Frequently asked questions
What Is a RV Soft Start and Why Do I Need One?
What model soft start do I need?
- Refer to your AC unit’s user manual
- Locate your model’s specification data
- Locate the “Compressor Load Amps” (or the RLA) rating for your model
- 9A or less = Model RVMS100S-9A
- 9.1A – 16A = Model RVMS100S-16A
Can I Run an RV Air Conditioner on a Portable Generator Using the RVAC Solutions Soft Start?
Yes. There are many small inverter generators available in the market that aren’t able to start your AC on their own because the current demand necessary at start up.
Can I Run My RV AC While Running Other Appliances?
Yes, with the addition of a soft start you can run your RV AC simultaneously while running other appliances.
Do you need two soft starters, if you have two roof top Units?
Yes, each unit requires a soft starter.
What if there are two compressors?
Each compressor would need a soft starter.
Can I install a soft start by myself?
The RVAC Solutions Soft Start is indeed a simple 4 wire installation, however each model and manufacturer of RV Air Conditioning Units approaches the layout and factory wiring slightly differently, in turn, an original manufacturing manual/wiring diagram is very helpful identifying installation connections. While many RV Owners/DIYers successfully install our soft starters on their RV’s, we recommend hiring an RV service professional.
What to do with the existing PTCR and start capacitor?
After installation, the start capacitor and PTCR can be removed, or completely disconnected and capped off.
Will it fit into my rooftop A/C and where do I mount it?
It will fit. The soft starter should be mounted under the hood or cowling of the rooftop A/C in a suitable available space.
Will the RVAC soft starter eliminate the loud “thump” noise that my A/C compressor makes when it starts up?
Do I still need a soft starter if I have two generators?
Yes, it will reduce the strain on the generators by reducing the inrush current.
Can the soft starter be used with a heat pump?
Yes, providing the compressor has a Run and Start capacitor.
Does the soft starter operate with the window air conditioner?
Yes, providing the compressor has a Run and Start capacitor.
Does the soft starter work better than a hard start kit?
The hard start has the opposite function of the soft start with its own unique application. A hard start pushes more energy into the start cycle of the motor to start it faster thus reducing the amount of time it takes to start a motor. The soft start slows the startup of the motor and reduces the inrush current to reduce the energy needed to start the motor.
A soft start is better if you want to increase the longevity of the motor and increase efficiency or if you are using generator power. A hard start is better when you want to get more life out of an old motor or if you have low power at the end of a long run and need to give the motor a boost to get started.
Is the soft start waterproof?
No, the soft starter must be installed under the AC hood.
Does the soft start work well with solar generators?
A soft start will reduce the inrush current and demand on any generator or AC power source.
Can a soft starter be used in all-electric situations? (50 volts? 30 volts?)
NO, the soft starter must be used at voltages of 120/240 VAC
Will the soft starter reduce or extend the life of my compressor?
The soft start has the potential to extend the life of the compressor by starting the motor slowly thus putting less strain on the motor at startup.
Do soft starters function well at high altitudes?
There is no altitude requirement for the soft starter.
How do I wire soft starter into my rooftop?
Please refer to this link to know how to wire the soft starter:
Do soft starters have warranty?
Yes, RVAC soft starters have a 1-year warranty. To learn more about the warranty/return policy, please refer:
