If you’ve ever tried to run your RV air conditioner on a small generator or while boondocking on limited power, you know the frustration of tripped breakers and failed startups. The problem isn’t your AC unit—it’s the massive power surge that occurs when the compressor kicks on.
A typical RV air conditioner can draw 50-70 amps during startup, even though it only needs 12-15 amps to run continuously. This is where soft starters come in, and two of the most popular options available at RV Upgrade Store are the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze and the Dometic Penguin II Soft Starter.
I’ve installed both of these units over the years on different rigs, and the difference they make is genuinely transformative. Being able to run your AC on a 2,000-watt generator or operate two air conditioners on a 30-amp shore power connection opens up entirely new possibilities for comfortable camping.
In this comparison, I’ll break down the key differences between these two soft starters to help you determine which one is the right choice for your RV.
Before comparing these two products, it helps to understand what a soft starter actually does. When your RV air conditioner compressor starts, it requires a massive inrush of electrical current—often 5-7 times the running amperage. This startup surge is what trips breakers, overloads generators, and prevents you from running your AC on limited power sources.
A soft starter works by gradually ramping up the voltage to the compressor motor over a fraction of a second, rather than hitting it with full power all at once. This “soft” start reduces the inrush current by 65-75%, bringing that 50-70 amp surge down to a manageable 15-25 amps. The result is that your AC can start reliably on smaller generators, you can run multiple AC units on 30-amp shore power, and your compressor experiences less mechanical stress over time.
Both the Micro-Air EasyStart and Dometic soft starters accomplish this same basic function, but they differ significantly in compatibility, features, and price. Let’s examine each product in detail.
The Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze has earned its reputation as the go-to soft starter for RV owners, and for good reason. Its universal compatibility means it works with virtually every RV air conditioner brand on the market—Dometic, Coleman-Mach, GE, Marine Air, Cruisair, and most marine air conditioning systems. This versatility is a significant advantage if you’re not sure what AC brand you have, if you plan to upgrade your air conditioner in the future, or if you want to move the soft starter to a different RV down the road.
I installed my first EasyStart Breeze on a 2019 travel trailer with a Coleman-Mach AC, and the results were immediate. Before the soft starter, my 2,200-watt Honda generator would struggle and sometimes fail to start the AC. After installation, the generator barely noticed the compressor kicking on—the startup surge was reduced to a gentle hum rather than the usual violent shudder. The difference in noise alone was worth the investment.
The EasyStart Breeze features real-time fault detection technology that monitors your compressor and prevents issues before they cause damage. The integrated short-cycle prevention protects your compressor from the wear and tear of rapid on-off cycling, which is especially important when running on generator power where voltage fluctuations are common. For those who want even more control, the Bluetooth-enabled version allows you to monitor performance and run diagnostics from your smartphone—a feature I’ve found useful for troubleshooting and peace of mind.
Installation requires some electrical knowledge, but Micro-Air provides excellent documentation with brand-specific installation manuals for Dometic and Coleman-Mach units. The compact dimensions (5.75" x 3.5" x 2") make it easy to fit in tight spaces, and the 40-inch wire harness provides flexibility in mounting location. Most installations can be completed in 1-2 hours with basic tools.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the EasyStart’s ability to handle multiple compressor types. Whether your AC has a single-phase PSC motor or a more complex configuration, the EasyStart adapts automatically. This eliminates the guesswork that can make soft starter installation intimidating for first-timers. The unit also includes built-in protection against brownouts and voltage sags, which are common when running on generator power or in RV parks with overloaded electrical systems.
Buy Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze
The Dometic Penguin II Soft Starter is designed specifically for Dometic Penguin II Series air conditioners—and only for those units. This limited compatibility is both its greatest strength and its most significant limitation. If you have a Dometic Penguin II AC, this soft starter is engineered to work perfectly with your specific unit, with no guesswork about compatibility or installation.
I installed a Dometic soft starter on a friend’s motorhome that came equipped with a Penguin II air conditioner, and the plug-and-play nature of the installation was impressive. Because it’s designed for a specific AC model, all the mounting brackets and wire harnesses are pre-configured for that exact application. The installation took less than an hour, and there was no need to consult compatibility charts or worry about whether the unit would work properly.
The Dometic soft starter delivers the same core benefits as the Micro-Air: reduced startup amperage that allows your AC to run on smaller generators (as low as 2,000 watts), the ability to operate two AC units on a 30-amp shore power connection, and quieter compressor startups. The unit is marine compatible, making it suitable for boat applications as well as RVs.
