Can SoftStartUp Plug-In Soft Start Work with Two RV AC Units

Updated 05/12/2025 | Published 04/30/2025

Question:

Hi, I just want to confirm what this device will do. I have a 2023 fifth wheel trailer with 3 Dometic Penguin II Air Conditioners. Are you saying that this device can be used instead of having to install the Dometic Smartstart for each AC unit? Secondary question, I have a Hughes Autoformer, will this device work in-line with it? If so, would you install it in front of or behind the Hughes? Thanks! Andy

asked by: Andy N

Expert Reply:

Hey Andy, yes the SoftStartUp Plug-In Soft Start for RV # SSR64FR can be used in place of the soft start you mentioned. You'd only need one and it would cover both AC units. It can also be used with your Power WatchDog surge protector as well. The Soft Start would go between the AC and the WatchDog.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Andy N.

5/2/2025

Jameson, Just to be clear there are some details to my question you did not get correct. I have 3 air-conditioners, not 2. Will this unit work to cover 3 air-conditioners? I have the Hughes 50 amp Autoformer (https://hughesautoformers.com/voltage-boosters/) not a 50 amp Watchdog surge protector. Thanks, Andy

Jameson C.

5/12/2025

@AndyN Sorry about that! The 2 instead of 3 was a typo but I got the surge protector aspect totally wrong. It would still be that the Softstart would go between the Autoformer and the AC though.