PRODUCT REVIEW
​SoftStartRV :
A GAME-CHANGER FOR RV AIR CONDITIONING
SoftStartRV is a device that you wire directly to your RV ' s air conditioning unit to reduce the starting amperage . A typical 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will surge to 50 + amps when it starts up ; this is known as inrush current . This surge only lasts about 1 / 6 second , and then the unit will stabilize to around 12-14 amps to run the AC . That starting inrush becomes a problem in several common camping situations :
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You are boondocking and using a generator to power your AC
You have a 50-amp RV with more than one air conditioner , but you are at a pedestal with 30 amp service
You are plugged into a 15- or 20-amp outlet ( if you are parked in a driveway , for example ) and you want to run your air conditioner
Without a SoftStart to reduce the spike in current as the compressor kicks on , the surge in amperage can trip a breaker or overload a generator . It is also hard on the air conditioner itself , over time . Mike Sokol of RV Electricity was kind enough to join me for an interview and tell me all about the process he has been using to test and measure the performance of these units . I also value Mike ’ s opinion when I am choosing a brand for a particular product line , and Mike too chooses SoftStartRV ! You can watch that interview here :
SoftStartRV Interview with Mike Sokol
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