What is Difference Between Plug In ActiveStart and SoftStart
Updated 02/16/2026 | Published 02/11/2026
Products Featured in This Question
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?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - Surge Protection - 30 Amp
- RV AC Soft Start
- 30 Amp
- Plug-In
- Surge Protection
- Single AC
- ActiveStart
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Video: SoftStartUp Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - SSR64FR Review
- Shop: SoftStartUp Plug-In Soft Start for RV Air Conditioners - 50 Amp Dual AC
- Search Results: rv surge protectors
- Shop: Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - 30 amp
- Search Results: wheel 16 6x55
- Q&A: Can I Use an Adapter to Plug the 30 Amp ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start to a 50 Amp Plug?
- Shop: Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - Surge Protection - 30 Amp
- Video: A Closer Look at the Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In RV Soft Start
- Video: Review of ActiveStart ActiveStart Plug In Soft Start RVs - AS94FR
- Search Results: 30 amp surge protector
- Search Results: rv surge protector
- Search Results: rv sewer hose support
- Search Results: rv sewer hoses
- Video: Review of Dylux RV Water Heater - Tankless Water Heater - DY54FR
- Shop: Dylux RV Tankless Water Heater - Propane - 60,000 Btu - Black
- Shop: ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans & Overlanding - 90 Degree Plug - Surge Protection - 20 Amp
- Shop: ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans and Overlanding - Straight Plug - Surge Protection - 20 Amp
- Q&A: Does 30 amp ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RV Have Surge Protection
- Shop: Bauer BP-20E Keyless RV Compartment Slam Latch - Bluetooth
- Search Results: rv covers
- Video: A Closer Look at the Active Controls ActiveStart 30 amp Plug-In Soft Start for RVs
- Q&A: Trailer Tire Recommendation to Replace a P215/75R15
- Shop: Truck Bed Rail Caps
- Shop: Vehicle Cargo Control
- Article: How Many Batteries Do You Need to Run an RV Air Conditioner?
- Article: How Do Portable Generators Work? A Beginner's Guide to Powering Your Life
- Shop: RV Covers
- Video: What to Know About the Bullring Truck Bed Side Wall Anchors for Corner Pockets
- Video: A Closer Look at the Bullring Truck Bed Side Wall Anchors for Corner Pockets
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
on Accessories and Parts
