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Soft Start choice

donmontalvo
donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
edited September 2025 in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

My Champion 2500 inverter generator (gas; 201490; 20A) can handle the Air8 AC in my 2024 T@B 320S BBC, but starting it up sounds painful.

The first Champion 2500 I bought failed last March. Champion quickly replaced it and recommended a Soft Start to ease the stress on my Air8 compressor, and the generator.

Circling back to look into a Soft Start. I want one that I can mount in the Air8 compartment. There is plenty of room. But there are so many Soft Start brands and devices….

I plan to head to Kingman, AZ in mid October, when the highs get into the 80s.

https://weatherspark.com/h/y/2293/2025/Historical-Weather-during-2025-in-Kingman-Arizona-United-States#Figures-Temperature

Then when Quartzsite, AZ temps go into the 80s in November, I plan to head over and spend the Winter there.

https://weatherspark.com/h/y/2278/2025/Historical-Weather-during-2025-in-Quartzsite-Arizona-United-States#Figures-Temperature

Hoping to get some feedback on make and model y’all are using, so I can get this done before I head out.

TIA

Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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Comments

  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    I have a micro-air soft start installed on my home 2.5 ton AC that I installed myself. It worked well until my compressor finally seized.

    I started researching on whether I could move it into my T@b 320 and hook it up to my Air8 AC. From my research I learned it could be hooked up/wired in. It is feasible but I haven’t gone ahead as my generator handles the surge just fine, I’ve never tripped the 20 amp circuit breaker. If I get a smaller generator I may proceed.

    Micro-air.com makes an rv version but it’s pretty much the same one I have.
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    TourDeForth said:
    I have a micro-air soft start installed on my home 2.5 ton AC that I installed myself. It worked well until my compressor finally seized.

    I started researching on whether I could move it into my T@b 320 and hook it up to my Air8 AC. From my research I learned it could be hooked up/wired in. It is feasible but I haven’t gone ahead as my generator handles the surge just fine, I’ve never tripped the 20 amp circuit breaker. If I get a smaller generator I may proceed.

    Micro-air.com makes an rv version but it’s pretty much the same one I have.
    I called SoftStartRV with questions. The circuitry is sold by different companies under different brand names and models. I ordered theirs for their warranty. Should arrive tomorrow, seems like a simple mount and splice job. Will post a follow up.
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited September 2025
    I received the SoftStartRV SSRV3T. I opened a ticket and got a call for an install walkthrough. It was simple and quick. Luckily I had wiring tools, including a wire cutter/stripper, a ratchet crimping tool, some male/female spade connectors, some shrink wrap, a heat gun, some grommets, and some Aleve for the contortionist moves in the tight space.

    I tested in a BLM spot. Started my Champion 2500 gas generator, made sure it is NOT in Eco mode. Started the Air8, no compressor “thump”! After a minute I set it to Eco mode and it ran fine for 10 hours, with thermostat set to 68°.

    So this Winter I may head to Quartzsite, AZ sooner than last year now that I can run the Air8 off my generator. I carry a 5 gallon fuel cal on the spare wheel of my JLUR so I can run the Air8 for 50 hours if I keep filling the generator tank. Last year I got there in early November, I think I will go in early October.

    I used two long screws to securely attach it to the 2x4. It comes with 48" of cable so can mount it anywhere. I like it here so if I ever need to take a peek at the LEDs, I only have to lift a cushion a couple inches. Very happy.


    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
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  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    Did they give you an accurate wiring diagram that you can share? I’d like to compare it to mine.
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • donmontalvo
    donmontalvo Member Posts: 187
    edited September 2025
    The tech asked that customers call them for help.
    Don Montalvo | Retired Veteran | Full time boondocker
    Camper: nuCamp T@B 320S BBC | 12V 2x100Ah LiFePO4 | 600W Solar
    Tow Vehicle: Jeep JLU Rubicon | 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 | 200W Solar
    https://revkit.com/donmontalvo/ | https://donmontalvo.com
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

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