Furrion RV Air Conditioners: Chill Cube or Chill HE?
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Furrion has become a familiar name on RV roofs, especially on newer trailers and motorhomes, and its air conditioners are built around two goals: cooling a small, sun-baked space quickly and doing it with less noise and less power draw than older rooftop units. If you are shopping for a furrion ac unit for rv use, whether for your own rig or as a big upgrade for a family member, you will quickly run into two families, Chill Cube and Chill HE, plus terms like BTU, ducted, non-ducted and ADB that the listings rarely explain.
In one sentence, here is how the six items differ: the Chill Cube 18K comes in non-ducted and ducted versions with variable speed compressors, the Chill HE comes in 15K and 13.5K sizes with a dual-fan design, and the remaining two are add-ons, a Furrion ducted air distribution box and a third-party KoolRV airflow kit, neither of which cools your RV on its own.
Furrion RV Air Conditioners Compared
| Product | What It Is | Cooling (BTU) | Ducted or Non-Ducted | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furrion Chill Cube 18K Non-Ducted | Rooftop AC unit | 18,000 | Non-ducted | 72.4 lb |
| Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted | Rooftop AC unit | 18,000 | Ducted | 72.4 lb |
| Furrion Chill HE 15K (R32) | Rooftop AC unit | 15,000 | Not listed | 99 lb |
| Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air Distribution Box | Ceiling add-on | Paired with 18K unit | Ducted | 7.4 lb |
| Furrion Chill HE 13.5K (Lippert Components) | Rooftop AC unit | 13,500 | Not listed | Not listed |
| KoolRV for Furrion HE | Third-party airflow add-on | None | Ducted systems | Not listed |
RV Air Conditioner Terms in Plain Words
BTU, or British thermal unit, measures how much heat an air conditioner can remove in an hour. Higher numbers cool bigger or hotter spaces faster. Twelve thousand BTU equals one “ton” of cooling, which is why the Chill Cube’s 18,000 BTU is described as over one ton. As a general rule, longer RVs, dark roofs and hot regions need more BTU.
A rooftop RV air conditioner has two parts: the unit on the roof and an air distribution box, or ADB, on the ceiling inside. The ADB holds the controls, filter and vents. Non-ducted means cold air blows straight down from the ADB into the room below. Ducted means the air travels through channels built into the ceiling to vents throughout the RV, giving more even cooling. You have to match the unit and the ADB to what your RV already has, so check your ceiling before buying.
Furrion Chill Cube 18K Non-Ducted Rooftop AC for Hot-Climate Travel
Furrion
Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air Distribution Box FACT18VSDA-PS-AM
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air
Best for: Completing a ducted Chill Cube install
Pros
- Remote control included
- Detachable filter
- Low-profile 5.25 inches
Cons
- Not an AC unit by itself
- Fits 14-inch opening, 3-6 inch roof
Best for: RVs with existing ceiling ducts
Pros
- 18,000 BTU cooling
- Variable speed, steady running
- Silent Mode listed
- Lower profile than non-ducted
Cons
- Needs separate ducted ADB
- Installation parts in ADB only
Best for: Non-ducted RVs in very hot climates
Pros
- 18,000 BTU cooling
- Variable speed compressors
- Battery Saver Mode
- 4 lb, aerodynamic shape
Cons
- AC unit only, ADB sold separately
- Big power draw listed
The Furrion Chill Cube 18K Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC is the furrion chill cube 18k for RVs without ceiling ducts. Its variable speed compressors change speed based on how much cooling is needed rather than switching fully on and off. Furrion says that removes abrupt starts, stops and excessive amp draw, which makes it quieter and gentler on batteries and generators. The listing gives a 50 dB noise level and a Battery Saver Mode.
Furrion says it cools quickly even when it is 105°F outside, and claims higher cooling capacity and better efficiency than typical RV ACs, which means more battery runtime off-grid. At 72.4 pounds, it is about 10% lighter than other units according to Furrion, and its aerodynamic shape reduces drag. Dimensions are 30.38 by 30 by 16.63 inches, and the listed wattage is 5275.28 watts.
The important note: this listing is for the AC unit only. The ADB, which includes all installation components, is sold separately. This model suits owners of non-ducted campervans and trailers who travel in serious heat. If your RV has ducts in the ceiling, choose the ducted version below instead.
Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted RV Air Conditioner for Even Cooling
The Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted RV Air Conditioner is the furrion chill cube ducted version. It shares the 18,000 BTU rating, variable speed compressors, 72.4-pound weight, bolt-on installation and 105°F cooling claim of the non-ducted model. Its spec sheet lists Silent Mode, touch and button control, and slightly smaller dimensions at 29 by 29.5 by 14.5 inches.
Like its sibling, this is the AC unit only. Its listing points to a separately sold ADB that includes all installation components, and that is the Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air Distribution Box covered later in this guide. Plan on buying both.
This suits larger trailers and motorhomes that already have ducted ceilings and want cool air spread evenly to the bedroom and living area. Owners of non-ducted rigs should pick the non-ducted Chill Cube.
Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air Conditioner 15K for Mid-Size Trailers
Furrion
Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air Conditioner (R32) – 15K BTU, White – FACR15HESA2-PS-AM
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air
Best for: Travel trailers needing strong mid-size cooling
Pros
- 15,000 BTU
- Dual-fan design
- Thermal-insulated shroud
- Vibrationsmart build
Cons
- Heaviest at 99 lb
- Ducted or non-ducted not stated
The Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air Conditioner is the furrion chill he 15k, using R32 refrigerant. Instead of a variable speed compressor, it uses two fans: one pushes cold air into the RV while the other keeps the main fan cool. Furrion says that gives 50% higher cooling capacity and 40% more energy efficiency than industry standards and makes it 50% quieter than single-fan models.
Vibrationsmart and Climatesmart technologies are meant to handle rough roads, and a thermal-insulated shroud protects the inside from water, heat, UV rays and debris. It is a mid-profile, aerodynamic design with bolt-on installation. At 99 pounds and 39.25 by 30.38 by 18 inches, it is the heaviest unit here, so confirm your roof can carry it. The listing does not say whether it is ducted or non-ducted, or whether an ADB is included.
This suits travel trailers and campers that need solid cooling but not the full 18K. If weight is a concern, the 72.4-pound Chill Cube is lighter despite more BTU.
Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air Distribution Box to Complete a Ducted Install
The Furrion Chill Cube 18K Ducted Air Distribution Box is the furrion ducted air distribution box. It is not an air conditioner. It is the ceiling part that pairs with a rooftop unit, holding the operating panel and filter and sending air into your ducts. The listing says it works with all Furrion Chill rooftop air conditioners and fits RVs with a 3 to 6-inch roof and 14-inch roof opening.
It includes a remote control, and the panel lets you choose among three operating modes, adjust fan speed, control the oscillating louver and manage power use. Extra modes include Follow Me and Turbo. It is 5.25 inches thin, weighs 7.4 pounds and has a detachable filter for cleaning.
Buy this alongside the ducted Chill Cube. On its own, it does not cool.
Lippert Components Furrion Chill HE 13.5K for Smaller Campers
The Lippert Components 2021132276 Furrion Chill HE RV Roof Air Conditioner is the furrion chill he 13.5k, listed under the Lippert Components name. It provides 13,500 BTU, a high energy efficiency ratio, dual fans for quieter operation, a mid-profile aerodynamic design and a secured shroud. It runs on 115 volts and uses R410A refrigerant, unlike the 15K’s R32.
The listing gives a wattage of 61.65 watts, which is far too low for a rooftop AC and is likely an error. It does not list weight, dimensions, or ducted versus non-ducted configuration. This suits smaller campers and owners replacing an older 13.5K unit. For hotter climates or larger spaces, step up to the 15K or 18K.
KoolRV for Furrion HE RV Air Conditioner as a Third-Party Airflow Add-On
Best for: Chill HE owners with ducted airflow issues
Pros
- No permanent modifications
- Works with shallow ducts
- Direct support contact listed
Cons
- Third-party, not Furrion
- Not compatible with Chill Cube
The KoolRV for Furrion HE RV Air Conditioner is made by KoolRV Solutions, not Furrion. It is a duct adapter, not an air conditioner, that aims to improve airflow into a ducted system and reduce noise by lowering restriction at the source. The listing says it works with standard and shallow ducts and installs without permanent modifications.
It fits only the Furrion HE and is not compatible with the Chill Cube; the seller says a Cube version is coming. Search results for koolrv for furrion may show both, so check your AC label first. KoolRV lists a support phone and email for fit questions. It suits Chill HE owners with ducted systems who feel airflow is weak.
How to Choose the Right Furrion RV Air Conditioner
Check your ceiling. Ducted RVs need a ducted unit and ADB; non-ducted rigs need a non-ducted setup.
Match BTU to space and climate. 13,500 BTU suits small campers, 15,000 mid-size trailers, and 18,000 larger rigs or very hot regions. At home, the same logic applies to room units, as our guide to a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner explains.
Consider weight and power. The Chill Cube’s variable speed design aims at off-grid battery use; the Chill HE uses dual fans. If you plan to run on solar, our look at a small solar panel gives a feel for how solar output compares with big loads.
Finally, budget for add-ons. The Chill Cube units need a separately sold ADB, and a professional installer is wise for any rooftop job.
FAQ
Which Furrion AC should I buy?
For hot climates and large rigs, a Chill Cube 18K matched to your ceiling type. For mid-size trailers, the Chill HE 15K. For small campers, the Chill HE 13.5K.
Does the Chill Cube include the ceiling unit?
No. Both Chill Cube listings say the ADB is sold separately.
What is the difference between ducted and non-ducted?
Ducted systems send air through ceiling channels to several vents; non-ducted blow air straight down from one spot.
Does KoolRV work with the Chill Cube?
No. The listing says it fits only the Furrion HE.
Is the Chill Cube quiet?
The non-ducted listing gives 50 dB, and both mention variable speed compressors that avoid harsh starts and stops.
Can I install it myself?
Listings describe bolt-on installation with a guide, but rooftop work and wiring are often best left to an RV technician.
