ActiveStart RV Soft Start Plug In Adapter for 30 Amp Connections

[@dondav1348]

Adding a word of caution regarding this product. We have been using it off and on for that last 3 months and everything was fine. Today we lost power, went to where we were plugged in because the app wasn't working and the product was in flames. The unit did not shut down the power, the breaker on the panel shut off. If we had not been here at the time, a building and our 5th wheel would have burn't to the ground. Use with caution and do not plug in or near a building.

[@stevemontana5974]

I am so glad I saw your video. I was just looking at purchasing a regular soft start and I saw this so I just ordered it. I'm so glad I don't have to climb on the roof and mess with wiring.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Glad you found us. Good news is, just plug it in and it works. Safe travels.

[@bradmiller3557]

I knew if I held off you’d present the product better than anyone else could. Thanks for your most excellent review. I also love RV Life and your upbeat life positive being.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch. Great to hear you found the video helpful.

[@chrisscott3583]

Hi Jerry, just purchased a 50amp version for my 5th wheel and just did a trial run plugging in an 15 amp outlet in the garage. Unit works as described. Thanks for your insight and the discount at the time of purchase.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Great news. I’m using mine tomorrow with a generator.

[@lindalanasa1437]

Excellent. I’ve been thinking of putting a soft start on my airstream. Wouldn’t it be easier if the manufacturer made it standard? 😂

[@iLoveRVlife]

Linda, one would think so. Has always been a mystery why soft start isn’t standard. Good news, the device fixes the issue and no wiring needed.

[@skoffco]

Yes, especially what they charge you for those Airstream campers in the first place lol.

[@ldcooper1]

Is active control…CSA or UL approved?

[@junipersue]

Great video! We are picking up our first RV today and we hope the dealer will be able to tell us if we can use one of these even tho our little trailer will have 2 170 watt solar panels and a zamp system. We also just bought a way larger generator than we needed judging by this wonderful product you just so beautifully reviewed. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Your trailer is GORGEOUS I must say. We went with the more boondocky route with a small Outdoors RV.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks so much. These are good units. Depending on your new campers power requirements, there are 30 and 50 amps models. If you are running the AC, this will eliminate the compressor amperage ramp up experienced by the generator. Safe travels.

[@c.jennings9520]

Jerry I have the Soft Start unit just like yours. Due to the Wife having a knee replacement we lived in our RV for over a month. We didn’t have any issues at all.

[@iLoveRVlife]

It’s a very creative solution for 30 amp RV power management.

[@drs3055]

Jerry, excellent tool and vid. I have been holding off buying as I don’t need to pay for another surge protector as I have invested in a Hugh’s Watchdog. Hope they will unbundle and reduce the price for those of us who have invested in EMS or surge protectors.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Appreciate you watching. My take is they probably won’t unbundle. The surge component is there to protect the electronics in the box with an added benefit for the RV.

[@drs3055]

I agree with you Jerry. I suspect the manufacturer is watching your KZbin, as all of America should! I thought my comment might cause the manufacture to pause and think again as to how many people they might be eliminating from their market. The ol’ adage “the need is the mother of invention!” Thanks much - excellent vids.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Appreciate you watching and the comments.

[@2021-j2d]

Hi Jerry & Joan, we just visited your meet & greet at the RV Supershow. It was nice to see you both in person. We are recipients of one of the wonderful Active Start you gifted and are looking forward to using it on our Airstream.! Just wanted to say thank you. So much. Also we didn’t get the opportunity to speak directly to you but I’d hoped to mention two things…thanks for the instruction for the tiki light holders you shared. We made them and use them all the time. More importantly we hoped to let you know that two of our fav videos are your granddaughter, Jill’s, singing at Christmas ‘22 and an older vid where you took the grandkids to Macon at Christmas. Thanks again and we hope you enjoy your stay in the Tampa Bay Area that we call home. XO

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks so much for coming to the meet up. It was an awesome turn out and great meeting everyone. So happy you enjoyed our Christmas videos. These were very special and great memories. Enjoy that Active Start and safe travels.

