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01-24-2025, 04:17 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Glendale
Posts: 207
M.O.C. #27658
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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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Larry & Marilyn Gubbels
2019 F-350 Diesel 4X4, Short Bed, BW 18K slider,
closely followed by a 2020 Montana 3121RL
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01-24-2025, 04:52 PM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Hershey
Posts: 136
M.O.C. #32150
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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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01-24-2025, 05:53 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 287
M.O.C. #32230
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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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01-25-2025, 09:16 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charleston
Posts: 507
M.O.C. #23094
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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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2019 Montana HC 310RE
2010 Wildcat 29RLBS
2014 Ford F-350 Lariat 6.7
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01-25-2025, 05:54 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 3,053
M.O.C. #24086
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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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Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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01-25-2025, 07:40 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: everywhere, USA
Posts: 326
M.O.C. #28634
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We installed on both AC's. easy peasy and well worth it if your using solar.
__________________
2021 Montana 3761FL, 11.5kw LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck. 8k Dexter axles w/ Kodiak disc brakes.
2019 6.7 diesel F350 DRW with Banks derringer and 4"exhaust, airlift bags, 25k B & W Companion hitch, 45 gal. aux. diesel tank and 14k Winch, just in case!
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01-29-2025, 03:03 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Keller
Posts: 564
M.O.C. #26851
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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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01-29-2025, 05:50 PM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Fredericksburg
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #23470
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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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