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Topic: Installing Soft Starts! (Read 2003 times) previous topic - next topic

Installing Soft Starts!

We have 3 airs on our coach and they are all 13,500 units.  2 have heat strips one does not.  Has anyone added a soft start to these units;  they are Dometic Duo Therm units.  I looked on YouTube as Soft Start has a few posted videos, but none look like the Duo Therm units inside.  Another challenge for a very challenged electrical non expert!  lol

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #1 –
Have not added but researching,try talking to the sellers.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #2 –
Hi Joe,

I put 3 Soft-Starts on my 2002 A/Cs and just followed the directions that came with them and by writing/labeling my wire colors on the diagrams. It was a little scary powering up the first one, but it went well and so the other two were faster to complete. Sadly they do not help the usual loud noise of the Dometic units but should draw less current for 1/2 a second. Previously with two A/Cs on one leg sometimes that would blow the pedestal breaker is why I installed Soft-Starts. Who knows maybe the compressors will last longer too. $330 each seemed a little spendy; maybe the competition products would be cheaper.

Something you might do is use a capacitance meter to test the caps while you are at it...especially if they are swollen or leaking. Discharge them first! A groaning sound of the compressor when trying to start is a likely sign of a cap problem or finding the fan motor is really slow. Caps of the right value are available online though I found them hard to find. I added "Dometic" or the Dometic part number to the search.

Jim

2002 U320 42' 
.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #3 –
Jim, I am assuming that I could take a screw driver and discharge the capacitor that way by going across the tabs on it?

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #4 –
Yes, any metallic tool..preferably with an insulated handle.
Jim

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
Yes, any metallic tool..preferably with an insulated handle.
Jim
Jim you're a buzz kill.  How do you expect people to learn?

7 MFD electric motor capacitors are a standard item.  WW Graingers carries them and with a little research you can beat their price.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #6 –
Joe
Join RVillage and check on soft starts and buy 3 for $747.00 with free shipping and install kits regular price is $897.00. It is worth checking into if you havent bought them yet. You might not even have to join.
My two cents
Ron

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #7 –
Quote from: rclark –
Joe
Join RVillage and check on soft starts and buy 3 for $747.00 with free shipping and install kits regular price is $897.00. It is worth checking into if you havent bought them yet. You might not even have to join.
My two cents
Ron

Thanks Ron, as we are gold members of RVillage and have ordered those soft start through them.  Already got them and did the install yesterday!  Many thanks though for the heads up!

Oh, as a side note;  no discharge in the capacitors either!

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #8 –
Glad you got the discount. I am a gold member also. I have received my two soft starts but haven't got them installed yet. I will wait till I can get some help so I don't have to climb up and down but once. My age and climbing poles for a living has my knees wore out.
Ron

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #9 –
Quote from: rclark –
Glad you got the discount. I am a gold member also. I have received my two soft starts but haven't got them installed yet. I will wait till I can get some help so I don't have to climb up and down but once. My age and climbing poles for a living has my knees wore out.
Ron

I understand fully Ron, as my butt muscles are burning today from kneeling up there for most of the day.  Not much room to get comfortable!  lol

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #10 –
A follow up on the Soft Starts;  they are working great now, as I had an issue with my bedroom air.  When on Cool, it was on Heat Pump instead.  Spoke with Barry at Soft Start and finally figured out that the tube that converts the compressor to heat was stuck open and not allowing for the cold to happen.  A few light wraps on the tube and viola, we have cold air again!  I can't say enough about the quality of service from the techs that I spoke with.  First class!  If you are thinking on doing this upgrade, it is a DIY for sure.  Any issues and they will talk you through them on the phone while you are on the roof!  Can't wait to try them out on the first 30 amp RV park we come into.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #11 –
Joe,

Thanks for the follow-up.  They are always appreciated.  Also, please jump back after that first 30 amp RV park. 

Richard

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #12 –
Think if you had a couple of adaptors you could simulate 30 amp from your 50.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #13 –
Almost all places I have been that have a 50A plug they also have a 30A plug. 

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Jan & Richard –
Joe,

Thanks for the follow-up.  They are always appreciated.  Also, please jump back after that first 30 amp RV park. 

Richard

Will do Richard!  We are Thousand Trails members and run into a lot of parks that are 30 amp only and older systems, so will be a good test for these!

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #15 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Almost all places I have been that have a 50A plug they also have a 30A plug. 

This is true, as does the electric box we are hooked up too.  We are, however, paying for our electric and want to get the full dollar out of it!  lol  I have no belief that this won't work and will certainly report back when we hook up in the heat of the summer!
Not sure it would be a fair test now, since we are in low 70's during the day and high 30's to low 40's at night.  Awesome weather here!

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #16 –
If possible anyone replacing capacitors and /or the soft start please take some pictures,need help identifying the capacitors,thanks.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #17 –
The capacitor values should be marked on them. Replace with the same rating.
Jim

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #18 –
I got two of these SoftStarts from Tim Fieldler.  Has anyone installed one? What wires connect to what?  Where does the box go?

Seems too big to go under the hood where other electronics are.    I have 2 original Dometic AC with heatpumps.

Re: Installing Soft Starts!

Reply #19 –
You should be able to Google the installation manual or go to the company website that made them.
Jim