Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

Soft Start for A/C

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 07:18 AM
  #1  
Great Danes's Avatar
Great Danes
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Soft Start for A/C

Greetings, I know a number of you folks have installed these on your A/C units and I am looking to do the same. What I am trying to determine if one brand/model stands out more than others and what your thoughts are on the model you chose to use, pros/cons, etc. I searched a number of threads, and they all seem to be a few years old or more so I am trying for more up to date info. Also, I realize this is not specifically a towing related question, but I hope I can be forgiven

Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 07:35 AM
  #2  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,359
Likes: 5,954
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
I purchased an EasyStart 364 a few years ago and it has been flawless. I went that route due to reviews and videos online at the time. I "think" I found a discount code too, but my memory may be misleading me.

I can tell you this...

It is not only good for using in lower power environments, but it is more pleasant each time the compressor kicks on. Not a loud thunk or thud anymore. That alone is not worth the cost, but it sure makes the cost easier to pay for.

Due to the eEasyStart 364, we can run our AC and converter charger off our Westinghouse iGen 2500 small generator with no issue, even on propane. The generator supplies ample amperage for both to run and not max out the generator.

I think the easy start was a great purchase and worthwhile.

That said, there may be a better option available now. I have done zero research or discovery on them for the past few years.

I hope this helps!
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 07:38 AM
  #3  
sneil's Avatar
sneil
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 167
Likes: 44
From: Colorado
I went with the Micro Air EasyStart 364 https://www.microair.net/collections...-soft-starters .Super simple to install and they made quite a difference in the startup of the AC units.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 08:58 AM
  #4  
chadstickpoindexter's Avatar
chadstickpoindexter
Lead Driver
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,931
Likes: 3,537
From: Uh oh, CA
MicroAir Easy Start 364 for me too.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 11:04 AM
  #5  
Great Danes's Avatar
Great Danes
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Seems like the Easy Start is the pretty common here as well as other research I've done. I notice they have a BLuetooth module for troubleshooting, but I can't see it being worth the extra $$? Do any of you have the bluetooth model?
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 01:27 PM
  #6  
chadstickpoindexter's Avatar
chadstickpoindexter
Lead Driver
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,931
Likes: 3,537
From: Uh oh, CA
Mine isn’t BT. As far as I remember, that wasn’t an option when I got mine. If the price isn’t much different though I’d get it with BT. It will go through a learning process when you get it going, and I don’t remember it being difficult.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 01:37 PM
  #7  
Sous's Avatar
Sous
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Veteran: Air Force
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,359
Likes: 5,954
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
FTE Emeritus
There was no BT option when I purchased and installed it. I would have likely passed on the option anyway as the install was very simple. A few wires and a place to mount it. I think getting the box mounted in a way that I was happy with was the most difficult part.

It truly is an easy install and was well worth the money.
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 02:25 PM
  #8  
scraprat's Avatar
scraprat
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,698
Likes: 4,818
From: Itinerant
I can't imagine needing Bluetooth for an easy start. Don't see the need. If it did stop working the case was see through and you look at the led lights for the issue.

I'm a couple years in use on my air conditioner and does a fine job slowly controlling the locked roter amps whether I'm using it with a Honda eu2000i generator or running the air conditioner off of my batteries.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 26, 2022 | 04:17 PM
  #9  
MKrenn's Avatar
MKrenn
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 570
From: Black Hills of SD
MicroAir Easy Start 364 for me 4. Have 1 summer on 2 of them so far 0 issues. Very easy to install. did both in like 2 hours and I took my time. Highly recommended if your running a generator. I would not be without them and wonder how I got along without them in the past.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2022 | 08:58 AM
  #10  
Great Danes's Avatar
Great Danes
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Thanks again for all the input, looks like I will be ordering an easystart (without BT) for this season.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2022 | 12:43 PM
  #11  
Brantel's Avatar
Brantel
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 508
Likes: 196
I chose the BT option myself. I am a data geek and it provides some useful information. I have 2 and they let me run both on a Wen 3800 generator at the same time.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2022 | 12:49 PM
  #12  
dustyroad's Avatar
dustyroad
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
the bluetooth is for them to track your location and sell it. If the app doesn't ask for location permission than it's golden.
If it does and there is absolutely no reason for it to know that, than you know why they added bluetooth.
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2022 | 02:14 PM
  #13  
Brantel's Avatar
Brantel
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 508
Likes: 196
Originally Posted by dustyroad
the bluetooth is for them to track your location and sell it. If the app doesn't ask for location permission than it's golden.
If it does and there is absolutely no reason for it to know that, than you know why they added bluetooth.
You must walk around with foil on your head. The app for the softstart does not ask for or need your location information to function.
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2022 | 02:19 PM
  #14  
dustyroad's Avatar
dustyroad
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
Originally Posted by Brantel
You must walk around with foil on your head. The app for the softstart does not ask for or need your location information to function.
seriously you need to attack ppl? it is widely known fact about smartphone app data collection.
I don't use the app I really could care less about others privacy. shame on me for educating people.
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2022 | 06:36 PM
  #15  
rvpuller's Avatar
rvpuller
Moderator
Veteran: Coast Guard
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,530
Likes: 929
From: Home Base Nebraska
Club FTE Gold Member
No personal attacks please.

Denny

 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:26 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE