Truma Aventa Now Offers SoftStartRV Technology

SoftStartUSA Now Offers the Smallest SoftStartRV™ Device to Fit in More RV A/Cs Than Ever Before

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – (June 27, 2024)

Beginning July 2024, Truma North America will integrate SoftStartUSA technology into the Truma Aventa air conditioning systems.

“We are excited to partner with Truma on this initiative,” said Brian Gibson, co-founding partner of SoftStartUSA.

“Truma is a well-known, well-respected brand within the industry.”

He added that the testing and qualification procedures at Truma proved to be more rigorous than the standards of many consumer product safety organizations with which we have collaborated
in the past.

“SoftStartRV delivered on sharply reducing startup inrush current for better power efficiency, and most importantly, continuing to provide peak startup performance throughout Truma’s very demanding cycle-testing process which included various conditions that mimic actual user scenarios,” Gibson stated.

Mark Howlett, Executive Vice President of Truma, confirmed tha tafter months of continuous testing and analysis, Truma found the SoftStartRV to be a great match for the Aventa air
conditioning systems.

“In the past few years, our market has seen a rise in the use of lithium batteries and solar power, for off-grid camping,” said Howlett.

“Being able to add the soft start technology to the Truma Aventa allows for greater flexibility in usage for the end-user.”

Howlett added that along with the innovative technology, and premium customer support, it was the smaller size of SoftStartRVthat proved to be a game changer.

“SoftStartRV is up to 52% smaller than other similar units. The compact size fits the low-silhouette, aerodynamic designs of the Aventa without restricting valuable airflow within the rooftop compartment.”

There are several advantages to installing the Aventa with SoftStartRV including a significant reduction of startup amps, which allows the Aventa to start more easily off inverters and generators and offers the opportunity to run more appliances simultaneously.

“For end-users, this means full startup capabilities, more convenience in use, and less impact on the power supply or other systems,” said Howlett.

“For RV Manufacturers, the benefits can be found in better user experiences for their customers, utilization in multiple coach classes, and less impact on internal components of the RV.”

“We’ve listened to our RV customers, RV systems experts, and our own dedicated support teams to refine our softstart units to be the best in the market,” said Doug Curtis, SoftStartUSA co-founder, .

“This collaboration with Truma, reinforces our team’s commitment to producing intelligent, outstanding, and reliable products to help RVers keep more comfortable in their
mobile lifestyles.”

Truma is offering both end-users and RV manufacturers the option to purchase the Aventa eco or comfort with a SoftStartRV unit pre-installed directly through Truma. The soft start installation is customized to specifically fit the Aventa and since it is installed by Truma, complies with Truma’s warranty terms. In addition, existing Truma Aventa owners may purchase a soft start upgrade through a Truma Service Facility or Truma Mobile Technician.

“Our goal is to help RV owners get the most out of the RV. The moments we can share camping with family and friends are important,” Howlett said. “Therefore, every system, component, and upgrade should live up to its promise and help make those moments unforgettable.”

# # #

TrumaNorth America is a premium solutions partner to the outdoor recreation community. Truma started doing business in North America in 2013, establishing its headquarters in Elkhart, IN. Backed by 75 years of German engineering, Truma has a long history of providing quality solutions to the global outdoor recreation market.

For more information about Truma’s extensive line of RV products, visit https://www.Truma.com/us.

For complete details about the SoftStartRV A/C soft starter, visit www.SoftStartRV.com.The
SoftStartRVA/C soft starter is a product of SoftStartUSA, an industry leader in RV and home
power management products.

Photo courtesy of Renogy

07/01/2024

The RV SurgePro™ Surge Protector

The RV SurgePro™ dual-amp surge protector provides owners whole-RV power surge protection should a lightning strike or other sudden power burst occur. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a Class A motorcoach, a towable or a fifth-wheels, it will protect your vehicle.

For more details, read the PDF below, or click the button to open it in a web browser.

11/29/2023

Now Every RV Can Keep Cool Anywhere

SoftStartUSA Now Offers the Smallest SoftStartRV™ Device to Fit in More RV A/Cs Than Ever Before

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – For RVs equipped with rooftop air conditioners, savvy owners have been adding soft starter technology to eliminate untimely shutdowns due to A/C startup-related issues.

However, one thing that has kept some RVers from installing soft starters has been their large size. Many are simply too big to fit under the A/C cover.

SoftStartUSA introduces a more compact SoftStartRV™ Advanced Soft Starter that is over 52% smaller than the original RV A/C soft starters. It can fit under the lowest profile A/C covers and deliver the same high-quality performance of our previous larger model. What’s more, the latest SoftStartRV device also features the industry’s easiest installation and longest warranty.

How a SoftStartRV Makes RV Life Better

A SoftStartRV unit on each RV air conditioner enables RVers to start and run two A/Cs on a 30-amp hookup or a generator. It also lets them start and run one air conditioner on a small 2,200-watt generator. SoftStartRV even lets RVers run an air conditioner from batteries with the proper setup and inverter.

A SoftStartRV A/C soft starter gives RVers much more flexibility in planning RV adventures. Because it greatly reduces the power needed to startup an A/C unit, the SoftStartRV lets people keep more electrical appliances running simultaneously. It also lets RVers go places never thought possible while keeping comfortable with limited generator or 120 VAC household power.

Now – All the Functionality in a Smaller Package

When you’re wedging a component into an already cramped space – such as inside a rooftop A/C unit – the size reduction of the latest SoftStartRV is a HUGE change. It’s 52% smaller than many other RV A/C soft starters which means it will fit any RV A/C unit. This engineering improvement virtually eliminates one of the biggest challenges to adding a soft starter to an RV air conditioner. But going smaller wasn’t enough: SoftStartUSA also wanted to make it easier to install.

Easy SoftStartRV A/C Installation

To make installation as easy as possible, each SoftStartRV unit includes a complete Install Kit with wire connectors, screws and wire ties. In addition, each order now includes a free wire crimping tool so that anyone can secure the connectors onto the wires without having to search for special tools. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.

No-Cut, No-Splice Installation

Understanding that many people have not added a SoftStartRV to their RV because of concerns about the installation process, SoftStartRV developed the industry’s ONLY “6-Step, No-Cut/ No-Splice” process. That’s right — a SoftStartRV can be installed without cutting or splicing any wires!

With a SoftStartRV, you receive the unit, instructions, and an kit with all the parts needed to complete the installation. You’ll still need electrical tape and the tools to remove the A/C cover, but all connectors and a crimping tool are provided. You can download A/C unit-specific instructions from the SoftStartRV website and follow along.

Still not comfortable with the process? Then you can schedule rooftop installation support. Set up a date and time with the support team and one of their members will walk you through the installation, step-by-step, over the phone.

Exclusive Waterproof Performance

To withstand extremely humid conditions and the condensation that rooftop A/C units generate, the newest SoftStartRV model is waterproof, delivering worry-free operation regardless of muggy climates or extended A/C use. In fact, SoftStartRV is the only soft starter that is built and tested to meet stringent waterproof standards.

Extended 3-Year Warranty Guarantees Lasting Performance

To assure customers of premium cooling comfort as well as comfort in knowing they received the best soft start product available, SoftStartUSA offers a standard 1-year warranty, and then extends it for 2 more years absolutely free with online registration of the SoftStartRV product. Other manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty and then charge extra for only 1 additional year.

Learn More About SoftStartRV A/C Startup Technology

To learn more about SoftStartRV products, please go to SoftStartRV.com.

SoftStartRV is a product of SoftStartUSA, an industry leader in RV and home power management products.

MEDIA NOTES

To obtain high-resolution images from this release for your publication, please visit our SoftStartUSA Pressroom at this online location.

Our SoftStartRV video can be viewed or linked at this address: https://youtu.be/7cAfLtShrGE

09/18/2023

RV Air Conditioner Soft Start – Everything You Need to Know

RV air conditioners can be a tricky thing to manage. Figuring out just how much cooling power you need, and how often to use it can be a challenge. And then there’s the issue of RV air conditioner soft start: What is it, how does it work, and how can it help you? Well, it turns out that a soft start is a great way to help you conserve energy and save money while still maintaining a comfortable temperature in your RV. In this blog post, we’re going to go through everything you need to know about RV air conditioner soft start, so you can make sure your rig’s cooling system help you stay pleasant and comfortable even on the hottest days. Let’s dive in!

Quick Breakdown

A Soft Start RV air conditioner is a type of air conditioner designed for recreational vehicles that allows for efficient, safe, and quiet operation. It provides improved electric motor protection and helps reduce the initial startup current thus increasing its life.

What is a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner?

A soft start RV air conditioner is an innovative and efficient cooling system designed to reduce the amount of time it takes for an RV air conditioner motor to reach full power. Instead of striking up with one large initial power surge, a soft start RV air conditioner gently eases up to full speed in smaller increments. This prevents long cycles of overworking the engine, which can lead to burning out or shortening its life as a result of excess strain on the motor’s internal wiring and components. In this way, soft start RV air conditioners represent a significant improvement over traditional AC motors.

Advocates of soft start RV air conditioners claim that their gentle acceleration significantly prolongs the life of the motor. With a soft start, relatively little energy is required for the motor to ramp up and thus fewer parts are stressed – resulting in greater durability over the long term. Supporters also point out that as soft starts generate significantly less current than traditional motors, they reduce instances of blown fuses and other electrical-related issues.

Critics, however, contend that while a soft start may have applications in larger RVs where more powerful AC units are needed, they are seldom necessary in smaller RVs that run smaller motors. They also caution that frequent cycling on and off places additional strain on the motor and thus devalues the benefits associated with having a soft start air conditioner installed.

No matter your opinion on soft start RV air conditioners, no one can deny their growing popularity amongst serious campers and adventurers alike who are looking for reliable cooling solutions for their recreational vehicles. Understanding all of the benefits that come with such technology is essential for any cost-conscious consumer interested in investing in an advanced cooling system for their RV. The following section explains how a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner optimizes efficiency and cost savings over time.

Benefits of a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner

When you’re out on the road and away from home, the last thing you want is to worry about an underperforming RV air conditioner. Thankfully, RV owners have access to soft start systems that will minimize wear and tear on AC units and other electrical devices within the RV. Soft start systems essentially reduce voltage surges and power draw, which in turn helps protect an RV’s electrical system when the air conditioner is started for the first time or after a power outage.

One of the key benefits of a soft start system is that it draws higher levels of current on startup which helps increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. Since the air conditioner won’t be subject to high-voltage starts, it will be less likely to suffer wear and tear while drawing less overall power – this could potentially lead to lower electricity costs over time. Further, because it takes longer to spin up the motor during startup, emissions are usually reduced with a soft start system as compared to traditional, hard-start systems.

Soft start systems also offer increased safety features such as overload protection that can prevent damage or unexpected shutdowns due to power surges or short circuits. This protection comes in handy when running multiple devices in parallel, such as refrigerators and TVs, that can require more power than one appliance alone. Additionally, softer starts may help to protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes caused by frequent starting and stopping of the AC compressor motor.

However, some argue that since a soft start requires different components than a traditional hard start system, it may cost more money up front due to additional installation costs. For example, larger compressors require different contactors and capacitors in order for them to properly integrate into a soft start system. Despite these potential cost considerations associated with setting up a soft start RV air conditioning system, there are numerous long-term benefits that make it an attractive choice for those looking to invest in their RV and maximize its longevity.

Overall, an RV air conditioning soft start system offers many advantages over traditional hard starts including increased motor longevity, lower electricity use, reduced emissions and optimal safety features – all of which make it worth considering if you’re in need of enhanced air conditioning performance in your recreational vehicle. By reducing high voltage surges and electrical draw, soft start systems can help keep your RV cool while keeping your wallet fuller.

To understand how exactly a soft start works toward reducing these high voltage surges and electrical draw in RVs, read on for details in the following section.

Reduces High Voltage Surges and Electrical Draw

The RV air conditioner soft start system is designed to help reduce the amount of high voltage surges that may occur during operation. This feature also limits the amount of electrical draw from the motor, thus giving the user control over how and when the motor will operate. As a result, this reduces the risk of potentially catastrophic damages to the air conditioner and its components due to sudden power outages or high voltages.

The benefits of using a soft start feature in an RV air conditioner are undeniable. Not only does it protect the unit from potential damage, but it also helps conserve energy by reducing electrical draw and ensuring the motor operates efficiently with minimal risk of overload. Another huge benefit is that it provides added safety for those using the air conditioner as it prevents sudden spikes in power draw which can be dangerous if not properly managed.

Regardless of these obvious advantages, some may argue that the cost associated with adding a soft start feature is too high and not worth the investment given other possible solutions such as simply limiting how much electricity is drawn from the motor at any given time. While this may be true in some cases, the cost savings incurred by avoiding potential damages make this type of upgrade more than worthwhile in most scenarios. Moreover, having a soft start feature ensures greater safety and security for the user.

With all these benefits in mind, it’s clear why so many people are turning to RV air conditioner soft starts for peace of mind when it comes to managing their energy requirements. With proper installation and monitoring, a soft start system can drastically increase efficiency and prevent costly repairs from occurring due to sudden power surges or overloads. In the next section we will discuss how this design promotes both safety and operational efficiency in your RV air conditioner.

Crucial Points

The RV air conditioner soft start system is an upgrade worth investing in due to the amount of protection it provides against potential damages caused by sudden power outages or high voltages. It also conserves energy and provides added safety for those using an air conditioner. With proper installation and monitoring, a soft start system can drastically increase operational efficiency and prevent costly repairs from occurring.

Design Promotes Safety and Operation Efficiency

When it comes to RV air conditioner soft start technology, design is key. By decreasing the load on the air conditioner when starting up and evenly distributing the power generated, manufacturing companies can improve both safety and operational efficiency. With soft start RV AC units, homeowners are no longer limited to slowing the amps they draw, meaning they don’t need to empty their entire RV just to use their AC during peak hour if they don’t want to.

Soft start AC also means smaller amounts of electricity are drawn during start-up, an advantage that reduces stress on electrical components and keeps them cooler while operating in hot weather conditions. This provides a layer of both cost savings and protection for air conditioners, which would be broken down by too much energy over time without a soft start system.

Even though some RV owners may consider the advantages of soft start ACs to be minimal, the benefits of using this technology cannot be denied. It is designed to save energy and reduce wear and tear on devices that run off power generators and other non-plugged power sources. And with more reliable operation and cooling times, travelers will benefit from a more comfortable experience while away from home.

The design of soft start RV air conditioners carries numerous benefits that promotes not just safety but also greater efficiency for all kinds of RV rigs. The next section explores features of these unique ACs that help users get the most out of their investment.

