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 sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS provides a 120V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,000W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,100 running watts and 3,600 starting watts.
Operating at a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator starts up with a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
As for its running time, the GEN4000DF-SS, along with its 3.9 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With a size of L23 x W19.5 x H17.5 in, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
The 91 lbs of the GEN4000DF-SS's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grasp the frame in order to change its location.
Features
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, tool kit, battery charging cables 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).
- With a dry weight of 91 pounds, the Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS finds itself in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators able to produce between 3000 and 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.
- Given its rated noise level of 69 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar type and power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 10 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the GEN4000DF-SS falls into the low end in comparison with other dual fuel devices of a comparable power output. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 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
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- 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.