Community Forums

terntes · 06-28-2021, 07:45 AM

I am ready to buy and install a soft start for my AC on our 30a system. I see many choices in research, but I would like to get input from the forum. I rely on reviews from other RVers for best purchases.
Thanks,
terntes

Dutchstar411 · 06-28-2021, 08:41 AM

I'd like to see what others say as well. I'm posting a couple links of some that have gained my interest, especially the Micro-Air EasyStart Soft Start, wondering if anyone has installed that one.

Micro-Air EasyStart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soP0uZFd0nQ

(Four wire)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1sm_jJmNes

Installed on Dometic II starting with a 2,000 watt Honda Generator.

SoftStart RV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZAe7iieGg

(Five wire)

NXR · 06-28-2021, 07:42 PM

I installed a pair of Micro-Air units a few weeks ago on my Atwood (Dometic) AC-1511 15K ducted air conditioner/heat pumps. They definitely eliminate the BANG of the compressor starting up but I have not had to use them for real yet on a 30-amp pedestal.

Why did I pick Micro-Air over SoftStartRV? Because Micro-Air has been in this business for a long time and also makes units for non-RV applications. Their technology should be vetted out and their support should be better.

SoftStartRV supposedly was started by an ex-employee of Micro-Air. If that's true it's not a bad thing because sometimes employees see a need not being met by their employer so they strike out on their own. But they're usually a one-trick pony.

Yet both company's are charging about the same amount of money, which was confusing to me. I would expect the newcomer upstart to be noticeably less expensive but it's not.

Micro-Air's web site says they are out of stock until July 8th. If you can wait that long, try discount code AIRSTREAM and it should give you $40 off each unit.

Ray

RichKimball · 06-29-2021, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terntes

I am ready to buy and install a soft start for my AC on our 30a system. I see many choices in research, but I would like to get input from the forum. I rely on reviews from other RVers for best purchases.
Thanks,
terntes

Don't know about many choices. I have installed 2 separate Micro-Air Easy Start devices. It does what it says...and I ran 2 different TT's on the Honda eu2000. Micro-Air also is my choice for support as their digital remote control capable a/c thermostat is fantastic.

blemon56 · 06-29-2021, 08:17 AM

I’m also looking at a soft start system for my 2021 HR. Does anyone know if installing either of the soft start units will affect the warranty? That might be a deal breaker for me.

NXR · 06-29-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blemon56

I’m also looking at a soft start system for my 2021 HR. Does anyone know if installing either of the soft start units will affect the warranty? That might be a deal breaker for me.

Will installing an EasyStart void a factory warranty? - Micro-Air, Inc.

Micro-Air offers a FREE Extended Warranty, worry no more! Please reference our EasyStart™ 364 RV Rooftop Soft Starter Double Down Extended Warranty for more information and coverage. If purchased, this Extended Warranty shall create certain rights and duties between the parties which shall be in addition to and shall not be exclusive of the Limited Warranty appearing on the Company website.

Apparently you need to fill out and send them some form for a free extended warranty.

If you purchase an EasyStart 364 for RV rooftop AC to install on an air conditioner which, at the time of purchase was less than six (6) years old, and during the two year period after you purchase your EasyStart 364, your RV rooftop air conditioner experiences any compressor motor failure not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and caused by the EasyStart 364, Micro-Air will, at its option, repair or replace your compressor motor or rooftop air conditioning unit. This Warranty must be registered within 30 days of your purchase of the EasyStart 364 and must include your AC serial number.

https://www.microair.net/products/ea...14020945215572

It's only for the duration of your A/C's manufacturer warranty which is two years for our Atwood (Dometic). I was just outside of that when I installed the EasyStart so it's not available to me.

Ray

terntes · 06-29-2021, 02:44 PM

I ordered the SoftStart, ships and delivers in 1 day, the MicroAir ships in 3 to 5 weeks! They both have excellent reviews and the price is the same. I will update upon installation and trial.
Thanks!

NXR · 06-29-2021, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terntes

I ordered the SoftStart, ships and delivers in 1 day, the MicroAir ships in 3 to 5 weeks! They both have excellent reviews and the price is the same. I will update upon installation and trial.
Thanks!

Yeah, the current supply chain issues really suck. When I ordered my two Micro-Air units in May I had them in less than a week.

Ray

RichKimball · 06-30-2021, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terntes

I ordered the SoftStart, ships and delivers in 1 day, the MicroAir ships in 3 to 5 weeks! They both have excellent reviews and the price is the same. I will update upon installation and trial.
Thanks!

There's plenty of reviews and updates out there already.

Dutchstar411 · 06-30-2021, 09:08 AM

RichKimball,

Quote:

Originally Posted by terntes

I am ready to buy and install a soft start for my AC on our 30a system. I see many choices in research, but I would like to get input from the forum. I rely on reviews from other RVers for best purchases.
Thanks,
terntes

The above is what the original poster requested.

His post, his request and any feedback would have the ability to be discussed with other members current in his thread.

RichKimball · 06-30-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchstar411

RichKimball,

The above is what the original poster requested.

His post, his request and any feedback would have the ability to be discussed with other members current in his thread.

Let it be said...let it be so....so sayeth

BYoshida · 06-30-2021, 04:15 PM

We went with the Micro Air Easy Start. We got the blue tooth version just because it's supposed to be easier to reset if necessary. We installed it and trained it a few weeks ago. This coming weekend will be the first to actually camp with it. We have a 30 amp coach, one 15k btu AC/Heat pump. We'll see if I can run the microwave at the same time

RichKimball · 06-30-2021, 04:57 PM

On a 30A service I would think so. The a/c will draw about 14amps. Not sure on the micro....but the Easy Start will for sure help with the startup draw.

I didn't know they had a BT version. I love their newly released dual zone thermostat which has BT and WiFi.

PS56 · 06-30-2021, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terntes

I am ready to buy and install a soft start for my AC on our 30a system. I see many choices in research, but I would like to get input from the forum. I rely on reviews from other RVers for best purchases.
Thanks,
terntes

I'm not sure why people are paying so much for a soft/hard start.

Get this and check youtube for installation. Very easy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1