Installing and Using SoftStartRV
Dave SolbergDescription
Two air-conditioning units working in tandem to cool an RV can be a huge power suck, especially upon startup, as well as a noisy distraction. On a 30-amp system, you run the risk of tripping a breaker if you’re also using any other appliances while the ACs are kicking on. This is just one of the reasons why devices such as SoftStartRV can be so important to your vehicle’s electrical safety and efficiency.
In this premium video lesson, RV maintenance expert Dave Solberg and RVIA Certified Master Technician Steve Albright teach you about the noise reducing and power drawing benefits of adding a SoftStartRV to the roof-mounted AC setup on your mobile home. They walk you through the process of installing a soft starter on your rig, and then explain how to properly use it.
Tips for setting up a SoftStartRV
If you’re considering a SoftStartRV for the roof-mounted AC on your RV, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to install one soft starter per unit. So if you have two AC units, you’ll have to get two soft starters. Once you have your soft starters, you can follow along with Steve as he gets up on the roof of our demo rig to demonstrate the step-by-step installation process.
First things first, shut off the power. Always cut the electricity drawing to your vehicle whenever doing electrical work. It’s also recommended that you disconnect the batteries. With the power off, Steve shows you how to connect the six wires between your SoftStartRV and the internal wiring in your AC unit. Pay close attention to what goes where, and double check your progress each step of the way.
With the wires hooked up correctly, Steve shows you how to insert everything back into the AC housing and then use a putty-based sealant to create a waterproof seal around the grommet. Make sure all parts are secure before plugging the power back in and revving up your AC. You’ll notice right away how much quieter the startup is with a SoftStartRV. No more thumping or trailer shaking to get your interior cooled down–enjoy!