SoftStartUSA™ has introduced a new device called the SoftStartUp™ that plugs into a campsite electric pedestal or portable generator to manage the startup power surge required by RV air conditioners. This is the “thump” you hear when starting your A/C under normal circumstances. The SoftStartUp™ reduces the startup power demand by up to 50% without stalling out appliances or causing the power circuit breaker to trip.
With the original SoftStartRV (which requires installation) or the new SoftStartUp, an RVer may be able to run one or two air conditioners, when before they could not even run one. Even with a 110 household power hookup or a small portable generator, they will likely be able to run at least one air conditioner. It works for boaters, too.
The original SoftStartRV needed to be installed right inside a rooftop air conditioner — one SoftStartRV per air conditioner. It’s a simple process for anyone with basic DIY abilities. But for RVers who are unable to get on the roof it would require a professional installation. In a recent RVtravel.com reader poll, more than one-quarter of the more than 1,700 readers who responded said they would not or prefer not to get on their RV’s roof.
The new SoftStartUp simply plugs into the campground power pedestal, much the same way as a portable surge protector like those from Progressive or Surge Guard. It’s ready to go right out of the box.
The SoftStartUp does not include a built-in surge protector, so it should be plugged into that device when needed. But unlike the original SoftStartRV, only one SoftStartUp is required no matter how many air conditioners or appliances like microwaves and refrigerators might be used. And, again, no installation is necessary.
Here are some ways the SoftStartUp can be used:
Doug and Brian, the two principals at SoftStartUSA, are longtime friends of RVtravel.com and have generously supported us through the years. We have an affiliate relationship with their company, so if you purchase a SoftStartUSA product through RVtravel.com we get a commission, which helps our bottom line. If you decide to purchase a SoftStartUp or an original SoftStartRV (more reasonable if you just need to run one A/C), you can do so directly from SoftStartUSA, or through us. Either way, the price is the same, and you will save $500 off the retail price of the SoftStartUp with a money back guarantee.
Here’s a two-minute video where RV electricity guru Mike Sokol explains what he was able to do with a SoftStartUp. If you are at all interested in the product, be sure to watch this:
If would like to learn more or purchase a unit, visit SoftStartUp through our RV Travel product description page, where we get a modest commission if you purchase. Or go directly through SoftStartUSA. Either way, you will save a big chunk of money off the retail price. If you should ever have a problem with your device, we will step in to be sure your problems get resolved.
Information about the original SoftStartRV unit is here. If you are willing to climb on your roof to perform the easy install, this may be the way to go.
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Just wondering how this device affects other high current draw items, such as a 1500 watt stand alone heater, microwave or electric coffee pot?
Those items don’t have compressors, which is what this is aimed to help. They even offer them for home ac units, which I’m considering getting.
Not about something using a compressor. Microwaves, especially, and heaters also use a high inrush current and may not like starting on limited current. The hard wired Softstart reconfigures the way the AC unit only starts. Plus, if running the microwave and the AC starts, the plug in unit limits total current. That’s hard on electronic components. A residential refrig will also be affected.
Those were my thoughts. One other thing about the microwave, depending on the settings, the magnetron may start and stop during cooking. Setting at 50% power, the mag turns on and off.
Am I correct in assuming that you’d still need an RV EMS/Surge Protection when using this?
Yes
At $1000 bucks, el paso. I just bought a knock off Soft/Easy on amazon for $60 to start my AC. So far it works fine.
What is it, Friz…. share the info… share the wealth!!!!!
say what, $1295.00 for it, does it make the coffee and fetch the paper as well? I’ll get on my roof and install the original unit I bought for less than $300!
Go to soft start website it’s only $795.00. $500.00 savings.
Or, there’s a competing unit on Amazon for a little over 500 bucks. The internals should be nearly the same.
Only?
No need to worry, there are other alternatives. Some of us came from the camping group. You know, sleeping under the stars, then came a tent, and we worked our way up to a mobile unit if affordable. Everything today is repackaged and available on a credit plan!
Just look back and Google (electrical hard start kit air conditioner).
Back in the 1970’s we called them hard start kits, and you just purchased the parts as needed to resolve the issue, but you needed the expertise to install them..
Now they have different packages to fit your needs, where anyone can buy them with instructions on how to install.
Remember, Camping can be more fun when you enjoy being outdoors.
Sure would be nice if a surge protector could be incorporated in this device. You could end up with quite a gaggle of devices coming off the pedestal if you are 50 amp and it could be difficult keeping those devices and connections up off the ground and dry.
I may be missing something but as I see it this product would be no help to your MH when using your onboard generator. I realize the generator is big enough to run the A/C’s without any softstart but the benefit of the loud clunk reduction would most likely be gone. With the SS Units installed in each unit, the A/C’s always use the softstart advantage regardless of the energy source. JMTC.
That’s what I was thinking… I’d really need it for the on board generator to run the AC while driving or Boondocking… so this would be no use to me. I’m looking into the “installed on the unit” type… Thanks for writing what I was thinking…lol
I’m with Robert, It needs to incorporate a surge protector (and a much more reasonable price!).
This wasn’t the first SoftStartup that plugs in. We own the original 30 amp plugin one that incorporated a surge protector and an app that came with it to show watts and amps being used. When the original owners sit up into different companies, the unit we have was discontinued as well as the app was no longer updated. But the unit itself does work. And it only cost 1/2 the price of the new one.
Thank you, Chuck! 🙂 This is a great innovation and one that I’d love to purchase. However, convincing DW that this makes sense, given our travel patterns and style is another matter. 🤔😯 Should I get a large chunk of money to electively spend, then this will be a purchase. Meanwhile, I’ll continue monitoring their product line. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Too expensive even with the $500. off. Price gouging.
I have a 30 amp RV and would like a device for 30 amp only. Even at $500 off, almost $800 is far too expensive. You can buy two of the AC installed units for that.
This device achieves its low current start up draw by interrupting the voltage. On my Class A, with a built in surge suppressor, it was constantly shutting down my tv’s and routers, and other electronics. I returned it.
I had one installed some years ago, when they 1st came out. It has worked swell with my Honda 2200.
I had it done because electrical items are not usually returnable. I needed it done right the 1st time.
I know my luck……
I was excited and ready to purchase until I read that it can only handle 2 A/C’s. My unit has 3, and in the Florida heat, you need all 3.
I’m looking for ways to improve the efficiency of my heating/cooling systems of my RV, and while this gadget makes for a simple plug-in, it does nothing for efficiency (and the price is just plain ridiculous). My next RV will have a mini-split powered by solar. Problem solved! Should be an option from the factory by now, but we all know the factories don’t build what we want.
Nothing wrong with the hard start capacitor I put in several years ago…and it did not cost your first born.