SoftStartRV Installation on a Coleman Mach RV Air Conditioner

[@rbardach]

I’m standing on top of my Sundance 33 foot bunkhouse. Literally just installed two soft starts in my AC units. Had my phone next to me. Went step-by-step with you. Went without a hitch. Can’t thank you enough for the time, effort, and energy you put into this video.above the wiring diagram on the front of the start. Thank you, sir.

[@Technorv]

Glad we were here to help!

[@rebeccabuesgen7657]

Without a doubt, one of the absolute best instructional videos I have ever watched. I feel brave enough to do this myself. Well done. Very well done.

[@Technorv]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@vanessasamuel7540]

*Works great **Fastly.Cool** compact and Easy to install*

[@jimedmundson465]

Added this to a 30 year old Coleman AC. The no-name soft start I got had completely undecipherable instructions. Thanks to your video the install went smooth.

[@Technorv]

Glad it helped!

[@markchudley8994]

Installed our SoftStartRV yesterday, after watching this video- it was super-smooth. I watched the video first, taking some notes on the wire colors; opened the cover of the unit and went through most of the steps; watched a particular part of the video again to confirm; and completed it- all in less than 30 minutes. I put the cover back on, fired up the on board generator, and turned on the A/C- it worked great! It was helpful, that this is the exact A/C unit that I have; but it could not have gone any smoother- THANKS!

[@Technorv]

Hi Mark! So glad your install went smoothly and glad we were able to help!

[@SHEAR-JASHUB]

Soft Start number 1 install, 1 hour… Soft Start #2 install, 20 minutes! Great video, great people at Techno RV.

[@Technorv]

Wow, thanks!

[@alsantos5518]

The best softstart install video ive sent, very step by step for layman like me, you assume nothing and very slowly walk us to the park. Thanks for doing this

[@Technorv]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@ScottFaust]

This video is AWESOME! Just did it in less than 1/2 hour start to finish. For those asking about the blue and white wires, yes you can just let them hang... they don't get plugged in anywhere. I used some black tape and taped them up, but you could just use another of those caps and crimp them together. Thanks again!

[@bsjcook]

This video is one of the best, but my experience taught me to make SURE you have the correct model number. Don't guess. You can call Soft Start and Danny R will make sure you have the latest instructions and he will email you the most current wiring diagram and instructions, and he is a refreshing delight to work with! Great product and best support you will ever find!

[@Technorv]

Thanks BSJcook, yes, I agree, the folks at SoftStart are great.

[@The_VagabondZ_Jim_N_Amy]

Thank you for the GREAT video! I have the same air conditioner as in this video and watching this gave me all the confidence I needed to install the SoftStartRV on both of my air conditioners. Having you follow along with the instructions help me to understand what the instructions were talking about. Thank you Eric!

[@Technorv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashevillegeorge3316]

I agree. the video was perfect.

[@alive-awake]

I just called my local rv place and asked them what they would charge me to install this and they said I was looking at about 2 hours at $125/hr. You made it look real easy. I wish I had the guts to do it myself. 😀

[@Technorv]

Thanks for sending us a message. Please contact our Support Team for assistance. You can reach us by phone at [phone], email us at [e-mail], or for faster service, chat with us online at www.TechnoRV.com/. Our Support Team hours are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CT Monday - Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

[@darth_merkin3626]

Nice explanation. I was asked to do this job today and have never done it. Now I'm even less nervous than I was before. Thank you!

[@Technorv]

Great!

[@donaldbabcock7619]

Watched several videos how to install the soft start, this one is the best one, very easy to follow instructions.

[@Technorv]

Thanks, Donald! Glad we could help!

[@Tryke_Ryder]

I would have cut the purple wire off the splice and crimped the Softstart wire to it just to reduce the crimp connections.

[@miguellombana9847]

LOL I was thinking the exact same thing!

[@waynegilberts8289]

Yes I would cut that joint out.

[@scottcoffelt329]

My only thought about keeping the splice is, if you needed to replace or remove the soft start, wire coloring would be easier. But I agree, cut it out.

[@thomashoff9400]

I agree with splicing to the purple wire. How about insulating the bare connection blue and the white wire that came off the capacitor???

