What is Difference Between Plug In ActiveStart and SoftStart

Updated 02/16/2026 | Published 02/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - Surge Protection - 30 Amp

(5)

$625.00

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

(94)

$289.31

Question:

Is this better or the same as the SoftStartRV Soft Start half the price that is installed directly on the a/c itself? Or is the plug and play feature the key difference as opposed to climbing up top and installing directly on the unit itself? I’m new to the whole rv life so just asking.

asked by: KP K

Expert Reply:

Hey KP, welcome to the RV world! This is a great question but Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs # AS94FR is a simpler install compared to the SoftStart # SSR54FR but it also performs a little simpler as well. It will work to prevent a big amperage draw on your RV power system regardless of what accessory is used but the Softstart actually goes in and times different components of the AC unit powering up at so that there isn't a big power draw right away and each components comes on individually as well as has capacitor like quality to it which makes it a better choice if the concern is just the AC unit and you don't mind some wiring.

What AC Unit do you have?

expert reply by: Jameson C