RV ventilation & heating gear solves very different problems, so the first decision is whether you need more airflow, heat, or a better way to start an existing air conditioner. The ICM Controls ICM870-16A is aimed at that last problem: reducing compressor startup demand rather than cooling, heating, or ventilating the RV itself.
Quick verdict
The ICM Controls ICM870-16A makes sense for an RV air conditioner installation where compressor startup surge is causing breaker trips, light flicker, or strain on a generator or inverter. It is listed at USD 269.99 and is designed for compressors rated 9.1-16A RLA. If your priority is a campervan roof fan, diesel heater, or insulation, this is the wrong type of upgrade. If startup behavior is the specific issue, its purpose is clear and focused.
ICM Controls ICM870-16A Motor Soft Start Kit, 120-240V 16 Amp
The ICM870-16A is a single-unit soft-start kit for 120-240V systems, with a listed 16-amp rating. Its central feature is a claimed reduction of compressor inrush current by up to 70%, intended to help prevent breaker trips and reduce startup-related flicker. An integrated start capacitor means the design includes that component rather than calling for an additional external capacitor.
A useful reason to choose it is the combination of soft-start operation and built-in safeguards: over- and under-voltage monitoring, over-current protection, LED fault indicators, and an automatic dynamic start delay. Those features give the kit a more specific role than a general RV electrical accessory. The limitation is equally specific: at USD 269.99, it is a targeted compressor-start solution, not a replacement for an RV air conditioner, roof fan, diesel heater, or insulation system.
Who it suits
This kit is best matched to an RV owner whose air conditioner already exists but creates a difficult startup load for the electrical setup. The stated applications include RV air conditioners as well as off-grid generator and inverter systems, making it relevant when the goal is to manage startup demand without changing the cooling appliance itself.
It is also a logical fit when the compressor falls within the stated 9.1-16A RLA range. That specification is central to the buying decision; the ICM870-16A should be considered for its stated compressor range, not as a universal solution for every RV heating or ventilation component.
What stands out from the listed details
- The core benefit is directly tied to compressor startup, with inrush-current reduction of up to 70% stated for the kit.
- Protection features include voltage monitoring, over-current protection, fault LEDs, and a start delay.
- The 120-240V, 16-amp format gives the product a defined electrical application rather than a broad, all-purpose RV role.
Meaningful trade-offs
The main trade-off is specialization. This kit can address the startup behavior of a compatible compressor, but it does not add airflow or heat to a campervan. The price also makes the purchase more deliberate: the USD 269.99 outlay is tied to one electrical function, so it is most defensible when compressor startup is the problem you are trying to solve.
Bottom line
Choose the ICM Controls ICM870-16A when your compatible RV air conditioner needs a soft-start approach and the listed 9.1-16A RLA range fits the compressor. Pass on it for a roof-fan, diesel-heater, or van-insulation project; its features are designed around compressor startup, not cabin ventilation or heating.