Features of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

Soft start technology is one of the most important features to consider when investing in an RV air conditioner. This technology offers a wide range of benefits that make it important to understand before making a purchase. Soft start RV air conditioners are designed to start up more slowly and smoothly, without causing any jarring power spikes or voltage drops that can cause issues for other onboard electronics. As such, these air conditioners are often desired to be installed in RVs with sensitive electrical systems, as well as those who need quieter operation.

One of the main benefits of investing in a soft start RV air conditioner is energy efficiency. These units require less power from the outset, which in turn saves energy and reduces electric bills significantly. Test results have shown that compared to standard RV air conditioners, soft-start versions may consume up to 40% less electricity during the startup phase. That savings carries across the lifetime of the unit, even if power needs later on rise over time due to increasing temperatures.

Soft start air conditioners also come with improved safety features that make them better suited for RV installations than standard models. The slow and steady startup reduces shockwaves during initial operation and reduces potential wear-and-tear on electrical components like circuit boards and compressors. Plus, since they require less power overall, they’re good for avoiding common forms of outage caused by suddenly spiking demand at peak times or overloaded circuits.

Finally, while these units may cost more at first than standard styles due to their extra components, they pay for themselves quickly thanks to their energy efficiency and lifespan advantages. In most cases, owners end up saving money on their bills over several years of operation due to reduced power draw compared to regular RV air conditioners.

To summarize, soft start RV air conditioners offer a lot of significant advantages compared to traditional models. By providing smoother starts without sudden electrical demands or outages, as well as improved energy efficiency and longer lifespans, these units make an excellent choice for those looking for reliable cooling in their vehicles. With that said, let’s now look at how compatible they are with power converters and on/off switches in the next section.

Compatible With Power Converters and On/Off Switches

When it comes to RV air conditioners, soft starts provide a unique benefit not found with traditional models. As mentioned earlier, these soft start kits are compatible with power converters and with on/off switches. Many RV owners find that having the ability to control their air conditioner from a switch outside the unit is practical and convenient.

On one hand, using an on/off switch may be beneficial because it eliminates the need to manually turn on and off the RV’s AC unit. This may be especially helpful for those who have limited access to the unit or for those who have difficulty reaching the breaker box in their RV. Having a switch allows them to turn off or on the AC from anywhere in the vehicle.

On the other hand, some argue that using an on/off switch can be dangerous as it bypasses safety features built into the AC unit itself. When an AC unit is running, it draws a significant amount of electricity, which can overload a circuit if the unit is left running too long. While there are ways to monitor the current load of your AC unit, those who opt for an on/off switch do not have this feature available to them so they must constantly monitor their AC usage to ensure safe operation at all times.

As such, it’s important to weigh both sides of this argument carefully before deciding whether a compatible power converter and/or on/off switch is right for you and your specific needs. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual RV owner to decide what works best for them.

Now let’s take a look at how exactly a soft start RV air conditioner works.

How Does a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner Work?

Soft start RV air conditioners function entirely differently than traditional ACs. Most air conditioners use a motor connected to an electric compressor. When the compressor turns on, it often has a high surge of current and then slowly tapers off. This can cause issues with power grids, as the sudden increased load on the system is often more than what it’s designed for. A soft start RV air conditioner works by reducing that initial power surge significantly, allowing the system to draw far less energy at any given time.

The way this works is that instead of the motor being directly connected to the compressor, it will first pass through a “soft starter” module before continuing to the compressor. This module contains several different components that act as shock absorbers for the electric current, allowing it to ramp up much more smoothly and slowly over time before reaching full capacity. Doing so reduces initial power draw from 30-50% compared to a traditional AC setup.

When making a decision about whether or not to install a soft start RV air conditioner in your vehicle, there are some pros and cons that you should consider. In the next section, we’ll discuss in greater detail the advantages and disadvantages of using these systems so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your individual needs.

Pros and Cons of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

Pros of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

One of the primary benefits of soft start RV air conditioners is increased energy efficiency. These systems start up gradually, rather than in one big power surge as most air conditioners do. This allows the unit to more gradually adjust its cooling output and use less electricity to reach the desired temperature. This can result in a decrease in monthly energy bills and an overall reduction of emissions into the environment.

Soft start RV air conditioners also offer improved operational life by extending their lifespan, as compared to regular AC units.This is due to their smaller starting current which prevents overheating and, consequently, reduces mechanical stress on the compressor motor and other parts, allowing them to last significantly longer with fewer repairs over time.

Finally, these systems also provide better overall comfort, as they prevent abrupt temperature changes that can be experienced with standard models. With gradual startup, there will be no sudden blasts of cold or hot air, resulting in a smoother transition between cool and warm temperatures.

Cons of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

The main disadvantage of soft start RV air conditioners is their limited availability. Many modern models are not equipped with this technology and generic part replacements can be hard to come by if needed in the future. Additionally, it may require professional installation of additional parts if you choose to retrofit an existing system with soft start capability.

These systems also tend to cost more at point-of-purchase than conventional units without this technology would. As such, those who are working within a limited budget may not be able to take advantage of the extra energy savings that these models provide long term.

Overall, while soft start RV air conditioners have some great advantages over traditional models, they may not be the best choice for everyone due to their added cost and limited availability. Ultimately, it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide which type best suits your individual needs and preferences when considering a new AC system for your recreational vehicle.

Soft start RV air conditioners are designed to reduce strain on the electrical system and provide up to 30% more cooling than a standard RV air conditioner.
Soft start air conditioners operate by slowly ramping up the compressor over several minutes, then slowly turning it off. This feature helps reduce power surges, prevents voltage drops, and reduces wear and tear on the unit.
According to a 2019 survey of RV owners, soft start air conditioners were rated as having an average overall satisfaction rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits does a soft start air conditioner for RV’s provide?

A soft start air conditioner for RV’s provides significant benefits when it comes to energy efficiency and reliability. By allowing the motor to slowly ramp up to full speed, a soft start air conditioner can reduce the initial loads on the fan and compressor motors, resulting in lower energy consumption and longer motor life. This can also reduce stress on other electrical components in the RV by starting the units at a lower voltage, which can lead to improved performance as well as decreased wear and tear. Soft starts are also far less likely to cause electrical damaging circuit breaker trips. Additionally, soft start technology often results in quieter operation than conventionally started air conditioners because the fans spin up slowly. This can be especially beneficial for those individuals camping in areas that have noise restrictions in place.

How can I properly maintain a soft start air conditioner for RV’s?

Maintaining a soft start air conditioner for RV’s is relatively simple and straightforward. Here are some tips to keep it running efficiently:

• Periodically inspect and clean the filter on the air conditioning unit. This should be done every couple of weeks to lessen the dust and debris that can build up over time, which can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.

• Make sure all connection points are secure to ensure good air flow throughout the RV. Loose connections can lead to inefficient cooling as well as higher energy costs.

• Check your soft start unit regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as fraying wires or cracked insulation. These issues need to be addressed promptly to ensure that your soft start unit continues functioning correctly.

• Consider performing regular preventative maintenance, such as checking vents, condenser coils and motor bearings, in order to keep everything in good working order and reduce energy consumption over time.

Following these simple steps will help ensure that your soft start air conditioner remains efficient and reliable for many years to come.

What safety measures should I take when installing a soft start air conditioner for RV’s?

When installing a soft start air conditioner for RV’s, it is important to take certain safety measures to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

First and foremost, it is essential to read the instructions manual that accompanies the soft start air conditioner thoroughly. The instructions will give you an overview of the procedures and safety measures that need to be taken when installing it, so read them carefully. Additionally, if the installation requires specialist knowledge or expertise, consider seeking professional help to avoid any potential accidents.

Second, always make sure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear before starting any work on your RV air conditioner. This includes protective eyewear, non-slip gloves, and a face protector. Additionally, wear clothing that is free of any loose fabric that could become caught easily in tools or machinery.

Lastly, replace any parts recommended by the manufacturer as needed. If parts become worn with use or trauma they may not be able to provide sufficient power to the device, potentially leading to overheating or fire hazards. Make sure all connections are tight and secure before testing out the soft start air conditioner.

By following these safety guidelines when installing a soft start air conditioner for RV’s, you can protect yourself from potential hazards associated with improper installation.

03/08/2023

Big News About the #1 Small RV A/C Soft Starter

NetworkRV, an industry leader in RV soft start A/C products, offers a smaller SoftStartRV device to fit in more RV A/C installations than ever!

When it comes to RV accessories, bigger is not always better – especially when the add-on needs to squeeze into a rooftop air conditioner. Just in time for this travel season, NetworkRV introduces a much smaller SoftStartRV unit that cuts the size of the original product by over 42%! What’s more, the latest SoftStartRV device also features the industry’s easiest installation.

How a SoftStartRV Makes RV Life Better </span

A SoftStartRV unit on each RV air conditioner enables you to start and run two A/Cs on a 30-amp hookup or a generator. It also gives you the ability to start and run one air conditioner on a small 2200-watt generator. SoftStartRV even lets you run an air conditioner from batteries with the right setup and inverter. The flexibility that a SoftStartRV A/C device provides can change how you plan RV adventures by allowing you to go places you never thought possible with limited power. You’ll have the ability to start and run your air conditioner(s) when you get there.

SoftStartRV has always been a game-changer, enabling people to comfortably RV in environments and situations they couldn’t before. While the capabilities have always been fantastic, however, the size of a typical soft start unit was sometimes too big for the space where it needed to be installed. And the installation of an electrical control was sometimes considered too complex for the average DIYer. Thankfully, these are issues that the new SoftStartRV solves very well.

Now – All the Functionality in a Smaller, Easy-to-Install Package

NetworkRV now offers a smaller SoftStartRV product-– the smallest on the market. In fact, they cut its size by 42%, going from 71.33 cu. in. down to 40.72 cu. in. When you’re wedging a component into an already cramped space –like under the cover of a rooftop A/C unit – that is a HUGE change. These efforts virtually eliminated one of the biggest challenges to adding a soft starter to your air conditioner. But going smaller wasn’t enough—they also wanted to make it easier.

How does an A/C device work?

If you’re not familiar with the benefit of an A/C soft starter, it reduces the startup electrical power demand of a typical RV air conditioner. When you turn the A/C on, it automatically creates an inrush of power to quickly start the air conditioner. That is what causes the loud, vibrating thump when the A/C compressor kicks on. It can also trip the breakers because the inrush demand is too great for the power source.

A SoftStartRV changes all of that by reducing the power needed to start an RV air conditioner. Instead of allowing one big burst of incoming energy, it quickly smooths out the amperage draw. As it decreases the startup power surge, the result is less noise, fewer vibrations, and continuous cooling without the interruption of tripping breakers.

In the case of SoftStartRV, the power decrease can be up to 70%! The result – and and the biggest benefit to having a SoftStartRV – is being able to run air conditioners in limited power situations that you couldn’t before.

Easy SoftStartRV A/C Installation

Many people have not added a SoftStartRV to their RV because of concerns about the installation process. Dealing with anything electrical can be scary, especially when you’re 10-12 feet up on the roof of an RV. To make that process easier, SoftStartRV offers easy-to-find, easy-to-understand installation schematics, as well as thorough online and “live” customer support.

No Cut, No Splice Installation

Understanding that people may be concerned about wiring a soft start device, SoftStartRV developed the industry’s ONLY “6-step, no-cut/no splice” installation process. That’s right — you can install a device without making any cuts or splicing any wires!

If NetworkRV doesn’t have instructions for a specific RV and air conditioner, they’ll make them. All it takes is submitting a picture of the electrical diagram on the air conditioner and information about the RV via a support ticket on the SoftStartRV website. Once they have that, they’ll create a color diagram with step-by-step instructions.

Still not comfortable with the process? Then you can schedule rooftop installation support. Set up a date and time with the support team and one of their very patient members will walk you through the installation, step-by-step, over the phone.

The team at NetworkRV has continued to focus on product improvement while maintaining the quality and support that thousands of RVers trust. They’ve engineered the smallest soft starter on the market and developed the easiest installation process.

When you order a SoftStartRV, you’ll receive the unit, instructions, and an installation kit with all the parts needed to complete the installation. You’ll still need tools and electrical tape, but all the connectors and pieces are provided free by SoftStartRV. You can download your unit-specific instructions from their website and follow along. Installation can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.

Where to get a SoftStartRV

The biggest sale price the company has offered is currently ongoing and you can save $30 per unit by using this link. Or visit www.softstartrv.com/pr2/.

Ready to start living the life you want in your Airstream?

Become a member of the NetworkRV family and order a SoftStartRV. We deliver on our promise to keep your Airstream or RV cool. With free tech support, free extended warranty, and 100% money back guarantee for 90 days, our special discount beats competitors and gives you the peace of mind to buy with confidence.

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

We appreciate the faith and trust you have placed in us in purchasing and using our SoftStartRV. More and more we’ve come to understand that we are a referral-based business. Hence, we appreciate and encourage anyone in your life right now such as a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, cousin, neighbor, or fellow camper that has a need to be cool anywhere in their RV, and needs THE BEST expert opinion or soft start solution. We promise you we will give them our preferential service. And even if they choose to NOT buy our products, we will still try and help them solve their RV cooling issues.

Because you referred us, we are ready, willing, and passionately able to serve the people that are important to you. We want to help make smart campers smarter by giving them the most thorough, most meaningful, professional soft start advice. We will provide for them solutions, recommendations, videos, diagrams, plus LIVE rooftop tech call support. We will treat them in an incredibly special way on how to stay cool anywhere, anytime in their RV.

So please feel confident in your recommendation of us. Trust has to be earned, and we hope we have earned that in you to a degree you feel at ease in suggesting that special person, or special dog or cat who may need camper cooling in hot weather. We trust our help will be sought without reservations, thanks to your sincerest recommendations.

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

A/C

Your air conditioner, or A/C as it’s abbreviated, circulates the air within your RV, 5th wheel, Casita, Airstream, trailer, or motor home. SoftStartRV serves as an accessory that works with your RV air conditioner to provide a more evenly cooled space, that starts smoothly and runs with the power needed to keep you cool.

Airstream

Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailer built out of aluminum, on the road since the 1930s. It is one of the top known RV brands in the industry.

Amp

Amp, or amperage, is the base unit of electronic currents. Most RV air conditioners

Camper

A camper, also called a campervan, motor caravan, or caravanette is a van that has been converted in some way to accomodate basic living necessities, like beds and a kitchenette. A camper van will typically sleep 2 or 3 people.

