How Easy to Install Coleman Mach Soft Start? "So Simple!"

While upgrading a friends 2021 Jayco Eagle travel trailer to be fully off grid, I was installing these Coleman Soft Starts on his Coleman Mach 15 RV roof A/C's in order to save some wear on the 2 Victron Inverters I installed. As it was the last part of the job, and I was happy to be finishing it up, I thought I'd make a quick video showing how easy they were. I have installed a number of these from different manufacturers and while they all do work, the instructions can be frustrating and the installations can also be difficult with a universal product. Having had a number of commenters and subscribers ask me about "soft starts" I put together a quick video showing the ease of installation, not the proof of concept as these "soft starts" have been on the market for awhile now and shown to be useful for this application.
Thanks for watching!
coleman soft start: amzn.to/4ayaP3D
spartan soft start: amzn.to/3KcFhFN
micro air softer start: amzn.to/3wKuFe3

[@sheputthelimeinthecoconut629]

I wanted to run all 3 air conditioners on my toy hauler at once with the genny. I ended up replacing the top units with Coleman power saver units and that allowed me to start all 3 units at once. However, every once in awhile, two compressors would cycle at nearly the same time and it would trip the breaker. I installed these soft starts and it 100% solved the issue. Super easy to install.

[@stace310]

Thank you my friend... your a fun friend to be friends with... S☺️

[@AZExpert]

You are

[@robertgass2505]

I installed the same Coleman Mach soft start on my Duo-Therm and it works great. Compared several brands and this looked like the simplest to install and had good reviews.

[@AZExpert]

Great to hear!

[@justinharrell9256]

Next step will be inverter based compressor like Dometic Harrier and Furrion Chill Cube no need for soft start since the compressor slowly ramps up on its own. This is part of why mini splits are more efficient and big home AC are moving toward (Carrier Infinity, Trane XV). Coleman is still in the stone age unfortunately but at least they have a soft start. Had a Micro Air soft start on my last RV so my Magnum inverter could start it, Victron better at handling surge, or at least it complains less, Magnum would fault. Definitely easier on the semiconductors in the inverters (and inverter generators) to not deal with the 70 amp start surge, worked great.

[@stevebrookins3980]

Did not know Coleman had their own. Thanks for doing a video on this. I am currently in the market for a few so thanks. Really like how you explain things and add little tid bits of information too.

[@BonFShaw]

With all the new players in this market segment the prices are plummeting. I just paid $77 each. I hope Micro-Air is working on something new.

[@NoelBarlau]

I added a second AC unit to our travel trailer as a backup and for additional cooling in the bedroom. At the same time I installed the Micro-Air EasyStart with bluetooth on both units. One huge benefit to this was that Micro-Air gives you complementary troubleshooting advice, and they once helped me diagnose a bad capacitor via the uplink data from the bluetooth connection. That could save someone the cost of a service call (no offense to your profession intended!) and so the price of one of the soft starts has likely paid for itself with the savings from an avoided service call. Another thing I love about soft starts in general is that I can run both AC units off of one 3800w generator. Not to mention when they kick on there isn't that huge thud and groaning sound of the compressor spinning up at full amperage each and every time. I really don't miss that, and it has to be better for the compressors overall to spin up in a bit more of a controlled manner. Just my opinion.

[@gereshomeE]

I really APPRECIATE your concern, James, about NOT getting electrocuted! 😮😂 7:20

[@JeffinTD]

Excellent video. Really surprised inverter based heat pumps haven’t become the norm for RVs year ago.

[@BradLMN]

I just installed 2 of them. One on our 15k & the other on our 13.5k. Mine were the same as the one you wired up. The video title is spot on.... So Easy! Thanks for the video. If I hadn't come across it when I searched rv ac soft starts, I wouldn't even have know that Coleman had one available. Can't go wrong with a learning soft start for under $200. 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for sharing

[@hammer-r]

Many Tks. Yea just found out they make them for my 48000 series. Did a Google search and they have them at Amazon and also found your channel on this. Many Tks.

[@earlhunt2815]

I did not know Coleman made their own soft start So thank you! I just used your link to order one. I have a new Mach 10 being delivered this Saturday June 1st. Our 7-year-old Coleman Mach 10 heat pump went out over memorial Day.. compressor leak in the Florida heat easy to see the oil was all over it.

[@AZExpert]

Glad I could help!

[@martymalone4094]

Thanks for the informative video. I think I'm going to get a couple of those smart starts for my rv now. Great channel 🎉

[@Fix-it-tony]

Absolute must for controlling high loads and reducing vibration. Bloody knuckles are always a cost of doing this.

[@chrisschiel6741]

Added the Coleman soft start today in my new Jayco Class B. I originally bought Microair but Coleman said if I use theirs it will not void my warranty. Took about 15 minutes. Thanks for your video. It helped. I had the high pressure relay so a little different than your install. It was also around 75.00 cheaper too.

[@AZExpert]

Sounds great!

[@davidowen7600]

"Fall on your face ON the roof..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@rpontonjr]

Nice of you to take a break from filming Fallout to produce this tutorial. ;)

[@patrickstiltner1207]

Another great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@timk.9827]

Another good tutorial james, Thanks

[@clarencewiles963]

I’m thinking AC manufacturers will start installing soft starts before long

[@craigbowers4047]

Great video, thanks.

[@jebediahkerman3946]

All looks fantastic, but what does it all cost? The panels, the wiring, the batteries, labor, the whole shebang?

[@farcohollis1369]

Of course I’d need 2 for my basement ac Unit.

[@seadeas]

Thanks…👍

[@recplace1]

I don’t understand. Why don’t manufacturers install a soft start in all air conditioners or start using inverter-based air conditioner.

[@Idahoprepper71]

Cost!

[@PineRidgeRez]

More profit selling an accessory

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Most don’t have an inverter for boondocking or carry a generator yes cost also

[@garykaehler6047]

Thanks for the info. As always a great class. On another note, what do you think of the Eco-liner for a replacement roof on a 2007 Sightseer?

[@garykaehler6047]

P.S. old roof removed and new Luan installed prior.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Quality wise, how would you compare this to the other brands?

[@steves3688]

I totally get why you want the soft starts when dealing with 3000w sine inverters - Victron included. My cabin has a 3000w inverter and it wont even start my table saw and it is hit and miss with my miter saw.....BUT my Bluetti ac200max will start both of them and run both at the same time....and it will easily start my 13,500 btu rv roof air....and my bluetti is rated for 2200 running watts and 4800 starting/surge watts and really isnt all that big in size. That taught me to just use my bluetti rather than install an inverter and solar controller plus it already has the 30 amp outlet built on...tho rated for 25 amps. And it is bluetooth as well....Plus it is mobile as well for other uses....It likely isnt as robust as the victron systems but hey its pretty damn easy to use and charge....just my 2 cents worth....PLUS with the right equipment it can be charged using other batteries like LIFEPO ones....and those batteries can be hooked up to solar to feed the bluetti....as well as the bluetti to solar....just a more simple and versatile system to deal with IMO.

[@AZExpert]

you're preaching to the choir, I think the all in one units are much easier to use and install and understand.

[@steves3688]

@@AZExpert me too!! I do guess tho when you are dealing with 50 amp rv systems(dual airs) then the portables might be a little more tricky unless they can be hooked in parallel and supply 50 amps....I just have a small class c so that makes it simpler...

[@justmakingit7491]

Any idea if that would be the same for the colmen basement unit

[@michaelbarrera6844]

AZ I like to solder wires before speed nut or butt connector is this OK to do

[@vmlinuxz]

Have you installed a mini split rooftop unit? I sure would love to have the efficiencies of a mini split without having to figure out how to put the condenser inside.

[@johnstangel8918]

James if you always hook up to a power pole or run the generator can you still install soft starts or is it a waste of money.

[@PineRidgeRez]

My rear air always started with a loud thump while on shore power that would wake me. I installed the Coleman unit and it starts so much quieter that it was dollars well spent at a competitive price.

[@bigjeep2195]

Who doesn't like Wago's? I thought they were the best new thing around?

[@AZExpert]

I love them

[@steves3688]

I also love them!! I have watched why they are sometimes considered weak in design because of less surface contact on the wires but I have NEVER had a problem using them and I dont overload them...they do make the 10 gauge wire ones if larger current is used but all my stuff has been 12 gauge wire, 20 amp and lower so I use the regular ones....I also zip tie the wires close to where they go into the wago and electrical tape around the wago levers so they dont accidentally get lifted...extra security...

[@i70show]

Could of used this last week. lol

[@weswynn1]

James i have a 2021 winnebago adventurer with a basement ac unit, is there a way I can contact you and either have you do the work or recommend someone that will work on it. Thank you love all the vids.

[@AZExpert]

I just am unable to accept any work at this time. Sorry

[@Chief351L]

Believe it or not, Coleman actually makes a “SoftStart Series AC”… that’s the model name and they go on and on about how great they are but the other high-end series don’t have the soft start included. Go figure!

[@markwitkop7022]

The covers on the rooftop A/C. What are your thoughts on painting them a white, or silver color to reflect sun??? Wouldn't the inside of the box be cooler?

[@2hotscottpro]

Buy a white cover?

[@doctorkayak]

Does the installation of the "soft start" device effect the normal operation of the air conditioner when plugged into regular electricity?

[@AZExpert]

Just makes it run easier

[@stuartstuart866]

Hmm, would this stop the thunk sound and shudder when the Mach 8 AC makes upon startup?

[@AZExpert]

it should

[@PineRidgeRez]

It works well on mine. That was my main concern for the ac unit above the bedroom.

[@stinkysrvadventures8620]

Whats inside a soft start? Can I diy my own

[@LifeMyWay007]

Related question: I have a 2003 Bounder 35R with the original 2 Coleman Mach a/c units connected to the single analog thermometer, side by side sliders (left side is a/c + furnace control, right side is a/c only). I wrote to Both Coleman and eTrailer about changing my a/c units to Furion and upgrading the thermostat control panel to digital (the sliders are a pain in the butt) and they both said just use the replacement a/c units and keep my crappy thermostat. vs replacing the entire system with furion and having the thermistor in the a/c box problem. Will that nice looking digital thermostat you installed replace the two unit w/furnace control analog panel I have now with the existing wiring? What do you recommend for the thermostat upgrade portion? They said the Furion FR82PV is a direct replacement for my Coleman Mach units but were zero help with upgrading to digital thermostat and retaining full functionality to control both units and the furnace of the original panel. (I am disabled and hope somewhere in all that I made sense enough what I am looking for that you understand what I mean)

[@PineRidgeRez]

If your ac units are running well I suggest keeping them instead of spending more money on the Furion units which are not as reliable. Coleman makes digital stats that may be your best replacement option instead of spending thousands to only achieve an upgraded control. Possibly separate digital stats, one for each unit. Seek a reliable local rv tech to guide you in this decision rather than sellers who desire only sales.

[@LifeMyWay007]

@@PineRidgeRez You have me backwards. The a/c units barely work at all, and that is why I am considering upgrading the rather pathetic analog thermostat. Coleman said they have zero upgrade options and their website of a dozen+ a/c has zero comparisons from one to the next. I am not going to download a dozen owners manuals to try and figure out which might be best for me. James liked the Furion units he installed (minus the thermistor in the a/c box vs hallway) and they make it easy to select a model. That is how I came to my question.

[@garyag45]

👍🙏😎🦅🇺🇸

[@FisherPost]

Looks like the a/c shroud is all banged up…?

[@AZExpert]

yeah, they found a low roof or branch or something at some point

[@tacokid13579]

If you ain’t cheatin you ain’t tryin! Jk, we know you’re better than that. But if you do hopefully it’s with me, handsome!! 🙃

[@toddincabo]

👍 Someone at Coleman convinced someone else they could make a buck, otherwise you'd still be installing 3rd party.

[@user-bz9kd2nx8s]

Did not think any ac manufacturer used multiple capacitors . Soft starts are easy to install in any ac unit even the one at your house. tuff part is figuring out the color codes. You think it be a standard thing but each manufacturer use different colors for the same function. All ac run the same. I just think colman are junk.

[@jimbeam7776]

I’m interested in starting a inspection business in the northern Ohio district. What is your email address so I can start a conversation on how to proceed! I was in the trucking business for 47 years and did all my own work. Would appreciate any advice or suggestions you could give me. Look forward to talking to you.