[@RochinAdventures]

The Soft start is surely going to be our next TechnoRV purchase. Need both AC's with 3 little ones and the heat we have been in lately

[@Technorv]

It is definitely a lifesaver in 50A RVs when you can't run all of the ACs....especially in the heat we've all been having lately.

[@fh9630]

Thanks for the great video! Was considering another brand, but chose to buy the SoftStart from Techno RV as this video shows the exact same AC unit my 5th Wheel; this also helped me to better understand the instructions from SoftStartRV. Always willing to pay a little more for good customer service.

[@Technorv]

Thanks! Glad it helped with your decision.

[@lukejarvis3019]

Great video! Only recommendation: I removed the crimp on the black and purple wire and spliced the brown and red in between. Didn't need my wire strippers that way and didn't need to cut any wires.

[@Technorv]

Thanks Luke, yes, SoftStart does have a no cut, no splice method as well. Thanks for sharing. Eric

[@camcacci]

What kind of putty is that at the end?

[@spacecadet4876]

I saw that too. I would have removed that splice and added the soft-start there. That at least eliminates a redundant splice.

[@robgibbs4807]

Great video Eric! You made it look much easier than another one I watched! Great seeing you at the Tampa show.

[@Technorv]

You too!

[@patbullard9276]

I didn’t see you discharge the run capacitor before working with it. Is that not in the instructions? If not it should because you can get a jolt even with the power turned off.

[@xplmr1]

I was waiting for a zap when he reached in and grabbed the wires but then this is a run capacitor not a start capacitor so it was probably depleted when the unit cycled off. Now the Soft Start if ever removed could pack a wallop of a charge between the wires if it's got a large start capacitor inside.

[@jean-francoismontplaisir4327]

Amazing video... Took me 15 minutes to install this cause of you... Many thanks sir.

[@Technorv]

Glad it helped

[@chrisangelov1378]

Just followed your video and it worked without any problems. Great video

[@raystanton238]

Great job! This is the best install video I have seen to date. Instructions were very clear. Thank you.

[@Technorv]

Glad it helped! Eric

[@danw776]

Great video Eric! Very clear steps and suggestions! Thinking about getting a soft start so I can reduce the size of generator I currently carry. Thanks for taking the time to produce this.

[@Technorv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@parmfamily]

Thank You!!!! This video is absolutely amazing and given my AC was exactly the same one I was able to watch this and take notes, and then just play it through while I was on the roof and listen to validate I had it correct step by step.

[@Technorv]

That's great to hear! Thanks for sharing, Matthew!

[@bsjcook]

Clearest install video I have seen! Thanks!

[@Technorv]

Glad it helped!

[@WillBelden]

Watching your video so I can unpack these two boxes. I find it interesting that you have FIVE wires. Ours only has FOUR! (We just bought them today.)

[@danopureblood7066]

Shouldn't you also tape up the connector you used to connect the white wire to the blue wire from the softstart or used a different connector? Great video!❤

[@Technorv]

Hi Dano! It is always a good idea to add electrical tape to the open connectors that you have. Because it is in a closed containment the connectors should be fine connected as they are in the video. It is personal preferences and all depends on how sealed your AC cover is.

[@gary724]

Glad to see you eventually untangled that last wire that was catching inside a loop. Box wasn’t gonna attach cleanly with one wire having stuck out the cover. Lol

[@Hoomi2]

Just ordered one from TechnoRV, to install on our 21 Wolfpup. Thanks for the video!

[@Technorv]

Ohhhh I want a Woldpup so badly! I like the Wolfpup 16BHS for my little family of five. How are you liking yours? -Evan, TechnoRV Support

[@Hoomi2]

@@Technorv We've had our 16FQ for a year now, and love it. It's just my wife and I, so it's the perfect size for us. We decided last year that it was time to "go to the Dark Side" from our '99 Coleman Nevada pop-up, and have not regretted the decision at all.

[@Technorv]

Love it! Someday....someday...

[@williamriley3125]

Thanks for the vid. Had it done in 30 mins!

[@Technorv]

Nice work!