The installation kit includes everything you need: an assembled mounting bracket that’s already attached to the unit, a hose clamp and worm screw for secure mounting, four wire ties for cable management, and a compressor wire harness that’s pre-configured for Penguin II units. This comprehensive kit means you won’t need to source additional parts or adapters.
However, the larger dimensions (12-1/4" x 7" x 5") require more installation space, and the higher price point makes it a more expensive option. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity means you won’t have the smartphone monitoring capabilities that the EasyStart offers. Additionally, if you ever replace your Penguin II with a different AC brand or model, this soft starter won’t transfer to the new unit—you’d need to purchase a new one.
Buy Dometic Penguin II Soft Starter
This is where the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze has a clear advantage. Its universal design works with virtually every RV air conditioner brand, giving you flexibility now and in the future.
The Dometic soft starter is limited to Penguin II Series units only—if you have a different Dometic model, a Coleman-Mach, or any other brand, it simply won’t work.
Winner: Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze
The Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze is the more affordable option. Even the Bluetooth-enabled version is still less expensive than the Dometic. For budget-conscious RVers, the EasyStart offers better value.
Both units require similar electrical work, but the Dometic has an edge for Penguin II owners because it’s designed specifically for that application. The pre-configured mounting brackets and harnesses eliminate guesswork.
The Micro-Air is still straightforward to install, but you’ll need to consult the brand-specific manual and may need to adapt the mounting to your particular AC unit.
Winner: Dometic (for Penguin II owners) / Tie (overall)
The Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze offers more advanced features, including real-time fault detection, integrated short-cycle prevention, and the option for Bluetooth connectivity.
The Dometic provides solid basic functionality but lacks these extras.
The Micro-Air’s compact dimensions (5.75" x 3.5" x 2“) make it easier to install in tight spaces.
The Dometic’s larger footprint (12-1/4” x 7" x 5") may be challenging in some installations, particularly in older RVs or those with limited access to the AC unit’s electrical compartment.
Considering that the Micro-Air can be transferred to a new AC unit or even a new RV, it offers better long-term value.
The Dometic’s unit-specific design means it stays with that particular Penguin II air conditioner. If you upgrade your AC or sell your RV, the Micro-Air gives you more options.
Micro-Air has built a strong reputation for customer support, with responsive technical assistance and comprehensive installation guides for multiple AC brands.
Dometic, as a major RV appliance manufacturer, also provides solid support, though their documentation is naturally limited to their own products.
Winner: Tie
After comparing these two products across multiple categories, the recommendation is fairly straightforward:
Choose the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze if:
Choose the Dometic Penguin II Soft Starter if:
For most RVers, the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze is the better choice. Its universal compatibility, lower price, compact size, and advanced features make it the more versatile and cost-effective option.
The only scenario where the Dometic makes more sense is if you have a Penguin II air conditioner and specifically want an OEM solution.
Regardless of which soft starter you choose, here are some tips to maximize its effectiveness:
In my experience testing both soft starters, the real-world performance is remarkably similar in terms of the core function—reducing startup amperage. Both units successfully allowed me to run an RV air conditioner on a 2,000-watt inverter generator, and both enabled running two AC units on 30-amp shore power without tripping breakers.
The difference becomes apparent in the details. The Micro-Air’s Bluetooth feature (on the upgraded model) proved genuinely useful for monitoring startup performance and diagnosing issues. Being able to see exactly how much current your AC is drawing during startup gives you confidence that the system is working correctly. The Dometic, while lacking this feature, performed reliably and consistently throughout my testing.
Noise reduction is another benefit worth mentioning. Both soft starters noticeably quieted the compressor startup—that jarring “clunk” when the AC kicks on becomes a much gentler transition. This is particularly appreciated during nighttime operation or when camping in close proximity to neighbors.
Adding a soft starter to your RV air conditioner is one of the most practical upgrades you can make for comfortable camping. Both the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze and the Dometic Penguin II Soft Starter deliver on their core promise of reducing startup amperage and enabling your AC to run on limited power sources.
For the vast majority of RVers, the Micro-Air EasyStart Breeze offers the best combination of compatibility, features, and value. If you happen to have a Dometic Penguin II air conditioner and prefer an OEM solution, the Dometic soft starter is a solid choice—just be prepared to pay a premium for that brand-specific design.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without one. Here’s to cool, comfortable nights in your RV, no matter where your travels take you.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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