Soft Start RV | Easy Start
No 30 or 50 amp plug available? Here’s how to run your RV air conditioner from any standard plug or small generator.
No 30 Or 50 Amp Power?
No Problem!
Why a Soft Start?
Living in Texas, one of our most important priorities of RV life is the ability to run the air conditioner no matter where we are or what power source we have available.
Soft Starts are a must, in my opinion, by reducing the power surge that occurs on startup, I’m able to run the rooftop air from most any source, including a household 15/20 amp plug as well as my Lithionics battery system. Or we can run both AC units at the same time on the Airstream on 30amp service. This gives us the freedom to know we can keep the RV cool for us and our pups.
Your RV air conditioner is designed to be powered from a 30 or 50 amp power source. This is because compressor motors are connected in a way that lets them draw as much power as required to get up to speed quickly.
Because of this design, compressor motors require a massive current surge when they start that is too much to handle for a 15 or 20 amp breaker or the RV’s inverter, but there is a solution.
Soft Starts / Easy Starts effectively limits the inrush current and so improves the stability of the power supply and reduces transient voltage drops that may affect or break down other loads. This eliminates the need for excessive power supply which results in reduced equipment costs, investment in power supply capacity, charge meter, circuit breaker, and power wireline capacity, and it extends the service life of the motor or compressor.
Below are two choices, hard wired and an external. The benefits of the hard wired is that it’s install and forget. It’s always there, always working without lifting a finger. The hard wired version is also required to run your air conditioner from your inverter / lithium batteries. The downside is that you have to get on the roof (or pay someone) and install. Plus there is a possibility that it could void your AC warranty at the manufacturers discretion due to an after market mod.
The external is a good choice for those that don’t want to install, don’t need to run off inverter / lithium and don’t mind the extra step of adding the SoftStartUp inline with your power cord.
I personally choose the hard wired versions.
Choose Your Type Of Soft Start
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Hardwired SoftStartRV
Worry free install and forget solution.
40% Smaller than Microair (fits Truma ACs)
Start and run 2 A/Cs on a 30-amp hookup.*
Starts RV A/C with a small generator
Start an RV A/C on a 15 or 20A outlet
Free install kit
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50A / 30A External Soft Start
Plug & play with no install required
No climbing up your RV roof to install
No opening up your A/C unit(s)
No potential mis-wiring
No paying a tech for Install
No potential warranty voids on AC unit
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Micro-Air Easy Start
Hardwired, slightly less expensive
Same benefits as SoftStartRV
Slightly Larger than SoftStart RV
Slightly Less Expensive than SoftStart RV
Needs 5 simple training cycles after install
Two-year warranty on you AC compressor.
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Here's a breakdown of the primary differences between the Micro-Air EasyStart and the Network RV SoftStart RV, along with factors to consider when choosing between them:
Size:
The Soft Start RV Is slightly smaller than the Micro-Air, enabling eaiser Installs Inside newer AC units such as the Truma
Start-up Process:
Micro-Air EasyStart: Requires a training period of around 5 restarts (approximately 15 minutes) to calibrate to your specific AC unit.
Network RV SoftStart RV: Automatically adjusts startup without the need for a manual training period.
Reduction of Startup Amperage:
Both models significantly reduce the surge of power on AC startup, allowing you to run your air conditioner on smaller generators or limited power sources. The exact reduction may vary slightly between models depending on your AC.
Price:
Micro-Air EasyStart: Usually slightly less expensive than the SoftStartRV.
Network RV SoftStart RV: Slightly more expensive but may include installation tools.
Installation:
Both require installation inside the rooftop AC unit, which may necessitate professional installation if you're uncomfortable with electrical work.
Features:
Micro-Air EasyStart: Some models offer Bluetooth control via a phone app. (Unnecessary In my opinion)
Network RV SoftStart RV: Prioritizes ease of installation and offers live technical support to help with installation if needed.
How to Choose Consider these factors when deciding which unit is right for you:
• Prioritizing size for smaller AC units.
• Importance of Automatic Function: If you want the most hassle-free setup and don't want to deal with the training period, the Network RV SoftStart RV is better.
• Budget: If you're on a tighter budget, the Micro-Air EasyStart might be more appealing.
• Bluetooth Control: If you want app connectivity and remote monitoring, Micro-Air EasyStart offers that feature.
•Technical Support: If you think you might require assistance during installation, Network RV SoftStart RV provides live technical support.
Keep in mind, installing aftermarket mods like these can void your AC units warranty, however Micro-Air offers a two year warranty on your six years or younger tompressor unit if origial manufacturer declines repair due to any circumstance.
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Not only does a Soft Start / Easy Start ease strain on the power source, but it’s also less stressful for the Compressor itself since it starts more gently. Additionally, it provides valuable protection by shutting down the compressor if the power source or the connection to the compressor is briefly interrupted, then it re-attempts a soft start after a three-minute delay.
Soft Start / Easy Start is a compact size, lightweight cost-effective soft start controller with fireproof housing and sealed by resin making it capable of resisting extreme weather and survive in harsh environments (A/C air-conditioner outdoor rooftop unit), this makes SoftStartRV a cost-effective rv air conditioner soft start kit solution with high reliability and stability.
Benefits of SoftStart / Easy Start
• Allows for AC use on any power outlet
• Allows for dual ACs running simultaneously on 30 amp service
• Allows for AC use on a small Generator (At least 2200W recommended)
• Helps protect your AC unit from the jarring, high amp startups, lengthening it’s service life
• In most cases, you will notice a lower noise level especially at startup
• Prolong the Life of Your Air Conditioner
It’s widely considered that using a Soft Start will significantly prolong your AC unit’s lifespan, and that the manufacturers should place them in the unit’s during the build.
By reducing the initial power surge required to start the compressor, these devices alleviate stress on the motor and electrical components. This gradual startup not only prevents abrupt spikes in power consumption but also minimizes wear and tear on various internal parts of the air conditioner.
With a soft start mechanism in place, the motor operates more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of overheating and potential damage. Ultimately, investing in a soft start or an easy start device for your RV air conditioner can lead to improved performance, lower maintenance costs, and an extended lifespan for this crucial piece of equipment.