Replacement Air Conditioner for Airstream Trailer

Updated 06/03/2025 | Published 05/31/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Furrion Chill HE Replacement RV Air Conditioner for Coleman Setup - 13,500 Btu - White

(95)

$919.63

Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ductless - 18,000 Btu - Black

(34)

$1336.42

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

(43)

$1291.88

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

(17)

$1422.69

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

(33)

$1407.15

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

(17)

$1337.38

Furrion Chill HE RV Air Conditioner System - Manual - 13,500 Btu - White - R32

(67)

$934.93

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

(43)

$1444.48

Question:

Rv ac questions. Im looking at the Furrion Chill HE unit. Looks like I could use a 13.5k unit 25 Airstream about 200 sqft trying to use a smaller unit to keep power usage down this unit is 11-13amp draw range, correct? May not need a soft start on a generator, although we rarely boondock. Does this use r32 or r410 freon? Id like a unit with a remote control rather than hard mount thermostat. Controls on the unit are fine but wife is short and can barely reach them. Is remote an option? How do you compare this to the recpro 13.5k ac unit?

asked by: Jerry K

Expert Reply:

Hey Jerry! I wasn't able to see what Furrion Chill HE but assuming we're talking about one like the # FR82PV that is correct. This is an old R410A unit so I don't recommend it. There is an R32 as well # FR95TD but it doesn't have the features you're wanting. I do strongly recommend switching to an R32 unit so you don't have to worry about a lack of parts in the future since the old ones are getting phased out. Based on what you're looking for the best option is the Furrion Chill Cube.

The Chill Cube is their newest model and it has everything you're looking for. The first thing you might notice is the 18k Btu capacity which may seem like overkill. However, it won't be since the unit uses a variable speed compressor. This also means it has an incredibly low power draw and is extremely efficient. It also won't cycle constantly like another oversized AC would since it runs continuously which means it won't wear out the compressor.

It is listed with a cooling power draw of 11.6 amps but is typically pulling far less. You won't need a soft start since it slowly ramps up and doesn't have the initial power spike like your typical AC. It is also unbelievably quiet. This is also the only option right now that comes with a remote, which acts as the thermostat. You can choose from the following based on color and if you have a ducted or ductless setup:

-Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ductless - 18,000 Btu - Black # FR27TD

-Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ductless - 18,000 Btu - White # FR59TD

-Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ducted - 18,000 Btu - Black # FR39TD

-Furrion Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w Air Distribution Box - Ducted - 18,000 Btu - White # FR99TD

-Furrion Chill Cube RV AC w/ Air Distribution Box, Thermostat - Ducted # FR69TD (if you also have a furnace)

-Furrion Chill Cube RV AC w/ Air Distribution Box, Thermostat - Ducted # FR49TD (if you also have a furnace)

I did have another Airstream owner ask about roof thickness saying theirs is about 2" thick. The roof thickness needs to be at least 3-1/2" so if you don't meet that requirement you will have to add extra material around the opening for the AC installation. This is a pretty common practice and not as difficult as it sounds.

I've never heard or seen anything on the RecPro. Searching around it looks like a mix of people that are happy with them and others that are reporting failures or other problems so it is hard to compare. If you have any other questions feel free to reply below.