2023 23FB - MicroAir install dealer quote is $800

[lewster]

Originally Posted by mplunkett

Lewster, how do you install the easy start on the rear a/c on a 20223 globetrotter 27fb with factory 300w solar panels? I was able to install on front a/c but i cant figure out how to do the rear a/c. Marcus

Just like the other units. simply remove the A/C cover and the rest should be easy. It might take a bi of manouvering to get over your solar, but we do it all the time.

[englewoodfl]

I can do this but some have commented that their A/C warranty was voided by installing it. On their website couldn't find a statement that they would cover the A/C (Dometic?) if the manufacturer "blamed" the soft start unit. Wonder what happens if it's the dealer?


I'm going to wait until I can find a UL listed unit that I can just use at the pedestal. Too bad the manufacturer doesn't just include this.

[Wazbro]

Another brand for the plugin 30 amp version. No I haven't tried it, just found on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ActiveStart-S...9320079&sr=8-4

[englewoodfl]

Active Controls is working on getting an ETL certification for the ACS30P which I think roughly equivalent to a UL cert.

[Shiny16]

Just a thought. Although 500 seems to be the standard charge at dealerships I could see it being more if it was necessary to remove some solar panels.

[lewster]

After placing the Easy Start devices on just about every coach that we also place solar on, we NEVER have to remove any solar panels to do a proper installation. In fact, the Easy Start is usually the last item we place on the roof during a solar install.

Even going over the solar panels, there should be sufficient room to get a proper installation done. It NEVER takes us more than a half hour to do an Easy Start install! If you get quoted any amount more than an hour of labor...take your coach to someone who really knows how to install the unit!

[kenfconnor]

Originally Posted by B17drvr

This is new from soft start. I have one and it is great! It is a surge protector that has the soft start built in. Plug and play, no wiring required.



https://softstartup.com/

Looks like this might not have met the promises made. Here is what they show if you try to order it:
SoftStartUp Is No Longer Being Offered for Sale

[B17drvr]

Originally Posted by kenfconnor

Looks like this might not have met the promises made. Here is what they show if you try to order it:
SoftStartUp Is No Longer Being Offered for Sale

They are switching production to a 50amp model. There is higher demand for that.

[bobgariepy]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

We're getting "Herman?" next week. The dealer wants $800 to install a MicroAir soft start unit. Is this reasonable?

Ask for cost breakdown. Parts plus labor plus? Cost quoted is high.

[Panair]

what does "getting Herman?" mean?

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Panair

what does "getting Herman?" mean?

I believe they named their Airstream Herman and are going to receive delivery of it (him).

[SouthForkAS]

I bought one 2 years ago for $300. I was having routine service at Camping World. They agreed to install for $150.
The tech had no experience in such matters and it took him twice as long.
$800? There's one born every minute

[JEggers]

My Airstream dealer did them for $525 each, but I did call around and locally, they were $750 each.

[Tyler2you]

It really is an easy job if you're comfortable getting up on the roof. I went with SoftStart RV after having a quick conversation with their tech support guy (Danny Rahner). He sent me detailed instructions for my specific AC unit (Dometic Penguin II Heat Pump) and offered to get on the phone and walk me through it while I was on the roof. I had it done in less than an hour.

The most difficult part was getting the wires from where the SoftStart box got mounted over to the electrical box. I spent a lot of time and cursing trying to jam the wires through the grommeted hole that was there. It was already pretty full of wires. In hindsight, I should have just drilled another hole and put in a grommet for the additional wiring. Would have saved me probably 30 minutes.

So, yeah, $800 is pretty ridiculous. I'm sure you can find a mobile tech to do it for less than $200.

[starfishscub]

They have other options: Activestart Softstart RV Air conditioning; Watertight connections; Plug and Play softstart requires no installation.

[S1njin]

For some reason my dealer is charging $100 more for these to be installed on a GE AC. I wonder why? $500 installed for any AC not GE, $600 for GE.

[kenfconnor]

Did you ask the dealer that question?

[S1njin]

Not yet; if I did I would share the reason for the price discrepancy for others who might have a GE.

[S1njin]

Originally Posted by kenfconnor

Did you ask the dealer that question?

Dealer got back to me. The GE's are not MicroAire compatible; GE uses it's own soft start apparently.

[englewoodfl]

I'd look at an ActiveStart. Plugs in at the pedestal or generator and no modifications to anything.