Dometic RV Air Conditioner Soft Start

What does a soft start kit do for a Dometic RV air conditioner?

A soft start kit reduces the inrush current your Dometic AC pulls at compressor startup, typically by 65 to 75 percent. That drop in startup amperage lets you run the air conditioner on a 30-amp pedestal, a smaller inverter, or a portable generator that would otherwise trip on the initial surge. It also lowers mechanical stress on the compressor, which extends service life.

Do Dometic air conditioners come with a soft start built in?

Most Dometic rooftop units, including the Penguin II, Brisk II, and older Brisk Air models, do not ship with a factory soft start. They use a standard hard-start capacitor that draws a large surge when the compressor kicks on. Adding an aftermarket soft start kit is the standard fix if you need to run the AC on limited shore power or solar.

Which Dometic AC models are compatible with these soft start kits?

The kits in this collection fit common Dometic 13,500 and 15,000 BTU rooftop units, including Brisk II, Brisk Air, Penguin II, and most FreshJet models. Confirm your model and serial number plate before ordering. If you also need ceiling components, see our Dometic ceiling assembly for non-ducted installations or the FreshJet 5 with heat pump ceiling assembly.

Can I install a Dometic soft start kit myself?

Yes, most owners install one in 30 to 60 minutes with basic hand tools. The kit wires into the compressor leads inside the rooftop unit's electrical box, replacing or working alongside the existing start capacitor. Shut off shore power and the AC breaker before opening the shroud. For related 30-amp and 50-amp pedestal gear, see our RV plug adapters and RV electronics collections.

Will a soft start let me run my Dometic AC on a small generator?

Often, yes. A 13,500 BTU Dometic with a soft start kit will typically run on a 2,000 to 2,200 watt inverter generator once the startup surge is cut to roughly 20 to 25 amps. A 15,000 BTU unit usually needs a 2,800 to 3,000 watt generator. Steady-state running amps stay the same, so size the generator to your unit's run-load plus any other 120V draws.