Will the Active Controls Soft Start Help w/ the Sound the Compressor Makes Kicking On and Off?

Published 10/20/2025

Question:

I have a 2025 Grand Design Reflection 337 RLS RV with a factory installed second air conditioner above the bedroom. The compressor start as well as the stop at times may startle and wake me. Do Soft Starts not only start at reduced voltage but also reduce the voltage for a quiet Stop? Thank you.

asked by: Elliott M

Expert Reply:

Hey Elliot, welcome back and congrats on the new 5th wheel trailer. The Active Controls Soft Start for RV ACs item # AS64FR is only going to help with the amperage on start up. It's going to help with the starting sound but won't do anything to quiet your compressor when it kicks off.

What make and model AC unit does your Grand Design have?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Active Controls Soft Start
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Elliott M.

10/20/2025

Unfortunately the camper, and manuals, are in currently in storage about 45 minutes away, and other than going there I would also have to hitch-up and pull it out to get to that info. Pretty sure it is a Furrion. Build sheet says is is a 13.5K Btu low profile, but I don't know the model. Why do you ask? Thinking new AC with inverter compressor?

Jerred H.

10/20/2025

@ElliottM Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I was looking at the amperage on the Active Controls Soft Start for RV ACs item # AS64FR. You're most likely pulling 25 to 30 amps on startup with a 13,500 btu air conditioner so this ones going to be the best option for you. The 18,000 btu Furrion Chill Cube like item # FR99TD has the inverter compressor but they don't have 13,500 btu units so you're good.