Recommended SoftStart for Plugging a RV into a Ford Onboard Generator

Updated 09/17/2026 | Published 09/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans and Overlanding - Straight Plug - Surge Protection - 20 Amp

(8)

$365.00

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

(118)

$289.31

Question:

Hello. We have an F150 powerboost with a 2.4 generator. We’ve heard there are some updated small rvs such as the coachman Catalina summit series 134 models that can run on house current. Could we run the AC on our truck generator ok, and if not what soft start would you recommend? One that you integrate right into the air conditioner or an all in one plug in?

asked by: Shari R

Expert Reply:

Hey Shari. To connect your RV to your F-150's generator, I recommend using the ActiveStart Plug-In Soft Start for Vans and Overlanding item # AS97FR. This soft start is designed to plug into 20 amp outlets like the ones on your F-150. It's going to provide the same reduction in start up watts while also being way easier to get setup. You won't have to splice into your AC's wiring like you would with the SoftStartRV Soft Start item # SSR54FR.

The SoftStartRV Soft Start for Single Zone Air Conditioner Setup item # SSR54FR you were looking at will work with up to 13,500 btu RV AC system to lower it's startup wattage. This will put the startup voltage pull around 1,300 to 1,600 watts so you can power it with your F-150's 2.4kW onboard generator. It does have to be hardwired into your AC.

What kind of camper or trailer do you have and what AC model unit is in it? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H