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Greetings! Researching fifth wheels ≤35ft, ~16k GVWR.

Just wanted to say hi. I'm continuing my research of fifth wheels that are less than or equal to 35 ft in length (we like state parks) and not much over 16k GVWR. Just got back from the Tampa show where we spent a lot of time pouring over the Paradigm 310RL & 312RK, as well as the Brinkley Z3100. Also looked at the Grand Design 310GK (GVWR of 19k but I'd limit GVW to ~16k). We really liked the roominess and airiness of the Paradigm 310RL, especially with those huge windows. Not in a rush to buy, taking our time to make the right decision for our part-time, seasonal use case. Hope to learn a lot about the experiences of Alliance owners here. Can anyone tell me if all three AC units on the 2026 310RL are soft-start?
 
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BryanValRox

Elite Member
Just wanted to say hi. I'm continuing my research of fifth wheels that are less than or equal to 35 ft in length (we like state parks) and not much over 16k GVWR. Just got back from the Tampa show where we spent a lot of time pouring over the Paradigm 310RL & 312RK, as well as the Brinkley Z3100. Also looked at the Grand Design 310GK (GVWR of 19k but I'd limit GVW to ~16k). We really liked the roominess and airiness of the Paradigm 310RL, especially with those huge windows. Not in a rush to buy, taking our time to make the right decision for our part-time, seasonal use case. Hope to learn a lot about the experiences of Alliance owners here. Can anyone tell me if all three AC units on the 2026 310RL are soft-start?
Hi folks,
Soft Starts are normally an owner add on.
They were not standard equipment on our 2024 310 RL, nor have I added them to our Mach Air units.
Our style of camping just doesn’t warrant them.

I will also share, that I am not aware what model ac units come on the 2026 310RL.
 

Flyer32RLS

Well-known member
Seems like you are doing due diligence. I would suggest that if you are not in a big hurry, which it sounds like you are not, take a look at the used 5th wheels in the type you want. There are MANY!!! Let someone else take the hit for depreciation. If you want to buy new, just beware that from the sounds of it, prices are coming down. I would get an inspection done on anything you buy unless you are comfortable doing it yourself. I spent 4 hours going over ours before I signed. Look behind things like the trim on the backside of the slides. That is where I have found the only faults so far. You have to remember that this is a house going down the road at 60-70MPH and they take a beating. Thing are going to come lose and things are going to break. If you keep that in mind, you won't be disappointed and blaming the manufacturer for faults. Some but not everything! Enjoy! It seems like the Alliance family kinda hangs together. We have been very happy with our 2025 32RLS so far.
In reference to your soft start question. I'm not sure if they use Furrion Chill Cube air conditioners on all their products or not but you will not need a soft start on a Furrion. They spin up very slowly and draw minimum amps. Can't remember the amperage but they both will run at less than 30 amps when compressor kicks on. I can run both my A/C's on my Predator 5000W without a problem. Can't say what else I can run at the same time as have never had to. I attached my Gen Set (100lbs) in my rear hitch with a reinforced basket with 2" hitch welded to the basket. Stays there and just crank and let run at least once a month. Cord reaches so don't have to worry about moving it. Works great. The solar is enough to keep batteries fully charged for the fridge.
 
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Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
I know of no MFG that installs soft-starts on AC units. That is up to the buyer, if they are needed. I put them on all 3 of our AC units, but we boondock a lot and having ability to run/start them from our 3k inverter was why I installed them. Also nice if you're in a park with only 30 amp service.
 

7426TRISS

Well-known member
I have run all 3 Air Conditioner without soft starts on are 2024 385FL, the surge suppressor readout shows about 30 amps
 

UFF

Well-known member
I own the 310RL. Put all three soft starts on myself. If you are able that is the way to go. Last year had a soft start go bad, was able to wire it up normal again and use it. Not sure how confident I would have been if I was not the one that installed it. Don’t matter what you buy just enjoy the journey. If you’re able learn how to work on it. That is some of the fun.
 

Turfengineer

Active member
We love the room of our 32RLS, which is similar is size to the 310rl We fit into most state parks, but it can be tight.

If you can get on the roof, you can install the soft start yourself. Plenty of videos to help along the way.
 

Flyer32RLS

Well-known member
If you have the Furrion Chill Cube, you will not need a SoftStart on your A/C units. They come with a better than soft start and take very few amps when compared to the others.
 
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56Jeff

Member
If you have the Furrion Chill Cube, you will not need a SoftStart on your A/C units. They come with a better than soft start and take very few amps when compared to the others.
Agree. Our 2025 29RL was plugged in at home to 120v via a 100ft extension cord, and to my surprise the Main AC unit started with no sign of struggle.
 

Lantley

Prominent Member
Agree. Our 2025 29RL was plugged in at home to 120v via a 100ft extension cord, and to my surprise the Main AC unit started with no sign of struggle.
The issue with long extension cords is the voltage drop. Be sure you are monitoring the voltage to ensure it is at least 108 volts.
AC will run and sound OK. But low voltage will damage the unit You can't hear a low voltage condition.
 
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BryanValRox

Elite Member
The issue will long extension cords is the voltage drop. Be sure you are monitoring the voltage to ensure it is at least 108 volts.
AC will run and sound OK. But low voltage will damage the unit You can't hear a low voltage condition.
Agree with Lantley, keep the extension cord as short as possible and as heavy of a wire gauge that you can find(and afford these days) I use a 12 gauge 50 footer and maintain a safe voltage while running one AC during cleaning and inside repairs while sitting in the driveway.
 
Thanks everyone for your very helpful replies. I got hit hard with the flu for a couple weeks and was down and out for a while, didn't feel like doing much of anything except rest. But I am back to my spry self now and back in the fight! Having fun looking at tow vehicles as well. :giggle:
 
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