Soft Start AC Upgrade Recommendations

[GPs37FLH]

After looking into improving my 5'er AC's with the RV Airflow System for increasing cooling efficiency, I also want to install a soft start system. Found several YouTube videos on installing SoftstartRV and seems to be a rather quick and straightforward upgrade. I'm leaning towards this system, but am open to installing other brand recommendations.

On my initial searches, I was surprised to find not very many other brand alternatives out there for this product. For those that have them on their rigs, which one have you installed, and what were the positive and negative selling points that made you choose it?

Thanks in advance for any and all recommendations!

[Pinn]

While I cannot do any recommendations on softstartrv or easystart systems. I am purchasing the softstartrv after our Hughes Watchdog EPO kept cutting off after this past weekend. It was on their recommendation that we install this to prevent further problems.

[Theo]

This is a popular alternative:

Micro-Air Easy Start 364

[AlanMoor]

I did a bit of research months ago and I only found the SoftStart from MicroAir and the EasyStart. I chose SoftStart, but I don't really remember why, I don't think there was a huge difference between the two. However, I'm impressed with the product and the company. It was pretty easy to install. I e-mailed MicroAir on the 4th of July and they replied within a few hours with an intelligible and complete answer.

[NJKris]

Now MicroAir just needs to get product in stock.

[Theo]

Originally Posted by NJKris

Now MicroAir just needs to get product in stock.

I think there is supply-chain chaos out there. Foreign ports closing for Covid, chip shortages and now there is an overseas container shortage!

We're looking to get a couple of EBikes but most manufacturers are 9+ weeks out for delivery.

[NJKris]

It goes on and on. Terrible time to buy anything it seems. Glad I was mostly kitted out before the pestilence.

[SacRV]

They’re both very similar and really only differ with the connection kit (optional). Fortunately, Hutch Mountain has it made it easy for you by being the only one that sells the Bluetooth Model Micro-Air EasyStart 364 Soft Starter. And let me tell you being able to monitor your A/C power usage on your phone is very convenient. I have two and they were easy to install.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by SacRV

They’re both very similar and really only differ with the connection kit (optional). Fortunately, Hutch Mountain has it made it easy for you by being the only one that sells the Bluetooth Model Micro-Air EasyStart 364 Soft Starter. And let me tell you being able to monitor your A/C power usage on your phone is very convenient. I have two and they were easy to install.

How does monitoring your ac current help?

[NJKris]

I have same question. I just look at my EMS display and it tells me voltage and how many amps I'm drawing.

[SacRV]

Originally Posted by dalford

How does monitoring your ac current help?

Through the app you can see how many amps were required at startup and how many amps you're pulling during operation, which fluctuates. It also shows you the number of faults and the cause of those fault. There are other technical specs provided via the app.

[Magsomal]

EasyStart by Microair… best one out there!

[Luke Moseley]

I had a microair soft start installed on my dometic ac/heat pump. One month later my ac/heat pump went out with a bang and severely burned wires in the junction box. I'm not saying the soft start caused this but, it's suspicious. RV tech will let me know when he comes tomorrow (7/9). I'm just happy my coach didn't burn down.

[Cathcartww]

We installed a SoftStartRV and it seems to work as advertised. Now we can run the AC at home on a 25 amp circuit, and run the microwave with the AC on. Once, when we were running the electric water heater and the AC, the main trailer breaker kicked out .... but running on propane isn't a problem for us.

[NJKris]

The Micro Air is back in stock on their website, just ordered.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by dalford

How does monitoring your ac current help?

I suppose if you left pets in the trailer on a hot day and could monitor the A/C current remotely, seeing periodic current draw would reassure you that the pets were okay.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Luke Moseley

I had a microair soft start installed on my dometic ac/heat pump. One month later my ac/heat pump went out with a bang and severely burned wires in the junction box. I'm not saying the soft start caused this but, it's suspicious. RV tech will let me know when he comes tomorrow (7/9). I'm just happy my coach didn't burn down.

How do you know that the MicroAir installation was done correctly and safely? Could a bad installation have been the cause of the failure?

I don't let others do this kind of work for me. Too many incompetent workers out there.

[markb422]

Why don't the manufacturers install these things on their units at the assembly line? I know, $$, but it seems like a good selling point.

[ciditad]

I went with SoftStart, see my thread here:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...le-235199.html

No issues and my suggestion is to skip the crimping and use WAGO connectors.

[NJKris]

Originally Posted by markb422

Why don't the manufacturers install these things on their units at the assembly line? I know, $$, but it seems like a good selling point.

I"m sure it won't be too much longer. They are already installing TPMS at factory.