[@miguellombana9847]

I love how much room is in that cabinet compared to the Dometic... the Brisk II has a really tight working quarters but the install is essentially exactly the same.

[@rustyfanblack5798]

Buyer be aware! This video needs to be updated! Newer Airexcel, Coleman Mach Model 45203-6963 units constructed 09-20 have a soft start now installed in the unit. As a DIY person I bought a SoftStarRV unit from TechnoRV on a promotional sale, in March of 2024, I finally got around to installing it here at the end of May. After getting assistance from an engineer with SoftStartRV who looked at the wiring diagram he informed me that my newer Cole Mach A/C had a soft start component in it. So, TechnoRV said they have 30 day returns only, and to sell it on Craigs list, the representative from SoftStart RV said even they have 90 day returns if purchased through them.

[@horsepowerlife3679]

Interesting, I was told my New RV had soft starts already installed in them, they are all 3 Coleman Mach units. But I could not confirm this from anyone. How did you see yours had a soft start?

[@rustyfanblack5798]

@@horsepowerlife3679 There is a wiring diagram on the inside of the access panel cover. So remove the cover over the A/C unit then pull the wiring access panel cover and look at the yellow wiring diagram, and look for the designation “Compressor soft start board”.

[@peteclements8757]

Eric, well done! Great instuctional video.

[@DeFiDuke]

ok a critical step you didn't clarify - that blue and white wire are now using that metal terminal attachment, they were not crimped - does that thing just hang loose? or does it get plugged in somewhere? why wouldn't you just crimp the blue and white like the others? that metal thing just hanging lose can make contact with something and short...

[@duracelljoe]

Great video! Got my SoftStartRV in hand here and helped me feel like I can do this.

[@Technorv]

Thanks, if you need support then SoftStart has the experts on call for you. Eric

[@edrosen2746]

My question is how does this affect the factor warranty and any extended warranty purchased from the dealer. As I have read some comments that these units are actually designed for central air units and they could shred your RV AV - as I don't have an electrical background, it would be nice to understand these questions. As the product would be great to install on my 5th Wheel.

[@NoleNation21]

A must have for Rvs!!

[@Technorv]

True story!!!

[@philodion8447]

Great video! Don't capacitors store high voltage that can shock you? I was taught to touch a screw driver between the capacitor terminals to discharge it.

[@erik_curtis]

Generally not on AC circuits. It still doesn't hurt to be safe, but AC voltage alternates between positive and negative so charge doesn't build up across the capacitor like it does on a DC circuit.

[@rookiebeeeautch5847]

A capacitor will make you piss your pants lol hvac tech here

[@WATCHLLS]

Curious, was your diaghram based on a 1976C136 number? Coleman Mach.

[@Jarhead68]

I just purchased a soft start from your website and my RV came with a 15k GE air-conditioning. Wish you would do a install on a ge. There's not much information on the soft start installation.

[@Technorv]

If you notice that your schematics arent easily viewed on the softstart website then it might be best to give them a call. They can schedule a call with you and help you install your unit.

[@jimmysmith7633]

How did you get the wires back out of the capacitor box to where you mounted the Soft Start. Looks to me the Soft Start needs to be mounted in the Capacitor box where you made the connections! Just Sayin.

[@Technorv]

Thanks for sending us a message. Please contact our Support Team for assistance. You can reach us by phone at [phone], email us at [e-mail], or for faster service, chat with us online at www.TechnoRV.com/. Our Support Team hours are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CT Monday - Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

[@davidsheehan6396]

Did you insulate your first connection, the white /blue wires (white from the cap, blue from the soft start) or just leave it hanging?

[@TheLastNameR]

I wondered the same thing!

[@grizzlygrimm7012]

OR AT LEST PUT SOME TAPE ON THAT BARE WIRE METAL CONNECTOR

[@brucefuerbringer4612]

My AC unit is a different model. The instructions from SoftStartRV has two options - an installation for units with or without a start relay. How can I tell if mine has a start relay (vs. a start capacitor, which both instructions take into consideration)? Would the relay be near the compressor or in the wiring box area? Your video seems to follow the install for units with a start relay.

