Inverter RV Air Conditioner

[Derek B]

One thing I have learned in the short time I have been on this forum. There are a lot of very smart Oliver Owners out there that know a lot about how different systems work. 

I can figure out the installation of a new AC unit and make it work but struggle with understanding the benefits of one over the other.

Curious as to the boards thoughts on this unit as I still contemplate my upgrade from the Dometic Penguin.

What I have been able to understand from the little I have found. 
1. It should fit pre-existing hole and low profile. .5 inch taller than the Dometic.

2. Inverter ACs consume less power and would not need a soft start and run longer on batteries.

3. Quieter than dometic.

4. Would not be able to use drain tubes.

5. Uses same technology as home mini-splits.

Seems to be a pretty new product with little info out there,

https://www.turbro.com/products/greenland-13500-btu-inverter-rv-air-conditioner-with-heat-pump
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-psxzbpngA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsnWzNLYGOY

[Snackchaser]

2 hours ago, Derek B said:

Curious as to the boards thoughts on this unit as I still contemplate my upgrade from the Dometic Penguin.

Hi Derek,

Good question, I'm also curious what folks think about the Greenland Turbo Inverter.  It could be my top choice except that it’s only rated to operate in temperature ranges from 19.4℉ to 109.4℉.  I asked the manufacture if that related to the inside or outside temperature, and they said both.  I reached out to them again for more perspective because temperatures over 109℉ are common, and that’s when the AC is most needed.  I’m hoping to hear some better explanations next week because that could be a non-starter.

Another potentially controversial issue is that the Greenland is designed to slowly ramp the compressor up-and-down - continuously.  The starting/running current looks like a smooth sine-wave, unlike conventional compressors that turn on with a large inrush starting current and then a steady run current.  The Greenland runs continuously when in use, cycling the compressor from high-to-low to maintain temperature.  The conventional AC compressor constantly turns on-off when in use.  Our Penguin sometimes does that every 30 seconds.  

I was skeptical of the Greenland at first, but after more thought I think it’s a good design because it doesn't have frequent starts and stops, and there is less temperature fluctuation.  They supposedly have lower energy consumption, and are very quiet at 45db.  They come with a remote control thermostat where I’d prefer a wired one to replace the existing one.

Another interesting AC is the Eco Cool by Gree.  It’s also a heat pump with a built-in SoftStart.  The manufacture claims its the quietest.  I like that it has “intelligent” dehumidification, a 3-speed fan, and both remote and wired thermostat.

The Houghton and Dreiha Atmos are on the table too, they are getting good reviews!  From what I understand, the Truma is unavailable for DIY.

Cheers!  Geoff

[Ronbrink]

6 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

Another interesting AC is the Eco Cool by Gree.  It’s also a heat pump with a built-in SoftStart.  The manufacture claims its the quietest.  I like that it has “intelligent” dehumidification, a 3-speed fan, and both remote and wired thermostat.

Just to clarify, I lifted the following statement from the Sprinter forum:

“Gree manufactures both the Eco Cool and Atmos 4.4 air conditioner, they are just labeled under different brand names. They are exactly the same units.” I’ve also read that Tosot by Gree is the same, as well. 

From what I have learned, none of these Gree units have a “built-in SoftStart”, that was a widely spread misconception which has been dispelled. I personally installed an Atmos 4.4 w/SoftStartRV on my OLEll. The Dry Mode is real; has a forth fan speed, ‘Turbo’; and both a remote and ceiling air diffuser control panel. On some SOBs when ducted, an optional wall thermostat is needed depending on the installation. 

Edited March 17 by Ronbrink

[Snackchaser]

9 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

I reached out to them again for more perspective because temperatures over 109℉ are common, and that’s when the AC is most needed.  I’m hoping to hear some better explanations next week because that could be a non-starter.

I received a reply from Greenland this morning and I'm still on the fence with its viability, despite its other excellent attributes.  Customer service has been very responsive though:

 

"Turbo Customer Service

Thank you for your patience and continued interest in our products. The ambient temperature needs to be lower than 109 degrees is designed to protect the compressor's longevity. 

 

Regarding the low-temperature threshold, the design of this product does not include electric auxiliary heating so it does not heat when the ambient temperature is below 20°F."

[jd1923]

11 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

They supposedly have lower energy consumption, and are very quiet at 45db.  They come with a remote control thermostat where I’d prefer a wired one to replace the existing one.

Another interesting AC is the Eco Cool by Gree.  It’s also a heat pump with a built-in SoftStart.  The manufacture claims its the quietest.  I like that it has “intelligent” dehumidification, a 3-speed fan, and both remote and wired thermostat.

The Houghton and Dreiha Atmos are on the table too, they are getting good reviews!  From what I understand, the Truma is unavailable for DIY.

Thanks @Derek B this is interesting and I loved the fact that this YouTuber also had the Gree to compare.

My understanding is the Gree and Atmos units are manufactured in the same plant, or at least the same design and build. However, the Gree runs on 410A refrigerant and the Atmos runs on the newer R32 making it more energy efficient. @Ronbrink Ron, please confirm. Does the Gree in the video look to be very close to your Atmos? It could have a different interior plenum. We had discussions about this back when Mike @rideadeuce decided on his Atmos installation.

Geoff, you may have the noise level, dB number wrong for the Turbro unit. All I know is what was compared in the video, but watching last night I remember him measuring the Turbro at 64 dB and the Gree at 54-56 dB (which is a huge difference). He made a point of the Turbro being noisy inside (very quiet outside due to the inverter compressor) because the cold air is forced strongly down on the flimsy plastic interior cover, no internal ducting as in the Atmos/Gree. I watched another of his videos. He liked them both but mentioned interior quietness of the Gree a good 8 times!

He had me sold on the Turbro until this part. Given Gree and Atmos are similar with the Atmos being a step up on refrigerant used, I'm still in the Atmos camp. He found it to be the quietest, and I heard how quiet the Atmos is in Ron's Oliver. To me interior noise is my #1 criteria. Not working over 109F is certainly another issue, though we do not want to ever be camping when it's so hot. He also measured the Turbro using less energy (watts) than the Gree, but that the Gree was much more efficient (and obviously quieter) than the Dometic! It may take another design cycle or two for Turbro to improve their interior air handler. If a slight improvement in noise level is OK to you, this unit sure seems to perform well. Certainly better for the idea of running air while on inverter. Thanks again, Derek!

[jd1923]

The following should convince all that the Gree Eco Cool and the Dreiha Atmos 4.4 are the same. Gree was selling units with 410A refrigerant summer of 2024 but the manuals for BOTH products cite R32 today, 410A being phased out. Everything about these look the same today!

Tosot brand might also be the same:
https://www.amazon.com/TOSOT-Conditioner-Non-Ducted-Rooftop-High-Efficiency/dp/B0CDWR5RP9/?th=1

Dreiha Atmos 4.4 Manual.pdf Gree Eco Cool Manual.pdf

Edited March 17 by jd1923

[jd1923]

The Gree Eco-Cool Spec sheet still states R410 refrigerant and all dimensions look to be identical except Gree is stating height an inch taller at 12.2" where the Atmos states 11.14". Not all spec sheets are accurate but the upper shell can be different.

Gree Eco Cool Spec Sheet.pdf

Edited March 17 by jd1923

[Snackchaser]

7 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

From what I have learned, none of these Gree units have a “built-in SoftStart”, that was a widely spread misconception which has been dispelled.

I guess technically speaking, it’s correct that Gree does not have a built-in SoftStart, but that might not be the whole story.  The Gree website says: “Proprietary compressor technology eliminates the need for an add on "Soft Start.”  This seems to be a new industry direction.

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

Geoff, you may have the noise level, dB number wrong for the Turbro unit.

