starter system.
The GEN4000DF-SS, with a fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons, reaches a run time of around 10 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH) with propane.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, making it ideal for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the standard open frame design of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. 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. Furthermore, thanks to its open frame, the generator is easily grabbed and moved to a new location.
Features
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS also is packed along with the following accessories: battery charging cables, tool kit, funnel and propane hose.
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. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Champion 201050 is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 51.8 pounds.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 69 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the GEN4000DF-SS, with an autonomy of around 10 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.39 GPH. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.23 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
The bottom line
- 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 2760 W | 3350 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.