Camping Gear

Camping gear refers to any equipment you may bring with you to accommodate your next camping or RV trip. Common camping gear may include a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, clothing, toiletries, portable grill, and a first aid kit.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device inside an air conditioning unit. It is small, cylindrical and it supplies and controls electrical energy. The capacitor provides a high-voltage jolt to the blower motor, compressor, and fan motor. The high voltage jolt is around 400 to 600 volts.

Casita

Casita is a top brand of small travel trailers that are easily towed with small cars and trucks. The Casita brand was established in 1983.

Class A Motorhome

A Class A Motorhome is defined as a conventional motorhome. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes are often referred as camper vans. Best suited for small groups, they’re smaller and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes.

Class C Motorhome

A Class C motorhome is similar to a traditional automobile. It looks like a van from the front and is built with a cab or a cut-away chassis.

Compressor

A compressor is one element inside of your RV air conditioner, working with the condenser and evaporator to keep your AC blowing cold air.

Generator

A generator is typically used with an RV, Airstream, or other motor home to power your air conditioner unit. The most common portable generator brands you will see at campsites include Advent, Armstrong, Atwood, Carrier, Coleman, Dometic, and Furion.

5th Wheel / Fifth Wheel

A 5th Wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch, allowing the driver to tow it behind a larger vehicle. A 5th Wheel is preferred by many because it provides the space of something larger, without being a “house on wheels” like many RVs.

Trailer

A trailer is a separate vehicle that is not motorized, meaning it will need to be towed by a motorized vehicle or RV. Trailers are split into many categories, most notably travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup trailers or truck campers.

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05/11/2022

SoftStartRV Will Keep You Cool For The Summer | Soft Start Explainer Video

SoftStartRV Will Keep You Cool For The Summer

What will a SoftStartRV do for your RV lifestyle?

This summer is expected to be a hot one. Everyone dreads a hot, sticky, and sweaty RV.

But with the latest SoftStartRV, you now have the ability to:

Start two RV air conditioners on just a 30-amp circuit
Start one AC using a Honda 2000I generator
Start your one air conditioner on just a 20-amp household circuit
Start one or two AC’s using your on-board inverter system

If you are new to the RV lifestyle, you will probably learn this summer that keeping your RV cool is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face.

Regardless of how many air conditioning units you have, starting and running them can be a challenge if you’re already running other appliances.

SoftStartRV solves all your AC startup problems by reducing the startup current surge by up to 70%.

So, you can use your AC, refrigerator, coffee pot and hair dryer all at the same time.

Get factory-direct pricing, free shipping, a free install kit, a free 90-day trial, free tech support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee – all with no risk!

Get Your SoftstartRV today!

Ready to start living the life you want in your RV?

Become a member of the NetworkRV family and order a SoftStartRV. We deliver on our promise to keep your Airstream or RV cool. With free tech support, free extended warranty, and 100% money back guarantee for 90 days, our special discount beats competitors and gives you the peace of mind to buy with confidence.

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

We appreciate the faith and trust you have placed in us in purchasing and using our SoftStartRV. More and more we’ve come to understand that we are a referral-based business. Hence, we appreciate and encourage anyone in your life right now such as a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, cousin, neighbor, or fellow camper that has a need to be cool anywhere in their RV, and needs THE BEST expert opinion or soft start solution. We promise you we will give them our preferential service. And even if they choose to NOT buy our products, we will still try and help them solve their RV cooling issues.

Because you referred us, we are ready, willing, and passionately able to serve the people that are important to you. We want to help make smart campers smarter by giving them the most thorough, most meaningful, professional soft start advice. We will provide for them solutions, recommendations, videos, diagrams, plus LIVE rooftop tech call support. We will treat them in an incredibly special way on how to stay cool anywhere, anytime in their RV.

So please feel confident in your recommendation of us. Trust has to be earned, and we hope we have earned that in you to a degree you feel at ease in suggesting that special person, or special dog or cat who may need camper cooling in hot weather. We trust our help will be sought without reservations, thanks to your sincerest recommendations.

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

A/C

Your air conditioner, or A/C as it’s abbreviated, circulates the air within your RV, 5th wheel, Casita, Airstream, trailer, or motor home. SoftStartRV serves as an accessory that works with your RV air conditioner to provide a more evenly cooled space, that starts smoothly and runs with the power needed to keep you cool.

Airstream

Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailer built out of aluminum, on the road since the 1930s. It is one of the top known RV brands in the industry.

Amp

Amp, or amperage, is the base unit of electronic currents. Most RV air conditioners

Camper

A camper, also called a campervan, motor caravan, or caravanette is a van that has been converted in some way to accomodate basic living necessities, like beds and a kitchenette. A camper van will typically sleep 2 or 3 people.

Camping Gear

Camping gear refers to any equipment you may bring with you to accommodate your next camping or RV trip. Common camping gear may include a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, clothing, toiletries, portable grill, and a first aid kit.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device inside an air conditioning unit. It is small, cylindrical and it supplies and controls electrical energy. The capacitor provides a high-voltage jolt to the blower motor, compressor, and fan motor. The high voltage jolt is around 400 to 600 volts.

Casita

Casita is a top brand of small travel trailers that are easily towed with small cars and trucks. The Casita brand was established in 1983.

Class A Motorhome

A Class A Motorhome is defined as a conventional motorhome. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes are often referred as camper vans. Best suited for small groups, they’re smaller and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes.

Class C Motorhome

A Class C motorhome is similar to a traditional automobile. It looks like a van from the front and is built with a cab or a cut-away chassis.

Compressor

A compressor is one element inside of your RV air conditioner, working with the condenser and evaporator to keep your AC blowing cold air.

Generator

A generator is typically used with an RV, Airstream, or other motor home to power your air conditioner unit. The most common portable generator brands you will see at campsites include Advent, Armstrong, Atwood, Carrier, Coleman, Dometic, and Furion.

5th Wheel / Fifth Wheel

A 5th Wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch, allowing the driver to tow it behind a larger vehicle. A 5th Wheel is preferred by many because it provides the space of something larger, without being a “house on wheels” like many RVs.

Trailer

A trailer is a separate vehicle that is not motorized, meaning it will need to be towed by a motorized vehicle or RV. Trailers are split into many categories, most notably travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup trailers or truck campers.

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05/10/2022

Everything You Need To Know About Soft Starters | Soft Start Installation FAQs

Everything You Need To Know About Soft Starters

“Ask The Expert” Q&A With Mike Sokol + Engineer Danny Rahner Live Video Interview

Interested in purchasing a soft start for your RV, camper, trailer, or Airstream? Fortunately, SoftStartRV’s Director of Technical Support Danny Rahner sat down with Mike Sokol of RVElectricity to answer frequently asked questions from RVers, Airstreamers, and campers on the SoftStartRV, covering all aspects of installation. Watch the livestream video, or get all the information in this transcription. This is Part 2 of our 2 part blog post series on Mike Sokol’s “Ask The Expert” video livestream. To read part 1, click here.

In this guide, we will review:

Mike (00:43:35):

Okay. So here’s a good one..very straightforward questions. Dave Lambert, “Does the installation of the soft start decrease the full load cooling of the air conditioner unit at steady state?”

FAQ 12: Does the installation of the soft start decrease the full load cooling of the air conditioner unit at steady state?

In this section, Danny will answer:

How does the year of my air conditioner affect the cooling process?

How does R22 refrigerant differ from R410A refrigerant and how does that affect the AC?

Danny (00:43:53):

It does not affect anything as far as the cooling.

Mike (00:44:01):

From you could see within hurdle, the only thing that it’s working on is that first quarter or half a second. And after that, it’s off and running – that thing’s out of the circuit completely. Your air conditioner is your air conditioner.

Danny (00:44:14):

Okay. Now here, here’s another thing that people kind of need to know. Your new, your air conditioners as of 2012, now 2011… We used to use R22, R22 is a fantastic refrigerant. We switched over to R410A – R10A does not cool as well. And therefore it gives you, sometimes it can give you the feeling that it is not cooling as well. And that, that would be because of the refrigerant. It has nothing to do with the compressor.

The compressors were all changed to run the refrigerant, but it is just the nature of the beast.

Mike (00:45:13):

Okay. So here’s another interesting one: “I would also surmise the SoftStartRV would also work on a home air conditioner unit. Is that correct?”

FAQ 13: Does the SoftStartRV work on a home air conditioner unit?

In this section, Danny will answer:

How would the installation of the SoftStartRV in a home differ from an installation in an RV?

Danny (00:45:26):

That is correct. We actually have a residential soft start that is built for the home air conditioners.

Mike (00:45:38):

I know a number of my readers out in California have thought about this for home air conditioners, because they’ve have rolling blackouts, you know, during, all the, a lot of the fire issues that they’ve had out there, and they have to install some sort of a portable generator. And, you know, they’re worrying about creating.. a safe haven, especially if you have a senior citizen that can’t stand the heat. And I know that’s what they’re looking for.

Danny (00:46:08):

Yes. we do make one. I have not to this point installed any, but it would install exactly the same way.

Mike (00:46:20):

A compressor is a compressor, isn’t it? Pretty much

Danny (00:46:23):

A compressor is a compressor. Like I said, I install them on Marine. I’ve installed them… Like I said, all ACs have a compressor. All of them have a run capacitor. It would work.

Mike (00:46:43):

Okay. So Bob asks, “We just ordered an Alliance RV. It has three 13,500 BTU AC units. Would it make sense to put the soft start on all three of them?”

FAQ 14: Do I need a SoftStartRV on all three of my AC units? I have an Alliance RV with three 13,500 BTU air conditioning units.

In this section, Danny will also answer:

Do I need multiple soft starters?

Why would I need more than one soft starter?

How many soft starters do I need on my RV

Danny (00:46:57):

Yes, you have to. Yeah. You need one on each.

You need one on each AC, otherwise you really you’re really defeating your purpose, because you would still have one that’s going to require that extra bit of power to you know, get it going and it’s going to drive your amps up and therefore you wouldn’t do it.

So with the soft start on all three of them, they’re going to be able to run… it’s going to get them up going and maintain them at an optimal running amperage, like you’re saying, in just a few tenths of a second.

Mike (00:47:42):

So here, and I can answer this one, “Where can you buy these SoftStartRV units?”

FAQ 15: Where can I buy a SoftStartRV?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Where can I purchase a SoftStartRV online?

Is the SoftStartRV product currently in retail stores?

Do RV repair dealers sell SoftStartRV?

Do RV dealers that sell the SoftStartRV charge an installation fee?

Who do I call when I’m ready to install my SoftStartRV?

What hours can I call Danny regarding a SoftStartRV installation?

Can you help me with a special request with my SoftStartRV installation?

Down in the comments section, I actually include a link to discounted page that you can that you can go ahead and purchase them. But these are not sold in any kind of camping stores or anything I believe, right?

Danny:

They’re strictly right now online. There are some RV repair dealers that are now selling these, they do charge my service. If you go into the SoftStartRV webpage, you’ll see a phone number, a 915 area code. That is my personal number.

I tell people my phone is on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don’t feel bad about calling me. This is my passion. I want to see people get these installed, and installed properly. I’ve camped all my life. Nothing ruins a trip more than when things don’t go wrong. So I want to make sure you get this installed properly. I will take care of you. I answer to special requests.

Danny (00:49:15):

I actually received a request from a gentleman kind of late one night. He had a new type of AC out there that, I even went on while we were talking I had gone into the manufacturer’s webpage.

They had absolutely nothing on this air conditioner. They had no schematics on his unit. This thing looked like a styrofoam ice box with a packing strap wrapped around it. But in the, in his book, it said, if you touch that packing strap, you void your warranty.

The only thing you could see that that was an air conditioner was the top cap of the air conditioner. That’s the only reason why you knew, that, and the coil in the bag and the one in the front too. I said, do me a favor, take a picture of your electrical box and send it to me.

The reason I did this is that this special request, is the gentleman’s wife was going through cancer. And it was her dying request to go camping one last time. And so I had to get that, because that kind of hit that kinda hit home. I’ve been down that road. So I understood the need for that.

So we worked on that unit until 12:30 that night. I asked him, I said, “Well, you know, if you can go to a hardware store in the morning and get these fittings, we’ll get it going.” And he goes, “Hey, I’ve got them.”

So like I said, we worked on it until 12:30 that night. Got it going. Three days later, he called me and said, thank you. Their trip went well. They had AC the whole time, kept her cool.

And that was gratification knowing that I was able to help the gentleman. So that’s just the service that I’ll give you. So if you see the number there, I’ll go ahead before we’re done here, I’ll give you my number. You’re welcome to call it at any time.

Mike (00:51:30):

You’ve been around a lot of air conditioners. So Kristin Gardner asks “What’s the best AC unit in your opinion?” Who makes the best one? What do you think?

FAQ 16: What brand makes the best RV AC unit?

In this section, Danny will answer:

What AC unit is the most low profile?

How does a Coleman AC unit differ from a Dometic AC unit?

Danny (00:51:47):

Well, it depends.

Mike:

Who do you like?

Danny:

I’m kind of, I’m kind of partial. I hate to say it, but I’m kind of partial to Dometic. Dometic, they’ve got less changes in their schematics and stuff. So it’s, it’s really kind of easy to work on theirs.

Coleman, what I’ve noticed in their drawings, is each year they changed their schematic. But now Coleman though, if you’re after something that is extremely low profile, you’re not going to get any lower than what Coleman has done.

The only problem I see with the Coleman: the difference between a Dometic and a Coleman is Doometic, their shroud covers the top of the AC. The Coleman units, now their condensing fan is right on top of the AC. So your electrical box is right underneath the fan.

And I actually had a gentlemen that was in North Carolina when they had the big hurricanes there a while back. And, and so he turned, he turned his air conditioner on during that storm, his electrical box was literally underwater when he did that. And I asked him to send me his capacitor. It actually blew the guts of the capacitor out.

That’s the only thing I’ve got against the Coleman units is that their electrical box is exposed because of that fan being straight up to atmosphere.

Mike (00:53:50):

Okay. So here’s a quick question. I have cycled back here. I saw that David, he says, “Are there instructions on how to modify the switch setup with the kits?”

Danny (00:54:06):

To switch, set up?

Mike (00:54:08):

What do you think that means? I’m not sure the switch set up.

Danny (00:54:14):

We’re not, we’re not doing anything with any switches.

Mike (00:54:20):

If you want to just sling me another thing here and extrapolate, expand on that a little bit and say what you mean. We’ll try to help, but right now, I don’t know what that means. Let’s see.

So Michael Bracewell, the travel trailer guy: “Do you know how many amps are drawn at start-up and amps down to with a 2016 Coleman 13,500 BTU air conditioning unit?” Do you have any numbers at the top of your head or is that something we can research for later?

FAQ 17: How many amps are drawn at start up? I have a 2016 Coleman 13,500 BTU air conditioning unit.

In this section, Danny will answer:

How many amps does a Dometic unit use?

How many amps does a Coleman unit use?

How does the SoftStartRV affect the amps?

Can you run a 13,500 BTU unit off of a 15 amp breaker?

Danny (00:54:53):

Typically, startup is anywhere from 30 to 55 amps.

Running amps? You’ve got, okay, this is something people also need to understand. You got a compressor that’s running anywhere from 12 to 13 amps.

Now, Dometic uses a single motor for the condenser fan and for the Ebac fan, which is what you got inside that fan motor pulls about 3 amps. So you add those two together, you’re right at 15 amps.

Coleman, that is one thing that I do like about theirs, is your compressor is the normal 12 to 13 amps, but their condenser fan pulls 1.8 amps. And the Ebac fan is only pulling 1.3 amps.

So it still evens out pretty close, you know? Figure you’re running normally about 15, 16 amps, but with the soft start, that takes that down so that you’re able to run that 13,500 (BTU).

I’ve set guys up with a 13,500 (BTU) and it off of a 15 amp breaker, I wouldn’t recommend running it off the 15 amp breaker permanently, but a 20 amp breaker, it would run it all day long.

Mike (00:56:35):

Okay. So David has cycled back to us and he says, “I have a switch that changes which air conditioner is operating.” So that’s what he wants to know about. Remember he asked the question, will you have instructions on how to modify the switch? Does that make sense?

Danny (00:56:55):

Yes. I know what he’s talking about now. And I don’t know why. I don’t know why they did that. I don’t have anything for that. I just don’t understand why they did that.

If he wants to, I’ll give him my number and, and he can call me and we can work this out. I love problems like this. This is my background as an engineer, give me a problem. Hey, I won’t sleep until I figure it out.

Mike (00:57:32):

This is like a dog with a bone. Just worrying that bone.

Danny (00:57:36):

Oh, you did that. That’s something that just, I sit. I keep a pad of paper and a pen next to my bed. Things hit me in the middle of the night. I’ve got to get up and write it down. And, and my wife thinks that I’m a little bit off, but hey, I made bombs for a living. So that tells you I’m off anyway.

Mike (00:58:02):

Okay. Here’s one from the great white North. Rick says, “Being from Canada, will Danny ship to a U.S. based RV park? When I order one or two soft start RVs, I would pay by VISA in U.S. dollars.”

FAQ 18: Could I have my SoftStartRV shipped and delivered to a U.S. based RV park?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Does SoftStartRV ship to Canada?

How long would the delivery time be to ship to a U.S. based park?

So he wants them. He wants to pay for them from Canada. They’re going to convert it to U.S. dollars. And they’re going to ship to an American site. What do you think, this is going to work?

Danny (00:58:30):

Well, we ship to Canada. But yeah, I don’t see why it wouldn’t. If you’re going to be in a campground, I don’t care where you’re from, we’ll ship them to you.

Okay. Here’s the thing. If your soft start was to go bad, I’ll ask you, “Hey, we’re where are you?” If it doesn’t match what I could do, I’ll ask you to tell me where your next stop is, and if you’re going to be there for a couple of days okay. I call the office and ask them to overnight ship one, or, you know, maximum two day delivery. And I tell him when you get there, when you check in, ask for your package, you should have a soft start waiting for you. So in a case like that, we could do it. I don’t see why it would not work.

Mike (00:59:44):

Okay. So we have a lull on the questions. Would you like to go back to one of the other schematics and just talk about that?

Danny (00:59:50):

I want to, I want to go just so that they understand, let’s go to the 613 first.

Mike (00:59:58):

The Coleman Mach connections.

FAQ 19: How do I install a SoftStartRV in my Coleman Mach unit?

In this section, Danny will answer:

How to read a Coleman Mach Connections wiring diagram?

What is a PTCR?

What does PTCR stand for?

Danny (01:00:01):

Yes. The Coleman Mach connections, the 613.

Like I told you, all air conditioners have a compressor. They all have run capacitors. But, Coleman has decided to use a terminal board, which is okay. But this particular schematic shows you, they ran it from the compressor, your white wire from your compressor went to the C terminal of the capacitor.

Yeah. That was all straightforward. Same thing with your red wire. But on that one, what they did is they ran a red wire over from down to the Herm terminal. But then they also ran a red wire over to what is called the PTCR.

And PTCR is a small little black component on your relay board. And some models, they actually put those directly on top of your start capacitor.

PTCR stands for protective thermal coefficient resistor.

And we would disable that.

In the case of this one here, what you do is:

You remove that PTC from the board.
You’ve got your red compressor wire on there, you take and put the red compressor wire back on the terminal that the PTCR just came off of.
You do have a start capacitor, which is to the right of that, where it says, PTCR on the board.
- You disconnect that
- You tape it
- You drop it
- And you put your yellow soft start wire there.
Then you go over and you find your black compressor wire, which would be down at the bottom where it said, P U R on your board.
- You disconnect that from the board,
- You plug that in just like you did with your blue wire on the brisk design.
- You plug that into your Brown wire, to the black wire,
And then put the red soft start wire onto the terminal where it said P U R
Install is done. It’s always six steps.

Mike (01:02:41):

Okay. So let’s cycle back for a second. So I have Kathie Carter, “Be cautious though” – she’s talking about having the stuff shipped to him – “some campgrounds do not allow deliveries to campers.” And I’ve heard of that, they’ve actually kicked people out because they said ‘We’re not going to accept deliveries.’ I think it’s a little crazy. Have you encountered any of that, Danny?

Danny (01:03:11):

I have not run into that issue yet. Yeah. I know some campgrounds get kinda kind of funny about that. But I mean, if you’re going to, and I don’t know, we could, we could probably work something out. I mean, I haven’t done it, but there, there is no length that I won’t go to help you out.

Mike (01:03:39):

Yeah. So here’s a, here’s an unsolicited testimonial. So Trevor – “I am from Canada. I purchased one, two weeks ago and got it in five days. Great. Can’t install until after the snow is gone. 2.5 feet.” Ugh.

Danny (01:03:59):

That’s no problem. No problem. Like I said, when we’re done here, I’ll put my number up. Doesn’t matter when.

Mike (01:04:11):

Does the snow melt in Canada?

Danny (01:04:13):

Well, I got news for you. I’ve got a guy that’s up in Alaska. I started dealing with him probably a little, I guess it was around September, something like that. He’s got my number. I did give him the schematic. And I told him, well, when you can get back up there, don’t worry about it. Call me, we’ll go through it.

My offer to everybody is: you’ve got my number. You’ve got my name, call me. And if you’re traveling through, hey, you’re welcome to give me a call. If you were traveling through El Paso, call me, I’ll tell you what exit to get off of. There’s a Lowe’s parking lot. There I’ll come down and I’ll install it for you.

Mike (01:05:08):

Okay. So Rick has said the reason why he was talking about getting it shipped to a USA campground is, “My reason for asking is only because I have paid outrageous customs, brokerage fees for other items shipped from the U.S.”

Danny (01:05:25):

Yes. Okay. Good point. Good point. Does he have any friends that live down here?

Mike (01:05:35):

Canada’s a friendly place, man. You got to have some friends down here in the USA somewhere.

Yeah, so I think part of that, part of the idea of, of what SoftStartRV is offering is a service, not just a product. If you need help, they’ll provide help. If you need a way to ship, it, they’ll find a way to ship it.

If you have a question on some specialty type of connection, they’ve never seen before, they’ll draw a schematic that makes them smarter too, because I’m sure Danny keeps a copy of every schematic that he’s drawn up. Right? You just don’t do one and done and throw it away. I’m sure you hang on to,

Danny (01:06:18):

I actually encourage people. Do me a favor, send me your schematic. I study them. But what you’ll see in my schematics, like the ones we posted up here, a normal schematic has like three times more wires than you’re seeing here.

My schematics are drawn so that it takes some of the intimidation out of it because you’re only going to touch the wires I tell you to touch.

Now here’s another thing. And, and one poor gentleman, that had said, look, you gotta an RV place wants to charge me an arm and a leg to have this thing installed. I went, okay, yeah, I know. And he said, but I can’t find anybody that’ll install it for me. I said, okay, I haven’t seen a problem yet. And he says, well I, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I said, well, I guess there’s only one thing left to do.

I said, if you can count from one to six and you know colors, you’re going to do the install. He’s I said, come on, you can do it anyway. So I told him, there’s one thing that I’m going to tell you, but I’m going to wait until we’re done. I said, then I’ll tell you what you shouldn’t do.

And he went, okay. So we were going through it and I like to try to make the mood light. I like to play around with people. I love talking to people from all over. So we’re going along and he’d go, “okay, next, next”. I said, “dude, you’re out of wires. Your install is done. You’ve been done.”

And he says, “Okay, well you told me you were going to tell me something I shouldn’t do”. I said, “Well, that capacitor, it’s got a C terminal and the Herm terminal. You don’t want to touch those both at once because it’ll make your hair stand straight up”. And the guy says, “Oh, if you’d have told me that I never would have touched this”. I said, “That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

Mike (01:08:31):

That’s right, man. You don’t want to know. You don’t want to know. Oh, so here’s a great question here. Oh, go ahead. I’m sorry.

Danny (01:08:37):

Okay. I’ve seen videos out there and they do tell you that you can take an insulated screwdriver, make sure your power’s off and put an insulated screwdriver between those two terminals. It will short it out. It’ll discharge it.

But I have learned a long time ago on older capacitors. Sometimes they don’t like that and you’re, you can short your capacitor out.

So basically when you do these installs, I suggest using a pair of needle nose pliers to gently pull them up. It gives you a little more leverage on the video when you’re doing it. Because man, they’re on there. Good and tight. And, and you’ve got really, as far as taking it apart, you you’re with the insulated pliers. You know, it makes it easier. So you don’t worry about touching anything and then putting it back on, you can get in there with your fingers and get it at least started on there and then push it down on there, tight with the pliers. So the chances of hitting the two terminals, because you’ve got generally four terminals up there and you’ve always got at least one open. So the chances we’re hitting, the two terminals are slim. But it does bite if you do touch it.

Mike (01:10:07):

Okay. So here’s a, here’s a good question, Sean Rafferty, I joined late this evening, so please disregard it. No, this is a new question. Is there any benefit to install a soft start on a mini split AC unit? I knew many splits are getting really, really common. What do you think?

FAQ 20: Is there any benefit to install a soft start on a mini split AC unit?

Danny (01:10:26):

It would? It’s going to be the same. I mean the split. Yeah. It doesn’t matter. It ACS and AC it would ha it’s going to help any AC. And, and the splits. I mean, I read it, I, I don’t know at this point how many manufacturers are really going to do that? They, I, I requested this years ago when I was working with Dometic and, and the answer to it. And some of the manufacturers that I was getting the RV manufacturers was, yeah, they don’t really want to do that because that means they gotta run copper wires up. The, they don’t want them exposed on the outside because they’re too to things, hitting them, people doing Vandal, you know, doing things. So they didn’t want to run them on the outside. It’s gonna take a lot more copper. It’s going to take a lot more refrigerants. So the, the split systems that they were looking at that’s why they were against them. The new ones. I have not seen how they’re doing these now, but you know, it’s still,

Mike (01:11:44):

We’re getting ready to install one myself at my house. So I’m going to find out real quick in a couple of weeks. Okay. So here’s a two-parter Tim said, do I need to remove the PTCR from a circuit board? Or is there a connector from the board? And then he follows up with, where do you say that? Here it is. PCDC positive temperature coefficient. Thermistor I guess, do you need to?

FAQ 21: Do I need to remove the PTCR from a circuit board?

Danny (01:12:15):

Yes. Yes. You, you, you carefully removed that from the board. You put that in a safe place in the trailer, in a, in a drawer somewhere. Because if you have to go back to factory settings, you have to have that, or your AC will not start.

So you, you just remove that from the board. You take the wire that your red wire off of there and put it directly back on the terminal that, that came off to the right of that. There’s going to be a single red wire. That is your start capacitor to wire that you remove tape the end of it and drop it. You don’t have to remove any other wires.

That’s why I said, there’s only six steps to this. You, you tape the end of that wire. You drop it that way. It’s accessible. If you ever need to go back, your, your yellow soft start wire would go on the terminal where the start capacitor red wire is. It’s easy. Is that okay?

Mike (01:13:27):

Okay. So we’re winding down. I’ve got a couple of thank yous. So Michael Bracewell, the travel trailer guy just wanted to say to Danny, thank you for your excellent customer service. The world needs more people like you. I like that. Thank you very much. Thank you. We have one from Fraley. It says, thanks both of you. Excellent information. And thank you. I love helping people as well. You know, I I’ve had a 50 year run here so far of doing all kinds of electrical stuff. And, and I love spending time answering questions as does Danny.

FAQ 22: How do I contact SoftStartRV tech support?

In this section, Danny will answer:

What phone number should I call for SoftStartRV tech support?

What email address should I use to contact SoftStartRV tech support?

Danny (01:14:10):

Yes. I don’t know if there’s a way you can do that, but if you’d like, if you’ve got a way of writing my phone number down and putting it up they’re more than welcome any questions.

Mike (01:14:38):

Okay, Danny, I think I tell you what I can do. Give me your phone number. I’m going to, I’m going to replace your name with your phone number underneath here. How’s that? What’s your phone number?

Danny (01:14:48):

Nine +1 591-523-5605

Mike (01:14:58):

Six. Let me see, is that work? Is that, is that you? So, okay. That’s the Bob Seger song feel like a number, right? Okay. So there, Okay. Let’s see. He said, okay, one thing, Trinidad, Dave notes. And this is what I’m seeing on mine. At least he says mini split compressors are DC motor. Some of them are in fact, some of the newest ones, ones that I’ve got, it looks like it is in fact, an inverter DC motor with its own little world of ramp ups and everything. So that’s not going to be relevant for that.

Danny (01:15:42):

No, that would, yeah, that would the soft start. Wouldn’t work on that one,

Mike (01:15:46):

Right? Oh, let’s see. So we’ve got all get more stuff here. As we’re winding down, we get a thumbs up from Sean Rafferty. K Kathy says, echo what others have said. Thank you, Danny. Thank you, Mike, for setting this up. Excellent. We appreciate that. Trevor says thanks from the frozen North. I may be in touch when things warm up. Yeah. Well, all, all of those numbers there, all of us are hoping we’re hoping for that. And I wish he wouldn’t share his weather with me,

Danny (01:16:25):

Man. Keep it up there. Keep, keep it up there. Wow. Wow.

