DuroStar DS4000S Gas Generator

DuroStar DS4000S: an Affordable Generator

The DuroStar DS4000S produces 3300 watts of continuous power which is enough to power most of your essential appliances.  It is well built and also enclosed in a heavy duty steel frame. 

This rugged workhorse is very good on fuel economy.  The manufacturer claims you get 8-hours of runtime at ½ load. A lot of reviewers claim you get over 10-hours at ½ load.

It is also fitted with a circuit breaker to protect the generator from overload. 

To reduce the engine noise a super quiet muffler is fitted with the generator. This reduces the noise of generator to 69dA.  It can be used at campsites,  jobsites and home as your primary back-up.

Durostar DS4000s Review

Sale
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
  • Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
  • Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
  • Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
  • Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible

Specifications

  • Startup – EZ recoil pull starter
  • Horsepower – 7 hp air-cooled OHV
  • Automatic low oil shut down – Available
  • Running watts – 3300 watts
  • Staring watts – 4000 watts
  • At 50% load run time – 8 hours
  • Warranty – 1 year
  • Weight – 94 pounds
  • Dimensions – (H) 23″ x (L) 17.5″ x (W) 18″
  • Outlets – 2x 120V, 20-amperes, 3-prong outlets & 1, 120-volt, 30-amperes twist-lock outlet

Features of the Durostar DS4000S

Before we dive into the features, let’s first highlight them below.

  • Easy Recoil pull start with a display hub and start switch.
  • Produces 3300 watts in running load capacity and 4000 watts in full capacity.
  • Automatic low oil shut down.
  • Four-gallon capacity with eight hours run time.
Durostar DS4000S small marine generator

POWER

The DuroStar DS4000S is fitted with a 7.0-horsepower gasoline engine. This produces 3300 running watts and 4,000 peak watts.

The power panel features the main controls, including start switch, volt meter, and circuit breaker. It offers two 120-volt, 20-amp, 3-prong outlets (NEMA 5-20R) to supply power to all of your home appliances, plus one 120-volt, 30-amp outlet (NEMA L5-30) for high-powered tools. 

This generator is ideal for camping, RVs, sporting events, job sites, home back-up and more.

At its running load, the Durostar DS4000S produces 3300 watts. It’s not light, weighing more than 90 pounds. It can be carried by two people holding on to the heavy-duty steel frame. However, you need to spend a little extra you require wheels and handle.

The air-cooled OHV 7HP Durostar engine runs on regular gasoline. The EZ recoil is easy to pull, making the start process very simple. In case the oil runs low when you’re unaware, the automatic shut off features come in handy. The idea is to protect the generator’s engine.

It’s good to mention that to directly power wired devices, you need to install a manual switch. However, a manual switch is better with generators that produce 5000 watts and above. Furthermore, if you own an RV or work on a construction site, the Durostar DS4000S is where it shows its full worth.

The generator comes with a visibly clear power panel showing circuit breakers, voltmeters, shut off switch, and power connections.

The Durostar DS4000S has a fuel gauge that will notify you when fuel is about to run out. The voltage meter is useful in monitoring power output. It is a straight forward display so you can easily distinguish the components.

Noise Level

What about the noise level? Generators can be annoying, especially if they are set nearby. Well, because of how their engines are designed, they tend to be noisy. While the Durostar DS4000S isn’t the quiet type either, yet its quieter than other generators in the market.

durostar ds4000s 3300 running watts 4000 starting watts, gas powered portable generator

The muffler system installed allows it to run at a decent 69 decibels. What about power? It comes with 2 120-volt output, and a single 30 amperes twist lock output. If you plan on using this generator on a recreational vehicle, you need to purchase an adapter to use the 30 amperes receptacles.

Reliability and Durability

This generator is enclosed in a heavy duty steel frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. With a low-oil shutdown system the engine is prevented from any damage caused by low oil.