[@Technorv]

Hi Bruce! Great question and I want to make sure that you get the correct instructions for your specific AC unit. Softstart has schematics of virtually all AC models. Also, you can schedule an appointment and they can help walk you through an install.

[@hamradionut]

I saw you remove the white wire and connect it to the blue wire. Where did you put it after that? Is it just taped up and not connected anywhere else? Surely it's not just floating around in there.... Thanks, Great VIdeo....

[@Evil_Timpy]

My thoughts exactly. I see no reply either

[@solarpowerondemand3255]

Just used your video for reference. Very helpful, thanks!

[@Technorv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@steverodgers333]

Thank you. Perfect presentation, installation & information... lol appreciate your video's

[@Technorv]

👌

[@jackofalldave]

Great video. About to install this same unit on the same a/c in my camper. Looked like there was plenty of room to install it inside the wiring panel. Any reason it can’t be put in there where it’s sure to be out of the weather?

[@Technorv]

Thanks for sending us a message. Please contact our Support Team for assistance. You can reach us by phone at [phone], email us at [e-mail], or for faster service, chat with us online at www.TechnoRV.com/. Our Support Team hours are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CT Monday - Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

[@lcampm2]

Any tips for a heat pump wiring?

[@Technorv]

Sorry, no tips for that!

[@georgewheeler3731]

I heard you say you have to clean up the wiring before closing it back up. How did you insulate the Blue & White wire terminal ? so it wont touch metal and short out.

[@Technorv]

The SoftStart comes with wire nuts, and then you can use electrical tape to ensure you have everything protected. Since I was videoing the install I sort of skipped out on making things neat in order to show the connections quickly. I could have probably but 6-8 inches of wire from the SoftStart. Each install will be a little different.

[@rjduval]

@@Technorv You should have just cut and used the crimp on connector

[@trumpwon8231]

Great instruction by the way

[@martinallen6164]

I noticed you show a BLUE wire. Mine only has a BLACK, WHITE, BROWN, and and ORANGE. Is that model that you are showing is possibly the BLUETOOTH model?

[@Technorv]

Hey Martin, no its the SoftStartRV, which doesn't have bluetooth capabilities. We do carry the EasyStart with Bluetooth. I know that SoftStart made some minor design changes recently, after this video was made. Perhaps that can explain the wire color difference. I would need to compare the older and newer models in the office to know for sure.

[@martinallen6164]

@@Technorv Ok, my mistake. I already have the Easy Start 364 and thought this was the same. I was confused with that Blue wire. I was thinking it was the Easy Start with the Bluetooth option. Thanks. Great video anyway.

[@outdoorzone]

The white and blue wire that you connected together with the piggyback connector, did you tape that up? And why didn’t you just crimp the two together with an end connector instead? Other than that this helped a lot!! Thx

[@dannys3607]

Makes it easier when you trade in or sell to take soft start off to put on new camper....would be my guess

[@brianz9634]

Eric, what was the end result of the blue and white wire that you paired up? I did not see where they were connected to anything stationary or did I miss something? They can't be left loose unless they were taped/insulated. Great video!

[@Technorv]

Thanks for sending us a message. Please contact our Support Team for assistance. You can reach us by phone at [phone], email us at [e-mail], or for faster service, chat with us online at www.TechnoRV.com/. Our Support Team hours are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm CT Monday - Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

[@jeffreyreck3867]

Nice clear instructions, thanks. What gauge wire is that that you spliced together (for crimp purposes).

[@Technorv]

Hi Jeffrey, that is 12 gauge wire on the Soft Start. I hope this helps. Eric

[@raysucato2378]

I have a Coleman Mach (1976D136) and the run capacitor has the yellow and white wire on the left and the red wire on the right, which is the opposite of your Mach in the video. Other than that it's exactly the same. Do you think it's just rotated 180 degrees? I received the Softstart today and once I'm confident it's going in! It's a great video!

[@tucsonterry]

Thanks! I used your vid today -- perfect install!

[@Technorv]

Glad it helped!

[@BillWhetstone]

If you had cut further down that black wire it would have been a bit easier. But nice step by step.