Mike (01:16:31):

I’m not, I’m not, I’m not used to that kind of stuff this far South.

Speaker 2 (01:16:35):

I, I know many years ago I was down in Alabama on a seminar tour and I think they had about a quarter of an inch of snow and they really didn’t know how to deal with it. People was spinning off and crashing into each other and all kinds of stuff.

Danny (01:16:51):

El Paso, El Paso, El Paso. We typically, if we’re, if we were lucky we get five inches of rain a year. Right. so therefore, when w if you, if you dropped a drop of water on the, on the freeway, you’re going to cause a a hundred car pilots because they would spend out on that drop of water. And right now with this weather here that we’re having right now let’s see. Today’s Wednesday. It was Monday. No, it was such Saturday. Saturday went down to five degrees here and, and then we had 30 mile, an hour winds on top of that. I’m like I’m like a bird I had South. I I’m ready to go further South than this.

Mike (01:17:41):

Okay. So Trinidad, Dave says, cannot wait for that phone number, the phone numbers right there. You go back and look for it out. Now someone wants your email. Okay. Can you give that to me? You want me to stick that down on the screen or is it simple?

Danny (01:17:53):

Sure. You can do, you can do that. Sure. It’s easy. danny.rahner@yahoo.com.

Mike 01:18:02):

Let me, let me see what I can do here. danny.rahner@yahoo.com. Is that right? Yes, sir. There you go. Is that correct?

Danny (01:18:19):

That is correct.

Mike (01:18:21):

Man you know, my, I took exactly one typing class back in high school because I thought it was an easy class and I played keyboards, a piano and already, and I can touch type. How you like that? Not bad. Huh?

Danny (01:18:34):

Not bad at all.

Editor’s Note: To contact customer support, open a ticket on the support page, or email us at support@softstartrv.com.

Final Livestream Wrap Up

Mike (01:18:36):

Okay. So there’s just a couple of quickie questions here and then we’re going to wrap it up. Les Elmore says on the Coleman, Mach 15 installation, struck instructions. Step six says to cut the wire. Is there an update to this? So you don’t cut the why?

Danny (01:18:55):

Yes. I asked him to call me I will tell him what he needs to do. I do not put that up for reasons that the manufacturers see this. I don’t want them crying.

Mike (01:19:12):

Okay. So Trevor also asks, do you take text on that phone number for Danny? Is that your

Danny (01:19:20):

Yes, I do all day long.

Mike (01:19:23):

All day long. Okay. I’m coming up on almost quarter after my actual Nixey tube. You can’t see this, but I mean, I’ve got this really cool digital Nixey tube stuff. Russian tubes from like the seventies sitting on my desk and my wife got me for Christmas. I actually have a synced up with two WWV. So it’s within a fraction of a second of real time. This is the best of, best of fun technology. I can’t help myself lava lamps. Nixey tubes, you know, rock and roll microphones. That’s what I do.

Danny (01:19:55):

Yeah. Yeah. Hey, I just so that everybody knows, Hey, I do installs all day long. I’ve done them during dinner at a restaurant. My wife loves that.

Mike (01:20:09):

All right. Well, I think we’re going to wrap it up for tonight. Is there any last minute instructions or anything you want to tell people, call you? If you have a question, right?

Danny (01:20:19):

I just call, call, call me. There’s no question that’s dumb. There’s no question. I love problems. You got a problem. I’ll do it. I’ve got RV techs that they’re not even installing the soft start, but call me for, for AC problems. So call me.

Mike (01:20:44):

Okay. So Tim Kim asked a question, I’m going to ask him to call you about this. He says, I agree in instructions. It says to cut in certain spots. If you’ve got questions about cutting wires, call him and he’ll help you walk through that.

Danny (01:21:00):

Like I said, like I said, I do not like cutting wires. The simple thing is, is just so that, you know, so it could be your blue wire, your black wire, which would be your C wire of your compressor. Though one of those, the blue or black is one that would have gotten cut. So instead of cutting that wire, you go up, take your compressor, tap off, you take the black or blue wire off of the overload. And you, instead of the, like the instruction, say put a Brown wire on the soft, I mean, put a male on the Brown soft start wire. Instead you would put a female. And on your red compressor, I mean on the red soft start wire, instead of put in a female, you would put a male. So your female Brown wire would go on top of the overload where your blue or black wire was. Your red soft start is going to go into your blue or black compressor wire. That way you do not cut wires.

Mike (01:22:08):

Very good. Okay. So I just like to thank Danny for spending an hour and 16 minutes here with us tonight. He’s at, he’s at his home thing here, so he’s taking, he’s doing this on his own time. I really, really appreciate that. I want to start thank RV travel.com for helping publicize this. And we’ll see that if you have more questions follow up with Danny maybe in a couple of months in the spring, when it thoughts at we’ll have him back again to answer some more questions and certainly, you know, sling me any, you know, ideas for more of these, ask the expert things, anything you’d like, I’m here for you, Danny. Thank you. Thank you very much for your time.

Danny (01:22:50):

Pleasure. It has been a pleasure. I, I, my goal is to make sure I make it as simple as possible for people to install this and, and be as accessible as possible so that I’m always here for them.

Mike (01:23:06):

All right. Very good. Thank you all good night to everybody and stay warm out there. See y’all later have a good night.

This is Part 2 of our 2 part blog post series on Mike Sokol’s “Ask The Expert” video livestream. To read part 1, click here.

Read more testimonials of the SoftstartRV from Airstreamers and RVers here. Have a review you’d like to share? Email us!

Help us get the word out about SoftStartRV by reviewing us on Google and Facebook. Your support helps us continue to provide the five-star customer service you love for a quality RV product.

Ready to start living the life you want in your Airstream?

Become a member of the NetworkRV family and order a SoftStartRV. We deliver on our promise to keep your Airstream or RV cool. With free tech support, free extended warranty, and 100% money back guarantee for 90 days, our special discount beats competitors and gives you the peace of mind to buy with confidence.

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

We appreciate the faith and trust you have placed in us in purchasing and using our SoftStartRV. More and more we’ve come to understand that we are a referral-based business. Hence, we appreciate and encourage anyone in your life right now such as a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, cousin, neighbor, or fellow camper that has a need to be cool anywhere in their RV, and needs THE BEST expert opinion or soft start solution. We promise you we will give them our preferential service. And even if they choose to NOT buy our products, we will still try and help them solve their RV cooling issues.

Because you referred us, we are ready, willing, and passionately able to serve the people that are important to you. We want to help make smart campers smarter by giving them the most thorough, most meaningful, professional soft start advice. We will provide for them solutions, recommendations, videos, diagrams, plus LIVE rooftop tech call support. We will treat them in an incredibly special way on how to stay cool anywhere, anytime in their RV.

So please feel confident in your recommendation of us. Trust has to be earned, and we hope we have earned that in you to a degree you feel at ease in suggesting that special person, or special dog or cat who may need camper cooling in hot weather. We trust our help will be sought without reservations, thanks to your sincerest recommendations.

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

A/C

Your air conditioner, or A/C as it’s abbreviated, circulates the air within your RV, 5th wheel, Casita, Airstream, trailer, or motor home. SoftStartRV serves as an accessory that works with your RV air conditioner to provide a more evenly cooled space, that starts smoothly and runs with the power needed to keep you cool.

Airstream

Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailer built out of aluminum, on the road since the 1930s. It is one of the top known RV brands in the industry.

Amp

Amp, or amperage, is the base unit of electronic currents. Most RV air conditioners

Camper

A camper, also called a campervan, motor caravan, or caravanette is a van that has been converted in some way to accomodate basic living necessities, like beds and a kitchenette. A camper van will typically sleep 2 or 3 people.

Camping Gear

Camping gear refers to any equipment you may bring with you to accommodate your next camping or RV trip. Common camping gear may include a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, clothing, toiletries, portable grill, and a first aid kit.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device inside an air conditioning unit. It is small, cylindrical and it supplies and controls electrical energy. The capacitor provides a high-voltage jolt to the blower motor, compressor, and fan motor. The high voltage jolt is around 400 to 600 volts.

Casita

Casita is a top brand of small travel trailers that are easily towed with small cars and trucks. The Casita brand was established in 1983.

Class A Motorhome

A Class A Motorhome is defined as a conventional motorhome. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes are often referred as camper vans. Best suited for small groups, they’re smaller and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes.

Class C Motorhome

A Class C motorhome is similar to a traditional automobile. It looks like a van from the front and is built with a cab or a cut-away chassis.

Compressor

A compressor is one element inside of your RV air conditioner, working with the condenser and evaporator to keep your AC blowing cold air.

Generator

A generator is typically used with an RV, Airstream, or other motor home to power your air conditioner unit. The most common portable generator brands you will see at campsites include Advent, Armstrong, Atwood, Carrier, Coleman, Dometic, and Furion.

5th Wheel / Fifth Wheel

A 5th Wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch, allowing the driver to tow it behind a larger vehicle. A 5th Wheel is preferred by many because it provides the space of something larger, without being a “house on wheels” like many RVs.

Trailer

A trailer is a separate vehicle that is not motorized, meaning it will need to be towed by a motorized vehicle or RV. Trailers are split into many categories, most notably travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup trailers or truck campers.

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05/19/2021

Your Soft Start Questions Answered | Top Soft Starter Installation FAQs

Your Soft Start Questions Answered

“Ask The Expert” Q&A With Mike Sokol + Engineer Danny Rahner Live Video Interview

Interested in purchasing a soft start for your RV? Fortunately, SoftStartRV’s Director of Technical Support Danny Rahner sat down with Mike Sokol of RVElectricity to answer frequently asked questions from RVers, Airstreamers, and campers on the SoftStartRV, covering all aspects of installation. Watch the livestream video, or get all the information in this transcription.

In this guide, we will review:

Mike Sokol (00:10:27):

Hello everybody. Yep. Go get rid of that stuff. How’s everybody doing out there in,I guess electronic land.

So let me just get into my next slide here. first off, I just want to,we’re going to welcome expert Danny Radner, from SoftStartRV. I’m Mike Sokol from RV Electricity. You guys know me from all my variety of things that I’ve done, right. I’d also like to thank RVtravel.com for supporting this webcast and, promoting it all week.

So let us know where you saw this from. Can I save this? Yes. You’re going to be able to see this later. You can see this as many times until you’re sick to death of us, so not to worry. Okay. So I’m going to bring in Danny right now. So Danny, there you go. You should be hot to go. So let’s just say howdy. Hi to all the people out there, man. I got a lot of people online already. Wow.

Danny (00:11:25):

Sounds like a good idea.

Mike:

Okay. So Danny, where are you? You’re located right now? Where it’s cold. Are you not?

Danny:

Yes, I am located in El Paso, Texas. Where it is presently cold.

Mike:

I’m just up in Maryland, not so bad. I’m trying to stay warm here, but all good so far. I, everybody says have a good night, stay warm, and warm wishes everybody out there. Warm wishes. Okay, so let’s go ahead. Yeah, I’m going to take questions on here. First off, I’m going to start up a PowerPoint. I’m going to explain a little bit about what a SoftStartRV is. And we’re going to see what kind of questions we got and then Danny’s got some PowerPoint slides up here he can discuss about it.

So I’m going to talk a little bit about it and then I’m going to put it back to Danny and then we’re going to go take your questions.

So first off SoftStartRV. You guys may remember this, this actually got me interested about six months ago into actually building a really unique test device, which I call a hurdle and a high rate data logger. I use my audio background plus my calibration background when I used to build nuclear guidance systems, plus all my other weird backgrounds. And so I built a device that would allow me to log data at a very, very high rate.

In fact, this one I’m able to do at 190 to 2000 times a second, down to one part per million accuracy. And with that, I was able to create this really, really interesting graph.

And you can see I came up with all of this. This is not some artist’s idea. This is me actually drawing this stuff out, you know, right from the data.

(00:13:16):

So a regular RV compressor standard, 13,000, 13,500 or 15K, something in that order. We’ll have right around, around a 52 amp peak current with a stock capacitor, that’s just to kind of bump it, to get the thing started. And that has a number of problems because it can cause generators to kick out. It caused circuit breakers that are close to the limit to trip. And so SoftStartRV when you install it, if you look at the yellow line on the graph, it has a much lower ramp up. So instead of a 52 amp peak, it’s like a 24 amp peak current. You can notice this is only a tiny fraction of a second, 150 milliseconds is like faster than you can blink.

Same way with 330. That’s about a third of a second, less than a TikTok. So this thing does this, anytime it starts up, it does this slower ramp up. So you don’t hear it do a big bump, but it will allow you to run generators off air conditioners off of smaller generators.

So now I’m going to back up a shot here and get Danny back in. And I say hello from Canada lava light. Yes. Everybody loves the lava lamp in the background. Sorry to distract you.

So Danny, what else can you tell us about general operation of SoftStartRV?

What Does The SoftStartRV Do? </span

Danny (00:14:54):

Well, as far as operation, it, it does. Yes. It allows you to run off of the lower amperage. Therefore you can, you can run, you have no problem running both your A/Cs anymore off of a 30 amp breaker. It’s, it’s something that RVs have needed for many, many years. And, and I was really happy when I saw this come along. So I’m looking forward to questions.

Mike (00:15:30):

Okay. So tell them a little bit about your history, your background and all of this sort of thing. How, how did you get here?

Danny (00:15:37):

Well, I’ve got a background as an IT and manufacturing engineer, 45 years. I’ve made everything, spent 30 years making your water heater and furnace controls for both residential, commercial, and RVs. I spent several years making rare earth magnetic drives and various other devices with extremely strong magnets and then seven years actually with Dometic as Senior Manufacturing Engineer over all A/C and Marine refrigeration lines. And from Dometic, I went to work for the government Senior Engineer, making the instructions on how to assemble, disassemble, and disarm anti-tank bombs. So that’s pretty much my background.

Fun stuff. Okay. So if you guys have questions, go ahead and send them over and then I’ll be, get, be glad to pop them up here. I’ve got a bunch of just general stuff happening here, but send a question over. So I guess now… I’ve installed one of these on a Dometic. What is a penguin? 2K I guess, on my back porch here and you know, I’m, I’m doing it down on the ground.

How complicated do you think this is for the average person to do?

FAQ 1: How complicated is it for the average person to install a SoftStartRV?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Will the SoftStartRV work with any air conditioner?

How many steps are in a SoftStartRV installation?

