Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it (Read 223 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
I would like to replace our original 2003 Air Conditioning unit with something newer, quieter, and more efficient.  

One of the latest and greatest in the internet RV world seems to be the Turbro inverter 13.5K heatpump unit. 

TURBRO Inverter RV AC with Heat Pump, 13,500 BTU, Quiet, Remote/WiFi-Controlled

By chance, has anyone here installed one on their LazyDaze and is willing to provide feedback, particularly involving fit and how well the 13.5k heats/cools a 27' coach?  

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #1 –
Might draw more amperage than the original or the RecPro Houghton. 
I didn't see the sound level listed.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #2 –
Turbo is a brand I have not heard of. I'm not sure who owns the company, what its reputation is, or, more importantly, where to get warranty service if needed.
The switch to an efficient, variable-speed compressor is the upgrade we have waited for. Now, they need to make the interior fan variable speed, as opposed to the Turbo's single-speed fan. The reduction in overall power usage is impressive.
Too bad Turbo's site does not show much usable specs, especially on the power usage and noise levels. I found an RV blog that lists some of this important information.
https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/turbro_ac_review/

Besides the lack of a track record, not being available in a larger 15,000 BTU model (or bigger) is disappointing. Our 24' FL could use a larger A/C, as the Factory 13,500 BTU A/C  has a hard time keeping the rig cool in very hot conditions, the type we see every summer. I believe Rich lives in a hot, humid climate, his larger LD needs even more cooling than our short 24' model.
Keep us posted on the results, our 22-year-old A/C is going to need replacement eventually.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #3 –
The advertising is underwhelming.  Good for a top temperature of 109 degrees!  Lot's of times I've been in higher temperatures in the 110 to 119 range, just where I live. Much worse in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Many of those states also have more humidity.
   Good for RV's and food trucks up to 23 feet!  OK I just barely comply with the 23' part. The model RV they show has few and small windows. I suspect the heat load is worse inside with Lazy Daze's larger windows.
   Dual motors are nice. One rotary compressor for the cooling fluid.  They are all rotary compressors now. The R32 they mention is the new flammable stuff. Special certification for anyone working on it, And special tools and licenses. So many east coast places don't want you in tunnels or on bridges with propane tanks.  What about flammable roof top air conditioners?
   I'm not sure what the inverter hype is about.  They use an AC power to run an adjustable DC powered motor for the compressor and fan?  OK better operation when the plug in power droops to 100VAC.
   The small roof top package is nice, but small space usually reduces the heat transfer efficiency. Not good for best air conditioner operation.
   Really they need to up the game from 15,000 BTUH to 17k or 18k BTUH systems.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #4 –
It might seem odd at first glance to worry about power consumption for a RV.   I go back and forth.  

On the one hand, I never pay for metered electricity at campsites and I can't imagine that running the generator uses any less fuel for the power differences we're talking about.   On the other hand, I'd love to be able to reliably run the A/C on a solid 15amp outlet.   I can sometimes do that with our current system, if I'm the only thing on the circuit and the voltage drops aren't excessive. 

Somewhere in the back of my mind is a power system upgrade and it would be nice to run the A/C off batteries one day after I upgrade from my lead acid golf carts to lithium (and expand).  

I live in the Southeast, but I'm not out RVing during the hottest months of the year.   We also have shade at most summer campsites around here.  We do travel across the US, but again not in the summer if we can help it.   I would welcome the heat pump heating as an improvement over the heat strips I have now. 

GREE makes another inverter (I think) RV A/C (Eco-Cool), but I don't love the way it intrudes into the space below the ceiling.   Not an issue for most people, but I'm tall and don't have much room to spare in the LD.  Also the air vents seem tiny.  

If I went with a non-inverter unit, the Houghton Rec-Pro seems like a fine choice.   I'm also considering the Furion Chill.

I'm aware that the Turbro might be underpowered on the hottest days.   I'll have to look into that a bit more. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #5 –
"Keep us posted on the results, our 22-year-old A/C is going to need replacement eventually.
Larry"

Larry,
     February I replaced my Dometic AC with the 15K BTU RecPro. What an improvement! The install was easier since the wall thermostat is not used but is replaced with a remote control. Just connect the AC wiring. It is very noticeably quieter than the Dometic, particularly the compressor sound turning on & off. The long bolts are not needed but a little widening (1/8") of part of the 14" roof hole is needed for the shorter four bolts. The vibrating saw did that for me. It is also lighter than the Dometic and somewhat easier to get up on the roof. It was also very easy to get the Dometic off the roof, we just threw it as far from the LD as possible. :-) I found that the easy start was not needed. Conversations with friends is much easier as with the lower fan noise level. Sleeping is much better for the same reason. Here are photos of it in place in our 27' RB.
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #6 –
The thing that is most interesting thing about the Turbo 13.5K A/C is that it is the first model available in the US that has a variable speed, inverter-driven compressor. This means the compressor can run at a low speed once the cabin is cool enough, eliminating the annoying stopping and starting of the A/C's compressor, especially at night. Variable speed means the A/C can maintain an even inside temperature, without temperature swings as the compressor cycles on and off.
No one else that I know in the US is selling a variable speed compressor RV A/C. Now, if they would add a variable speed fan and upgrade future units to 15K BTU or bigger that can still run on 120 VAC, I would be interested.

Adding a soft-start to our LD's A/C has eliminated the continued damage and the noise associated with thumping compressor restarts. Any future A/C for our LD will have either a soft-start or an inverter drive, preferably an inverter.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #7 –
I thought I would add a comment about the one-speed circulation fan - that might not be such a detriment for non-ducted installations like ours. The single location requires enough airflow to distribute the output throughout to keep inside temperature acceptable throughout the rig. Insulation in the rigs is minimal for handling the temperature extremes, so the more effective the output circulation the better the overall temperature regulation. For properly ducted systems, a variable speed fan would allow quieter operation without leaving hot or cold zones.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Turbro inverter A/C - considering it
Reply #8 –
Doing a little search on Turbro regarding who owns it, the country of origin, and any other pertinent facts has produced next to nothing. Its American owner is registered by DomainsByProxy.com, 2155 E Warner Rd, Arizona, as private. No additional information appears to be available other than Amazon reviews. I assume Turbro is an Asian company that doesn't want to be identified as being so.
The lack of background information doesn't give me confidence that the company will be around if parts or service are needed after buying, YMMV

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze