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The RV power hack you didn’t know you needed

Keep cool with a small generator, start two ACs on 30 amp power, and accomplish other RV electrical miracles with SoftStart, no installation required.

RVing offers an exciting sense of freedom and adventure, but it also brings some unexpected challenges — especially when it comes to managing your RV’s power needs. Even the most advanced RVs can face snags running multiple high-draw appliances like ACs, electric heaters, and/or medical devices.

This can be especially true at campgrounds with low power issues or when you’re off-grid and using a generator or solar power. 

The good news is there’s an innovative fix on the market today that’ll help you further enjoy the RV lifestyle, whether you’re trying to run an air conditioner on a low-power hookup, keep your electric heater going through cold winter nights, or ensure your generator or solar inverter doesn’t get overloaded while boondocking.

SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV are power management devices designed and assembled in the U.S. Let’s dig into the most common RV electrical challenges to see how these tools help. 

Photos source: Anthony Indraus via Unsplash

The Big Problem: RV Appliances Use a Surge of Power to Turn On

Here’s the deal — RV appliances like your air conditioner use a large surge of power to turn on. This sudden power pull can reduce power to other appliances or even cause breakers to trip.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The right equipment can effectively and safely start your AC and other appliances on far less power, creating smooth energy flow throughout your RV.

SoftStartUp is a revolutionary device designed and built in the U.S. that solves the big problem by managing power flow to all your RV appliances. Thanks to SoftStartUp’s innovative power management technology, it’s now possible to run high-draw appliances on low-power hookups, when running on a small generator, and even certain solar setups.

Plug-and-Play Setup for Quick Use

Many RVers shy away from complicated devices requiring technical installation, but SoftStartUp is different. It’s designed with simplicity in mind. 

It offers a portable plug-and-play setup that lets you get operational in seconds — no special tools or technical know-how required. This ease of use makes this device accessible for RVers of all experience levels, whether you’re a seasoned full-timer or a weekend warrior.

Once plugged in, SoftStartUp works ‘round the clock to monitor the in-rush current for your RV appliances. It automatically manages power draw so you can enjoy your RVing experience without worrying about energy limitations.
Let’s dig into the most common RV electrical issues solved by SoftStartUp:

Problem #1: Powering an RV Air Conditioner on Low-Capacity Hookups

This is a frequent frustration at campgrounds with low-power RV hookups or in situations where you share your electrical hookup with another RV. Air conditioners, for example, usually draw too much power on startup for these limited hookups to handle, leaving you sweating it out on hot summer days.

Solution: Reducing in-rush current

SoftStartUp solves this problem by reducing your A/C’s power draw by up to 50% when you plug it in, allowing it to run smoothly even on low-capacity or shared hookups. 

Whether at a campground with power restrictions or on a shared electrical hookup, you can finally enjoy a properly cooled RV without worrying about tripping the breaker.

Stop worrying about your A/C tripping breakers or dimming lights.

Problem #2: Running Two Air Conditioners on 30 Amp Power

Before SoftStartUp, running two RV air-conditioners on a 30-amp electrical hookup was the stuff of science fiction. 

SoftStartRV has turned this fiction into fact with technology designed and assembled in the US.

Solution: SoftStartUp or SoftStartRV

Plugging the SoftStartUp adapter into your RV allows you to comfortably and consistently run two ACs on a 30-amp hookup. It carefully manages the startup power draw for both units to keep you cool without overloading the system.

If you prefer an installed option, at less cost, SoftStart RV is a device that can be easily installed onto your RV air conditioning units so you can run them simultaneously — no adapter required. 

Yes please, help me run two ACs!

Problem #3: Running an RV AC on 110 Volt Power

Moochdocking is the skillful art of parking your rig at friends, family, or other properties where you have permission to camp out for a beat.

The challenge with this approach is that most of these situations don’t offer the standard 30 amp RV plug. Instead, you’ll probably power your RV via a standard household plug-in. This setup makes running an AC or electric heat difficult without tripping breakers and losing all power.

Solution: Smart power management

SoftStartUp manages your RV power so efficiently that it’s possible to run an AC in a moochdocking situation on 110-volt power. Simply plug the SoftStartUp device into a 30 amp to 110 volt RV adapter, and you’ll be ready to roll.  

