Startup Watts, Soft-Start Compatibility, and Heating Amps for the 2241A10N Coleman-Mach Unit
Updated 12/29/2025 | Published 12/08/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im in the process of doing some calculations: what is the A/C startup current or peak Watts needed? would this unit be compatible with a soft-start add-on? why are there 2 amperage values for this heating spec: Nominal heating current: 6.5A + 4.4A Thanks!!!!!!!!
asked by: David D
Expert Reply:
Hello David,
Thanks for reaching out.
The Coleman-Mach under-bunk A/C and heat pump # CM62RR typically pulls about 8 amps during normal cooling and up to 9.8 amps at maximum load when it’s running. That translates to roughly 900–1,150 watts of continuous power draw. Like most RV air conditioners, it doesn’t list an official “locked-rotor” (inrush) current, but a realistic rule of thumb is that the compressor will momentarily pull 2–3 times its running current when it starts. For this model, that works out to a brief surge of around 2,300–3,400 watts. You really only see that spike for a fraction of a second, but it’s the number that matters when choosing an inverter or generator. If you’re powering it with a portable generator, something around 2,000 watts can work, but a 3,000-watt class unit gives you easier starts, especially in hot weather or at higher elevations.
The good news is that this air conditioner is fully compatible with a soft-start module. The compressor is a standard single-phase setup, so a SoftStartRV # SSR54FR will integrate just like it does on common roof-top A/Cs. A soft-start dramatically reduces that startup spike, which makes the unit gentler on generators, shore power hookups, and especially inverter systems.
One thing that confuses people is the heating spec showing two different amperage numbers, 6.5A + 4.4A (or 8.5A + 4.4A at max load). These aren’t two different ways of rating the heat pump; they’re actually two separate heating components. The first number is the heat pump system itself, which uses the compressor to move heat. The second number is a 500-watt electric heat strip, which is a simple resistance heater similar to what you’d find in a small space heater. When both the heat pump and the heat strip are running, their currents add together, so the total heating draw is about 1,250 watts under typical load, and up to around 1,480 watts at maximum. Splitting the numbers in the spec sheet just makes it easier to understand what each component contributes.
Since you are looking to add this unit, I would go with the Coleman-Mach Underbunk RV AC All-In-One Kit w/ Heat Pump - Ducted - 10,000 Btu - 115V # CM82RR as it is the full kit.
What kind of camper are you looking to install this in?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Coleman-Mach Underbunk RV AC w/ Heat Pump - Ducted - 10,000 Btu - 115V
- RV Air Conditioners
- AC Unit Only
- Heat and Cool
- 10000 Btu
- Standard Height
- Single Zone
- Under-Bench
- Ducted
- Black
- Coleman-Mach
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Coleman-Mach Underbunk RV AC w/ Heat Pump - Ducted - 10,000 Btu - 115V
- Shop: Coleman-Mach Underbunk RV AC All-In-One Kit w/ Heat Pump - Ducted - 10,000 Btu - 115V
- Search Results: rv ac soft start
- Search Results: coleman~mach rv air conditioners
- Search Results: coleman~mach rv ac soft start
- Shop: SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup - Qty 1
- Video: Review of Coleman-Mach RV Air Conditioners - AC Unit Only - CM62RR
- Video: Review of Dometic RV Bathroom - Toilet - DMC44JF
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: rv window parts
- Search Results: windows
- Search Results: rv toilets
- Search Results: rv air conditioners
- Q&A: Can Brake Controller Install in 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: Replacement Anti-Siphon Valve for Valterra HydroFlush and Flush King Reverse Flush Valves - Plastic
- Shop: Dometic 410 RV Toilet - Standard Height - Round - Slow Close Lid - White Porcelain
- Q&A: Does GE RV AC Unit Come with a Softstart
- Shop: Victron MultiPlus-II Inverter Charger with 2 AC Outputs - 2,400 Watts - 50 Amps - 12V - UL Listed
- Shop: Victron Orion-Tr RV Converter - Isolated - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 5 Amp
- Q&A: Best Replacement For Norcold N611 RV Refrigerator
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Video: A Closer Look at the Jensen LED RV Smart TV
- Video: Safer Smoother Towing: Inside Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: A Closer Look at the Parkit360 Force Electric Trailer Dolly
- Video: Customer Review - Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Shop: Truck Topper
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
on RV Air Conditioners
Kate F.
12/29/2025
Hey David, how did your setup go with the Coleman-Mach under-bunk A/C and the soft-start module? It’d be great to hear if the startup surge dropped as expected. Your update could make it easier for others planning a similar power setup.