Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

6 Best Soft Start For Coleman RV AC in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Soft starts for Coleman-Mach RV air conditioners compared on listed model fit, install effort and price, including 1497-3601 style kits.

By Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab6 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

At a glance

Our top picks

At a glance · 6 picks

01
Best Overall JBphxior Soft Start RV AC kit fit for Coleman Mach 450XX/ 452XX/ 470XX/ 472XX/ 480XX/ 482XX-Series Air Conditi ↓ See why we picked it
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02
Best Multi-Brand Polar Start RV Air Conditioner Soft Start Kit with Hardware ↓ See why we picked it
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03
Best Install XINMANG RV AC Soft Start 1497-3601 Compatible with Coleman-Mach 450XX 452XX 470XX 472XX 480XX 482XX Series ↓ See why we picked it
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04
Best Efficiency Claim 1497-3601 RV AC Capacitor Soft Start Control Kit Fit for Coleman Mach 452XX/ 450XX/ 472XX/ 470XX/ 482XX/ 480XX ↓ See why we picked it
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05
Best OEM Replacement Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 for RV Air Conditioner for Coleman Mach ↓ See why we picked it
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06
Best Budget CRAPOZ RV AC Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 for Coleman Mach ↓ See why we picked it
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Coleman-Mach rooftop air conditioners dominate the RV market, and several soft start kits name the 450XX to 482XX series directly. The listings that name those series, or use the 1497-3601 part number, give a clearer fit than a generic universal kit.

The picks run from about 50 to 130 dollars. They show which kits name the series, which cover many brands and what to check on the AC's own model plate.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

Start with the job: JBphxior Soft Start RV AC kit fit for Coleman Mach 450XX/ 452XX/ 470XX/ 472XX/ 480XX/ 482XX-Series Air Conditi leads this shortlist for Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
Specs that separate the picks: The first details to compare are Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX, Covers 70+ RV AC models, 1497-3601 Coleman-Mach fit. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Fits only the listed Coleman series

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Soft Start For Coleman RV AC

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Find your model plate
Check the AC's model plate for the series number, for example 450XX or 482XX. A kit that names that series gives a more certain fit. If the model is not listed, ask the seller.
02
The 1497-3601 part number
Several kits use the 1497-3601 number, which is the soft start control kit for those series. Check that the number is in the title. Kits without it may be generic.
03
Stated inrush reduction
Many listings cite up to 75 percent. Others do not state a percent. Look for the figure.
04
Install time
A novice install in about 20 minutes is a stated claim on one listing. Others give less detail. Check whether instructions or videos are included.
05
Multi-brand vs series-specific
A multi-brand kit like the Polar Start covers more models. A series-specific kit is cheaper. Choose by how sure you are of your model.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on rig fit and power or hookup compatibility, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review RV gear →

Detailed reviews

The 6 best soft start for coleman rv ac, explained

Best Overall · 1 of 6

JBphxior Soft Start RV AC kit fit for Coleman Mach 450XX/ 452XX/ 470XX/ 472XX/ 480XX/ 482XX-Series Air Conditi

Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX
Cuts starting current 75%
Reduces compressor noise

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Best for: Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX

Our take

It reduces the compressor's starting current by 75 percent and cuts noise and vibration at startup.

Why it made the shortlist

The JBphxior kit is designed specifically for Coleman-Mach 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX series air conditioners. The JBphxior kit is designed specifically for Coleman-Mach 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX series air conditioners.

It costs about 30 dollars less than the Polar Start and cuts starting current by 75 percent.

It suits owners who want a kit that names their series and states a 75 percent cut.

What works

Made for Coleman-Mach series
Cuts starting current 75%
Reduces compressor thump

Watch out for

Fits only the listed Coleman series

The catch: The 1497-3601 kits cost less but give fewer details.

Check price on Amazon

Best Multi-Brand · 2 of 6

Polar Start RV Air Conditioner Soft Start Kit with Hardware

Covers 70+ RV AC models
Hardware included
Starts two ACs on 30 amp

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Best for: Mixed AC brands

Our take

Compatible makes include Dometic, Coleman (Airxcel), Houghton Belaire and GE, and it can start two air conditioners on 30 amps.

Why it made the shortlist

The Polar Start soft starter kit includes hardware and an installation guide covering over 70 models of RV air conditioners. The Polar Start soft starter kit includes hardware and an installation guide covering over 70 models of RV air conditioners.

Compatible makes include Dometic, Coleman (Airxcel), Houghton Belaire and GE, and it can start two air conditioners on 30 amps. It costs the most of the six.

It suits owners who may swap AC brands or run two units.

What works

Install guide included
Covers over 70 RV AC models
Hardware included
Starts two ACs on 30 amp

Watch out for

Costs the most of the six
Generic, not Coleman-specific

Check price on Amazon

Best Install · 3 of 6

XINMANG RV AC Soft Start 1497-3601 Compatible with Coleman-Mach 450XX 452XX 470XX 472XX 480XX 482XX Series

1497-3601 Coleman-Mach fit
20 minute novice install
Weather sealed

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Best for: Fast novice install

Our take

The listing says a novice can install it in about 20 minutes and that it is weather sealed.

Why it made the shortlist

The XINMANG kit is tailored to Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX series with the 1497-3601 part number. The XINMANG kit is tailored to Coleman-Mach 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX series with the 1497-3601 part number.

The listing says a novice can install it in about 20 minutes and that it is weather sealed. It costs the same as the CCNLHZM.

It suits first-time installers who want a quick fit.

What works

Novice install in 20 minutes
Weather sealed
Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX

Watch out for

Brand not well known
Thin spec detail

Check price on Amazon

Best Efficiency Claim · 4 of 6

1497-3601 RV AC Capacitor Soft Start Control Kit Fit for Coleman Mach 452XX/ 450XX/ 472XX/ 470XX/ 482XX/ 480XX

1497-3601 for Coleman-Mach
Inrush cut up to 75%
Semiconductor-based design

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Best for: Lower power use

Our take

It reduces inrush amperage up to 75 percent and uses semiconductor materials to cut instantaneous current.

Why it made the shortlist

The CCNLHZM kit is a 1497-3601 soft start control kit that reduces inrush amperage up to 75 percent and lessens overall power consumption. The CCNLHZM kit is a 1497-3601 soft start control kit for Coleman 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX air conditioners.

It uses semiconductor materials to cut instantaneous current. It costs the same as the XINMANG.

It suits owners who want the 75 percent figure at a low price.

What works

Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX
Inrush cut up to 75%
Lowers total power use

Watch out for

Thin install detail
Brand not well known

Check price on Amazon

Best OEM Replacement · 5 of 6

Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 for RV Air Conditioner for Coleman Mach

Replaces OEM 1497-3601
Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX
Reduces peak starting power

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Best for: Replacing the OEM part

Our take

It reduces peak starting power to minimize surges that trip circuit breakers.

Why it made the shortlist

The XHEIN kit is a Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 that replaces the OEM part for Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX air conditioners. The XHEIN kit is a Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 that replaces the OEM part for Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX air conditioners.

It reduces peak starting power to minimize surges. It costs about 6 dollars more than the CRAPOZ.

It suits owners who want to match the OEM part number.

What works

Smart capacitor design
Replaces the OEM 1497-3601 part
Fits Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX
Reduces peak starting power

Watch out for

Thin install detail
Brand not well known

Check price on Amazon

Best Budget · 6 of 6

CRAPOZ RV AC Soft Start Control Kit 1497-3601 for Coleman Mach

1497-3601 for Coleman Mach
Inrush cut up to 75%
Flame-retardant ABS housing

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Best for: Buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs

Our take

A flame-retardant, dustproof ABS housing and up to 75 percent less inrush current make it a clean fit for a Coleman rooftop unit.

Why it made the shortlist

The CRAPOZ kit is a 1497-3601 soft start control kit that cuts inrush current by up to 75 percent in a flame-retardant, dustproof ABS housing. The CRAPOZ kit is a 1497-3601 soft start control kit for Coleman Mach 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX series.

It undercuts every other pick here. It names the same Coleman Mach series as the other 1497-3601 kits.

It suits budget buyers with a listed Coleman-Mach series.

What works

Inrush cut up to 75%
Fits Coleman Mach 450XX to 482XX
Flame-retardant ABS housing

Watch out for

Brand not well known
Thin install detail

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Series fit

Listed Coleman-Mach series, such as 450XX to 482XX, were compared.

Part number

1497-3601 kits were compared with generic kits.

Inrush cut

Stated reduction, often up to 75 percent, was compared.

Install effort

Install time and included hardware were compared.

Price

Prices from 50 to 130 dollars were compared.

Decision guide

Match a Soft Start For Coleman RV AC to Your RV

By Fit Certainty

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Series named, 75% cut	JBphxior Coleman	Names the 450XX to 482XX series.
Mixed brands	Polar Start	70+ models covered.
Fast install	XINMANG 1497-3601	About 20 minutes claim.
OEM match	XHEIN 1497-3601	Replaces the OEM part.
Lowest cost	CRAPOZ 1497-3601	Cheapest 1497-3601 kit.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$40 to $60	CRAPOZ 1497-3601 or XINMANG 1497-3601
$50 to $60	CCNLHZM 1497-3601 or XHEIN 1497-3601
$90 to $130	JBphxior Coleman or Polar Start

Series-Specific vs Multi-Brand

Series-specific

Names the Coleman-Mach series and costs less, as with the JBphxior Coleman, XINMANG 1497-3601, CCNLHZM 1497-3601, XHEIN 1497-3601 and CRAPOZ 1497-3601.

Multi-brand

Covers many AC brands and two units, as with the Polar Start.

Most buyers should pick the JBphxior Coleman, and the Polar Start only for mixed brands.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
Under 55 dollars	CRAPOZ 1497-3601
55 to 60 dollars	XHEIN 1497-3601
95 to 105 dollars	JBphxior Coleman
Above 125 dollars	Polar Start

For a Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX Specifically

Look for

The exact series in the title and the 1497-3601 part number.

In this comparison

The JBphxior Coleman lists those series, and the XINMANG 1497-3601 adds a quick install.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the JBphxior Coleman or Polar Start for clearer fit or multi-brand coverage.

Save if

Save with the CRAPOZ 1497-3601 or XINMANG 1497-3601.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Which Coleman-Mach series do these fit?

The listings name 450XX, 452XX, 470XX, 472XX, 480XX and 482XX. Check your AC's model plate.

What mistake do buyers make?

They buy without checking the model. Confirm the series first.

Is the Polar Start worth the premium?

Only for mixed brands or two units. Otherwise the JBphxior is cheaper.

How do I install it?

Turn off power, follow the instructions and mount the unit. Test with the AC running.

Is the 1497-3601 the same as the OEM part?

The XHEIN says it replaces OEM 1497-3601. Others use the number as a fit. Check the listing.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more soft start for coleman rv ac on Amazon →

About the author

Bowen Higgins

RV Editor at RV Gear Lab

Bowen covers RV power, water systems, towing and leveling, upkeep and interior comfort, with a focus on matching gear to the rig, the hookups and the way you actually travel.

6 Best Soft Start For Coleman RV AC in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Soft Start For Coleman RV AC

Find your model plate

The 1497-3601 part number

Stated inrush reduction

Install time

Multi-brand vs series-specific

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 6 best soft start for coleman rv ac, explained

How We Built This Shortlist

Series fit

Part number

Inrush cut

Install effort

Price

Match a Soft Start For Coleman RV AC to Your RV

By Fit Certainty

By Budget

Series-Specific vs Multi-Brand

By Budget

For a Coleman-Mach 450XX to 482XX Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Which Coleman-Mach series do these fit?

What mistake do buyers make?

Is the Polar Start worth the premium?

How do I install it?

Is the 1497-3601 the same as the OEM part?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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