Danny (00:17:11):

This is extremely easy. It doesn’t matter what air conditioner it is. There’s only going to be six steps. I always tell people if you can count from one to six and if you can differentiate the five colors it should only take you, It’s going to take you longer to get your wires pulled into your electrical box and crimp what I use as disconnect fittings, it’s going to take you longer to get that in the box than it will to do the main installed. That should only take you about five minutes maximum.

Mike (00:17:50):

Okay. One of the things that, I’ve used on mine and I see a number of the manufacturers are doing it, is something that’s called there’s WAGO connector. There’s a little lever action connectors. I tend not to like the twist nut stuff. I mean, we do that a lot, but what do you, what do you guys recommend for hookup in your installs?

FAQ 2: What kind of connectors do you recommend using for SoftStartRV installation?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Should I cut my wires if my unit is under warranty?

What if something goes wrong with my AC and I need to replace it?

How long does it take to uninstall a SoftStartRV unit?

Danny (00:18:12):

I recommend using the spade connectors, which is what’s located on your wires currently… I do, I prefer not to cut wires. And if you’ve got a unit that is under warranty, I refuse to let you cut wires. That’s why I try to use the same thing that they do. And this way, if something goes wrong with your AC… and you need to replace your AC. In a matter of about three minutes, you can have your soft start out. And if something was to go wrong with a soft start, I can have you back to factory settings. Like I said, three to five minutes, you still have an air conditioner until you get hold of me, and I can get you a new one shipped out to you.

Mike (00:19:11):

Okay, Danny, I’ve got a couple of questions here. So one is, it says, can you spell the type of connectors you recommend?

FAQ 3: What kind of spade connectors do you recommend for a SoftStartRV installation?

In this section Danny will answer:

Does my SoftStartRV kit include spade connectors?

Where can I buy the spade connectors for the SoftStartRV if needed?

Danny (00:19:19):

Yes, these are called spade connectors. You can, you can pick these up. I know your kit comes with them, but right now we’ve got a couple of kits out there, the old way of doing it. They did use splice connectors, which meant you cut wires. Then when I started, we went to these connectors and for $3, Lowe’s carries these things. It’s called a 12 10, because you’ve got a 12 gauge wire. So it’s a 12, 10 male-female disconnect package with 16 of these connectors in a package for $3. Lowe’s carries them, Home Depot carries them.

Mike:

Okay. So I’ve got a one here from Trevor. I purchased a soft start. I have a 15,000 BTU air conditioner on my micro mini Winnebago. What size generator would I need to power it?

FAQ 4: What size generator would I need to power a SoftStartRV for my 15,000 BTU air conditioner on my Micro Minnie Winnebago?

Danny: The 15 K yeah. Okay. Here, here’s the thing you can, you can run off of small – It depends on your preference, because what the smaller generators, what you’re going to do is yes, you can run it off of the small generator, but you really, I mean, if you’re only after AC maximum, I would say would be 2,800 watt, just to be safe. That gives you a little bit of bumper there.

You can, you can go down and a 2200 watt would run it, but you’ve got to remember the only thing you’re going to be able to run is your AC. So I always tell people don’t undersize yourself. And before we’re done here, we can give my personal email out and I can send you a little thing that I’ve made. And all you’ve gotta do is plug in this. And it will give you, you plug in and you say what your starting amps are, or Watts are, on a compressor and what your running amps are. And that would pretty much tell you what you can run off of a generator.

Mike (00:21:46):

Well, Danny, if you send that to me, I’ll go ahead and post it right up on this page and anybody that wants it can get it. How’s that?

Danny (00:21:54):

Well, it’s a, it’s an excel file,

Mike (00:21:59):

Right? Well, we’re not going to do it right now. We’ll do it at the end. Okay. I got a ton of questions. Let’s keep rolling here. So George Penningtons, what is the difference between the SoftStartRV and the Micro-Air soft start? What’s the difference in operation between those two?

FAQ 5: What is the difference between the SoftStartRV and the Micro-Air Soft Start?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Do the SoftStartRV and Micro-Air Soft Start operate differently?

How long should I wait until I see the green indicator LED light turn on?

How do I know my SoftStartRV is running properly once installed?

Danny (00:22:14):

Okay. As far as operation, there’s not a whole lot of difference there. But the difference between the Micro-Air and the SoftStartRV is they’ve got a four wire system. They ended up cutting more, they cut quite a few wires and twist them together, where we do not. Ours is an easier install. Because like I said, I’m not cutting wires.

Mike (00:22:47):

One of the things that I’ve also noted, the Micro-Air does require you to go through a learning curve and start the thing, like five times in a row, whereas SoftStartRV has a built-in curve that you just turn it on and it works.

Danny (00:23:03):

Okay with the, with the, with the SoftStartRV. What I tell people to do ,when I go through the thing is, I asked you when you first get ready after you do your install, I tell you in the instructions to turn your fan on high… And then all’s I’m doing with that is that tells you, you do have power up on your AC, because we do not touch anything in the wiring that would affect your fans. So if your fan is not working, you’ve done something that you shouldn’t have. I only show you the wires that you’re going to touch. That way, it takes confusion out it.

So anyway, I tell you, turn your fan on high. As soon as you hear the fan on high, that means you’re, you’re good to go. And then you set your thermostat to Auto Cool. Turn it down as low as it’ll go. You go back up, you look at your soft start, you’ve got a green light. You’re good to go. You, you could close everything up and, and…run the thermostat up to near ambient temperature. Let it run for 30 minutes. And you’re good to go from then on.

Now, another thing with the soft start, some units go into a three minute test mode, not all, but some of them do so you, if you go up there, you don’t immediately see any lights. I tell you wait to full three minutes. After four minutes, if you don’t have a green light, then you call me and we’ll go over it and get you going.

Mike (00:24:45):

Okay. Now very good. So Patrick asks, if you do not have a soft start, how long will the RV AC last with a 30 amp system? If you do not have a soft, I have a 2018 Coachmen too. I’m not sure. What does that mean? You mean in terms of longevity? Patrick have you’ll respond a little better. I’m not quite sure what that means. Do you, Danny?

Danny (00:25:12):

Well, I think he’s worried about it. I mean my parents have a, a class C that has a brisk unit on it. That is probably 25 years old and it still works like the date came off the showroom. So but the thing is, it still has the loud “thump”, with the SoftStartRV, you don’t get that knock.

Mike (00:25:47):

Right. And if you go back to the graphic that I did, that first jump is when you’re kind of hammering on the compressor, as opposed to kind of like a “whoosh”. And I looked at it like, instead of like, dropping, revving up your car and just dropping it into gear, you it’s more like an automatic transmission where it’s just like smoothes the thing up over about a third of a second.

Danny (00:26:08):

I’ve actually had customers tell me… It’s a funny story. I had a gentleman that installed it on a Dometic Brisk unit, and they’re notorious for having that loud knock. And this gentleman was actually standing over the top of the unit and told his wife, “turn it on”. And he says, “It didn’t come on”. And I said, “Do you have a green light?” And “Yeah”, I said, “Green light means your compressor is running. Your unit is running.” He says, “No, I didn’t hear it come on.” Right. I said, “Reach down and touch the tube.” And he said, my goodness, he says, “The blower motor is now louder than the compressor.” So it makes a huge difference.

Mike (00:27:01):

I noticed this with the thing running down on a pair of saw horses right beside me. And the only way that I can tell if the compressor’s on or off is, I’m just looking at the amperage draw on one of my meters. Okay.

So, Oh, here’s another one. Here’s a good question. So, George Pennington (says) is there a difference in the units for different ACs or is it pretty much one unit? You just wire them up differently?

FAQ 6: Are there different types of SoftStartRVs for different ACs, or is it the same product for every AC?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Do you need to buy a different soft start depending on what type of AC unit you have, or does the same SoftStartRV function for all AC units?

Do you wire the SoftStartRV differently depending on what kind of AC unit you have?

What AC unit brands do you have wiring diagrams for?

How do I find out what type of AC unit I have?

What if you don’t have a wiring diagram for my AC unit?

What is the most important thing to remember while installing a SoftStartRV?

Danny (00:27:28):

It’s the same unit, but depending on your AC, it would be a different diagram. That’s why I’ve got 36 different schematics.

Most of them are, I’ve got four of them that are, five of them that are …Dometic units. The rest of them are all Coleman, and I’ve got a Marine and then I’ve got three GEs got one, Atwood’s got one, and a Carrier.

But, but to your answer now, here’s the thing: If you’ve got a Coleman unit you take your, your outside shroud, you’d take the shroud off, find your electrical box. And inside the lid of that electrical box, there’s going to be a yellow schematic on one of the bottom corners. They’re going to be a 1976. There can be a letter anywhere from an A to E, N, E and possibly even beyond and then three numbers. That would give me the exact schematic you’ve got.

If it’s one that I don’t have, if you send me a picture of that schematic, I will draw you the schematic and get it to you ASAP. It usually takes me about an hour to draw one, but then once I give you the schematic and you’re ready to do this, I ask if you were to call me, I will be more than happy to walk you through it, Step-By-Step. That way you’re not so intimidated by it. I’m going to lead you exactly what you’ve got to do.

The most important thing you got to remember when you do this is – you’ve got a white compressor wire. You must follow that to your electrical box, to the run capacitor because you got white fan wires there. And if you get the wrong, a white wire, your fan can come on, but your compressor will come on. Cause you didn’t get the right wire.

But other than that from then on, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s very simple, which we’ll get here and can show you one of the most basic schematics so that you would understand how this goes.

Mike (00:30:18):

Okay. So let me do a couple more questions and then we’ll throw one of your schematics up. How does that sound? Patrick, he says, yes, he was talking about the longevity of it. I know a lot of people who’ve asked me if it helps an air conditioner compressor last longer, and I say, I can’t hurt because there’s less stress on it. But again, I don’t know of any actual studies that show whether this, you know, lets the compressor last longer.

FAQ 7: Does the SoftStartRV help the air conditioner compressor last longer?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Does the SoftStartRV impact the air conditioner’s longevity?

Danny (00:30:48):

It should. It’s it’s got you because it’s not getting slammed with the giant jolts that it normally would, therefore… it should in all aspects, make it last longer.

Mike (00:31:05):

That’s you know, everything that I know about compressors and physics in engines kind of hints at that. People have said, “Well, why don’t you set up a test to run it?” And I’m going, you know how many hours I’d have to run stuff like that to know? (laughs)

Danny (00:31:20):

Well let me, let me put it this way. It’s like..That’s why you’ve got surge protectors. Surge protectors are there to stop that sudden mega jolt of power coming in, ‘cause it does shorten the life of electronics. And your soft start acts like a surge protector.

Mike (00:31:44):

Okay. So I’m going to one other question here, and then we’re going to go to the schematics here. So this is Mike Zimmerman, Mike Z, one of the Mikes here on my RV Electricity group.

So he’s asked, can you ask Danny to explain in a little bit of detail, how and why, and he’s talking about the micro air unit, Why do they go through a few learning cycles? Yours does not, but why do they have to go through this learning cycle stuff? Do you know?

FAQ 8: Why does the Micro-Air soft starter require “learning cycles” and the SoftStartRV does not have to go through a learning cycle?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Why do other soft starter brands require a “learning cycle” and SoftStartRV does not?

Danny (00:32:12):

That, I don’t know, other than their electronics that they’ve got in there…Well, I’ve actually installed one for a guy. Even though it’s my competitor, the gentleman was in trouble, so I helped him install it. But they, they must have something in their system that requires it to, to learn, to see, I don’t know how it does that, but ours. No we don’t.

Mike (00:32:48):

Okay. So now you want me to put a point of these slides? Which one would you like me to put it up for?

Danny (00:32:53):

Let’s put the (Dometic) Brisk up, this way, people understand… I want to explain something to them. Okay, this is probably the easiest way to explain things on there.

Click here to view Dometic Brisk I and Dometic Brisk II Schematic

FAQ 9: How do I read my wiring diagram?

In this section, Danny will answer:

How many wires does a compressor have?

What do the letters on my wiring diagram stand for?

What is the first step in reading my wiring diagram?

How do I read a wiring diagram for my Dometic Brisk I unit?

How do I read a wiring diagram for my Dometic Brisk II unit?

How do I know if my unit has a start capacitor?

How do I wire my SoftStartRV step by step?

What do I do if something goes wrong with my soft start?

How do I uninstall my SoftStartRV?

How long does it take to disconnect a SoftStartRV?

How do I uninstall my SoftStartRV if my AC unit is under warranty?

Danny:

I tell people, all compressors have three wires.

You’ve got an “R” which stands for run.

You’ve got an “S”, for start.

And then your common, your “C”.

Your R always goes to the C of your run capacitor, the common on your run capacitor.

The S always goes to the start or the Herm side of your run capacitor.

And then your common, your compressor wire, that goes down into normally would go down into your cabinet. But as you’ll see, when I go to the next slide, that it’s different.

- Step 1: So this one is showing you, always first step is follow your white compressor wire to your run capacitor. All you do is disconnect it off the C terminal on the run capacitor.
You put a male fitting on your blue, soft start wire and plug it into it… Then when we’re done, I would ask you to put electrical tape when we’re done, after we’re done testing the unit.
Step 2: Your second step is you take your black soft start wire. You put a female fitting on that and you put it on the terminal the white wire came off of.
Step 3: You got a yellow soft start wire that you would put over on a Herm terminal next to your red compressor wire.
Step 4: Now units like the Brisk do not have start capacitors 99.9% of the time, but should it have a second red wire next to your red compressor wire – That would be an indication you would have a start capacitor.

All you do is simply disconnect that wire you tape it and drop it. So that would be step four.

*If you don’t have that second red wire, you skip step four.
Step 5: On this Brisk unit, you would:
- Find your blue compressor wire. And at the top of your compressor, go down… say 10 inches or just where you’re safe, so you’ve got some room from the top of the compressor.
- And if you’re out of warranty, I say, okay, you can cut that wire – on that blue wire that goes back up to the compressor, you would put a female fitting.
- On the other end of the blue that you just cut, you put a male.
- On your brown soft start wire, you put a male on that. That connects to the blue wire that goes to the top of the compressor.
- Your red soft start wire gets a female. That connects to the blue (wire) that goes down into your cabinet.
  
  Now, the reason I do this is, should something go wrong with your AC, you want to pull your soft start out. It takes you three minutes to disconnect these fittings, and you’ve got your soft start in your hands.