[@trumpwon8231]

So followed you to a tee and got a red run light?

[@Technorv]

Since many of the AC units have slight differences make sure you go here to get the correct diagram for your unit. www.softstartrv.com/diagrams/

[@roadtriplover.]

What was the putty stuff you put over the hole through which the wires were run , and where might I get some for my own install?

[@Technorv]

Hey RoadTripLover, I'm not 100% sure what Eric used in this video, but I do know that his favorite "putty stuff" is Dicor Self-Leveling Caulk (for roof applications) and regular Dicor for walls and such.

[@roadtriplover.]

@@Technorv Thank you. Dicor is for a completely different purpose - sealing points of water entry. The putty he used here is an electric application, though and would not be Dicor caulk.

[@rnelson66]

Do you need a soft start for each unit?

[@Technorv]

Hi Rick. Yes, you will need a SoftStart on each unit you want to use. We only put 2 on our RV with 3 ACs since we knew we could only use 2 at a time. We just picked the 2 we use most.

[@rnelson66]

Thank you for the reply

[@rciii2201]

Great video. Thanks

[@Technorv]

You are welcome! Eric

[@Technorv]

🤩

[@rciii2201]

Eric: where do the blue/white go? I’m sure they don’t just hang loose in that area.

[@mikebowers5083]

Thanks.. following your video made the install a breeze

[@Technorv]

That's awesome Mike! We're here if you need us.

[@rciii2201]

One thing I don’t understand is where the blue/white go that we did in the 1st step. The blue came for the the soft start and the white was removed from the run capacitor.

[@Technorv]

Hey RC, were you following Eric's video exactly, or did you use a wiring diagram specifically for your AC unit?

[@rciii2201]

@@Technorv I was following it exactly. I ended up wire nutting them together. Not happy with the performance and will probably return. Didn’t run more than 15 minutes on my house power before it tripped the circuit. Trying to run it this past weekend while camping with my Honda 2000 and it just seems to have a hard time running.

[@Technorv]

I'm sorry to hear that. If your RV model is different than the one on Eric's RV, then you should absolutely check for your specific wiring diagram on SoftStart's website. They have hundreds of wiring diagrams and if you don't see yours, their support team is happy to get one for you.

[@tomcoon6930]

Do we need to add one of these to each AC if we have 2 on our RV??

[@Technorv]

Hi Tom. Yes, each AC that you want to utilize would need the SoftStart.

[@5194553739]

Installing the soft start will it void your AC war entry?

[@Technorv]

Hi Passat, most RV AC units have a 1 year warranty, and you would need to read the details on your specific unit to see if this is the case on voiding the warranty. You can install the Soft Start with no cutting or splicing so this could make a difference with this as well. I hope this helps. Eric

[@stevesmith9173]

Great video... thanks for sharing the “how too’s”..... 🙂

[@Technorv]

Thanks for watching!

[@bethmikels3613]

Unfortunately not all Coleman Mach A/C are the same. I bought 2 of these for my 2021 Alliance 310RL 5th wheel. Went to install them. It is impossible to install them because there is nowhere to put the box.Anyway I am now stuck with them. Maybe I can sell them someday super cheap.

[@Technorv]

I'm sorry to hear about this, Beth. If you purchased from us, please give our Support Team a call. We want to help you!

[@bethmikels3613]

@@Technorv Yes, I did buy them from TechnoRV along with many other things. I will try calling support. I don't see anyway to mount the box because the compressor is very close to the cabinet and on a 45 degree and the refrigerant lines are also in the way. I will send them a picture so they will be able to see the problems.

[@Technorv]

Look forward to helping you.

[@AndrewMcSpadden]

What was the putty you used to plug the hole?

[@Technorv]

Hey Andrew, we put silicone around the hole and dicor to seal the outer edges of the antenna.

[@tomumberger1356]

Why do you need a soft start ? What is the purposes ?

[@scottcoffelt329]

He explains why in the beginning of another video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHy9cphtns6Yfck

[@Rynoyes]

would Wago connectors be okay in this application?

[@Technorv]

Great question! While I haven't asked this question to SoftStart directly, I don't see an issue with using this kind of connector. The idea is to splice those wires together, however you see fit!

