SoftStartRV

What Is SoftStartRV?

For anyone who has ever flipped on the rooftop air conditioner in their motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel and watched the lights flicker, the generator bog down, or the circuit breaker trip, SoftStartRV was built to solve exactly that problem. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, SoftStartRV specializes exclusively in one category of product — RV air conditioner soft start controllers — and has spent years perfecting it to work with virtually any RV A/C brand on the market.

The Problem with RV A/C Startup

When a standard RV air conditioner compressor fires up, it draws an enormous surge of power — often seven to eight times its normal running current — in the first fraction of a second. That inrush current is what overloads small generators, causes voltage dips that knock out other appliances, and puts repeated mechanical stress on the compressor windings over time. For boondockers, dry campers, and anyone relying on a generator or limited shore power, this surge is more than an annoyance — it's a hard barrier to comfortable off-grid living.

How SoftStartRV Works

The SoftStartRV device is an embedded, single-phase soft start controller that intelligently regulates the startup voltage fed to the compressor motor, gradually ramping up current rather than allowing the full surge to hit at once. The result is a startup current reduction of up to 70%, which means the compressor spins up smoothly, quietly, and without hammering the power supply. No more loud "thump," no more dimming lights, and no more generator trips on startup.

The unit itself is remarkably compact — up to 52% smaller than competing devices — making it an ideal fit even inside the tight confines of modern rooftop A/C shrouds. Its housing is fully waterproof and sealed with resin, giving it the durability to survive harsh outdoor rooftop environments through every season.

Universal Compatibility & Practical Benefits

One of SoftStartRV's defining strengths is its broad compatibility. The device is designed to work with any RV air conditioner brand, from Dometic and Coleman-Mach to Furrion, Carrier, Advent, Truma, and many others. It supports 115V–240V systems and A/C units up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs), making it relevant for compact travel trailers and large Class A motorhomes alike.

• Run two A/C units on a single 30-amp hookup (one SoftStartRV per unit)
• Start a rooftop A/C on a small 2,000-watt inverter generator
• Power the A/C from a 15-amp household outlet in low-demand situations
• Reduce compressor wear and extend the service life of your A/C system
• Eliminate disruptive startup noise that can wake passengers during the night

Installation & Support

SoftStartRV is designed for a straightforward DIY installation using a six-step, no-cut, no-splice process. Each kit includes a crimping and wire-stripping tool and a complete universal accessory wiring kit so installers have everything they need without sourcing additional hardware. For those who need extra guidance, SoftStartRV's technical support team offers live video chat assistance — including real-time walkthroughs directly on the rooftop — a level of hands-on service rarely seen in the accessories category.

Every purchase is backed by a 90-day "Love It or Return It" satisfaction guarantee (with free return shipping) and a 3-year manufacturer's warranty with online registration, among the longest warranty periods available for this type of product.

Who Should Consider SoftStartRV?

SoftStartRV is a practical upgrade for full-timers, weekend campers, and boondockers who want reliable air conditioning without being tethered to a high-capacity power source. Whether the goal is to stretch a small generator's capabilities, run A/C on solar and battery power, or simply protect a compressor from years of hard-start abuse, the SoftStartRV controller addresses the core electrical challenge at its source.