Will I Need Soft Start with Anker Solix F2600 to Run an AC Unit

Updated 07/30/2026 | Published 07/22/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for RVs - 30 amp

(21)

$485.00

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 Btu - Air Distribution Box Controls - Non-Ducted - R32

(582)

$783.00

Question:

I have an Anker Solix F2600 with a 30 amp TT-30 plug. Do you think I would need this soft start? I have not tried the A/C using the solar generator yet. The F2600 has a surge rating of 2800 and runs at 2400.

asked by: Greg F

Expert Reply:

Hey Greg!

I do recommend adding the Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start # AS44FR to your setup! I do see that the Anker Solix F2600 has a TT-30 outlet and it's rated for 2,400 watts of continuous power with a 2,800-watt surge. Most RV air conditioner units draw more power than upon startup, so a soft-start would be a great addition to keep you powered up.

The # AS44FR is designed to significantly reduce that startup surge, giving power stations like your Anker a much better chance of starting and running your air conditioner successfully. Once the compressor is running, the power draw drops considerably.

If you have a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, your F2600 should have a good chance of running it with the ActiveStart installed. A 15,000 BTU unit is more of a borderline situation, but the soft start will still greatly improve your chances compared to running without one. I also recommend turning off other 120-volt loads, like your converter, microwave, or electric water heater, while using the air conditioner to leave as much power available as possible.

What model or BTU rating is the air conditioner on your RV?

expert reply by: Jerry B

Greg F.

7/28/2026

I have the Furrion Chill Cube and the F2600 actually runs it without the soft start. Tried it this past weekend and it works.

Jerry B.

7/28/2026

@GregF Awesome. The cool thing about the Chill Cube is it uses less power consumption than the 13.5K and 15K BTU units with its built-in variable speed compressor, so you've really got the perfect setup there!

Robert

7/29/2026

I have used my soft start with both shore power and a Bluetti solar generator. Without the soft start I was not able to run the AC but with it I was. I had a soft start that I contacted directly to my AC before. that unit was destroyed when my AC burned out. I don't think the soft start contributed to the AC failure but was a casualty. I just thought the external unit could benefit all the high start appliances such as microwave and fridge as well as the AC.

Jerry B.

7/30/2026

@Robert Absolutely! Great news is we're starting to see more new units with a built-in soft start, but it's still helpful on the ones that don't just to make sure you get the best chance at life on your appliances