Soft start kits significantly reduce the startup surge of RV air conditioners, enabling operation on smaller generators and minimizing breaker trips. Leading options in the market include Micro-Air EasyStart and SoftStartRV, with essential considerations being compatibility, surge reduction, and installation complexity.
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RV rooftop air conditioners draw 2–3× running amps at startup. A 13,500 BTU unit may pull 2,500–3,500W briefly when the compressor kicks on—then settle to 1,500–2,000W running. That surge trips breakers, overwhelms small generators, and blocks inverter use. A soft start kit ramps the compressor up gradually, cutting peak amps by roughly 60–70%. Result: run AC on a 2,200W inverter generator, fit AC on 30 amp with other loads, and reduce stress on the compressor. See RV soft start guide and generator sizing.
Micro-Air EasyStart and SoftStartRV dominate the RV soft start market. Both are well-regarded; choice often comes down to model compatibility, price, and feature set. The table below summarizes key differences.
| Feature | Micro-Air EasyStart | SoftStartRV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surge reduction | ~65–75% | ~65–75% | Both achieve similar results |
| 13,500 BTU typical surge (after) | ~1,000–1,500W | ~1,000–1,500W | Enables 2,200W genny |
| 15,000 BTU typical surge (after) | ~1,200–1,800W | ~1,200–1,800W | May need 3,000W+ genny |
| Compatibility | Dometic, Coleman, most rooftop | Dometic, Coleman, most rooftop | Check model-specific fit |
| Installation | Roof mount, DIY-able | Roof mount, DIY-able | Basic wiring skills needed |
| Warranty | 2 years typical | 2 years typical | Varies by retailer |
Both brands work with Dometic, Coleman, and most 13,500/15,000 BTU rooftop units. Verify compatibility with your specific model before purchase. See how many amps RV AC uses for running vs startup by unit size. Compare best RV generators for units that pair well with soft start.
Typical startup surge without soft start vs with soft start, by AC size:
| AC Size | Without Soft Start (Surge) | With Soft Start (Surge) | Min Generator (with soft start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,500 BTU | 2,500–3,500W | ~1,000–1,500W | 2,200W |
| 15,000 BTU | 3,000–4,500W | ~1,200–1,800W | 2,500–3,000W |
These are typical values; actual surge depends on ambient temperature, unit age, and capacitor condition. Hot weather increases startup load. See best generator for 15,000 BTU RV AC for detailed sizing. If your AC is not cooling on generator, soft start and generator size are the first things to check.
Most soft start kits install at the AC unit on the roof. Basic wiring: connect between power input and compressor. DIY-able for owners comfortable with electrical work; otherwise, have an RV tech install. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. Compatible with Dometic, Coleman, and most rooftop units. Turn off all power before starting. See manufacturer instructions for model-specific steps.
Soft start works best when combined with:
Electrical: RV Soft Start Guide · Generator Sizing · How Many Amps RV AC Uses
Troubleshooting: AC Breaker Tripping · AC Not Cooling · Low Voltage
Products: Best RV Generators · Best RV Surge Protectors · Best RV EMS Systems
Generator sizing: Best Generator for 15,000 BTU RV AC
Micro-Air EasyStart and SoftStartRV lead the market. Both achieve ~65–75% surge reduction. Verify compatibility with your AC model. See our comparison table and best RV generators for pairing.
13,500 BTU: often yes. 15,000 BTU: marginal—may work in cool weather. Plan 3,000–3,500W for 15K BTU with soft start. See best generator for 15,000 BTU RV AC.
Often. If trips were from AC startup surge, yes. If from overload (too many appliances), reduce load too. See RV AC breaker keeps tripping.
If you're diagnosing RV electrical or appliance problems, these guides may help:
RV AC Troubleshooting Flowchart | RV Air Conditioner Upgrade | RV Mini Split Air Conditioner | RV Mini Split Installation | Best Mini Split for RV | RV Mini Split Solar Power | Rooftop AC vs Mini Split | RV AC Not Cooling | RV AC Running But Not Cooling Enough | RV AC Airflow Problems | RV AC Hard Start Capacitor Guide | When to Replace RV AC vs Mini Split | RV AC Compressor Failure Symptoms | RV AC Freezing Up | RV AC Short Cycling | RV AC Leaking Water | RV AC Fan Running But No Cold Air | RV AC Compressor Not Starting | RV AC Capacitor Failure | RV AC Capacitor Replacement | How To Test RV AC Capacitor | How To Test RV AC Voltage at Unit | How To Clean RV AC Evaporator Coils
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Last updated: March 2026 · Reviewed for technical accuracy