⏮️ Adding SoftStart RV to parallel generators

With a little planning this is a great upgrade for camping off-grid...

Hey Mike,

I seem to remember you posting an article about hooking up parallel generators with Air Conditioner Soft Starters. I had saved it on my computer, but now it’s lost. Can you help me find it? - Fast Eddie

Hey Eddie,

Yeah, I’ve written so many articles it’s even hard for me to remember all of them. And that’s why I’m migrating this SubStack over to RVelectricity.com with advanced library and search funcitons. You can see how it works by clicking HERE. But in the meantime here’s a rerun of my parallel generator / soft starter installation article below.

Dear Mike,

What about using a SoftStartRV unit using two 2500 Watt Champion dual fuel generators linked together? I am considering this option until I can get my rig wired for the Master Volt power charging system offered by ABC outfitters up in Indiana. I need the generators due to light weight - 39 pounds each to be able to life them in and out of truck. Looking at buying them from Camping World and adding a SoftStartRV to the Air Conditioner which will be switched out to Truma Brand when I add the master volt power charging system. - Kathy

Dear Kathy,

That should work great. But here’s a few things to consider. Yes you can use a pair of Champion dual fuel generators with a parallel link kit.

A pair of these size generators with a parallel kit is pretty popular for this application simply due to the reduced weight of each generator compared to a 3,000-watt version. Plus, if you just need to charge your RV batteries you’ll only need to hook up one of these generators.

Parallel Kit Review

There’s a variety of ways to parallel these inverter generators, but it’s best to stick with the parallel kit from each manufacturer.

For example, here’s how you hook together a pair of Honda EU2200i generators. One of the generators will have a 30-amp, twist-lock outlet, while the second generator hooks to his “Companion” unit with a cable kit. Note that with any of these inverter generators you may need to Generator Bonding Plug if your RV has any sort of built-in EMS surge protector.

Adding a SoftStartRV unit

Of course, adding a SoftStartRV controller to your air conditioner will reduce the inrush starting current of the compressor, allowing you to run more appliances at the same time along with your air conditioner.

These SoftStartRV units are pretty simple to install. However, unless you’re comfortable climbing up on the roof of your RV it’s best to hire a technician for this job which should take them less than an hour to perform. As an extra benefit your air conditioner will be much quieter during compressor startup, allowing you a much better sleep time.

Here’s how to install a SoftStartRV

This is a video of me doing an install. As you can see it’s pretty straightforward as long as you can follow a simple color-coded wiring diagram.

Okay, that’s it for now. Time to get your RV ready for the camping season, and adding parallel generators and a SoftStartRV controller just might be on your planning list.

Where to buy surge protectors (and lots of other RV stuff).

I’ve just started an affiliate program with TechnoRV which does pay me a small commission on products that you purchase from them. I’ve know Eric and Tami for years, and their customer service and educational programs are fantastic. That’s something you don’t get from Amazon or eBay (as much as I like both of them). So click the TechnoRV logo above and take a look around. Many of their products were independently reviewed by me before they became dealers for them. For a direct link click HERE.

Let’s play safe out there… Mike