Furrion Chill Cube Startup Amp Draw and Generator Compatibility

Updated 04/28/2026 | Published 04/25/2026

Question:

What is the max amp draw at start up for this unit. the 11-15 amps running will easily be handled by my 2500 watt genset but the start up demand is what I need to know. This genset will not start up my coleman rooftop unit.

asked by: Randy S

Expert Reply:

Randy, great question.

Since the Furrion Chill Cube part # FR49TD uses a variable speed compressor, the startup draw is under 5 amps and ramps up gradually instead of hitting a large spike like a traditional rooftop AC. In real-world demonstration, it’s been shown starting around 3.8 amps, which is a huge difference compared to the 30 to 40 amp surge that’s likely causing your Coleman to trip your generator.

The Furrion Chill Cube 18K is listed at 1,330 watts and about 11.6 amps while cooling at 115 volts, which sits comfortably under a typical 2,500 watt generator’s rated output. Furrion also specifically describes the Chill Cube as designed to work with a 2,000 watt generator, inverter, or lithium battery setup, so from a pure running-power standpoint your 2,500 watt genset is in a good spot.

The part I’d still keep in mind is real-world conditions. Generator output can fall off in high heat, at elevation, or if you are trying to run other loads at the same time, so the safest assumption is that the generator will handle the AC by itself, but not with much extra room for things like a microwave, water heater on electric, or battery charger drawing hard in the background.

Do you mostly camp off grid, or at parks where you can plug in? Do you use the generator for anything else while running the AC?

expert reply by: Heather A

Randy S.

4/28/2026

We boondock on a regular basis. If we need the genset at all it is due to inclement weather no solar or hotter conditions. I can isolate my converter charger so the only draw would be the AC. I thank you very much for your quick detailed response. It contains the information I needed.

Heather A.

4/28/2026

@RandyS Randy, it really sounds like you’ve thought your setup through in a way that puts you in a great position for this to work smoothly. Being able to isolate your converter and dedicate the generator just to the AC is a huge advantage, and that’s really what gives you the best shot at smooth, reliable operation with a 2500 watt unit. With the Chill Cube’s soft startup and your plan to keep other loads off the system, you’re in a much better position than with your Coleman. If anything changes or you want to fine tune things even more down the road, feel free to reach out anytime.