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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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Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS
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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

The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS in use

The Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS

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:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS

The GEN4000DF-SS's control panel

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Dual fuel
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (91 lbs)
  • Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • 1-year warranty
  • No electric start
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts3,500 W3,100 W
Starting watts4,000 W3,600 W
Running amps29.2 amps25.8 amps
Peak amps33.3 amps30 amps
Run time @50% load10 h12 h
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A receptacle
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank3.9 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight91 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23 x 19.5 x 17.5 in
Noise (lower limit)69 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables
UPC027077082357

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
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.

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Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS
8.3 Total Score
1 review
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Price
6
Value
10
Quality
10
Performance
7

User Reviews

  1. 4.15
    Price
    60
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    70

    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.

    + PROS:
    • It's powerful to run all my important things when we lose power at home. It runs pretty quiet compared to other name brands.
    - CONS:
    • It should come with wheel and handle kit.
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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