Power Requirements on our FC23CBB

[hikingcamera]

Hi, so after reading some of the threads here about soft starts and different generator setups, I’m wondering whether I truly need the soft start or not for my setup.

We are getting a 2022 Flying Cloud 23 Corner Bunk Bed (formerly the 23D). According to the specs, it should come with a single 13500 A/C. We are not getting a microwave.

We have a 2000 watt generator built into our 2021 F-150 for off grid use, and at home it will be plugged into 15Amp (we could probably upgrade that circuit to 20 Amp without too much trouble).

I’d like to be able to run the A/C off the generator or at home. Should I get a soft start? Is that possible unnecessary?

[Dennis C]

In my opinion, you’ll probably need a soft start for a 2,000W generator. The 13.5 BTU air conditioner will use less than 2,000W when it’s running, but the initial surge when it starts will exceed 2,000W.

You could always try it and see if it works. If it doesn’t, then install the sort start.

Again, this is just my opinion. I don’t have personal experience with such a small generator.

[WellSaid11]

Is it needed or required? Likely not for a 13.5k unit.

However I would get a soft start for your unit. It is money well spent and adds longevity to your AC unit by reducing the start up wear and tear.


I have found that once you have spent the significant money you need to spend to get an AS, that skimping on things that are upgrades, conveniences and just plain old good ideas is just not worth it.

[richard5933]

No reason that I know of not to get an EasyStart. Easy to install and with your set up will give you more flexibility.

Being plugged into 15 amps and/or a 2000w generator will mean that you might find it difficult to run the a/c unit when your battery charger is going. The microwave is not the only large draw - the battery charger also gets thirsty at times.

[uraljohn]

Your 2022 model AS may already have a soft start system in place. I think I remember reading a thread some time back that the newer units had this from the factory. Try to tun the A/C with your genset and see what happens.

You can have an electrician install a 30 amp RV outlet to power you AS when at your house for not a whole bunch of $$$. Make sure they understand it is 120V. Even if you install it yourself, get a proper permit and have your work inspected and signed off on. I am a fan of getting proper permits for all work performed around the house. After being a Realtor for 9 years and selling over 400 homes I have seen my share of homeowner "improvements" that did not meet code and were flat out dangerous.

[jeffb831]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

Your 2022 model AS may already have a soft start system in place. I think I remember reading a thread some time back that the newer units had this from the factory.

This rumor has been mentioned several times and it has been confirmed with AS by several people that there are no soft starts included from the factory.

If anyone has confirmation from AS or proof, please post it so this rumor can either die or be confirmed once and for all.

[BigAl]

I could be wrong, but I heard somewhere that Dometic had started installing the soft start in their new units. Not an aftermarket upgrade by Airstream.

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

Your 2022 model AS may already have a soft start system in place. I think I remember reading a thread some time back that the newer units had this from the factory. Try to tun the A/C with your genset and see what happens.

Originally Posted by BigAl

I could be wrong, but I heard somewhere that Dometic had started installing the soft start in their new units. Not an aftermarket upgrade by Airstream.

Yes, I read through the entirety of both of the threads in here on that topic. There have been individuals who said their Dometics had the soft start included and others (including a 2022 Globetrotter) that said they did not. At least some of this (as mentioned above) has been clarified as a miscommunication and mis-interpretation of the electrical map of someone's trailer. This gets way over my head, so in lieu of spreading any more disinformation, I will just stop here.

This is all useful information. It sounds like I do want a soft start regardless, but perhaps I need to have my dealer confirm my trailer does not have one before moving forward with installing it.

[Rich Jenkins]

We had Colonial install a Micro Air ASY-364-X20-IP EASY START module in the 13.5k btu AC in our 23GT prior to pickup in March.

I’ve successfully run it off one Champion “2,500” Watt generator running on propane (1,665W, running) at Sea Level in FL.

[s1000pre]

I have the 2k propower in the bed of my 2021 F-150. I planned on running my 65amp converter to charge the battery while towing. The 65amp converter has a max draw of 1,400watts. Within 20 seconds of operation, my f-150’s 2k shut down. The ford dealer couldn’t figure it out so I swapped out my converter for a 45 watt with a max draw of 750watts. The ProPower sufficiently runs the 45amp. I highly doubt you will have success running the AC from the Fords 2k, unless I got a dud.

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by s1000pre

I have the 2k propower in the bed of my 2021 F-150. I planned on running my 65amp converter to charge the battery while towing. The 65amp converter has a max draw of 1,400watts. Within 20 seconds of operation, my f-150’s 2k shut down. The ford dealer couldn’t figure it out so I swapped out my converter for a 45 watt with a max draw of 750watts. The ProPower sufficiently runs the 45amp. I highly doubt you will have success running the AC from the Fords 2k, unless I got a dud.

Huh, that’s interesting. I guess I should test our Pro Power. Would have loved the 7.2kWh option, but the hybrid took too much away from the payload, if we could even find one (we chose from the remaining 2021 models on the lot).

[jeffb831]

Originally Posted by BigAl

I could be wrong, but I heard somewhere that Dometic had started installing the soft start in their new units. Not an aftermarket upgrade by Airstream.

I asked Dometic support and their response was:

I am sorry but none of our RV AC units come preinstalled with a soft start. We do have the Brisk 2 that comes preinstalled with a hard start, to aid in use with a generator.