[@ebehrman]

Yes, you can use Wago connectors. They will work perfectly I have seen them used in another video.

[@litzdog911]

Excellent! Is that a Coleman Mach 15 A/C? I'll probably install one of these on my trailer's second Coleman Mach 15 A/C.

[@Technorv]

I know it is a Mach, but not sure on the 15 part. When you buy a SoftStart from TechnoRV then you will get an email with the TechnoRV Learning Series that will have the wiring diagrams for the different AC units on the market, and you will have access to SoftStart directly for all the assistance you would need. Thanks for checking out the video, and as you can see, it is pretty simple.

[@marciatesch3951]

Jim, did ever find out if Eric’s install was a Mach 15? That’s what I have also and would like to install it following this vid.

[@jamesfrederick99]

Scared the bejeesus outta me when you reached in and disco'd the white wire from the capacitor. I would have discharged the stored power in it first AND used gloves hands. Nice video though.

[@Technorv]

Oh goodness, didn't mean to scare ya!

[@MountainSalsa]

I want to hear it run!

[@Technorv]

Sorry about that, next time we make a video we will do that, although, it just sounds like a regular AC running. Some AC units have a hard hit when starting and the SoftStart smooths that out, but I dont believe that would show up in a video audio clip very well. Thanks for checking out our video.

[@gapo62angler93]

Thanks for sharing this video, is that Soft Start made in USA? Also what did you do to the blue and white wire that’s piggy backed on the same wire terminal, are they just floating, I didn’t see you insert them anywhere or even taped them. TIA

[@donmoon8293]

you should have not left the connector of the white wire and the blue wire exposed to possible touching grounding to AC wrap electrical tape on the exposed part or change the way they connect

[@donspoor8367]

Where did you put the blue and white? I did not see what you did with it.

[@Technorv]

Once the blue and white wires are connected they just tuck back into the compartment with the run capacitor. Hope this helps. Eric

[@jsl5570]

@@Technorv So just let the bare wire connector float around?

[@rsq7tm]

Kit Should have included all necessary parts. Mine kit came with 2 insulated Female and 3 insulated Male connector, opposite of need. An extra insulated join crimp connector would solve the blue/white wire connection. Video showed joining those with a buddy Tap-on and never mentioned again until buried in Q/A comments.

[@enemiasgonzalez9292]

What model is the ac?

[@Technorv]

Ours is a Coleman Mach, but SoftStart has the install specs on all RV AC models.

[@bumbarabun]

Not clear why you need to install the unit outside of capacitor compartment and then move ALL wires inside. You can just install this unit inside capacitor compartment and cables will be inside.

[@charlesking9745]

You might want to mention discharging the capacitor before it lights you up!

[@alsantos5518]

and how is that done charles

[@charlesking9745]

@@alsantos5518 with power disconnected you can put a screwdriver across both capacitor terminals

[@alsantos5518]

@@charlesking9745 Gotcha Thanks

[@angelt3004]

Be very carefull touching the capacitor' terminals , they hold a lot of current when they are charged, I will sugest to look for a video on how to discharge the capacitor before doing any work with it , just my 2 cents.

[@Technorv]

Great callout Angel! A great way to do this is with a discharge pen. This will draw the current and pass it with great resistance and discharge your capacitor. Typically these pens are cheap an are always great to have when working with electricity.

[@HotDog88GT]

"that **lessens** the inrush of current"

[@donsvideos1985]

It hurt me to watch you not just cut out the existing wire connector between the black and blue wires and make your joint there... 😉

[@joeykirkland876]

Yes!

[@aaronb5644]

OMG! Obviously a kindergarten teacher.........

[@711693]

A dangerous video!!! You need to deenergize the capacitor first. Lucky you didn't get shocked even with the AC power off,

[@DeanoHexe]

Never got a call back from softstart bad support 👎🏻

[@Technorv]

This is not what we normally hear from SoftStart support, so I understand your frustration. If you bought your SoftStart from TechnoRV, please give us a call directly at 866-324-7915 or email us at [e-mail] and we will help with anything regarding the SoftStart.