Start Moochdocking!

Problem #4: Running Electric Heaters in the Winter

Winter RVing brings its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to staying warm. While some RVers rely on propane heaters, many turn to electric heaters for a more consistent and eco-friendly option. 

Propane heaters can also quickly burn through your RV’s onboard propane, resulting in the inconvenience of breaking camp to refill a tank. That’s another reason many RVers turn to electric heat. 

However, electric heaters can over-burden your RV’s power system, especially if you’re using other appliances.

Solution: Reliable power draw

SoftStartUp offers an easy solution for running electric heaters on limited power. SoftStartUp is a plug-and-play adapter that carefully manages the initial power draw for all electrical systems in your RV. This allows you to run your heater alongside other appliances without overloading the system. 

Whether you’re hooked up at a campground or running off a generator while boondocking, SoftStartUp helps you stay warm and comfortable when the mercury drops. 

Keep it warm

Photo credit: Arūnas Naujokas via Unsplash

Problem #5: Overloading the RV’s Electrical System

Running multiple appliances simultaneously, like an air conditioner and a microwave, can quickly trip a breaker and leave you in the dark. 

RV electrical systems, especially those operating on a 30-amp hookup, have power limitations that make it tricky to manage several energy-hungry devices simultaneously. This is because high-draw appliances usually pull a large surge of electricity when they turn on. This ‘surge’ can cause breakers to trip when your RV electrical system is overloaded.

Solution: Smoother appliance startup

This is where SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV step in. These devices employ a unique technology that reduces the initial surge of electricity required when large appliances like air conditioners or microwaves are turned on. 

Instead of large power spikes that risk tripping a breaker, the appliance starts more gradually, allowing you to run more devices without overloading your RV’s system. 

And because SoftStartUp is a plug-and-play solution, you’re just one plug-in adapter away from overload prevention. 

Get SoftStartUp

Problem #6: Boondocking With Limited Power

Power management becomes even more crucial for those who love boondocking (aka RVing off the grid). When you’re limited to what your generator or solar setup can produce, running multiple appliances simultaneously can quickly become a juggling act. 

It’s easy to exceed your generator or solar capacity for the air conditioner, fridge, and anything with an electric heating element (e.g., water heater, toaster, etc.).

Solution: Stair-stepped startup

SoftStartUp helps make your boondocking experience more comfortable by allowing you to run power-hungry appliances more efficiently. The soft-start technology smoothly steps up the power to appliances so your generator isn’t overwhelmed by sudden power surges.

SoftStartUp even makes it possible to start and run your RV air-conditioner on a small generator like the popular Honda EU2200i, a previously unheard-of feat in the RVing world. 

Now, even in the most remote areas, you can keep your AC running in the summer and your heater working in the winter without sacrificing the use of other essential RV appliances.

Boondock-proof my RV

Problem #7: Limited Power on Solar RV Systems

As more RVers embrace solar power for off-grid living, managing energy consumption has become a priority. Large appliances like air conditioners and electric heaters can be tough to run on solar setups, particularly when sunlight is limited.

Solution: Proper power management

With SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV, your RV’s appliances draw less power to turn on, meaning they are more compatible with solar-powered systems. That said, it’s still important to do your homework to build the proper solar setup to run high-draw appliances.

Generally speaking, you’ll need a large solar array, a high-powered inverter, a large battery bank, and the SoftStartUp adapter to reliably run high-draw appliances on solar.  

See this course we create to help build the right solar setup for you: https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/course-solar-101/

By reducing the in-rush current of RV appliances, you extend your battery life and make your solar setup more efficient. That’s why SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV are game-changers for camping-folk looking to enjoy longer boondocking trips without relying solely on generators.

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RVing offers endless adventures, but managing power can sometimes put a damper on your trip—especially when you’re dealing with limited hookups, boondocking, or trying to run multiple appliances. 

SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV minimize those struggles with easy-to-use power management tools. Whether you’re staying warm with electric heaters in the winter or keeping cool in the summer, these solutions ensure you can focus on the joys of RV life, not the frustrations of power management.

Ready to upgrade your RVing experience? We worked a special deal with SoftStartUp and SoftStartRV to get you covered. Click the product links for smooth flowing RV electricity.

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