Network RV
The new controller is 40 percent smaller to better accommodate a variety of A/C units.
Words by Perry Mack Photos courtesy Network RV
In May 2021, we climbed onto the roof and installed a SoftStartRV (SSRV) into our Black Rock 22RKS travel trailer. The installation went fairly smoothly by following the instructions but the only challenge was finding a place in the A/C unit for the SoftStartRV system.
Network RV, the manufacturer of SoftStartRV, has continued with the development and recently introduced a new controller 40 percent smaller to better accommodate a variety of A/C units. The case is now 4.45 cm shorter and 1.27 cm narrower (1.75 x 0.5 in) while still maintaining the same powerful performance. This translates into a potential 70 percent decrease in the power that’s required to start it.
We hoped that a cheap PowerFist 2000-watt generator would be able to start and run our A/C. It did, but the little genny didn’t have enough power to keep it running. Further testing made us realize that a slightly larger unit like the Honda 2200W will not only start the system but keep it operating and maintain a cool interior temperature. This is an amazing feat for the SSRV. Our A/C ran with just a 15-amp household current, something it couldn’t do before.
As long as you’re able to turn off all the power to (and in) your RV and climb onto your roof safely, you’ll find the installation is quite straightforward. In the event you do have any challenges, Network RV provides a call-in helpline where you can speak to a real person for support.
The SSRV is directly connected to the A/C unit so if your RV has two systems, you’ll need to install one in each unit. However, there is another solution that we found much more enticing. Network RV has released the SoftStartUp (SSU), which incorporates the benefits of an SSRV and the safety of a surge protector into one plug-and-play unit. It has a number of fantastic advantages.
Network RV
The featured built-in surge protector also ensures your electrical systems and connected electronics are safe from dirty power.
First, if you have two A/C systems, only one SoftStartUp is needed, not two. Secondly, it is plug-and-play. Plug your SSU into shore power (or generator) and then the power cord from your RV into the SSU – that’s it. No roof-top installation is required.
It also has built-in surge protection so your RV electrical systems and connected electronics are safe from dirty power, which you may experience at some campgrounds. Finally, when we sold our Black Rock 22RKS, our SSRV went with it. Our new-to-us Montana 305RL fifth wheel is now getting the SoftStartUp treatment.
You get a lot more in the SSU compared to the SSRV but not everything. You get up to a 50 percent reduction in power that’s required to start your A/C with the SSU, which is less performance than the 70 percent from the SSRV. If you have an SSRV already installed, you can still use an SSU and it won’t negatively affect anything. You may notice a further reduction in startup noise from your A/C.
Aside from the slight performance difference, some other benefits of the SSU include its power source check, which means you’ll know if your power source is safe for your RV. It is a surge protector so if there are any dips or spikes in the power output, it will shut down the power and protect your electronics.
Included with your SSU is a 30- to 15-amp adapter, so you can plug into a household connection and a monitoring app. Bluetooth enabled, the app is useful for determining how much power you are consuming and how much each appliance uses.
Network RV
With many benefits, the SSU and SSRV don’t create more amps. You only have what is available from your source.
For instance, the app allows you to individually test each appliance in your RV to see how much that particular appliance needs. Write it down somewhere handy. Then, by monitoring your amperage use in the app, you’ll know what appliance or device you can add without tripping a breaker. This allows you to effectively use all of the power you have available.
Without the app, look at the sticker on each appliance to find out how many amps it uses and then deduct that from the amps coming into the RV to see if you’re going to trip a breaker. For example, if you’re running on 15-amp residential power and you start the microwave (8 amps) and plug in the hair dryer (13 amps), you’ll easily blow a breaker. Remember, 15A residential: 8A microwave – 13A hair dryer = -5A.
It might be helpful to know that the SSU and SSRV don’t create more amps, you only have what is available from your source (i.e. household, pedestal or generator) be it 15-, 30- or 50-amps. But devices like your A/C use extra amps to get started before it settles down to the running amps. The SSU and SSRV reduce this initial start-up requirement, allowing you to get your A/C started with fewer incoming amps.
The SSU comes with a free 90-day trial. You can use it for almost three months and if it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction return it for a full refund and there are no restocking fees. When you also consider the one-year warranty, optional free two-year warranty with product registration plus free shipping to Canada (and the U.S.), it’s really a ‘can’t lose’ device.
To see our video on the installation of the original SSRV, which also works for the new version, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MVByWLLcEk&t=4s
You can also read the full review here and the performance still applies to the new version: https://suncruisermedia.com/Home/tech/easier-than-ever-air-conditioning/
To find wiring diagrams for virtually every A/C unit here visit go to www.softstartrv.com/diagrams/.