easy to install and works as stated

We bought this device through Hutch Mountain. Our AC unit is the exact model that is shown in the installation video on Hutch Mountain's web site. It was a very quick and easy installation with that video to guide me step by step. Our inverter generator has an 80cc engine and so delivers 1700 watts continuously with up to 2000 watts peak. This equates to about 14 amps continuous and 16.7 amps peak. From the videos I reviewed, it seemed very likely that by using a soft starter we could power the AC from this generator although it would be near the generator's limit.

After installation and training, it was the moment of truth (and also confirming to my wife that we made a good purchase). With the generator cranked, and the RV plugged in, the generator was already recharging the batteries so I was mentally preparing myself that the total load was going to be more than the generator could deliver. To my delight, the AC fan kicked on with an expected "uff" coming from the generator as it adjusted to the new load. A few seconds later the compressor kicked in (second uff) and within a short time the AC was blowing cold air. I had been watching out the door to see if the overload light had lit up, but it did not. I was quite impressed and a bit relieved as I did not want to have to look for a second generator if this little experiment did not pan out.

I had purchased the Bluetooth model specifically so that I could capture the startup and running current from the device without needing to buy a separate watt meter. This proved valuable because I was able to capture the progression of startup current as the device went through its training cycle. But in addition, it allows you to monitor the running current in real time. On the first training cycle when I was hooked to line power, the starting amps was 36. After training that had dropped to about 16.2 to 16.7. Clearly, that is right near the limit of what the generator can produce, but the running amps held steady in the 11 to 12 amp range. So as long as any additional load on the generator is minimal, the soft starter should be able to get the compressor started.

I cycled the AC unit off and on several more times to get some additional starting amp data. There were several times when the generator did go into overload and the compressor did not start. This was taking place after dusk and so the generator was charging not only the batteries, running the LED lights, and having to supply various small loads such as the USB chargers and the radio. I can see that all of these loads added up to more than what the generator could put out. What this demonstrated to me is one of the features of the soft starter. When it cannot get the compressor going, it causes a fault. Then the soft starter backs off for about 120 seconds before trying again (SCPT Delay in the images). The idea being is that your loads are constantly changing (switching on/off lights, running appliances, refrigerator starting/stopping) and so if the compressor can't start the unit it waits a bit of time and then makes another attempt. Using the Bluetooth link, you can see this in action and get a better idea as to why you might not be getting cold air out of your AC.

At this point, we have not tried this system while out camping. These results were taken just after completing the installation. I'm pleased with the soft starter operation so far and expect that we will find having AC while dry camping nothing less than pure luxury.

I am not electrically inclined and I was able to install this very easily. Highly recommend as now the unit runs on even a 15amp service.

The sales team from Hutch Mountain were helpful before and after the sale, even being so kind as to walk me through the (remarkably quick & easy) install over the phone to save me the cost of having it installed.

It's almost criminal to only rate this a 5/5 when they went do far out of their way to help. I cannot recommend them enough!
Thank you Scott for all your help!

Easy to install. The connectors had been pre crimped onto the 4 wires. Thank-you for that unexpected task! There was nothing to do but push them on to the 2 capacitor clips, 1 other clip to the enclosure box and connect 2 wires together. Done (2 minutes). 15 minutes to easily route the wire harness, apply double sided-tape and zip-tie secure the EasyStart box.
The instructions were crystal clear for the GE (Grand Design Imagine) AC unit.

When I was initially discharging the capacitor before I started I had a question. Called the phone number late in the afternoon and got an immediate response from a real person. Customer service was great. After the installation and 5 test runs, I was able to run the AC and the lights with my Honda 2000i. But not much else.