[@KevinCoop1]

Very good video Jerry. You were very thorough! I’m thinking you might of had the unit set too low for the generator and you could have run both AC’s on it. You only had 10 amps on it with (1) AC and frig, and converter. One more AC should have worked. When you had it plugged into the receptacle at 15 amps, what did you set the watt limit at? A 15 amp breaker can handle 1800 watts for three hours, or 1440 watts continuously. Technical point: When a motor starts, the term is inrush, not surge. I know what you were talking about, but inrush is amps, surge is typically high voltage unless you say “an ampere surge”. Not normal though. Again, great video. Kevin

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Kevin. You’re correct I could have made both ACs work with the generator. The ActiveStart has a 3000 watt and 4500 watt setting. I could have used the later and run both. I was running out off things to turn on to cause an overload and used the 3000 watt setting to test. Another setting was 2000 watts and used for the house circuit. Although a little on the high side, we wanted to see if we could operate continuously under 13 amps. Thanks for the amperage clarification.

[@rsg1963]

Great idea and thanks for sharing. I am about to install 2 new AC units (Dometic Penguins) on my 50 Amp trailer. I have in-house 50A surge protection, so I only need the soft start. I see this company has 20, 30, and 50 amp units available (with and without surge protection) but I already bought 2 new soft starts from a different company. Cost for both was $550 v $700+ for one of these, so I guess I'll stick with the AC-mounted units, but still LOVE this idea!

[@iLoveRVlife]

This is a good option for those who haven’t added soft starts and a good values if outside installation costs are added.

[@jpelzel]

Jerry ... Great information ! Thanks for putting this out there for us ! Will keep my eyes out for the 50 amp version ... can absolutely see where the 30 amper would be great for running off a generator or 30 amp ( or lower ) when powering a single AC ... the 50 looks like a great replacement for my current surge protector plus give me soft start on my two AC units !

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Don’t have a timeframe for the 50. Hope to get my hands on one as soon as available and will post.

[@arthurleslie9669]

Being between RV’s, I can see where I could actually use it at the man-cave during a power outage. Especially since I use small window AC units. It would definitely help with monitoring while also powering a fridge and small freezer. :)

[@iLoveRVlife]

Great option for small to medium generators and home emergency use.

[@cslay06]

One of the best videos I've seen all year! Exactly what I've been looking for since I've just been putting off the work of installing a soft-start on the roof top AC only. : ) Gonna buy it. ! Thanks so much for putting this out there! It's gonna be perfect for my 3000W inverter generator for my 30 amp travel trailer to continue my summer time boondocking!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks a bunch. Glad we could help. Active Control has given us a link and use the code “Jerry” at checkout to receive a discount on the purchase. Click the ad at www.ilovervlife.com/ and save a few bucks.

[@davidleblanc1964]

@@iLoveRVlife Glad I this popped up on my feed. Was also going to wire in a soft start on the roof, this saves me a step. Boon docking also from my annual thing out in the desert. Using it for a 23ft TT w/ eu3000is inverter.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Glad you found us David. It’s a very nice system. Not only the soft stat, but surge protection and Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor your power usage. Safe travels.

[@djames3668]

Nice option for running off just a generator or plugging into a house short term where you really don't need surge protection. You might want to do a video using a 30 amp soft start adapter that also has the surge protector called softstart UP. Little bit more pricey, but if you just want to run off the camping 30 amp power, might be a good option also.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Dan, this unit has surge protection too as shown on the chart in the video up to 2100 joules. Plus high and low voltage protection and frequency protection. I’d use this on any 30 campground service.

[@tommcl386]

Great video. We just bought a new 5th wheel. We will be looking for a new EMS/Surge protector. Having a soft start will be great.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Tom.

[@tommcl386]

Are you going to buy the 50 amp version when it comes out? I will be deciding between the Active Start and the Progressive Industry 50 amp.

[@iLoveRVlife]

I am and will be testing with video as soon as available.

[@tommcl386]

@@iLoveRVlife Hoping they have available before May. Our first trip is mid May.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Here’s a number for the MORRYDE PARTS DEPARTMENT AT 574-293-1581

[@shelley131]

Just saw video for the first time, what a great piece of equipment. Do you know if I could use it in conjunction with my watch dog surge protector? Great, great video and information . Thank for sharing.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Shelly. It can be used, but isn’t needed. It has a surge protector and energy management along with the soft start. Glad to hear you found the video helpful.

[@buckrockerm]

Did you contact the manufacturer? If so what was done or said about the fire?

[@kevinculbertson2071]

This sounds like a great product. Any chance of testing it with a 30+15 amp to 50 amp y-cable? I think that would be a great test for this product.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Good question. The 30+15 puts 30 amps on one leg and 15 amps on the other. Only the 30 would have the soft start. On 50 amp RVs the ACs are powered by each leg separately. The AC on the 15 amp leg wouldn’t handle the surge.

[@FrankGreenway]

I’ve never seen anyone with a refrigerator that clean that has been using a lot as you said

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Amazing what a couple Clorox wipes will do. We always give the 5th wheel a once over when we get back from a trip.

[@mdv9416]

Thanks for your input on this device awesome seems to fit well with my older lance camper with ac.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks for watching. One of best RV products I’ve seen since were start our travels.

[@georgemcpeek4592]

Even though my camper has a 50amp cord with 2 AC on the roof and campground only offers 30amp . would this work as well to power 2 AC on 30amp without any problems?

[@iLoveRVlife]

George, I haven’t been successful running two 15,000 BTU ACs on 30 with this unit. I just received the new 50 amp Active Start and tested this week. I was able run two ACs on a 30 amp connection using a generator. I’ll have the video available in a few weeks showing the results.

[@brianmartin7103]

you never want to start or allow your generator to run out of gas under load if you can help it, always allow the generator to come up to speed then plug in. As an electrician we replaced a lot of electronic equipment including hvac equipment after a severe ice storm and folks running on temp generators. They would fire them up under load and allow them to run out of gas, which causes crazy voltages as the generator is dying. Very hard on electronics.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Great tip.

[@joemiles6917]

Good information.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@Rockrewls]

Great video looks like it works well, to bad it costs $750.00 plus taxes in Canada with the add on's you had eg. Bonding plug, Rv to 120v 15 amp dog bone adapter.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks

[@louthiry6913]

Hi Jerry, this was really amazing. Do you know when the 50 M version is coming out?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Lou. No date yet. Spoke with the company and it’s in the works. Hoping the see it next year. I’m in line to receive and will share the results as soon as I test it.

[@bjviers1841]

Love what you are saying. Your link you post does not work but I found the company online. I share your KZbin on a FB RV group asking if people have use it. Some say it is just junk, just install the MicroSoft Start.... well I can't do that or it would have been done a few years ago. I llike the reveiws below. I even wrote the company and they were quick to respond to my questions. It is more expensive, but I was willing to pay a electrician to install one without any luck . So this price seem Ok since no expense of installing PLUS should I trade I can take it with me. Still appreciate hearin comments here ! Thanks!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. Hope you used the discount code “Jerry” to save a few bucks.

[@JamesMasterPlaster]

Great video your my brother 😊

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks so much.

[@lyleswavel320]

Let say I'm at the house and power goes out and plug in camper using this and air conditioner is easy start, now can I plug my house refrigerator/freezer into camper side outlet and active start runs throughout all outlets

[@iLoveRVlife]

Yes as long as you don’t exceed the total amperage of your power source.

[@rosemarieadams2667]

Would this be beneficial for our 30 Amp class C?

[@iLoveRVlife]

It would if you need to significantly reduce the compressor surge from the air conditioner. This will free up power to run other 120 Volt devices during the hot months. Plus, the added benefit from the unit providing surge protection and power monitoring.

[@johnr5545]

Nice job god bless

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks John. Appreciate you watching.

