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Chill Cube RV Air Conditioner w/ Heat Pump Power Supply  

Published 04/09/2026

Question:

Do you also need 12 volt to use the ac chill cube with heat pump or JUST the 110

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out Amie,

You don’t need 12-volt power to actually run the unit for heating or cooling. The Chill Cube runs off standard 120-volt power, so as long as you’re plugged into shore power or running a generator, you’ll be all set. The heat pump is electric and uses that same 120V supply to operate.

This doesn't pertain to you but with some setups, there may be a small 12V connection for the controls or thermostat, but that’s minimal and separate from the main power.

Are you usually plugged into shore power, or running off a generator when using the A/C?

expert reply by:
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James D
Amie profile picture

Amie

4/9/2026

We will be using shore power or generator , just curious if a 12 volt wire would have to be connected also because we are doing a new build

James D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

James D.

4/9/2026

@Amie yes, you usually still want a 12V system, even if you have shore power or a generator.
Amie profile picture

Amie

4/9/2026

@JamesD ok I don’t get it, above you said we don’t need 12 volt but last post said yes we do , so we DO need 120 AND a 12 volt? What does the 12 volt run?
James D. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

James D.

4/9/2026

@Amie In an RV, the electrical system is made up of two connected parts: a 12-volt (DC) system and a 120-volt (AC) system. The battery, converter, and shore power are what tie these two systems together and determine how your RV gets and uses electricity. The battery supplies 12-volt power and is what runs essential items like lights, water pump, fans, and control boards when you’re not plugged in. This is what powers your RV during dry camping or boondocking. Shore power, on the other hand, is when you plug your RV into an external power source like a campground pedestal or a home outlet, providing 120-volt electricity similar to what you have in a house. This allows you to run larger appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, and standard outlets. The converter is the key component that connects these two systems. When your RV is plugged into shore power, the converter takes the incoming 120-volt AC electricity and converts it into 12-volt DC power. This allows all of your 12-volt systems to run without relying on the battery, while also charging and maintaining the battery at the same time. In this situation, the converter is doing most of the work, and the battery acts more like a backup. When you unplug from shore power, the converter no longer has a power source, so the battery automatically takes over and supplies all 12-volt power. In simple terms, when you are plugged in, shore power runs your 120-volt appliances and the converter powers your 12-volt systems while charging the battery. When you are unplugged, the battery alone powers everything on the 12-volt side. This is why managing battery usage is important when camping without hookups, and why the converter is essential for keeping everything running smoothly when you do have external power.

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