By Cheri Sicard
With RV life comes the challenge of keeping cool without draining power or making a racket. The new Greenland Turbro RV A/C with inverter compressor steps up by pairing mini-split technology with rooftop A/C usability, creating a promising new option for campers.
Only two brands currently make this style, but Turbro’s low-profile unit is the first to offer a heat pump. In the video at the end of this post, Jared Gillis of All About RVs puts it to the test and shares his findings.
The Turbro Inverter A/C swaps out old-school compressors for an inverter compressor. That’s the same efficient technology found in most home mini splits, now adapted for RVs. This design lets the A/C modulate speeds rather than always running full blast or shutting off, resulting in steady comfort and better energy use.
Fitting a new A/C shouldn’t be a major headache. Turbro’s unit installs on standard 14-inch openings, just like most vent fans. It only needs a 120V AC connection, with no 12V wiring required. Upgrading is a straightforward task.
Installation steps:
- Place the unit on the rooftop vent.
- Bolt the interior panel through to compress the roof seal.
- Connect the wiring between the interior and exterior units.
- Snap on the air filter cover inside.
No ducting mods needed for this ductless factory setup.
Traditional RV air conditioners draw heavy startup amps, which often require soft starts for safe use on generators or weak hookups. Not so with Turbro’s inverter compressor. Its startup is smooth, almost eliminating the chunky “lights flicker” draw that frustrates many RVers.
Is Turbro more efficient? Testing in real RVs
Turbro claims an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11.3, but how does it really perform? In side-by-side tests with the Houghton A/C (similar size, same space), both units used nearly the same energy when cooling from high temperatures. The real savings showed up when maintaining a set temp over time. Turbro cut about 400 watt-hours in one hour of steady operation. The longer it runs, the more the efficiency gap grows.
Expect more comparison tests soon, especially against the Furrion Chill Cube, another inverter-based A/C.
Noise levels: Louder than expected
Sound is just as important as power in a limited space. Here’s how the tested units stacked up on decibels (dB):
• Coleman Mach: 52–53 dB
• Gree Eco-Cool/TOSOT: 42–51 dB (quietest overall)
• Turbro: 58–60 dB (loudest among the three)
• Houghton: 47–55 dB
Inside the trailer, Turbro was noticeably louder, with the Eco-Cool the quietest.
Turbro ditches the wall thermostat in favor of a remote and a smartphone app, both responsive and easy to use. Operating modes include:
• Cooling
• Dehumidify
• Fan only
• Heat pump
• Auto
Coolers seeking a steady hum will notice the fan runs nonstop in cooling mode. Three-color interior lights let you set the mood.
Turbro’s heat pump delivers
Turbro’s heat pump continues to work even when outside temperatures drop to 20°F, delivering consistent heat. For winter RVers, it’s an easy way to keep things warm on electric hookups, no space heater needed. It’s the first inverter compressor RV unit to offer this.
Pros and cons of this RV A/C and heater
Key benefits:
• Barely any startup draw—no more tripped breakers
• Greater efficiency keeping temperatures steady
• Built-in heat pump for all-seasons comfort
• Slim profile fits nearly any modern RV
What could be improved?
Noise levels outpace the competition. Future models would do well to lower the volume without losing efficiency.
Turbro Inverter A/Cs typically cost about $1,500 with a discount code, while the Furrion Chill Cube comes in closer to $1,300. Get more info and deals directly from the Turbro Inverter A/C purchase page.
Campers looking for flexible, efficient cooling—and a heat pump for chilly nights—will find a lot to like. The soft start and efficient maintenance performance make it a top choice if your power supply is limited.
RELATED
- What are the three best RV air conditioners? A tech magazine answers
- A budget-friendly portable air conditioner review
- Tips from the experts: Get the most from your air conditioner and heat pump
- RV air conditioners: Maintenance tips and what to inspect
- The Solo Windchill 47 is both a cooler and portable A/C
RVDT2720
Can this be converted to be installed on a Newmar Dutch Star with the ducted system? I realize that the controls are not compatible.
If you have a roof mounted A/C with the traditional 14”x14” square hole, the Turbro and ChillCube will fit. Both are ductless which means the discharge chute will block your existing duct openings and the air will discharge directly out of where it mounts. Give it a wait, I’m all but certain a ducted version is in the works. It’s a smaller market than the center discharge crowd but an important one.
If you’re asking if a mini-split can use your ducts, no. The discharge comes from a wall mounted header.
I recently switched to the Furrion Chill Cube from the Dometic my Ember came with. What a difference! We can now have a normal conversation without shouting.
Thank you for noting and discussing the RV, Cheri! Interesting technology. Curious to see how many RV manufacturers/assemblers adopt this and how quickly. Have a great weekend and safe travels!