{"product_id":"dometic-smartstart-soft-start-freshjet-3-series","title":"Dometic SmartStart Soft Start for FreshJet 3 Series Air Conditioners","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Dometic SmartStart is a soft starter for FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners, and it cuts the compressor startup power demand by as much as 75 percent. That is the piece that lets you start your AC on a smaller inverter generator, off a 20 or 30 amp pedestal, or from your battery bank. Less power, less noise, more places to camp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver fired up your rooftop air conditioner and watched the lights dim, the generator bog down, or the shore-power pedestal breaker pop? That's the compressor's startup surge, the big gulp of current an AC unit pulls in the first fraction of a second when the motor kicks on. The Dometic SmartStart is a soft starter built to tame exactly that. It's engineered for the FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners, and it cuts that startup power demand by as much as 75 percent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's what that actually buys you. A FreshJet without a soft start needs a stiff power source just to get the compressor spinning. That's why so many rigs can't start their AC on a 2,000-watt inverter generator, or trip the breaker on a 20-amp campground pedestal, or won't come off an inverter and battery bank at all. Knock that inrush down by three-quarters and the picture changes. Now a small, quiet inverter generator can handle it. Now you can plug into a 20 or 30 amp source you couldn't use before. And if you've built out a van or camper with a big lithium bank, a decent inverter, and solar on the roof, this is often the piece that finally lets the AC run off your batteries instead of the noisy generator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most common questions we get is how big a generator you really need. Without a soft start, a lot of folks find a 2,000-watt inverter generator just can't reliably start a 13,500 BTU FreshJet, especially on a warm day when the compressor is working hardest. With the SmartStart knocking the surge down, that same 2,000-watt generator has a real shot at it, and you get the bonus of a lighter, quieter, more fuel-efficient unit instead of hauling around a big open-frame generator. Your exact results depend on your AC's BTU rating and how much else is drawing power at the same time, so leave yourself some headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe want to be straight with you about what a soft start does and doesn't do. It reduces the startup surge, not the running load. Once the compressor is up and turning, the FreshJet still draws whatever it normally draws to keep cooling. So the SmartStart is what gets a marginal power source over the startup hump. It's not a magic trick that lets you run AC for hours on a tiny battery. Pair it with enough continuous power and it's a genuine upgrade to how and where you can camp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation is a wiring job, not a mechanical one. The kit comes with two harnesses, one compressor wire harness and one supply wire harness. You wire the SmartStart inline between your AC power supply and the compressor, using the harnesses Dometic provides. Use them as supplied. Don't splice in generic wire to save a few minutes, and pay attention to which harness is which, because reversing the compressor and supply sides is the classic install mistake that leaves you with a compressor that won't start. If you're comfortable working around 120-volt AC wiring and you've got the FreshJet's manual open, it's a very doable afternoon project. If line-voltage wiring isn't your thing, have an RV tech drop it in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe module measures 12-1\/4 inches long by 7 inches wide by 5 inches deep, so give a thought to where it's going to live before you start. It needs to mount somewhere it can breathe. Tuck it into a sealed, cramped compartment with no airflow and the heat it sheds will shorten its life, so pick a spot with a little ventilation and route the harnesses cleanly with proper strain relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo who's this for? Anyone running a Dometic FreshJet 3 Series who's tired of being tethered to 50-amp full-hookup sites or a big generator just to stay cool. Boondockers, van lifers, and weekend campers all get the same win, more places you can run your AC, on less power, with less noise. It's a small box that meaningfully widens where you can comfortably park for the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReduces air conditioner startup power demand by as much as 75 percent, so a smaller power source can get the compressor spinning\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBuilt specifically for Dometic FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners for a clean, matched fit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e120-volt AC soft starter that wires inline between your power supply and the compressor\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncludes both harnesses you need, one compressor wire harness and one supply wire harness\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLets you start the AC on a 2,000-watt inverter generator instead of a big open-frame unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCuts the inrush that trips 20 and 30 amp shore-power breakers, opening up more campsites\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact 12-1\/4 by 7 by 5 inch module that mounts near the air conditioner\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReduces reliance on shore power and helps pull AC startup off an inverter and battery bank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Dometic reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow much does the Dometic SmartStart reduce startup power?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt cuts the air conditioner startup power demand by as much as 75 percent. That surge is the big current draw the moment the compressor kicks on, and knocking it down is what lets a smaller power source handle the unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhich air conditioners does it work with?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt is built for the Dometic FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners. The two supplied harnesses are matched to that series, so wire it up with the FreshJet manual open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I start my AC on a smaller generator with this?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, that is the main reason people install it. Without a soft start, many rigs cannot reliably start their AC on a 2,000-watt inverter generator. With the surge cut by up to 75 percent, that same small, quiet generator often has enough to get the compressor going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWill it let me start the AC on 20 or 30 amp shore power?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt reduces the startup surge that trips breakers, so it opens up 20 and 30 amp pedestals that would have popped before. Just remember it lowers the startup demand, not the steady running draw, so you still need enough continuous power to keep cooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I run the air conditioner off batteries and an inverter with this installed?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe SmartStart is often the piece that finally lets a FreshJet start off an inverter and battery bank instead of a generator. You still need a big enough inverter and enough battery capacity to carry the running load once it is going. It gets you over the startup hump, it does not create free power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow big of a generator do I need to run my RV air conditioner?