Good discussion!  I’ve been slowly building an AC spread sheet over the last few months and trying to capture information.  Sound levels are not usually specified so Its good to hear actual comparisons in an Oliver.  I think your probably right about 45dB being too low, some vendor claims are dubious:

[Ronbrink]

31 minutes ago, Snackchaser said:

I guess technically speaking, it’s correct that Gree does not have a built-in SoftStart, but that might not be the whole story.  The Gree website says: “Proprietary compressor technology eliminates the need for an add on "Soft Start.”  This seems to be a new industry direction.

Perhaps just marketing lingo! True, they don’t come with a. softstart device, but one is needed to run off inverter or small generator to keep from tripping a breaker. 

[Geronimo John]

I really like the fact that these units have Inverter design compressors.  For me, the Houghton's two Mods issue and not having the Inverter compressor edge:  For sure would take the Houghton off my recommended list for sure.  

The 45 Db on low speed may be correct.  If so that's 2X WOW!

 

Edited March 17 by Geronimo John

[jd1923]

8 hours ago, Snackchaser said:

I think your probably right about 45dB being too low, some vendor claims are dubious:

So in the video he measured with a phone app, and who knows how accurate that is, but he measured both A/C units the same way. His numbers were 64 for the Turbro and 56 for the Gree which is a significant difference. Each time he was in the room with the Turbro the sound was apparent, and he complained of it, but not so the Gree Eco-Cool. Gree advertises High Fan 56, Med 52, and Low 43 dB which seems reasonable. The Dreiha Atmos spec sheet merely states one number at 53 dB, go figure. So many spec sheets have wrong data listed, trust but verify.

7 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

I really like the fact that these units have Inverter design compressors.

The Turbro is an inverter design, but I do not believe the others are so. It appears to be a great product, technically. I wish the interior air handling was more thought through. Given its low power consumption, trim exterior design, very low exterior sound and other factors, it may be a very good product for those who live in hot/humid areas needing to run the A/C often and for those wanting to run A/C on superior battery AH and inverter capability. I can certainly see why @Derek B is interested! With some time in the market, I hope to see some positive consumer reviews.

[Ronbrink]

17 hours ago, jd1923 said:

My understanding is the Gree and Atmos units are manufactured in the same plant, or at least the same design and build. However, the Gree runs on 410A refrigerant and the Atmos runs on the newer R32 making it more energy efficient. @Ronbrink Ron, please confirm. Does the Gree in the video look to be very close to your Atmos? It could have a different interior plenum.

A bit late chiming in, looks like you confirmed/answered your own questions. The Gree Eco-Cool and Dreiha Atmos 4.4 are exactly the same; both have R32, like interior plenums with control panel, and remote and wi-fi app controls. Here’s another YT video by Why Not RV, wherein he installs the Gree on his Airstream, once again exactly as my install of the Atmos (other than the furnace wiring/wall thermostat). No direct link to the video but you get the picture, pun intended! Also shown an excerpt from the Eco-Cool Owner’s Manual on the refrigerant. 

 

Edited March 18 by Ronbrink

[Geronimo John]

PLEASE correct me if I missed the spec:  Both units will need a Mod for the fan running all the time when on (No fan off with compressor switch), for remoting the thermistor to a central of cabin location, and don't have a gravity drain feature like the ole hammer mill Dometic.  I really hope that they didn't go down the same "rabbit hole" that Houghton did.

GJ

[CRM]

Ah, finally an RV AC unit with an invertor compressor and variable BTU output like a home mini split system. After a quick look the only downside I see is that the fan runs continuously just like most of the others I've already crossed off my list. This might be a problem in cooler temps with high humidity like I frequently deal with, but at the same time, *maybe* not due to it having two multi-speed blower fans and ability to throttle down to 7500 cooling BTU's . This Turbro unit definitely has my attention! 

Edited March 18 by CRM

[jd1923]

Below is another video on the Gree Eco-Cool. Look at the specs sheets he shows. Right at the 5:20 time the spec sheet states: Starting Current - Inverter Driven Soft Start. It does not state that on the user manual I downloaded. Can their statement about not needing a soft-start be true?

The second video shows the Gree performing and during start-up does not spike and always running at 900W! Watch at 27:00 time.

