Surge Protection Becomes Plug and Go Play!

Words and photos by Perry Mack

Back in May 2021, I climbed onto the roof and installed a SoftStartRV (SSRV) into our Black Rock 22RKS travel trailer. Installation was pretty smooth following the instructions (although it was sweaty and hot on that summer day), and our only challenge was finding a place inside the air conditioner for the SoftStartRV unit.

Development continued and a new SSRV controller that is 40% smaller and able to more easily fit into a variety and air-conditioning models was released.

However, for some folks, the challenge of the rooftop install, and/or purchasing and installing a unit for multiple air conditioners, was, and is still, prohibitive. Plus, if you sell your RV, as we did, you have to repeat the process of purchasing and installing one or more SSRV’s.

Fortunately, there is a terrific new device, which incorporates the benefits of an SSRV, and the safety of a surge protector into one plug and play device, called the SoftStartUp (SSU). There are a number of fantastic advantages. Firstly, if you have two air conditioners, you only need one SoftStartUp (not two SSRVs). Secondly, it is plug and play. Plug your SSU into shore power (or genny), and then the power cord from your RV into the SSU – that’s it, no roof top installation required. Thirdly, it has surge protection built-in so your RV electrical systems and connected electronics are safe from dirty power, which you will come across in some campgrounds. And finally, as we recently found out, when we sold our Black Rock 22RKS, our SSRV went with it. For the new-to-us Montana 305RL fifth wheel we got the SoftStartUp, which we’ll keep and continue to use for new RVs in the future. This makes it a more affordable as well as much more convenient option.

You get a lot more in a SoftStartUp compared to the SSRV but not everything. You get up to a 50% reduction in the power required to start your A/C, which is less performance than the 70% from an SSRV. If you have an SSRV already installed you can still use an SSU, it won’t negatively affect anything, in fact you may notice a further reduction in startup noise from your A/C.

Aside from the slight performance difference, you do get more with the SSU. It has a power source check, which means you’ll know if your power source is safe for your RV. It is a surge protector, which means if there any dips or spikes in the power output it will shut down the power, safeguarding your electronics.

Included with your SoftStartUp kit is of course the SoftStartUp, and a 30- to 50-amp adapter, to use if you have a 50-amp rig but only 30-amps at your site. If your rig is 30-amps you will also need a 50- to 30- adapter plug. 

It might be helpful to know that the SoftStartUp doesn’t create more amps, you only have what is available from your source (i.e. residential, pedestal or generator), be it 15-, 20-, 30-, or 50-amps. But devices like your air conditioner use a lot of extra amps to get started before they settle down to their running amps. The SoftStartUp reduces this initial start-up requirement, allowing you to get your air conditioners started with fewer incoming amps, reducing the risk of a blown fuse or tripped breaker, and typically make for a much quieter start.

The SoftStartUp comes with a free 90-day trial – use it for almost three months and if it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction – return it for a full refund and no re-stocking fees. When you also take into consideration the optional free two-year warranty with product registration (it automatically comes with one-year), and free shipping to Canada (and the USA) and it really is a ‘can’t lose’ device.

The first time you get your A/C running on a hot day when it wouldn’t before, or your RV neighbours have their sensitive electronics fried (that’s technical electronic talk for fubar), you’ll be very glad you made the investment in a SoftStartUp. I know I did.

More information and purchase discounts:

https://softstartup.com/suncruiser/