The other thing it does is should something go wrong with the soft start, I can have you…go back over your steps and

Take your blue wire and your white wire. Take that apart.
Pull the black wire off
Put your white wire back where the black one just was
Pull your yellow soft start wire off,
Take and disconnect your red and brown soft start wires from your blue wire.
And you just plug your blue wire back together

Now Coleman uses a white, red and black…And then I also have a chart that one of these days I can, I can give to show. But the most common are your red, white and blue. Dometic likes to call that the patriotic wires. Coleman uses, typically, a red, white, and black.

Danny (00:37:46):

So this just shows you how simple it is to do this. And on the schematic, you can see, I show you the fittings that it requires and how many it should take.

But now, if you’ve got a unit that is in warranty, what I would do is:

Have you take the cap off the top of the compressor.
You disconnect your blue wire from the overload.
And instead of putting a male fitting on your brown soft start wire, you would put a female fitting.
So you put the wire in, crimp the wire, and then bin that female fitting at, say, a 45.
The reason why, if you don’t, it stands too tall and you can’t get the cap back on.
Then you put a male fitting on your red, soft start wire.
And all you do is simply plug it into your blue compressor wire, tape it up.

And that way you have cut no wires. And, and so a unit that is in warranty, I will not allow you to cut a wire.

Mike (00:39:07):

Okay. Want to go back and take a few more questions?

Danny:

Yes. Okay.

Mike (00:39:14):

So let’s see here. Okay. So here’s one, I think I might be able to help answer. And Michael said Michael Bracewell, another Michael, the travel trailer guy. “I have a 2016, 13,500 BTU air conditioner unit on our travel trailer. Would a 2000 Watt Wen inverter generator be able to operate the AC with the soft start? Thank you.”

And I think you two had talked about that. Yeah, and you can probably get away with a 2K, but it all comes down to: “Do you want to run other stuff at the same time?” Becomes the issue.

FAQ 10: Would a 2000 Watt Wen inverter generator be able to operate the AC with the soft start? I have a 2016 13,500 BTU air conditioner unit on our travel trailer.

In this section, Danny will answer:

What are the potential issues with using a smaller generator?

– How your altitude above sea level affects your generator’s efficiency

– How high temperatures affect your AC

– How to take care of the gas in your generator

– How to handle your carburetor in high altitudes

Danny (00:39:57):

Okay. Here, here’s another thing with that. Yes. You can run that on there, but here’s what you’ve got to keep in mind with, with the small one like that – For every thousand feet you go above sea level, you will lose 3.5% efficiency in the generator.

Also high temperature causes your gases in your AC to want to expand. And then the amps drive up, therefore making it a little bit harder to get going.

The other thing with the smaller generators, you’ve got to be a little bit more disciplined. You’ve got to make sure that you’ve got good gas in there all the time. So I would suggest after you’re using it say you used it for a weekend. I would drain the gas out of there. I would run the generator until the carburetor runs out of gas. Yep. You gotta run them dry.

Mike (00:41:10):

You’ll like this. Here’s your followup question here: “My Honda ED2200i struggles to run my 13,500 BTU air conditioner at 4,000 feet in a hundred degrees, fahrenheit degree day, with a soft start.”

Here, there you go. The higher you get up, unless you’ve got a turbocharger on that thing or a fuel injection.

Danny (00:41:32):

Well, you would have to, the only way you can do that is… I actually had a gentleman that said,

“I spend a lot of my time up Alpine camping”. He was in Utah. He says, “I spend it over at over 6,000 feet”.

I said, “Well, the only thing you can do then would be to reject your generator, right. The carburetor.” And I said, “But then you’re going to have that same issue when you go down to the flat lands, because then you’re going to be running too rich.”

So the thing is with, with that right there, I would suggest cleaning…have the carburetor clean. But then you’ve still got to remember, you’ve got that altitude working against you.

Mike (00:42:20):

Okay. Here’s a quickie. “I have a Roadtrek. Would this work?” I guess it depends what you have for an air conditioner, right?

FAQ 11: Will the SoftStartRV work for my Roadtrek?

In this section, Danny will answer:

Will the SoftStartRV affect my heat pump?

Danny (00:42:31):

You know what, and this is what – it doesn’t matter. Now, all air conditioners, like I said, all air conditioners have a compressor. All air conditioners have a run capacitor. Not all air conditioners have start capacitors, but that really doesn’t matter.

Now another thing to throw in here people ask all the time, well, I’ve got a heat pump. This will not affect your heat pump operation at all, because we do not touch any of the wiring for your heat pump.

Other than, just so that some people know, Coleman sometimes uses the start capacitor as the common for their reversing valve on their heat pump. But all’s, we’re doing is taking the positive wire off there and disabling the start capacitor that way.

This is Part 1 of our 2 part blog post series on Mike Sokol’s “Ask The Expert” video livestream.

Read more testimonials of the SoftstartRV from Airstreamers and RVers here. Have a review you’d like to share? Email us!

Help us get the word out about SoftStartRV by reviewing us on Google and Facebook. Your support helps us continue to provide the five-star customer service you love for a quality RV product.

Ready to start living the life you want in your Airstream?

Become a member of the NetworkRV family and order a SoftStartRV. We deliver on our promise to keep your Airstream or RV cool. With free tech support, free extended warranty, and 100% money back guarantee for 90 days, our special discount beats competitors and gives you the peace of mind to buy with confidence.

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

We appreciate the faith and trust you have placed in us in purchasing and using our SoftStartRV. More and more we’ve come to understand that we are a referral-based business. Hence, we appreciate and encourage anyone in your life right now such as a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, cousin, neighbor, or fellow camper that has a need to be cool anywhere in their RV, and needs THE BEST expert opinion or soft start solution. We promise you we will give them our preferential service. And even if they choose to NOT buy our products, we will still try and help them solve their RV cooling issues.

Because you referred us, we are ready, willing, and passionately able to serve the people that are important to you. We want to help make smart campers smarter by giving them the most thorough, most meaningful, professional soft start advice. We will provide for them solutions, recommendations, videos, diagrams, plus LIVE rooftop tech call support. We will treat them in an incredibly special way on how to stay cool anywhere, anytime in their RV.

So please feel confident in your recommendation of us. Trust has to be earned, and we hope we have earned that in you to a degree you feel at ease in suggesting that special person, or special dog or cat who may need camper cooling in hot weather. We trust our help will be sought without reservations, thanks to your sincerest recommendations.

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

A/C

Your air conditioner, or A/C as it’s abbreviated, circulates the air within your RV, 5th wheel, Casita, Airstream, trailer, or motor home. SoftStartRV serves as an accessory that works with your RV air conditioner to provide a more evenly cooled space, that starts smoothly and runs with the power needed to keep you cool.

Airstream

Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailer built out of aluminum, on the road since the 1930s. It is one of the top known RV brands in the industry.

Amp

Amp, or amperage, is the base unit of electronic currents. Most RV air conditioners

Camper

A camper, also called a campervan, motor caravan, or caravanette is a van that has been converted in some way to accomodate basic living necessities, like beds and a kitchenette. A camper van will typically sleep 2 or 3 people.

Camping Gear

Camping gear refers to any equipment you may bring with you to accommodate your next camping or RV trip. Common camping gear may include a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, clothing, toiletries, portable grill, and a first aid kit.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device inside an air conditioning unit. It is small, cylindrical and it supplies and controls electrical energy. The capacitor provides a high-voltage jolt to the blower motor, compressor, and fan motor. The high voltage jolt is around 400 to 600 volts.

Casita

Casita is a top brand of small travel trailers that are easily towed with small cars and trucks. The Casita brand was established in 1983.

Class A Motorhome

A Class A Motorhome is defined as a conventional motorhome. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes are often referred as camper vans. Best suited for small groups, they’re smaller and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes.

Class C Motorhome

A Class C motorhome is similar to a traditional automobile. It looks like a van from the front and is built with a cab or a cut-away chassis.

Compressor

A compressor is one element inside of your RV air conditioner, working with the condenser and evaporator to keep your AC blowing cold air.

Generator

A generator is typically used with an RV, Airstream, or other motor home to power your air conditioner unit. The most common portable generator brands you will see at campsites include Advent, Armstrong, Atwood, Carrier, Coleman, Dometic, and Furion.

5th Wheel / Fifth Wheel

A 5th Wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch, allowing the driver to tow it behind a larger vehicle. A 5th Wheel is preferred by many because it provides the space of something larger, without being a “house on wheels” like many RVs.

Trailer

A trailer is a separate vehicle that is not motorized, meaning it will need to be towed by a motorized vehicle or RV. Trailers are split into many categories, most notably travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup trailers or truck campers.

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04/15/2021

NetworkRV Hires New Director of Technical Support For SoftStartRV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cassidy Curtis
NetworkRV
954-815-9532
cassidy@softstartrv.com

NetworkRV Hires New Director of Technical Support For SoftStartRV

Fort Lauderdale, FL: NetworkRV has announced the hiring of Danny Rahner as its new Director of Technical Support for SoftStartRV, their RV air conditioner accessory product. Prior to working with NetworkRV, Rahner has 45 years of experience as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for several companies, including the U.S. Government and Dometic USA, making him a natural fit for SoftStartRV.

In this role, Rahner will lead the technical support team as they guide RVers and dealers through SoftStartRV installations. Rahner will manage every resource to the customer or dealer, including installation instructions, wiring diagrams, installation tutorial videos, and most importantly, live step-by-step tech support for RVers to their RV rooftop. SoftStartRV is the only soft starter brand on the market that provides live tech support.

“We are excited to welcome a seasoned professional like Danny to our team. His extensive experience with RV air conditioning products and accessories, combined with his dedication to customer service make him the obvious outstanding choice to lead our team,” said SoftStartRV Co-Founder Doug Curtis.

Like and Follow NetworkRV and SoftStartRV on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SoftStartRV/. Follow on Instagram at @SoftStartRV. Subscribe to the NetworkRV Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/NetworkRV.

02/15/2021

The Best Soft Start For Airstreams | Top Soft Starters For A Trailer Or RV

Best Soft Starter For An Airstream Air Conditioner

Airstream Owners – Here’s The Top Soft Start For Your Trailer A/C Regardless Of Size

Exploring new places and enjoying life on the road has never been more appealing, and many RVers turn to Airstream, the trusted travel trailer brand, to take them where they want to go. But what can Airstreamers do to optimize their Airstream to be even more comfortable when traveling?

Whether you’ve been involved in the RV lifestyle for years, or just recently invested in an Airstream, allow us to give you the power of maintaining a comfortable experience on the road. Airstream owners, like owners of a Class A, Class B, or Class C motor home, know that keeping your air conditioner running cool is the top priority in staying comfortable and happy on the road.

When it comes to keeping your Airstream or RV cool, what is the best soft starter on the market to install into your Airstream? In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the SoftStartRV and other soft starters on the market. In your Airstream, you have the power to travel anywhere. Be sure you have the best gear to live the lifestyle you want on the road, no matter where your next journey leads you.

In this guide, we will review:

The One Problem Every Airstream Owner Knows And How To Solve It

After a long day of adventure on the road, you return to your campsite. Tired from a day of travel, you’re ready to set up for a night of relaxation and campfire stories. Unfortunately, you quickly realize your campground, like many others, only accommodates enough power for a 30-amp connection. You’re ready to park, get set up, and unwind in comfort after a long travel day.

Many Airstream owners utilize 2 air conditioners, but in this scenario you can only start ONE air conditioning unit, as it requires more power to get the second A/C started and running. Now you’re in a bad situation: only half of your Airstream is getting cool, while the other half feels just as humid and sticky as it is outside.

Why pay for a state of the art trailer like an Airstream only to feel hot and sweaty?

Fear not: the SoftStartRV solves this problem. Once installed into your Airstream AC, the SoftStartRV reduces startup power demand by up to 70%. With two SoftStartRV soft start kits installed in your Airstream, one for each air conditioner, you can optimize both of the ACs you paid for when you purchased your Airstream.

Not only does this allow your air conditioners to keep a more consistent cool temperature within your Airstream, but it also gives your generator a break. Your generator will run more smoothly without having to constantly run multiple times throughout your time at the campground.

The result? Less noise from your generator starting up during the night, meaning you can enjoy a cool and comfortable night’s sleep in your Airstream peacefully. This is also a great solution for Airstreamers who want to boondock or moochdock with ease.

Price: Which Soft Start Brand Is The Best Price For Your Airstream? </span

If you own an Airstream, you probably chose to travel in a Airstream instead of a 5th wheel, Class A motor home, Class C motor home, or other trailer because of the excellent value for the price. After all, an Airstream can actually feel quite spacious for the price. Airstream and RV owners know that keeping a Airstream cool and comfortable can get expensive.

What Is The Cost Of A SoftStartRV?

SoftStartRV and EasyStart both appear to cost the same for a single soft start. HOWEVER – many Airstreamers opt to purchase at least 2 soft starters, one for each air conditioner.

The purchase of two EasyStarts does not provide you everything you need to successfully install them with your RV or Airstream ACs.

Price Breakdown: Why Is The SoftStartRV The Best Choice For An Airstream?

What Does The SoftStartRV Price Include?

With SoftStartRV, you pay $329 for 1 soft starter, or 2 soft starters for $598 and receive:

Free dedicated LIVE rooftop A/C support technician for your installation
Free install kit
Free shipping
Free additional year of extended warranty – get 2 years of warranty FREE
Free 90-day risk-free trial with a 100% refund
Free return shipping, NO RESTOCKING FEE

See our True Product Value Comparison Chart for a simple at-a-glance comparison of EasyStart Vs. SoftStartRV.

Installation: Why SoftStartRV Is Easier To Install In Your Airstream AC

1. Unparalleled Customer Service

Many Airstream owners enjoy the “DIY” installation process with their soft starters. But every experienced DIYer knows the simpler, the better. SoftStartRV is committed to providing you a stress-free installation process, whether you have a professional install it, or you opt to install it easily yourself.

SoftStartRV has you covered every step of the way during your installation process, with ample resources to fit your needs. We provide step-by-step instructions with diagrams and video tutorials. Or, reference the FAQ section of our website.

What SoftStartRV provides that other soft starter brands do not is LIVE rooftop tech support, who can walk you through your installation over the phone step by step while you are on the roof of your Airstream. Our quality customer service ensures your installation is completely efficient and safe, so that you can spend more time exploring the open road.

2. User Friendly LED Display

Unlike other brands on the market, SoftStartRV’s LED display is easy to read, simplifying the installation process by providing an “error” message if you run into an issue. Without this feature, other brands are confusing to install.

3. Run More Appliances Simultaneously

Because SoftStartRV requires less power to start your air conditioner, you are also able to enjoy the added benefit to run more appliances simultaneously. Whether you’re running off a power pole or a generator, our soft starter gives you the power to run what you want, when you want. See our video testimonial from Dick Martin, a SoftStartRV customer who uses his SoftStartRV in his 1986 Airstream Excella trailer.