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt depends on your unit BTU rating and what else is drawing power. As a rule of thumb, without a soft start a 2,000-watt inverter generator struggles to start a 13,500 BTU FreshJet. With the SmartStart installed, that 2,000-watt generator has a real shot at it. Leave yourself some headroom on a hot day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes it reduce the running watts too, or just startup?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eJust the startup surge. Once the compressor is spinning, the FreshJet draws its normal running load to keep cooling. The soft start only tames that first big gulp of current at startup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs it hard to install?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt is a wiring job, not a mechanical one. You wire it inline between the AC supply and the compressor using the two harnesses in the box. Use them as supplied and mind which harness is compressor and which is supply, because reversing them is the classic mistake that leaves the compressor unable to start. If you are comfortable around 120-volt wiring it is a doable afternoon project, otherwise have an RV tech handle it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat voltage does it operate on?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt is a 120-volt AC soft starter, matched to the FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners it is designed for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhere should I mount it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe module is 12-1\/4 inches long by 7 inches wide by 5 inches deep, and it needs a little airflow. Pick a spot near the air conditioner where it can breathe, avoid a sealed cramped compartment, and route the harnesses cleanly with proper strain relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDometic SmartStart Soft Start for FreshJet 3 Series Air Conditioners\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDometic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9610005458\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7315091501453\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir Conditioner Soft Start Accessory Kit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVoltage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120 Volt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStartup Power Reduction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 75 percent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatible Air Conditioners\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDometic FreshJet 3 Series\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-1\/4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWidth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDepth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIncluded Harnesses\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 Compressor Wire Harness, 1 Supply Wire Harness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eKeystone Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eD7E9610005458\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How much does the Dometic SmartStart reduce startup power?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It cuts the air conditioner startup power demand by as much as 75 percent. That surge is the big current draw the moment the compressor kicks on, and knocking it down is what lets a smaller power source handle the unit.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Which air conditioners does it work with?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It is built for the Dometic FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners. The two supplied harnesses are matched to that series, so wire it up with the FreshJet manual open.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I start my AC on a smaller generator with this?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes, that is the main reason people install it. Without a soft start, many rigs cannot reliably start their AC on a 2,000-watt inverter generator. With the surge cut by up to 75 percent, that same small, quiet generator often has enough to get the compressor going.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Will it let me start the AC on 20 or 30 amp shore power?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It reduces the startup surge that trips breakers, so it opens up 20 and 30 amp pedestals that would have popped before. Just remember it lowers the startup demand, not the steady running draw, so you still need enough continuous power to keep cooling.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I run the air conditioner off batteries and an inverter with this installed?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The SmartStart is often the piece that finally lets a FreshJet start off an inverter and battery bank instead of a generator. You still need a big enough inverter and enough battery capacity to carry the running load once it is going. It gets you over the startup hump, it does not create free power.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How big of a generator do I need to run my RV air conditioner?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It depends on your unit BTU rating and what else is drawing power. As a rule of thumb, without a soft start a 2,000-watt inverter generator struggles to start a 13,500 BTU FreshJet. With the SmartStart installed, that 2,000-watt generator has a real shot at it. Leave yourself some headroom on a hot day.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does it reduce the running watts too, or just startup?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Just the startup surge. Once the compressor is spinning, the FreshJet draws its normal running load to keep cooling. The soft start only tames that first big gulp of current at startup.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is it hard to install?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It is a wiring job, not a mechanical one. You wire it inline between the AC supply and the compressor using the two harnesses in the box. Use them as supplied and mind which harness is compressor and which is supply, because reversing them is the classic mistake that leaves the compressor unable to start. If you are comfortable around 120-volt wiring it is a doable afternoon project, otherwise have an RV tech handle it.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What voltage does it operate on?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It is a 120-volt AC soft starter, matched to the FreshJet 3 Series rooftop air conditioners it is designed for.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Where should I mount it?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The module is 12-1\/4 inches long by 7 inches wide by 5 inches deep, and it needs a little airflow. Pick a spot near the air conditioner where it can breathe, avoid a sealed cramped compartment, and route the harnesses cleanly with proper strain relief.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Dometic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44788256374877,"sku":"2007251","price":323.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/ImageServerAPI_a27c9d6e-24f4-41fa-8cbc-2e27a15175ef.png?v=1785004961","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/dometic-smartstart-soft-start-freshjet-3-series","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}