Visit our Popular Forums

Jeff Bittner · 03-19-2021, 12:11 PM

2021 International with 2AC's. Looking at adding a softstart. Are there several to choose from, which is best, are they hard to install, and do they really perform as advertised? Thanks!

rmkrum · 03-19-2021, 12:16 PM

MicroAir is the best one, and it’s easy to install. There are other imitation ones but they are not as ‘smart’ as MicroAir’s version. This works as advertised. Try coupon code ‘Airstream’ to save a few bucks.

They have good customer support and information on the website.

**wulfraat** · 03-19-2021, 12:17 PM

Most of us on the form use MicroAir Easy Start:

https://www.microair.net/products/ea...r-conditioners

Easy to install
Works as advertised
Competitively priced
AMAZING customer support

I have dual ACs like you. Installed myself after collaborating back with MicroAir.

I have nothing but positive things to say about the overall solution and support.

pdavey · 03-19-2021, 12:33 PM

+ 1 for the MicroAir Easy start. Well designed. They understand the stupidity of the Dometic design and I highly recommend their connected wifi/bluetooth thermostat.

Absolutely love it.

Jeff Bittner · 03-20-2021, 06:45 AM

Do I need one for each AC unit and will my Honda 2200 be enough?

**wulfraat** · 03-20-2021, 07:04 AM

If you want the flexibility to run either AC using your small genset then yes, you need an EasyStart on both AC units. If you only need / want to run the main 15k btu unit then you might only install an easy start on that unit.

Personally, I did both.

There are many forum members who run one AC at a time with a honda 2200 successfully using gasoline below about 2,000 feet elevation.

The higher you go, the less oxygen in the air, and the less power your 2200 will produce - it loses about 3% output per each 1,000 feet above sea level. So at 2,000 feet you’ve already lost 6% output or 132 watts / 1.1 AC amps @ 120v.

You also loose some power if you convert your 2200 to propane.

If you search “honda 2200” in the search bar there are many threads that discuss the pros / cons of using a small generator to run the air conditioner.

Hope this helps.

pcskier · 03-20-2021, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Bittner

Do I need one for each AC unit and will my Honda 2200 be enough?

If you mean can you run both ACs at once on one generator, absolutely not--just one of the other. So like wulf said you can choose which one you contemplate using most often and install the Easy Start on that one. Or install on both, but you can only use one AC or the other.

Jeff Bittner · 03-21-2021, 04:49 AM

Thanks for clearing that up. If I had 30A service instead of 50, can I run both AC's on 30A or would I need 1 or 2 Sofstarts to make it work?

**wulfraat** · 03-21-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Bittner

Thanks for clearing that up. If I had 30A service instead of 50, can I run both AC's on 30A or would I need 1 or 2 Sofstarts to make it work?

You would very likely need 2 Easy Starts to run both ACs on 30A.

You would likely need to disable your converter and force your fridge to LP or battery as well.

You are at the very limit of 30A output if you run both units at the same time so note that anything other than an excellent, tight and clean connection of the power cord to the pedestal and trailer could cause it to overheat / melt due to resistance and operating at a constant high load factor.

Here is one of many examples of melting a 30A connection running dual ACs.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f25...rd-215516.html

LNBright · 03-21-2021, 09:23 AM

I thought dual A/C required a 50a setup? I can't imagine trying to run two A/C units on a 30a.

**wulfraat** · 03-21-2021, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNBright;

I thought dual A/C required a 50a setup? I can't imagine trying to run two A/C units on a 30a.

It is a 50A trailer. OP is asking about being plugged in at a campsite with just 30A service / using a 30-50A dog bone adapter.

You can do it if you use easy starts + good physical connections + don’t run anything else in the trailer.

Kinda like running just one AC on 20A service at home.

LNBright · 03-21-2021, 02:48 PM

Oh!

Ok, that makes sense. I was misunderstanding, thinking he'd gotten 2 A/C units on a 30a camper... all my bad.

Thx

s1000pre · 03-21-2021, 03:52 PM

***Jeff, check your units. I have a 2021 FC, both of my units came with dometic’s version of the MicroAir built in. I just ran both yesterday with my propane converted Honda EU2200. (One at a time!) You probably already have them installed.

nitzo · 03-21-2021, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1000pre

I have a 2021 FC, both of my units came with dometic’s version of the MicroAir built in. You probably already have them installed.

So, is anyone else with the 2021's seeing this?

VeloBuckeye · 03-21-2021, 04:47 PM

HutchMountain.com is now selling the new MicroAir ES Bluetooth version. Allows one to see power details via an app. Few $ more than original one.

https://www.hutchmountain.com/produc...4-soft-starter

s1000pre · 03-21-2021, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitzo

So, is anyone else with the 2021's seeing this?

Here is another thread someone sent me yesterday when I found all of this out.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ll-207106.html

My 2020 did not have it installed, only my 2021.

nitzo · 03-21-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1000pre

Here is another thread someone sent me yesterday when I found all of this out.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ll-207106.html

My 2020 did not have it installed, only my 2021.

Whew, my eyes are now hazed over. So, will our new camper have them or not?

FWIW, I called the dealer and asked about getting the Micro-airs installed before we pick up our camper. I was told they would install them for $799 each. I guess they haven't heard that the camper will already have them.

**wulfraat** · 03-21-2021, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1000pre;

***Jeff, check your units. I have a 2021 FC, both of my units came with dometic’s version of the MicroAir built in. I just ran both yesterday with my propane converted Honda EU2200. (One at a time!) You probably already have them installed.

That’s cool. How did you find out / verify?

s1000pre · 03-21-2021, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulfraat

That’s cool. How did you find out / verify?

I was watching a walkthrough video of my new 2021 FC 30’bunk. As the tech was running up the A/C, He mention the staged startup of the unit. So yesterday I gave it a shot. I hooked up my Honda eu2200 and started each unit (of course 1 at a time) You can hear the Honda’s RPM’s jump when the compressor starts, then you hear the RPM’s jump again when the fan kicks on. It ran great! I posted on the forum to confirm and someone sent me this link:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ll-207106.html

jrwayne · 03-31-2021, 10:02 AM

Posted this on another thread...

I read this on the boards a year ago. With two AC units, and no softstart installed and a honda 2200 generator, I could run the 13,000 ac unit. Turn the fridge to propane, turn off all other electric draws. Start the generator, turn on the fan to the 13,000 ac, let it spin up, then kick on the compressor. You will hear the generator rev up at this point. Let the cooling begin. After initial compressor load, the generator dropped back down some and ran fine. Saved the cost of the softstart and install for those few times we would need ac.