Get answers on frequently asked questions from our Airstream and RV customers on soft start installation.

FAQ #1: Does A Soft Start Negatively Affect My Airstream Air Conditioner?

No. There is no compromise for installing a SoftStartRV in your Airstream, you get improved startability with the reduced current starts. RV tech expert Mike Sokol explains the technical questions in his video review of the Soft Start RV. (See Mike’s full explanation here.)

FAQ #2: Why don’t A/C manufacturers install these at the factory? Is it to keep costs down?

The RV A/C market is very price competitive. Manufacturers are hesitant to add more cost. There is no compromise for installing a SoftStartRV, you get improved startability with the reduced current starts. (Read more Airstream FAQs here.)

FAQ #3: Will A SoftStartRV Work In A Class A Motor Home, A Class C Motor Home, And An Airstream?

Yes. Both RVs and Airstream air conditioners function with the SoftStartRV.

FAQ #4: How Will A SoftStartRV Give Me More Freedom On The Road?

Check out this review from RV Life: “SoftStartRV Air Conditioning Soft Start Kit Means A/C Freedom At Any 30-Amp Site – Now, you can take your motorhome, 5th-wheel, or travel trailer equipped with multiple air-conditioning units virtually anywhere and enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, or just hanging around the campsite, knowing that when the day is done you can relax in the cool comfort of your rig, even on a 30-amp connection. No more hunting for the relatively few 50-amp sites at state parks. “

FAQ #5: Can I run two A/Cs off of one SoftStartRV unit?

No. Many RVers with trailers with 2 A/C units choose only one A/C as the only A/C they will use when they’re operating on their single 2000W generator. The other choice is to run both A/Cs on a single 30A utility hookup or on 2 paralleled generators. But you would need 2 SoftStartRVs, one for each A/C unit. If you plan to design a solar system with a single 4000W inverter (or bigger) to run both A/Cs, you would benefit more by installing a SoftStartRV into both A/C units. It doesn’t matter which A/C is cycling on at any given time. The same situation is applicable to a 30A utility hookup (3600W). If you plan to only operate one A/C with your solar/inverter system (2000W), then you’d only require 1 SoftStartRV and you select the A/C that would just be run when utilizing the inverter as the energy source. (Read more Airstream FAQs here.)

Tech Experts Explain Why You Need A Soft Starter In Your Airstream Or RV

Don’t just take our word for it – get the opinion of a professional RV technology expert with over 40 years in the RV industry, Mike Sokol from RV Electricity. Like many others, he’s now a part of the SoftStartRV club, our customers who have taken control of their Airstream or RV A/C power.

In this video, Sokol explains why SoftStartRV is the ultimate accessory for your RV or Airstream air conditioner, providing an expert review on our product. Whether you’re new to the Airstream lifestyle, or have been camping, boondocking, and moochdocking for years, SoftStartRV is happy to provide a comfortable experience to keep you and your gear safe and comfortable.

Check out his explanation of the SoftStartRV in his video:

We Respond To Airstream Owners

Have a question on the SoftStartRV product or installation? Our team would be happy to help you. Need more information on if the SoftStartRV is right for your Airstream or your family? Start living the life you want on the road, whether you travel far or stay close to home.

Check out more of our FAQs on Airstreams like…

Can I run two A/Cs off of one SoftStartRV unit? I want to run my Airstream with 13,500 and 15,000BTU units and set up a solar system.

“No. Many RVers with trailers with 2 A/C units choose only one A/C as the only A/C they will use when they’re operating on their single 2000W generator. The other choice is to run both A/Cs on a single 30A utility hookup or on 2 paralleled generators. But you would need 2 SoftStartRVs, one for each A/C unit.

If you plan to design a solar system with a single 4000W inverter (or bigger) to run both A/Cs, you would benefit more by installing a SoftStartRV into both A/C units. It doesn’t matter which A/C is cycling on at any given time. The same situation is applicable to a 30A utility hookup (3600W). If you plan to only operate one A/C with your solar/inverter system (2000W), then you’d only require 1 SoftStartRV and you select the A/C that would just be run when utilizing the inverter as the energy source.

(Click here to read more FAQS).

Airstream and RV Customer Testimonials + Reviews

Hear From Airstreamers and 5th Wheelers Just Like You

Start your journey on the road with SoftStartRV, the top brand for RV soft starters on the market.

I have two AC units on my Airstream and they work as advertised. I have recommended two of my friends who are getting them for their trailers!
– Kevin

I took the leap of faith and bought a SoftStartRV for my little Airstream Basecamp. A rather small AC unit, but I wanted to run it with a little 2200i Honda generator…I studied the schematics of the various units, figured out which one was mine, and ventured on the roof and installed it with no trouble at all. Now I can easily start up the AC and even run it in the Econ mode of the generator. Wow! I’d contacted support a week before installation to ask a few questions and they called me back 5 times making sure I had a smooth install before I could make it to the roof. If I had needed them, they would have been there, no question. Super nice guy!
– Dave

We recently installed the SoftstartRV on our 2020 Airstream Globetrotter 23FB. The instructions and guidelines were very easy to follow. We turned our fridge and water heater from 120v to propane and started the AC fan first. We followed that by turning the AC on and turning the temp down. The SoftStartRV worked perfectly on our household 15amp service. Our Airstream started cooling immediately. We will now buy a Honda EU2200i and convert it to propane so it can run off our RV propane tanks. We can’t wait to head out next week to try it boondocking!
– Stuart

Day of installation I sent a text & within 30 minutes received a telephone call ready to calmly & casually talked me thru… patiently waiting while I made the necessary male & female connections & testing once completed. It took about an hour, but the friendliness & professionalism made the time fly by. I would definitely recommend this product.
– Laurence

The SoftStart website was awesome for support and the installation videos were quite useful. Would and have recommended these devices to family members and friends. Thanks
– Dale

Read more testimonials of the SoftstartRV from Airstreamers and RVers here. Have a review you’d like to share? Email us!

Help us get the word out about SoftStartRV by reviewing us on Google and Facebook. Your support helps us continue to provide the five-star customer service you love for a quality RV product.

Amazon Reviews

Start living your life on the road more comfortably with SoftStartRV, the top brand for RV soft starters on the market. We’re proud to provide an excellent product to our Airstream customers. Check out our Amazon reviews from real Airstreamers who love the SoftStartRV.

“Works like a dream. My generator runs like there is no AC coming on at all. Even runs it on Econ more. Of course, it’s on a tiny AC unit in an Airstream Basecamp, but it wouldn’t run it before. Great purchase!”

–Dave K.

“If you take your time and follow the instructions this is relatively easy to install and it works great! It really has solved my Airstreams AC problem of tripping the circuit all the time.”

– Amazon Customer

Ready to start living the life you want in your Airstream?

Become a member of the NetworkRV family and order a SoftStartRV. We deliver on our promise to keep your Airstream or RV cool. With free tech support, free extended warranty, and 100% money back guarantee for 90 days, our special discount beats competitors and gives you the peace of mind to buy with confidence.

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

We appreciate the faith and trust you have placed in us in purchasing and using our SoftStartRV. More and more we’ve come to understand that we are a referral-based business. Hence, we appreciate and encourage anyone in your life right now such as a father, mother, son, daughter, uncle, cousin, neighbor, or fellow camper that has a need to be cool anywhere in their RV, and needs THE BEST expert opinion or soft start solution. We promise you we will give them our preferential service. And even if they choose to NOT buy our products, we will still try and help them solve their RV cooling issues.

Because you referred us, we are ready, willing, and passionately able to serve the people that are important to you. We want to help make smart campers smarter by giving them the most thorough, most meaningful, professional soft start advice. We will provide for them solutions, recommendations, videos, diagrams, plus LIVE rooftop tech call support. We will treat them in an incredibly special way on how to stay cool anywhere, anytime in their RV.

So please feel confident in your recommendation of us. Trust has to be earned, and we hope we have earned that in you to a degree you feel at ease in suggesting that special person, or special dog or cat who may need camper cooling in hot weather. We trust our help will be sought without reservations, thanks to your sincerest recommendations.

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

A/C

Your air conditioner, or A/C as it’s abbreviated, circulates the air within your RV, 5th wheel, Casita, Airstream, trailer, or motor home. SoftStartRV serves as an accessory that works with your RV air conditioner to provide a more evenly cooled space, that starts smoothly and runs with the power needed to keep you cool.

Airstream

Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailer built out of aluminum, on the road since the 1930s. It is one of the top known RV brands in the industry.

Amp

Amp, or amperage, is the base unit of electronic currents. Most RV air conditioners

Camper

A camper, also called a campervan, motor caravan, or caravanette is a van that has been converted in some way to accomodate basic living necessities, like beds and a kitchenette. A camper van will typically sleep 2 or 3 people.

Camping Gear

Camping gear refers to any equipment you may bring with you to accommodate your next camping or RV trip. Common camping gear may include a tent, sleeping bag, cookware, clothing, toiletries, portable grill, and a first aid kit.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device inside an air conditioning unit. It is small, cylindrical and it supplies and controls electrical energy. The capacitor provides a high-voltage jolt to the blower motor, compressor, and fan motor. The high voltage jolt is around 400 to 600 volts.

Casita

Casita is a top brand of small travel trailers that are easily towed with small cars and trucks. The Casita brand was established in 1983.

Class A Motorhome

A Class A Motorhome is defined as a conventional motorhome. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the motorized RVs.

Class B Motorhome

Class B Motorhomes are often referred as camper vans. Best suited for small groups, they’re smaller and more fuel efficient than Class C motorhomes.

Class C Motorhome

A Class C motorhome is similar to a traditional automobile. It looks like a van from the front and is built with a cab or a cut-away chassis.

Compressor

A compressor is one element inside of your RV air conditioner, working with the condenser and evaporator to keep your AC blowing cold air.

Generator

A generator is typically used with an RV, Airstream, or other motor home to power your air conditioner unit. The most common portable generator brands you will see at campsites include Advent, Armstrong, Atwood, Carrier, Coleman, Dometic, and Furion.

5th Wheel / Fifth Wheel

A 5th Wheel is a type of RV that has a hitch, allowing the driver to tow it behind a larger vehicle. A 5th Wheel is preferred by many because it provides the space of something larger, without being a “house on wheels” like many RVs.

Trailer

A trailer is a separate vehicle that is not motorized, meaning it will need to be towed by a motorized vehicle or RV. Trailers are split into many categories, most notably travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, popup trailers or truck campers.

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02/03/2021

Author: ssusa

SoftStartUSA Now Offers the Smallest SoftStartRV™ Device to Fit in More RV A/Cs Than Ever Before

SoftStartUSA Now Offers the Smallest SoftStartRV™ Device to Fit in More RV A/Cs Than Ever Before

Now – All the Functionality in a Smaller Package

Easy SoftStartRV A/C Installation

No-Cut, No-Splice Installation

Exclusive Waterproof Performance

Extended 3-Year Warranty Guarantees Lasting Performance

Learn More About SoftStartRV A/C Startup Technology

MEDIA NOTES

Quick Breakdown

What is a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner?

Benefits of a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner

Reduces High Voltage Surges and Electrical Draw

Crucial Points

Design Promotes Safety and Operation Efficiency

Features of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

Compatible With Power Converters and On/Off Switches

How Does a Soft Start RV Air Conditioner Work?

Pros and Cons of Soft Start RV Air Conditioners

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits does a soft start air conditioner for RV’s provide?

How can I properly maintain a soft start air conditioner for RV’s?

What safety measures should I take when installing a soft start air conditioner for RV’s?

Big News About the #1 Small RV A/C Soft Starter

NetworkRV, an industry leader in RV soft start A/C products, offers a smaller SoftStartRV device to fit in more RV A/C installations than ever!

Now – All the Functionality in a Smaller, Easy-to-Install Package

How does an A/C device work?

No Cut, No Splice Installation

Where to get a SoftStartRV

Ready to start living the life you want in your Airstream?

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

Find Us On Social Media:

SoftStartRV Will Keep You Cool For The Summer

SoftStartRV Will Keep You Cool For The Summer

What will a SoftStartRV do for your RV lifestyle?

Start two RV air conditioners on just a 30-amp circuit

Start one AC using a Honda 2000I generator

Start your one air conditioner on just a 20-amp household circuit

Start one or two AC’s using your on-board inverter system

Ready to start living the life you want in your RV?

Trust has to be earned and we want to earn it

Glossary of Terms For RV + Airstream Owners

Find Us On Social Media:

Everything You Need To Know About Soft Starters

“Ask The Expert” Q&A With Mike Sokol + Engineer Danny Rahner Live Video Interview

Table of Contents

FAQ 12: Does the installation of the soft start decrease the full load cooling of the air conditioner unit at steady state?

How does the year of my air conditioner affect the cooling process?

How would the installation of the SoftStartRV in a home differ from an installation in an RV?

FAQ 14: Do I need a SoftStartRV on all three of my AC units? I have an Alliance RV with three 13,500 BTU air conditioning units.

Do I need multiple soft starters?

Why would I need more than one soft starter?

How many soft starters do I need on my RV

FAQ 15: Where can I buy a SoftStartRV?

Where can I purchase a SoftStartRV online?

Is the SoftStartRV product currently in retail stores?

Do RV repair dealers sell SoftStartRV?

Do RV dealers that sell the SoftStartRV charge an installation fee?

Who do I call when I’m ready to install my SoftStartRV?

What hours can I call Danny regarding a SoftStartRV installation?

Can you help me with a special request with my SoftStartRV installation?

FAQ 16: What brand makes the best RV AC unit?

What AC unit is the most low profile?

How does a Coleman AC unit differ from a Dometic AC unit?

FAQ 17: How many amps are drawn at start up? I have a 2016 Coleman 13,500 BTU air conditioning unit.

How many amps does a Dometic unit use?

How many amps does a Coleman unit use?

How does the SoftStartRV affect the amps?

Can you run a 13,500 BTU unit off of a 15 amp breaker?

FAQ 18: Could I have my SoftStartRV shipped and delivered to a U.S. based RV park?

Does SoftStartRV ship to Canada?

How long would the delivery time be to ship to a U.S. based park?

How to read a Coleman Mach Connections wiring diagram?

What is a PTCR?

What does PTCR stand for?

FAQ 20: Is there any benefit to install a soft start on a mini split AC unit?

FAQ 21: Do I need to remove the PTCR from a circuit board?

FAQ 22: How do I contact SoftStartRV tech support?