Van life has a special draw for adventurers — minimalist living, a new view each day, and the freedom to roam into the most remote of campsites.
But powering your campervan can get complicated, especially in remote locations. Even the most advanced vans can face snags running high-draw appliances like ACs, electric heaters, and CPAP machines.
Enter SoftStartUP, a plug-and-play tool that’ll create electrical miracles for your campervan. Whether you’re parked at a campground with limited hookups or boondocking in the wilderness, SoftStartUP offers a practical and easy-to-use power solution built for the van life community.
In this post, we’ll discover all the ways SoftStart transforms campervanning.
The Big Problem: Campervan Appliances Need Lots of Power to Turn On
Vanlife appliances like your air conditioner, heater, and microwave use lots of power when you flip the on switch. This sudden power pull can reduce power to other appliances and even cause them to shut down if a breaker trips.
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 reliable electricity for everything in your campervan.
SoftStartUP is a game-changing device designed and built in the U.S. that solves the big problem by managing power flow to all your van’s appliances. With your camper van plugged into a SoftStartUP adapter, you can run the whole show in all sorts of power situations, including when plugged into low-power hookups, when running on a small generator, and even when using solar.
Plug-and-Play Your Way to Better Power Management
Many vanlifers shy away from complicated devices requiring technical installation, but SoftStartUP is different because it plugs straight into your existing campervan power plug.
This plug-and-play setup lets you get operational in seconds — no special tools or technical know-how required. This ease of use makes this device accessible for vanlifers of all experience levels.
Once plugged in, SoftStartUP works ‘round the clock to monitor the in-rush current for campervan appliances. It automatically manages power draw so you can enjoy vanlife without worrying about power loss.
Benefits of SoftStartUP for Vanlifers
Here are all the ways that SoftStartUP can change your world as a campervanner:
1. Run Your A/C Just About Anywhere
Van lifers like to park in places where boondocking is the name of the game — think remote beaches, forested trails, or Walmart parking lots. With SoftStartUP, you can run your A/C with a small generator, a 20-amp hookup, or even certain solar+battery+inverter setups.
2. No More Breaker Tripping
You know how frustrating it can be if you’ve ever tripped your campervan’s breakers or overloaded your portable power station. SoftStartUP prevents this by reducing the startup surge of your A/C and other high-draw appliances making it less likely to overload your system or cause interruptions.
3. Use Multiple Appliances At The Same Time
With a standard A/C setup, using other power-hungry appliances like a microwave or coffee maker simultaneously is a gamble. The in-rush current drawn by one appliance can cause breakers to trip and even overheat your electrical lines.
SoftStartUP helps balance your van’s power load, letting you brew your morning coffee or charge your laptop without turning off the A/C.
4. Extend the Life of Your Electrical System
Frequent power surges can strain your van’s electrical system and generator. SoftStartUP minimizes these surges, helping to protect your equipment and prolong its lifespan—a crucial consideration for those living full-time vanlife.
5. Quiet Operation
SoftStartUP allows your air conditioner to start up smoothly without the loud, jarring noise that can accompany A/C startup. It’s a small but significant perk for those living in close quarters.
6. Beat the Heat in Any Climate
Vanlifers tend to chase 70, but even the most strategic itineraries can’t avoid heatwaves or unexpected temperature spikes. SoftStartUP ensures you can keep your air conditioning running smoothly, whether you’re parked under the desert sun or taking an extended road trip through humid regions.
This is also a lifesaver for campervanners with fur friends. SoftStartUP helps keep your pets cool and safe on the road, even when power sources are limited.
7. Perfect for Off-Grid Adventures and Solar-Powered Vans
One of the biggest draws of van life is the ability to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations far from traditional campgrounds. SoftStartUP lets you take your A/C off-grid by running it on smaller generators or certain solar-powered setups.
8. Save Money on Campground Hookups
Many van lifers stick to campgrounds with 30-amp hookups to avoid electrical limitations, but these sites can be expensive and limit your location options. With SoftStartUP, you can confidently park at campgrounds offering only 20-amp connections or even plug into a standard household outlet during a driveway stay.
This flexibility can save money over time and open up a wider range of parking options, from budget-friendly campgrounds to boondocking sites in national forests.
9. Stay Productive on the Road
Keeping your devices charged and connected is essential for van lifers who work remotely. SoftStartUP balances the power draw of high-demand appliances, making it easier to manage energy usage across multiple devices. You can stay productive without stressing a power loss, whether you’re running Starlink internet, charging a laptop, or powering lighting for a late-night Zoom call.
10. Stress-Free Stops at Friends’ or Family Homes
SoftStartUP also helps with moochdocking, the art of driveway surfing. While a friend’s driveway might be a great place to park it, most homes don’t have the 30 amp plug-ins that vanlifers use. Instead, adapters like these are needed to run your rig via a standard 110-volt outlet. SoftStartUP will keep you cool and powered up while moochdocking.
Keep Your Campervan Warmer in Winter
In addition to helping run ACs more efficiently, SoftStartUP helps keep the chill at bay when Father Winter comes to town.
While your campervan may have a propane heater, these furnaces quickly burn through propane and battery power on cold days. That’s why many van lifers supplement propane heaters with electric heaters.
But electric heaters can over-burden your rig’s power system, especially when using other appliances. SoftStartUP solves this problem by carefully managing the initial power draw of all your electrical systems so they play nicely together. That way, you’ll stay toasty in the van without worrying about tripped breakers and low propane.
Van life is about embracing the open road, chasing breathtaking views, and finding joy in the journey, not stressing over power limitations. SoftStartUP is the solution that keeps you cool, comfortable, and in control, whether you’re parked in a remote wilderness, exploring a bustling city, or crashing in a friend’s driveway.
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