Soft Start-pedestal vs individual unit install

[drjjj]

2007 3400 RL that we have impeccably maintained and upgraded over the years. We have never camped without 50 amp until now. We would like the option of some 30 amp campgrounds here in Texas this fall, but as many of you know, weather is unpredictable and there is a good possibility that we may need both of our AC's to sleep at night. Wondering if the Soft Start install might be a good option for us. I have seen now that the company makes a pedestal hookup that does the same thing? Our RV maintenance company is capable of installing the units on the AC's (I'm not getting on the roof at my age) so wondering what the experience of the MOC'ers is. TIA for any advice.

[Mikendebbie]

There was a thread on that very topic seemingly within the past couple of weeks - and I can’t find it. I know Carl posted to the thread so maybe he can provide a link for you.

[dieselguy]

Can't answer your pedestal or on unit install question, but in case you or anyone else isn't aware of this ... the soft start does help A/C startup immensely, but it will do nothing to change the running amps. 2 rooftop A/C's running in hot weather on high draw on average @14 amps each. That puts 28 amps on a 30 amp hookup. You'll have to shut off about anything else to make this work for you long term. A few have posted that they regularly run 2 rooftop A/C's and a microwave on 30 amp using the soft starts. To that I might reference a story in my childhood about a kid named Pinocchio. I can't see how 26 - 28 amps worth of A/C's with both compressors running with another 10 - 12 amp draw from a microwave would not pop a 30 amp breaker in short order.

[mlh]

I have a soft start on my AC. If I was buying again I would get the pedestal mount. No install, use it when you need and use it on your next camper.
Lynwood

[Carl n Susan]

Here is a link to the other Thread about 30 amp and 2 ACs. Basically dieselguy hit the nail on the head. Yes it can be done but you can't run anything else on 120V (including the converter which needs to re-charge the batteries).
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=88015

[Lee-CI]

Here are the numbers for the newer units currently installed

[dieselguy]

Lee ... thanks for the newer technology, A/C info. It's hard to keep on top of stuff as efficiency improves. I'd guess the Colman A/C's have only been coming out on some 2020 models and newer, so for the tens of thousands of us with older units ... I still stand by my previous reply. I'm curious if anyone on the MOC has actual amp draw numbers on 95 - 100 degree days with these new Colman's while the compressor is running?

[Lee-CI]

No worries DieselGuy. Not attempting to be a smarty pants. Instead, for the wealth of experience and knowledge that you and so many others have shared with our MOC family - thank you one and all. This was just my way of paying it forward and try to help out others too.
After I've made the repairs to our MHC next week, I'll try and remember to make note of actual power draws on our upcoming trip. The figures in the chart may well prove to be overly optimistic.
Happy camping everyone. Stay safe out there.

[432bartman]

Here's a link to the new Plug & Run Soft Start system:

https://www.softstartrv.com/

[FATBOY05]

I got the SoftStartRV at the pedestal #1 I didn't have to climb up on my roof at my age and bad back and knees or pay someone to install it. #2 I got it when it was just being offered and it was $300.00 off. #3 I can use if I trade units . I have really liked it when I can't 50amps, I must remember not to run both AC units and the Microwave ,or the wife to use her hair drier. Backyard camping at my daughter's got a little easier.

[jwengermt]

We use 30 AMP frequently. Our hookup at home is only 30 AMP. The air conditioner runs without a problem. The restriction would be not using the convection oven option on the microwave and the AC at the same time.

[drjjj]

I greatly appreciate all the responses. So, the bottom line is with either option running both AC's "ain't gonna happen"?

[Creeker]

Originally Posted by drjjj

I greatly appreciate all the responses. So, the bottom line is with either option running both AC's "ain't gonna happen"?

No that's not exactly what has been said. You can absolutely run both AC's with soft/easy starts from a 30 amp supply if you turn everything else to propane or off.

I do it all the time for a few hours at a time. Both AC's are usually only needed for a couple hours to get the unit cooled down on the hottest days. I then turn one AC off and the other stuff back to 120 volt.

Just spent 19 days at the beach in a bright sunny 30 amp site with temps in the upper 80's to mid 90's. Ran both AC's nearly everyday for a few hours with our Micro Air Easy Starts. I've been doing this for several years now. Just have to manage your power. Its certainly not a plug it in and forget it scenario but its 100% doable.