[jd1923]

Are these available everywhere else, but not yet in the USA? Dometic's new FreshJet 7 with inverter compressor:

https://www.dometic.com/en/outdoor/lp/freshjet-7

[SeaDawg]

5 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Are these available everywhere else, but not yet in the USA? Dometic's new FreshJet 7 with inverter compressor:

https://www.dometic.com/en/outdoor/lp/freshjet-7

I think I posted info on the freshjet in Australia several years ago.

I agree. Apparently,  Americans will be expected to put up with old tech for longer than the rest of the world. Perhaps, in perpetuity.

 

[jd1923]

I want to thank my friend @Derek B again for making us aware of this new A/C technology. I'm also hoping for more action on this thread, others here finding additional inverter A/C product offerings! Maybe I should custom install a mini-split in the Oliver! 🤣

I really wanted the sound level of the Turbro Greenland to be better. Both video reviews mentioned noise while Turbro writes, "as low as 45 dB" (likely at lowest fan and compressor settings). Though I love how the inverter compressor is always-on variable-speed and manages power so efficiently.

I contacted Kevin at SDG last week to ask a few questions. The Atmos with SoftStart, LTL shipping is required this year at $150 (UPS was damaging units, go figure) and they do charge for out-of-state sales tax! I was not expecting all this which comes to near $2,000 total.

I have decided to wait on the Atmos (even though @rideadeuce just posted a rave review) and any A/C purchase, at least for now, in hopes that a new inverter model will become available. The Greenland is a first production model and should get better soon. I wanted it for a summer trip though we leave late May and will be home by the 4th of July, heading to Minnesota and coming back through the Dakotas and Wyoming. We'll hope for the Jet Stream flying low early summer of this year!

[Derek B]

46 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

I want to thank my friend @Derek B again

You’re welcome and appreciate everyone’s feed back on this unit as well as additional information on the Atmos.

Atmos still less than half the price of Oliver installed Truma. Wish there was another option for this upgrade without the additional fiberglass work.

As summer approaches I will have to decide whether I can wait another year in hopes of more new units coming out or replace the Dometic. 

[jd1923]

1 hour ago, Derek B said:

As summer approaches I will have to decide whether I can wait another year…

Where you live Derek, you need something good and cold to travel during summer and some of the shoulder seasons!

We’ll make it through our June trip and next plan is north rim of the Canyon Sept-Oct, no A/C required.

[Geronimo John]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Actually IF I were Dometic, with all the really bad publicity they sadly have received about A/C units that owners have despised so much.... I would wait about 5 years before introducing a new one in the USA. 

After that we all will have totally forgotten about our mutual bad experience and they will come out with an inverter unit with internal drainage, a fan selector switch tied to the AC Compressor run, and a remote T-stat/thermistor.  In a lower profile unit using a brand new even more efficient refrigerant and sold at half the price of their competitors.

GJ

[Ronbrink]

On 3/22/2025 at 3:41 PM, Derek B said:

As summer approaches I will have to decide whether I can wait another year in hopes of more new units coming out or replace the Dometic. 

Waiting may be good, but be prepared! I waited over four years and finally decided on the Atmos 4.4, no regrets! I especially love how quite it is; this ‘light sleeper’ no longer needs earplugs at night, and we can easily watch TV and carry on a conversation at the same time regardless how far apart or chosen fan speed. As for the continuous fan run when in Cool Mode, not a concern of mine. If ever a spike in cabin humidity is detected, Dry Mode is activated which rapidly drops the moisture level. However, a small room dehumidifier helps to mitigate such issue and high cabin humidity is a rare occurrence. I truly like the feel of continuous air movement via the ‘swing function’, whereby up and down circulation is felt at the furthest reaches within while factoring in the higher operating CFM rating of these units. The ‘cool breeze’ is an added comfort and talk of mods to make change are unnecessary measures IMO. Like others I too am disappointed in the cost increases and thus, so glad I didn’t wait any longer for the ‘ultimate’ unit that may or may not become available and at what price. ‘Nuff said!

Edited Saturday at 02:19 PM by Ronbrink