Easy Start??

[spyder152]

Was wondering if anyone has tried one of those easy starts and had success using a 2000 watt generator to run the a/c. Probably going to try one to see if not. 2006 outlook 31c

 

[lenore-WO]

I put one on my home air conditioner. It knocked the startup current from 75amps to 22 amps. Compressor sounded better also. From what I understand all air conditioners had this years ago and like everything they took them off for cost savings. Just for grins I checked my new 2020 Vita and it already had this circuit. So I would check yours. The usual problems with startup are a bad or failing Start Capacitor. If your is going bad this circuit will help.

 

[spyder152]

Okay, I will look before I order one, and check my capacitor too. Thanks for reply. I don't think I have one because my small genny shuts off immediately.

 

[lenore-WO]

I have a capacitor checker, nice little measuring device and tells you instantly whether the cap is out of spec. A bad cap will definetly put a load on starting the compressor and is a very common failure. When you check take a phone picture of the writing on side of cap, that way you can order a new one by matching the specs.

 

[spyder152]

I'm a hvac technician so I have a meter to check it with. If you have a link for that checker for anyone else to check theirs with would be cool. Thanks for the reply.

 

[spyder152]

Update, I installed the easy start, actually soft start brand, changed my capacitor because it was below specs, and tested a/c with my predator generator 2000w, works no problem, draws 17 amps on start ups now. Will be testing this weekend with a heat load in the desert.

 

[thataway4-WO]

To enable a single RV air conditioner from a Honda EU 2000i or the EU 2200i the MicroAir EasyStart™ 364 Soft Starter which costs about $299 is what is necessary. There is another extra capacitor: SUPCO SPP6 Relay/Capacitor Hard Start Kit which costs about $10. It will not usually allow any but a small (9200 Btu) AC to start.

 

[rvbud-WO]

I just installed a SoftStart brand on my '08 Sightseer 29R. It has a single Colman Mach 15K heat pump. Why the SoftStart? It will enable me to add a 2nd AC with a 2nd SoftStart (because the single unit is marginal at hot summer temps) and wire to my existing 30A service (with breaker). Plus, it's much quieter on startup. It was a 30 minute install with great service. There are different types of 'soft start' units, I chose the SoftStart brand as it does not require "learning" (cycling the new install several times).

 

[Beach-Rat]

I used to have to turn off all other 120v draw for mine to run on a small genny.. had the easy start capacitor added.. don’t forget the inverter.. once a/c starts.. inverter can be turned back on..

 

[orangeminnie]

The Easy-Start works great, and they pay close attention to having complete and comprehensive installation instructions for all RV AC models. (There are a dizzying array of sub-models, of the various AC units.) We're EASILY running a 13.5kBTU Dometic AC on a 2000w battery inverter.

 

[Dentkimterry]

I just yesterday installed the SoftStartRV on our Coleman Mach 14800 air conditioner. It went well but wanting to double check my installation before turning the power on I emailed the company some pictures. I got a same day phone call from Phil who assured me that it was correct. I fired it up and the difference is amazing. No more Bone jarring start up! I then tested it with a Honda 2000 generator. Started Right up and ran with no issues. Worth to money to mel

 

[rvbud-WO]

To anyone following this thread....yes, Phil Rodin at SoftStart, 954-341-2899, was incredibly helpful. I agree with Terry...worth the money.