Can Furrion Chill Cube Operate Without Air Distribution Box

Updated 10/22/2025 | Published 04/10/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Furrion Chill Cube RV AC w Air Distribution Box, Thermostat - Ducted - 18,000 Btu - White

(23)

$1268.99

Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ducted - 18,000 Btu - White

(50)

$1311.13

Question:

Hello, I have a 2004 Newmar Scottsdale with a domestic multizone 13,500 BTU a/cs. They are ducted only, meaning no ADB in the ceiling. Im looking to replace both units but not sure how the controller would work. Can the controller be separated from the ADB? Can the remotes be assigned which a/c to control in a multizone situation? Will the remote signal get through the ceiling given Ill have no ADB. Any update on the heat strip for the cube? Lastly, why is the cube only available in 18,000 BTU? That seems a bit overkill for my setup. Thanks for your help, you have been my go-to and first choice on RV and towing stuff for ten years now and youve never disappointed me. Your how to videos have often given me the courage to tackle these projects.

asked by: Jeff P

2004 Newmar Scottsdale Ducted AC
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeff! The Furrion Chill Cube # FR69TD requires the ADB to operate. If you want to use this in your 2004 Newmar Scottsdale you will have to install the ADB along with the AC unit. There is no way to remove the controller since it is inside the AC unit and not separate. Personally, I would put in the extra work and add the cutout since this system has a lot of great features and advantages over others.

Even if you could install it without the ADB there would be no way for the remote to communicate. It uses an IR sensor so line of sight matters when it comes to using the remote. The remotes won't be "assigned" but since they're in two different locations each remote will work with the AC it is able to send a signal to. Also, we do not have an update on the heat strip at this time.

As far as the 18,000 Btu is concerned I understand why you might think it is overkill. However, I assure you it is not. The system is incredibly efficient and has a variable speed compressor. Since the compressor is always running it won't cycle constantly like an AC normally would if it was too powerful for the space. This means it won't wear out the system. With the Chill Cube you're getting a quick cooling, efficient, quiet system like nothing else on the market right now.

It is also worth noting that the # FR69TD is the model with the wall thermostat. This is only required if you have a furnace and you want everything to work off of the same thermostat. You can also get the # FR99TD without the wall thermostat and run your furnace off of the Dometic thermostat you have in place right now. The Chill Cube will operate independently off of the ADB and remote.

expert reply by: Robin H

Robin H.

10/22/2025

Hey Jeff, how did things go with adding the ADB and fitting the Furrion Chill Cube units in your Newmar Scottsdale? Your experience could point others in the right direction who are thinking about upgrading their ducted systems.