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Old 01-24-2025, 04:17 PM   #1
Gubs
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Soft Start Help

Has anyone out there installed a soft start on their A/C units? If so how difficult is it and is it worth it. We would be putting on a 2020 3121RL Montana that has two A/C units.
 
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Old 01-24-2025, 04:52 PM   #2
Rotnjonny
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I’ve installed soft starts on both of my ac units. They are actually rather simple to install. Between the directions and the You Tube videos, it’s a straight forward process. Well worth the investment.
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Old 01-24-2025, 05:53 PM   #3
LeftOverParts
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I DIY installed a soft start on our rear AC around mid 2023. Coleman/AirExcel 15K BTU unit.

It took about an hour being on the roof to install and double check all the wiring. Also some
time to read/reread the directions a few times.

Was able to use the existing port in the j-box to feed the new wires thru. Had to buy sealant to reseal that port. The box can be attached with screws, double stick tape, or Velcro.

The instructions were pretty straightforward. There is a code on your existing schematic and you find the new wiring diagram on the mfr’s website that matches that code. Double checked the new diagram a few times to make sure I knew it and had it on the roof with me.

You’re working with 5 or 6 wires switching them around and I recall one crimp was needed. The unit showed a green light to indicate correct wiring when I turned the power back on.

One tip is take pictures of your existing wiring. - the circuit board, compressor motor, and capacitors in case you need to uninstall or start over.

Picture shows the existing schematic - I think I had to remove the door to the AC j-box to get to it. Code is at the bottom right.

Be sure to turn the power off. I also wore rubber gloves. Be careful and mindful while on the roof!
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Old 01-25-2025, 09:16 AM   #4
Creeker
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They were one of the first upgrades I installed on ours. I still consider them to also be one of the best upgrades. If one or both of your AC units are heat pumps, pay close attention to the wiring diagram as there is an extra step you must take.
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Old 01-25-2025, 05:54 PM   #5
Daryles
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I installed a SoftStartRV on the bedroom AC unit.
Watched the YouTube video a couple of times.
Followed the instructions.
Has been working fine now for four years.
Before you start, get a gromet as big as your thumb. The hole where the wiring goes through did not have one from the factory. Accident just waiting to happen. Wires could chaff against the metal going through the hole.
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Old 01-25-2025, 07:40 PM   #6
Todd & Mary
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We installed on both AC's. easy peasy and well worth it if your using solar.
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Old 01-29-2025, 03:03 PM   #7
Mikelff
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I had the dealer install mine while 5er was in the shop for other repairs and roof treatment. It took them about 30 minutes. Was well worth it. Quiet start up and my 2500 watt generator can handle the 15k a/c unit where before it would kill the generator. Wife is a light sleeper and a/c used to wake her up. Not any more. That alone was worth it.
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Old 01-29-2025, 05:50 PM   #8
DaveK
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I had the opposite experience. I have a 2019 330RL, and tried SoftStart. I worked with their tech support. They finally gave up and refunded my money. I wasted endless hours. I understand that there's a SoftStart device that plugs into a power pedestal. That's the route I would take.

I've seen videos showing wives on the roof installing SoftStart. Don't fall for that bait.
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