[@brookspierce1804]

I have a hardwired Progressive Industries EMS in a 30 amp trailer. How would using this soft start system to plug in at home or when using my Honda 2200 affect my current EMS? Would the surge protection included in the soft start device take the place of my hardwired system when the soft start device is being used?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Brooks. This unit would all another protective layer to your hardwire Progressive with the added benefit of the soft start feature.

[@donkwasigroh1124]

Would this replace a surge protector that also checks for proper power sources?

[@leonwagenaar4479]

I think one cannot use it while connected to 50amp so for that one still needs the surge protector

[@iLoveRVlife]

If using only for 30 amps and connected using a 30Amp to 50Amp dog bone as shown in the video, yes. Not only a soft start, but surge protector to 2100 Jules. A 50 amp module is in the works and hope to have one as soon as available.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Leon, that’s not correct. As shown in the video, if connecting to a 30Amp service, a 30Amp to 50Amp dog bone can be used.

[@leonwagenaar4479]

So in addition to a 30amp unit to do away with a surge protector, one will also have to buy a 50amp model.

[@iLoveRVlife]

It just depends Leon. If a 50 amp only is needed, wait. If a 3000 watt generator is used, this is a perfect solution since they only have a 30 amp connection. Even better, if one of the smaller 2200 generators is used or the need to connect to a 15 amp household receptacle, the 30 amp ActiveStart is perfect to run one air conditioner.

[@johnmal5975]

Do you know of a good one for a power station? So instead of relying on the power stations surge protection and the risk of damaging the unit I'd be able to plug into a unit like this?

[@iLoveRVlife]

There are a number of good surge protectors available. Do you need a 30 amp or 15 amp plug?

[@johnmal5975]

15. I am looking to run my Oreck Orbiter for my cleaning business. @@iLoveRVlife

[@dawnstraughen755]

Thanks! Need one of these! How to I get one? My camper is plugged into the house in the summer. We have a 30 amp and never could run the air without tripping the circuit. Does this take the place of the other surge protector?

[@iLoveRVlife]

Dawn, it does replace the surge protector along with the soft start capability. I have a link on the blog for Active Control at www.ilovervlife.com/activestart-rv-soft-start-plug-in-adapter/

[@lyleswavel320]

I bought a 2012 camper and is for boondocking and has a solar panel on top and a inverter, I've read the inverter does something to shut down air conditioner, wish I could turn off inverter while running this

[@iLoveRVlife]

There should be a switch before the inverter. If not, check to see if the inverter has a switch or circuit breaker to turn off.

[@alsareedyghareeb4907]

I'm looking for 240 v 5oa how much it cost and where i can buy it

[@iLoveRVlife]

Are you asking where to purchase one for a 50 Amp RV connection or are you needing 240 3-Phase? If it's a standard 50 Amp RV, go to active-controls-llc.myshopify.com/products/copy-of-activestart-50amp-acs50p and use the code "Jerry" for a discount.

[@jessegarcia7979763]

Awesome Review!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks Jesse

[@garyferguson1552]

Hi Jerry I have 30amp on my truck camper with a 10,000 btu air conditioner and a Honda EU2000. We do a lot of boondocking. This would be a great easy solution. So you are saying the 30amp model would work for my application? Would this plug directly into the generator or would I need a 15amp to 30amp dog bone.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Gary. It would work. The EU2000 only has 15Amp receptacles and the 15 to 30 dog bone is needed for the 30 amp Active Start. Currently Active Control is providing a free dog bone and neutral plug with the purchase of an active start. Go to our blog at www.ilovervlife.com/activestart-rv-soft-start-plug-in-adapter/ if you need the link to Active Control.

[@arlenewolf5260]

I have a Southwire 30 AMP Surge Protectors for my RV. Can I add this ActiveStart Soft Starter after the Surge Protector before the RV wire Plug All in series??

[@iLoveRVlife]

You would add at the campground pedestal. No issue with both, but the unit has built in surge protection and the Southwire could be eliminated.

[@arlenewolf5260]

@@iLoveRVlife Since I already have the Southwire, would it be safe to eliminate the active start device??

[@arlenewolf5260]

Also I have an Imagine XLS 22 MLE with the 15K AC unit. I am hoping to be safely able to use a WestingHouse igen2550DFC RV Ready generator. The WestingHouse invertor generator has the TT-30R 30A RV plug built in on the control panel of the generator.

[@iLoveRVlife]

@arlenewolf5260 The Southwire does not have contain softstarts that are very beneficial when connected to 30 amp campground power or a portable generator, especially when an air conditioner is in use. I don’t know what model Southwire unit you have, but the Active Start also has energy management that can be viewed by a Bluetooth app on a smart phone. Along with the surge protection, I would use the Active Start over the Southwire protector.

[@iLoveRVlife]

@arlenewolf5260 Another reason to use the Active Start with the built-in soft start for the AC unit.

[@WeretheRoberts]

that's amazing, buddy... we put soft starts in both our AC units and they work great, but I'm telling you, when we trade in campers in the future, we are definitely going this route instead... Very cool stuff!!!!

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks. A 50 amp unit is in the works. That’s going to be a game changer.

[@WeretheRoberts]

@@iLoveRVlife oh heck yea. Loved the tests you did, brother. Real world problems we’ll face in the future no doubt.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Thanks!

[@RealProVanR]

Jerry. If I'm off grid and have a 3000 watt inverter; can I plug the soft starter into the van and then plug my portable AC into the soft starter?

[@iLoveRVlife]

@RealProVanR You can.

[@davidherndon2064]

Jerry, I have recently purchased two Honda EU 2200i generators and a parallel kit to run our AC in our camper. We have a 30 amp, would this soft start plug in adapter benefit me with the parallel generators?

[@iLoveRVlife]

It would. It takes the surge out of any appliance that has a compressor. Depending on the AC used, surge can double the amps required. Eliminating he surge allows the full amps provided by the generator to be used.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

micro air easy starts are 300 bucks now so this seems line a no brainer especially when it can be run inline to the shore input and handle not just the ac but a mini fridge compressor

[@iLoveRVlife]

It does a great job John plus the added benefit of surge protection and the Bluetooth app for power management.

[@wingz94]

Where can I find the link to see if this is something I want. I'm currently in the market for a Surge with EMS and leaning towards Hughes Industries but would like to see this one.. Can you provide a link. I have done the search and just can't find it

[@iLoveRVlife]

Bob, go to today’s blog at www.ilovervlife.com/activestart-rv-soft-start-plug-in-adapter/ The link to Active Control is below the video under Helpful Links.

[@budrinka]

Can I run this device if I already have a soft start installed on my AC unit?

[@iLoveRVlife]

@budrinka We contacted Active Control with the question. They replied: “We have tested that combination many times. Small benefit and no conflict. What was reported by customers were a slight reduction in compressor noise.” Hope this helps.

[@jerryball7783]

Hi Jerry, would this unit allow for a 15K BTU air conditioner to be run on less wattage required from a solar system and if so do you know what the minimum amount of watts would be needed from solar panels? As I plan for a future solar system this would be good information for me to look into. Thanks for sharing this great information.

[@iLoveRVlife]

Hi Jerry. The use of these soft starts don’t reduce the amount of continuous wattage. They reduce the surge or ramp up required by the air conditioner compressor. You’ll need to look at your air conditioner spec sheet to see the demand. It’s usually given in amperage so you’ll need to convert to watts (voltage x amperage = watts). The current will not be supplied by the solar panels, but the batteries and inverter. This is hypothetical, but here’s an example. AC requires 10 Amps at 120 V AC. This assumes the Active Start is connected to the inverter. 10 X 120 = 1200 watts. Assume the air conditioner operates 75% of the time, that’s 900 watts per hour. Let’s also assume the air conditioner will operate for 12 hours in a hot climate, that’s 10,800 watts consumed per day. That’s 3 of the batteries from the video and at least 800 watts of solar to replenish the batteries. This is a quick back of the napkin estimate. More details would be needed to estimate usages such as fridge, lights, appliances, etc used during the day.

