AC Soft Start install - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-12-2019, 08:38 PM   #1
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AC Soft Start install

I have a 2019 Casita. Is a AC Soft Start east to install? I don't want to screw something up. When I hook up my 3400 Champion Generator, I get a overload if the Fridge is on AC when the AC comes on. I have to put the Fridge on Propane.
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Old 07-13-2019, 05:06 AM   #2
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Fairly easy install if you can crimp wires, remove and replace screws, work from a ladder and not color blind. There are good You Tube videos on the installation. The instructions are good once you figure out your A/C model number. There are instructions with the kit but specific A/C model instructions can be found on their website. If you have issues you can give them a call during business hours.
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Old 07-13-2019, 06:00 AM   #3
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Thanks
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Old 07-13-2019, 10:10 AM   #4
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What "Soft Start" unit are you looking at?

And Am I correct that references to soft start and hard start are really the same thing?
If I knew more I might decide I'm confused.

Walt
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Old 07-13-2019, 11:53 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jgilliam1955 View Post
I have a 2019 Casita. Is a AC Soft Start east to install? I don't want to screw something up. When I hook up my 3400 Champion Generator, I get a overload if the Fridge is on AC when the AC comes on. I have to put the Fridge on Propane.
Really?
Fridge only pulls 160W.
A/C should run on a Honda 2000.
Something sounds fishy here....
Is your converter trying real hard to charge a flat battery?

If you are using a generator- the fridge should already be on propane.
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Old 07-13-2019, 12:11 PM   #6
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The BIG question is, what size is the A/C?? I have a 9K BTU Coleman w/heatstrip in my Scamp. I can run the Coleman heat strip (13-14A), the 1.9 fridge (small), and my "Hottrod" in the water heater with my Champion 3500 with NO problems and not even a BURP! That generator is rated for 30A and should not have a problem overloading with the Champion.

I fully agree with someone else- sounds like there may be other issues.
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Old 07-13-2019, 01:19 PM   #7
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I've never had a Honda but over the years I've read on the forums of lots of difficulties with the Honda handling the starting current of ACs.
My Ryobi is 1800W running, 2200W surge. The Honda is 200W lower on both.

A piece of data: according to Little House Customs, all Coleman ACs have come with hard start capacitors since 2008.

Walt
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Old 07-16-2019, 04:50 AM   #8
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Thanks everyone for your help. I think maybe the generator may have a problem.
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Old 07-24-2019, 01:02 AM   #9
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I don't think there's any reason to think the generator has a problem. That's 28A max, and an air conditioner starting without a soft start could easily be right around there or above. Maybe even with a soft start. If it's running OK and can keep the AC running with the fridge on, the problem's probably more the AC than the generator.

As a solution, a soft start might do the trick and is pretty cheap. A MicroAir EasyStart will definitely fix the problem, but they're a bit pricey by comparison.
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Old 07-24-2019, 08:02 AM   #10
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I know nothing, except that my friends who I camp with often had to do this. It seems extremely common. That's not to say it's a backwards solution to a problem, but it's pretty common. He had to install something in his AC to keep it from flipping his generator breaker when he first turned on the AC. All I remember is it's a very cheap mod, very easy to do, and very common, leaving us to wonder "why don't they just come this way??", rather than leaving people needing to do a mod.
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Old 07-24-2019, 08:05 AM   #11
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Pretty sure you are talking about a so called hard start capacitor which LHC installed in hundreds of ACs, mostly older Casitas. According to Larry of LHC, Coleman has included them in all their ACs since 2008. I have no info on other brands.

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Old 07-24-2019, 08:26 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by WaltP View Post
Pretty sure you are talking about a so called hard start capacitor
Walt
Yes! That's it.
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Old 07-24-2019, 11:45 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WaltP View Post
What "Soft Start" unit are you looking at?

And Am I correct that references to soft start and hard start are really the same thing?
If I knew more I might decide I'm confused.

Walt
https://amzn.to/2kf2sH7 maybe this one
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Old 07-24-2019, 12:32 PM   #14
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The "hard start" capacitor is an old idea that helps and is easy to install. I did it on mine years ago. But it won't make a 2000 watt generator reliably start the AC.

It is not the same as the Micro-air EastStart unit. The EasyStart will allow a 2000 watt generator to reliably start an RV AC.

The EasyStart is not a capacitor assist. It is a controller that measures the compressor motor's RPM and spreads its staring current over a longer period to ramp up the compressor slower, over time. A second or two. It reduces the instantaneous starting load and matches the Generator output capacity to the AC. It must go through a startup learning sequence in the beginning to match the AC to the generator. Using one does not mean you can leave other appliances on while running the AC. It means a 2000 watt genny will start the AC reliably.

Here's a link to a good video from Matteo, who put a number of them in at last year's Oliver Rally:
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Old 07-28-2019, 06:31 PM   #15
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Hello Jack, I just watched several videos on the micro air easy start. Our 9200 Coleman has a locked rotor amp. of 58.4 amps so for a split second or 2 it can demand more than my EU2000i or your Champion can deliver. they are expensive but after much reserch I will be ordering one. it also will start your A/c up without the thud.There is a lot of Info on them on the Casita Travel Trailer Forum I would also suggest watching a You Tube video. I will be purchasing mine from Hutch Mountain as he will help you if you have any issues and as a bonus he gives you the installation kit and is a few dollars cheaper than amazon.
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Old 07-29-2019, 04:30 PM   #16
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Thanks everyone.
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Old 07-29-2019, 08:07 PM   #17
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Just for another data point, my Ryobi 2200 starts my AC reliably and with no "thud".

Walt
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Old 08-25-2019, 10:25 AM   #18
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Micro-Air installed

My Daughter ( She's a electrician ) installed the Micro-Air & it works wonderful. The Generator would do ok with the AC turned on but not with the fridge on. Turns out to much AMP's. Now with the unit installed instead of over 50 AMP's start up it's 13 Amps. The AC no longer thumps when the compressor comes on. You do not hear it at all. Just the fan running.
After watching it being installed, would I have installed this by myself? NOPE! The wires were hard to trace. It was very confusing to me. I would of hired a AC person to put this on if she couldn't do it.
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Old 09-18-2019, 05:16 AM   #19
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Just another vote of confidence for the Micro-Air Easy Start. I just installed one on my Dometic 13,500 btu Penguin II AC yesterday and it’s amazing the difference it made. If I wouldn’t have felt the cold air coming out of the vents, I would have swore the compressor wasn’t working. I took my time and still easily had it installed in less than an hour.
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