Operations

It is also fuel efficient. It is comes with a 4-gallon fuel tank that includes an easily readable gauge. At ½ load this generator has an 8-hour run-time.

The starting method of this generator is manual.  Most reviewers say you are not going to go past two pulls for the generator to start up. 

Maintenance

Just like any petrol-powered vehicle, the Durostar requires regular maintenance. Without maintenance, it will perform dismally. Before you get the generator working, ensure it is well oiled. The spark plug might inhibit startup, so you need to clean it if it does or replace it if it refuses completely.

who makes durostar generators

An overload occurs when you are trying to power up more appliances than recommended. In such a case, you just have to unplug some devices to allow it to run accordingly.

Portability

For easier transportation and movement we recommend that you buy the optional wheel kit. It will really make your life easier.

Even though we’ll compare the Durostar with other generators, there are positive reviews about this generator. Buyers are comfortable with the value they get, and it’s cheaper than most generators in the market, while offering excellent performance.


PROS

  • Affordable
  • Quiet low noise
  • Fuel guage installed
  • Fuel efficient
  • EZ recoil pull start makes it easy to start up

CONS

  • It ships with no oil
  • Oil changing is daunting
  • Only comes with a one year limited warranty

DuroStar DS4000S

TIPS

These are some of the general tips you need consider when you buy this genset;

  • Get a fuel stabilizer
  • Periodically start the machine if it is going to be unused for a very long time
  • Limitations of the genset; what it can and cannot run.
  • Always test your newly bought generator out before there is an emergency or the actual time of using. In that you will be  sure the machine works. If anything than that you can replace it before the warranty expires.
  • Let generator run for a few minutes before plugging in any load
  • Plug in all load starting with most intensive first
  • Flip breaker to ON
  • Buy the wheel kit

Who produces Durostar DS4000S?

The Durostar DS4000S is manufactured by the Duropower company, which also produces different generators model, including this one. The company is well recognized for producing reliable and versatile generators, which are usually found onto construction sites due to their excellent reliability & build quality at a cheaper price.

durostar generators reviews

Plus, you shouldn’t worry about setting up this generator because it comes with a comprehensive, easy to understand manual. However, if you come into challenges, you can contact them. Alternatively, you can initiate the setup process with a specialized professional such as an electrician or engineer.

They have a limited one-year warranty. There isn’t much to be excited about that since another brand offer longer, up to 3-year warranties.


Comparison Between Durostar DS4000s and Champion DH 4000-watts Generator

The closest competitor to the Durostar DS4000S is the Champion DH 4000 watt generator. They are almost the same, but there are feature level and brand level differences.

For instance, some of the feature level similarities include: both have 30 amperes RV outlet. The noise levels at a quarter load are 5 decibels apart with the Durostar producing 69 decibels is higher than the Champion. And that’s as far as the similarities go.

durostar ds4000s vs Champion DH 4000-Watts Generator

The differences, however, are more. The Champion weighs less, just above 80 pounds in comparison with above 90 pounds for the Durostar. The Champion has a 3-year warranty while the Durostar has a limited 1-year warranty.

With the significant differences, you’d expect the Champion to perform better than the Durostar. But this is not the case. The Durostar has a large following among jobsite and RV users.

In terms of performance, they have almost identical specs meaning they perform at an approximately equal level. The price explains why the Durostar has more fans than the Champion. There is a significant price difference between the two, the Durostar is cheaper.

However, with the Durostar DS4000S you get value for money product at a reduced price compared to Champion DH 4000-Watt generator and other similar products in the market.

Sale
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
  • Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
  • Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
  • Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
  • Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible

CONCLUSION

It is a budget portable generator which can power most of your essential appliances in the home.  Of course you are not going to get the extra benefits that come with the expensive ones, like very clean power. This is the best bet if you are on budget. 

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Chad

Hello, I've been working with power tools since I was a young kid helping out grandpa on the farm. My interest in building things started with him and helped me decide to make a career out of construction. I've built just about everything from pipe organs, custom cabinets, to houses.