Things To Consider When Replacing Your RV's Air Conditioning System

Updated 09/30/2024 | Published 09/26/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1

(3309)

$13.25

SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup - Qty 1

(85)

$283.01

Question:

1. I need help ing the correct replacement RV air Conditioner. It seems to matter which brand is presently installed and Im not sure. 2. I think I might want a Soft Start or Easy Start but I have questions about compatibility and whether its needed if the new unit already has a capacitor.

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael,

You're correct, the brand and model number does matter if you're not replacing the entire system. Most people try to only replace the rooftop unit and keep the air distribution box and thermostat they currently have so compatibility can be an issue and will need to be checked if you're going that route.

If you're just wanting to replace the entire system you'll only need to check the BTU rating of your unit to make sure you're either getting the same rating or better and just go with whichever system you like.

Soft starts/Start capacitors are built into Furrion units already but for other brands there are aftermarket options like the # SSR54FR.

I would start by removing the shroud of your rooftop unit and looking for the sticker that lists all the info on your unit and from there we can start looking at options.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Mike

9/30/2024

I appreciate your trying to protect me from needless expense. Do you have any documentation of actual amp readings of the Furrion HE 15K BTU? Either with/or without softstart add ons? Furrion tech support allegedly told a customer that they do NOT install a soft start. Perhaps their dual motors negate the need. ( I have included a link to the thread below) I have read that all brands have a capacitor to help start the compressor but these "soft start" add on devices gradually ramp up the load by varying the normal 60hz cycle. There are some YouTube videos of guys installing Easy Start and/or Soft Start on Furrion HE models. However, none that I've seen have actually documented the current draw, neither running or peak, before or after installing the devices. https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operation/hvac/130903-furrion-a-c-soft-start

Kevin C.

9/30/2024

@Mike Yes, adding in another start capacitor on a Furrion unit would void the warranty and isn't recommended by Furrion. It looks like the SoftStart RV # SSR54FR does have a installation guide for their older Chill Air 14.5K BTU systems but Furrion's moved on to the new Chill HE units so fitment/compatibility would likely be a problem. I would be wary to trust everything you see online outside of what the manufacturer recommends, especially if it's a brand new system. For Chill HE units start up amperage can be between 20 - 30 amps, running amps are different depending on each AC's BTU rating, however they'll typically be around 13-17 amps. These ratings would be from using the factory built-in start capacitor.