SoftStart Install Coleman Mach
I’ve joined the club, SoftStart club that is. We will be headed to Canada this summer and I knew we will be facing a number of 30amp sites on our journey. We wanted to be sure we had both our AC units available during our stay. After watching a number of YouTube videos describing the installation and how they worked, I was sold.
I had the pleasure of taking the NRVTA Registered Tech course this past summer. There I was introduced to another similar device. Our instructor was sold on the tech and gave the product a rather large thumbs up. The installation seemed very straightforward forward and my new training gave me the confidence to tackle the job.
I choose SoftStart over the MicroAir Easy Start based on the recommendations of a very trusted supplier, TechnoRV. Eric typically will only sell items that he feels the tech support and product reliability are unmatched. Couple that with some great pricing this past month I decided to pull the trigger on two units.
Eric From Techno RV
Our 2020 Solitude 310GK-R came equipped with two 15,000 BTU Coleman Mach Air Conditioners. The video below will walk you through a very similar install to mine.
My Experience
Let me start by saying the sale pricing, two-day shipping, after-sale information, and customer service of TechnoRV can not be matched. This was not my first experience with them, the one thing I can say is they are consistent. The post-sale information that was sent along via email directed me to the installation videos and install information from Softstart. Understanding I would be working with ColemanMach I needed now to find out which model I was dealing with.
After watching the above video and understanding where I could find this information, I headed up the ladder to the RV roof. After taking off the AC cover, which involved unscrewing 4 washers, lag bolts, and taking apart the two cover pieces I located the electrical panel. On that panel, you will find the model number of your unit. Mine was located on the bottom left-hand corner of the sticker, 1976-760 (PP 03-20). Armed with that information I could now find the correct installation instructions on the SoftStart site.
Before leaving the roof it was suggested to take photos of the wiring on the capacitor and compressor. I grabbed a couple of shots, replaced the utility cover and AC cap, and headed back down to print the installation instruction off.
Wiring Diagram from SoftStart
A quick click on the model number of my unit and up comes the wiring diagram for the installation. 
After reviewing my photos of the rooftop wiring diagram it appeared that the installation would be pretty easy. The instructions are very clear, step by step info to walk you through, start to finish.
Softstart Arrival
Two quick days after my order the units arrived. I was pleasantly surprised to see both where the new size 6″x3″x3″. Included in the box was a complete install kit, with connectors and zip ties to tidy up the wiring. I was a bit concerned after reading the installation instructions that I would need to take a hack saw to the top flange to make them fit in the space provided.
The new size fits perfectly on the electrical box in between the compressor and the wall. The instructions next suggest you cut the wires to a certain length. I choose not to and would suggest you do not. I found that working with the longer wire made it easier to crimp the various connectors while on the roof.
I have also seen video’s indicating you should crimp the connectors on prior to climbing up on the roof. Again I would not recommend that. It is a tight fit going through the access hole to the capacitor. The wires without connectors slip through easily.
Unlisted Step One
Prior to jumping in there and pulling wires, I would highly recommend you of course turn off the power to the AC. Additionally, I would first short out the capacitor. That capacitor could be carrying a pretty hefty charge and it will get your attention. This is a simple task, just take a screwdriver and touch the white and red terminals on the run capacitor at the same time. Now you can proceed with the printed instructions.
Follow The Directions
From there just follow the printed instructions provided by SoftStart. I found one little hiccup during the installation involving steps 5 & 6. The female flang that Softstart provides for the Black SoftStart wire is too small to fit the terminal of the compressor. I choose to keep the black compressor wire in place, follow it into the electrical box, and splice it into it for steps 5 & 6. You will notice Eric did the same thing on his install.
After figuring out this workaround I was ready to test out the unit in hopes of seeing the Green Light they were talking about. This is where it would have been nice to have a second person around to power up the AC. Not the case for me, down the ladder, I went to power it up.
Suggested Tools
- Multi Meter
- Wire Crimpers
- Wire Cutter/Stripper
- Philips Head Screw Driver or Drill set
- Flat Head Screw Driver
- Electrical Tape
- Needle Nose Pliers
Is It Green
Houston we have a green light. I was happy to see the unit with a bright green light greeting me after turning on the AC. Once again down the ladder, I went to shut off the power and tidy up the
wires from the installation. The Softstart comes with a large patch of 3M tape on the rear of it to help fasten it to the electrical box wall. The new size allows you plenty of room to mount the unit between the compressor and wall on the ColemanMach unit I have.
Once you button up the AC, you will now need to power it back up and let it run for 30 mins. That’s it folks you are done and ready for the season. The installation took all of 60 mins the first unit and much less on the second. I have not performed an inrush on the ACs as of yet. I am waiting for the weather to clear up here to do so.
The big test will come shortly as we are headed out for our first trip of the year. We plan to use a couple of 30amp sites to give them a good test. More on this soon.
