SoftStartUp vs SoftStartRV Power and Operating Comparison

Updated 06/18/2025 | Published 05/25/2022

Question:

Does the SoftStartUP fuction the same as the SoftstartRV? I understand that one is for the unit only and one is inline for the entire RV. Same specs? Same power curve?

asked by: Ronald A

Helpful Expert Reply:

Right, the SoftStartRV Soft Start # SSR54FR is a standalone unit you install inline with the AC unit while the SoftStartUp installs inline for the entire RV. The specs are not the same for both, here are the specs SoftStartUp have with their comparison:

SoftStartRV # SSR54FR
Installs on rooftop
One unit for each AC unit
No surge protection

SoftStartUp
Installs into power pedestal
Starts up 2 AC units and other appliances
Built in surge protection

So one installs with the AC units and you need one per AC unit while the other installs at the pedestal and has a higher power rating than the SoftStartRV. Attached is a review video for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

Bob T.

6/10/2025

Hi Jon, The instructions for the SoftStartUp says you can't use it with a Automatic Transfer Switch. Not sure why a transfer switch would affect the SSU unit, I'm assuming they say this just because the unit will not be used when we are running on the generator. Can you confirm this?

Jon G.

6/18/2025

@BobT I reached out to my contact at SoftStart, and this is what they sent me: Why SoftStartUp is not recommended with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): 1. SoftStartUp is designed to be plugged directly between the power source and the RV. - It “conditions” the startup surge from the A/C unit only when it’s in line before the coach’s electrical system. - An ATS reroutes power automatically between shore and generator power—but you can’t plug the SoftStartUp into the ATS itself, nor inline after it. That placement renders it ineffective. 2. Risk of bypass or redundancy: - The ATS switches power sources before they reach the outlets where SoftStartUp would normally be plugged in. - So even if the SoftStartUp is physically connected, the ATS can bypass it depending on your source, making it unreliable or even non-functional. 3. It’s not about damage—it’s about effectiveness. - The SoftStartUp won’t harm the ATS or vice versa. - But if the SoftStartUp isn’t controlling the startup power directly from the source (shore or generator), it won’t deliver its soft-start function. Best practice: - Use SoftStartRV (wired model) for RVs with ATS—because it connects directly to the A/C unit and works regardless of where your power is coming from. - Or, if you want to use SoftStartUp, it should be plugged into the generator directly, before it feeds into the ATS.