Air Conditioning In RV's
In the YouTube video from the channel “All About RVs,” Jared Gillis reviews the Turbro Inverter AC 13.5K, the first low-profile RV air conditioner with an inverter compressor and heat pump, comparing it to the Furrion Chill Cube. The video, posted on May 4, 2025, covers the following key points:
1. **Installation**: The Turbro AC installs like standard RV AC units, fitting a 14-inch roof opening, requiring only 120V AC power, and is ductless, though adaptable to duct systems. Installation is straightforward, with a simple power connection and interior panel setup.
2. **Startup Performance**: The inverter compressor eliminates the high startup surge typical of RV ACs. Compared to a standard 13,500 BTU AC (50-53 amps startup), a 15,000 BTU Coleman Mach with Microair Easy Start (20 amps), and an Eco-Cool Gree (23.6 amps), the Turbro starts with just a few amps, ramping up smoothly without spikes.
3. **Efficiency**: The Turbro has an EER of 11.3, but in real-world tests, its efficiency matches the Hutton AC (1.06 kW vs. 1.52 kW) when cooling from high temperatures. However, it excels in maintaining temperature, using 400Wh less per hour than the Hutton, with efficiency improving over longer run times.
4. **Noise Levels**: The Turbro is louder than expected, measuring 58-60 dB across fan speeds, compared to the Hutton (47-55 dB) and Eco-Cool Gree (42-51 dB), with the latter being the quietest.
5. **Operation and Features**: The unit is controlled via a responsive remote or app, not a wall thermostat, and offers cooling, dehumidifying, fan, and heat pump modes. The heat pump functions effectively down to 20°F, providing a reliable electric heating option. It also includes three colored light options for ambiance.
6. **Additional Notes**: The Turbro costs around $1,500 (with a discount code), compared to the Furrion Chill Cube at $1,300, but it’s the first with a heat pump. The video also mentions Camco’s FasTen leveling system as a sponsor, highlighting its modular blocks and new Acupark ramps.
Jared concludes that the Turbro is a solid, low-profile option with excellent startup performance and decent efficiency, though it could improve on noise. Links for products and further details are provided in the description.
