PLEASE NOTE: THE SOFT STARTUP PRODUCT IN THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED FOR A NEWER VERSION RELEASING IN SPRING 2023. WE WILL UPDATE ALL LINKS & INFO ONCE THIS BECOMES FINALIZED.

When it comes to adding a soft / easy start to your RV air conditioner, there are a few options to choose from. With the addition of SoftStartRVs new “SoftStartUP” external device, you no longer need to climb up on your roof, take apart your AC housing and hardwire into the compressor.

What & Why?

Let’s back up for a moment. What is a soft / easy start and why do you need one? Just click here to read about the benefits of using these devices and how it can help you power your RV air conditioner on virtually any power source. Now then, let’s look at external vs hard wired and SoftStart vs Easy Start brands.

Brand New “No Install” Soft Start

SoftStartRV just invented the world’s first external soft start, which is game changing tech for folks who are wary of hard wiring a device into their AC unit.

I recently took a look at the SoftStartUp external soft start and successfully powered my Airstream air conditioner from it using just a 20 amp plug at my storage facility. Take a look at the video below to see how it did.

Hard Wired or External

Now that there is a solution to have an external, plug and play soft start, you need to ask yourself which version should you choose, hard wired or external.

There are definitely benefits to both, so let’s weigh some pros and cons.

The external version allows for simple, plug and play usage just like using an external surge protector (which it is as well!) so no modification to your AC unit. You just plug the SoftStartUp in between the power pole and your power cord and done!

Let’s look at some of the amazing benefits of the external SoftStartUP

• No hard wiring modification to your AC unit, potentially disrupting your warranty

• 2100 Joules surge protector built in

• Circuit analyzer, letting you know if the power is potentially harmful

• Free app to monitor many aspects of your power coming into your RV

But with every benefit, comes a few negatives as well. The SoftStartUp is not going to be for everyone, as it will only give you the soft start of your compressor when plugged into shore power or an external generator.

If you plan on running your rooftop air on a 3000W inverter and large lithium battery setup, like we do in our Leisure Travel Van or your onboard generator, then you will need the hard wired version. While a soft start is necessary to run your air conditioner on battery, it’s not with your onboard generator, but is still a benefit. (However, you could need one with smaller watt portable generators).

Now for the cons of the external version

• Expensive. The SoftStartUp is more expensive than the hard wired version, but it plays several roles as well, such as a surge protector.

• Not being hard wired, means you have to physically connect it every time you want the benefits of a soft start. With the hard wired, it’s just always there ready to go.

• Limited to just external shore and generator power to work. If you have an onboard generator, it won’t provide the soft start for your AC when using this power source. Also, won’t work with a lithium setup designed to power your air conditioner, which a soft start is required to do so.

Hard Wired Versions

If you don’t mind hard wiring a soft start into your ac unit, then I personally believe this is the best option. So which should you choose, SoftStartRV or Micro-Air Easy Start?

Honestly, they both do the same exact thing and both do it very well. The pro of the SoftStartRV is that it has a slightly smaller footprint, doesn’t require a “learning process”, but it is slightly more expensive, even with the Pagosa discount.

The Micro-Air Easy Start does require a “learning process” which isn’t difficult, but a bit time consuming. After installing the Easy Start, you turn on the AC unit until you hear the compressor kick in (usually just a few moments after the fan turns on) and then shut the system down. Wait 5 minutes and repeat four more times. A bit of a pain, but the Micro-Air Easy Start works really well.

In our Leisure Travel Van, we have the SoftStartRV and the Micro-Air Easy Start on both the Airstream’s air conditioners.

I have great relationships with each company, and they do provide their devices for free to us for review. I can say I recommend both, and if you don’t mind the learning process, the Easy Start is a few dollars less with code PAGOSA. And for just install and done, the SoftStartRV is a bit smaller and you can save $30 from this link.