Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by Jess
Today we compare Soft Start and Easy Start in a head to head race. Summer is the height of the camping season in most parts of the country. Unfortunately, to keep your cool during your adventures, you need a lot of energy.
These two popular devices cut down on energy needs while keeping your vehicle’s interior at a comfortable temperature. So how do they compare to each other?
Let’s find out which is best for you and your RV – soft start or easy start units.
What is the difference between a hard start and a soft start?
Hard starts and soft starts are just the opposite of each other in terms of power consumption. A hard start increases the power requirements of a device during startup.
The increased power helps to get the machine up and running as quickly as possible. However, a hard start can shorten the life of a machine or increase the risk of an engine overheating.
A soft start, on the other hand, reduces the power required to start high-powered equipment. By reducing the power input, you can extend the life of a piece of equipment and enjoy smoother operation of that equipment.
Installing a soft start on high-power equipment provides more flexibility in powering that equipment.
Do I need a soft start for my air conditioner?
Air conditioners are one of the most power-hungry appliances in an RV. Some large RVs may have two or three units mounted on the roof.
While these can provide a comfortable climate in the motorhome, they require a considerable amount of electricity.
Unless you’re using a 50-amp electrical outlet, you probably can’t use multiple appliances at the same time.
Installing a soft start on your RV air conditioner will reduce the massive amount of electricity used when the air conditioners start up. As a result, you won’t need nearly as much power to run multiple air conditioners.
Soft starts can reduce your power needs so you can run air conditioners off generators and battery banks.
Installing a soft start is a good idea if you frequently camp with insufficient power.
Not only does it reduce power consumption, but it also smooths out the starting process so the air conditioner runs more quietly as well. However, to decide if soft starting is right for you, you need to consider your power needs and how you use your RV.
What is a soft start?
SoftStartRV is one of the most popular soft starts for RV air conditioners.
The owner permanently plugs the unit into their air conditioner, and it does its job every time it turns on. It is a turnkey kit that is compatible with almost all RV air conditioners.
Using the SoftStartRV in an RV can reduce start-up current by up to 70%. You’ll enjoy quieter air conditioning and experience less vibration when the unit is running.
In addition, the SoftStartRV can extend the life of an RV air conditioner, so you can avoid buying an expensive replacement unit. But a soft start as opposed to a simple start can confuse you. Let’s learn the difference.
What is an EasyStart?
Another popular soft start device used by RV enthusiasts is the EasyStart from Micro-Air. This device works on most single-phase motors that run on 115-240 VAC/50-60HZ, including RV air conditioners.
In addition, you can install this unit on commercial and residential air conditioners, pump motors and refrigeration units.
The EasyStart reduces power consumption by 65% to 75% when a power-hungry appliance starts. With the EasyStart, you can run multiple air conditioners or high-power units at the same time.
The unit has multiple fault checks to protect the compressor. In addition, the EasyStart has a waterproof and UV-protected housing to ensure a long service life.
Soft start VS EasyStart
These are two fantastic products that deliver great results. But when you spend your hard earned money, you want the best. Let’s see how they compare!
Cost: EasyStart
In the cost battle between Softstart and Easystart devices, EasyStart wins. If you want the most bang for your buck, EasyStart is the way to go. They are typically available for less than $300 before tax.
SoftStartUp is a bit more expensive, costing $323. Since the devices give similar results, you might as well save a few bucks and choose EasyStart.
With the money you save, you can buy more accessories or use it for your next campsite reservation.
Installation: Tie
SoftStartUp and EasyStart have almost identical installation procedures. You need a handful of tools to connect them firmly to the air conditioner.
As with any electrical project, be sure to turn off the power before cutting or disconnecting any wires. Safety is always a top priority, especially with electricity.
You can easily install both units on Dometic, Coleman, Furion and other popular air conditioning brands. They come with wiring diagrams and instructions to help you install the unit.
If you have any questions, you can contact either company’s excellent customer service team to help answer any questions you may have during the process.
Please note: Air conditioners can be loud! Fortunately, we have found the quietest RV air conditioner on the market!
Warranty: EasyStart
You may not expect a product to last as long as it should, but it can happen. When it does, you want to know that the company will stand behind its product and make it right.
As far as warranties go, EasyStart’s warranty is a little better than SoftStartUp’s.
Both companies provide a two-year warranty from the date of purchase. However, SoftStartUp requires that you register the product to activate the additional year of coverage.
The EasyStartUp warranty does not have this requirement, and the two-year warranty starts from the date of purchase.
Bluetooth connectivity: EasyStart
If you want the ability to access information on your phone, EasyStart is the best choice for you. This is because EasyStart has Bluetooth connectivity.
You can access important information at any time, such as the device’s power level, and adjust the device’s settings. This gives you much more control over fine-tuning the device. You get optimal performance and results from your Easy Start compared to Soft Start.
Overall winner: EasyStart
Although both products deliver similar results and work similarly, we have to pick a winner. When it comes to SoftStartUp vs. EasyStart, we crown EasyStart the winner.
The cheaper price, Bluetooth connectivity, and straightforward warranty seal the victory for EasyStartUp. If you want a quieter, longer-lasting RV air conditioner, let EasyStartUp do the work on every unit.
Please note: Are Coleman RV air conditioners any good? Let’s take a look!
Give your RV air conditioner a break with a soft start
The rising temperatures of summer can put your RV’s air conditioning system to the test. In extreme conditions, your air conditioner can run constantly and still struggle to keep your vehicle cool.
If you want your unit to last a long time, you should support it as much as possible. No matter what brand you choose, installing a soft start or easy start for your air conditioner will give it a break.