Will The SoftStartRV Soft Start SSR54FR Work On A GE AC Unit?

Updated 07/17/2026 | Published 06/28/2026

Question:

I just purchased a brinkley 4100 and the front AC unit really thumps on. Its a GE profile, will it work flawless on my new unit?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Hey Bill, thanks for reaching out! Yes, the SoftStartRV Soft Start # SSR54FR is compatible with the GE Profile A/C on your Brinkley 4100. It will reduce the startup surge by allowing the compressor to ramp up gradually instead of kicking on all at once.

While I can't guarantee it will completely eliminate the "thump" you're hearing, many customers notice a much smoother, quieter startup after installing a soft start. As an added benefit, it also reduces the inrush current, making it easier to run your A/C on a generator or limited shore power.

Out of curiosity, is the thump only happening on the front A/C, or are both units doing it?

expert reply by: Jesse M

SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup - Qty 1
(click to enlarge)

Doug

7/3/2026

Decision to install based on recommendations found on do-it-yourself RV websites. While I had no bad experiences before installing mine, I found this gave "peace of mind" about my ac. Simple to install & I'd do it again.

Jesse M.

7/6/2026

@Doug Nice! Glad to hear the soft start is working out, and that the install didn't give you too much trouble. Thanks for sharing!

Glen F.

7/3/2026

My A/C used to nearly stall the generator when first turning it on, after installing the soft start, you barely hear the generator change pitch.

Jesse M.

7/6/2026

@GlenF Awesome! Sounds like the soft start is doing exactly what its supposed to do. Glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing!

Richard C.

7/3/2026

A Brinkley 4100 (likely a 2024–2025 model) with the front AC unit “thumping” hard on startup/compressor engagement is a fairly common complaint on newer Brinkley coaches. Brinkley uses mostly Coleman or Dometic (GE) roof units (often 15K or 13.5K BTU). The “thump” is usually the compressor slamming because the rubber isolation mounts have possibly compressed, failed or loose hardware — not uncommon in the first 1–2 seasons on these coaches. This could also be other issues such as a shifted mount, unbalanced blower/fan, internal debris among other things. Jesse is right to ask if both units are “thumping”. I would recommend a diagnostic/inspection and a project estimate for isolators and torque. The SoftStart will reduce startup stress on the mounts. If it is a blower or larger issue, get a quote after the inspection.

Jesse M.

7/6/2026

@RichardC Thanks for the feedback, Richard. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! Very helpful!

Robert

7/17/2026

Our AC had a hard time starting when we were dry camping and using the generator to run things. I installed this Soft start kit. I took almost a hour not a bad job. I'm 70 and was able to figure out the instructions. The generator does not change rpm when the AC starts now.