[@jerryball7783]

Jerry, after digging deeper into my A/C manual it turns out the continuous wattage on my unit would be 1650 or an amperage draw of about 12.7 amps. While that is more than what you estimated i still think your back of the napkin may be pretty close since living up north in Wisconsin probably doesn’t require 12 hours of daily runtime. So I’m thinking more amps vs less runtime might still be close to your napkin example. I’m also thinking an upgrade to my 1200watt modified sine wave inverter would be required as well. Do you think with using the Active Start device that i could manage with a 2000W pure sine wave unit given that the start up spike would be eliminated or, in your opinion, would a larger inverter be needed since we’d be talking a 900AH battery bank and at least 800 watts of solar? Curious to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@iLoveRVlife]

I’d go with a 3000 watt. There’s still a very short duration spike in current and inverters tend to trip easily.

[@jerryball7783]

Great, thanks so much Jerry! Safe travels!

[@John-v3b3e]

can i put a soft start at the generator ac output that services the whole system ?

[@iLoveRVlife]

You can. That's the benefit of the ActiveStart RV Soft Start. We have two ACs and during the summer run the living area during the day and the one in the bedroom at night. The ActiveStart RV Soft Start works with both.

[@RVFreeDa]

My question is why are they so expensive?

[@iLoveRVlife]

For what the device provides, it’s on par with other soft start products. Plus this requires no wiring to an AC by an RV installer, has Bluetooth power monitoring, and built in surge protection.

[@chantzcutts]

Curious if you were given the device?

[@iLoveRVlife]

We were.

[@chantzcutts]

@@iLoveRVlife Really need to disclose that information very clearly in your video.

[@iLoveRVlife]

We flagged the video per KZbin’s requirements that this is a sponsored video. We also share in the description that we are an affiliate of Active Control. We were impressed with the performance of the Active Start and we only show products that we use on a regular basis and only those that work. We understand everyone's time is valuable and we don't want to waste anyone's time with negative reviews. We've met the president and chief engineer of Active Control. Aside from being very nice people, they have developed an excellent product. I hope my moment of forgetfulness and not stating at the end of the video that the Active Start was provided for review. We and many others have been very happy with the performance of this unit. Jerry....

[@williamwhite8749]

If I have a built-in surge protector, can I still plug this in to the pedestals on a 30 amp and it still work even though I have a building search protector

[@iLoveRVlife]

You can. Just some added protection.

[@williamwhite8749]

Do you have a built-in surge protector also?

[@iLoveRVlife]

The unit has a built in surge protector up to 2100 joules. I have an external Progressive that I use at 50 amp campgrounds.

[@williamwhite8749]

But I have a build in search protector and I was wondering if I use this also will it interfere with my surge protector that’s built-in inside the unit

[@iLoveRVlife]

No issue. It would be double protection.

[@mikedunston3479]

The price of these are ridiculous

[@iLoveRVlife]

Not really. Price out the costs soft starts, installation, a power management system and surge protector. All total, this is a good value.

[@rontech34]

It is not a 100 amp difference it's 40

[@2hotscottpro]

30 amp $465 wow

[@iLoveRVlife]

Dedicated Soft Start - $350 per AC (plus install), surge protector with Bluetooth - $110. Both are designed in the Active Control. No installation. Not AC specific. Can be moved from RV to RV. I think it’s a good value.

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

In a 50 amp connection you have two 25 amp legs not two 50 amp legs.

[@iLoveRVlife]

That’s not correct. It’s two 50Amp connections an L1 and L2. Check the breaker panel inside the camper and you’ll find two main 50 amp breakers. The same goes for the 50 amp service at a campground. This is an explanation and diagram for reference manuals.heartlandowners.org/manuals/Electrical/Basic%20Electrical%20Info/Understanding%2050%20Amp%20Shore%20Power%20System.pdf