• Nomadic X3 Helix 12V/48V DC rooftop air conditioner with low-profile black shroud, 14×14 fit
  • X3 Helix interior airflow separator and ducting detail, optimized path for efficient cooling and High Humidity mode
  • Parts list for X3 Helix AC Unit with various components displayed.
  • 170 with full front to back roof deck panels from orion van gear with nomadic x3 ac
  • Whats in the box nomadic x3 ac helix
  • Nomadic Cooling app interface on a smartphone with a blurred home screen background
  • Nomadic X3 Helix white shroud top and black shroud top
  • Black metal bracket with three circular holes and a rectangular cutout, featuring the 'Nomadic' brand logo.
  • Helix LCD control panel close-up showing temperature and modes, PWM compressor control for steady off-grid cooling
  • Nomadic Helix mobile app control on smartphone, siri, google home

Nomadic X3 Helix 12V/48V DC Rooftop Air Conditioner

$3,999.00 USD
$4,694.00 USD $3,999.00 USD
SAVE 14% SOLD OUT
Voltage: 12V
External Shroud Color: Black
Package: AC Only

Meet the X3 Helix, the most powerful, feature-rich 12V/48V DC rooftop air conditioner for vans and RVs

The X3 Helix is a low-profile, battery-friendly rooftop AC built for real off-grid comfort. Control it from your phone, tablet, or watch; hold steady temps with intelligent PWM modulation; and clear cabin moisture with High Humidity mode. Choose 12V or 48V and a Black or White shroud. The 48V model is compatible with Ecoflow Power Kits via a custom 48v cable, allowing direct operation from a 48V battery alongside a typical 12V/24V distribution panel.

Built on proven X-Series fundamentals, the X3 Helix uses precise PWM compressor control for steady comfort with lower battery impact, spring-bushed compressor mounts to reduce vibration and noise, and a bright, high-contrast LCD with tactile buttons for glove-friendly control at the unit. Installation stays straightforward with a standard 14×14 roof opening.

Helix Highlights

  • App and remote control: pre-cool, create scenes and schedules, and monitor from anywhere on phone, tablet, or watch.
  • Smarter PWM cooling: smooth ramps, minimal overshoot, and steady temperature hold for longer runtimes and less battery stress.
  • High Humidity mode: accelerates moisture removal after showers, coastal drives, or hot, sticky days.
  • RV-C ready (optional): with the Helix AC Controller, the unit can publish status and accept commands on multiplex coach networks.
  • Durable construction: sealed back plate shields electronics; automotive-grade water-resistant connectors; stainless hardware for corrosion resistance.
  • Clean, low-profile interior: redesigned plenum for smoother airflow, plus a flush, powder-coated metal faceplate that preserves headroom.
  • Modern refrigerant: R1234yf (low-GWP, A2L).
  • Peace of mind: 1-year limited warranty with US-based support.

What’s Included & Options

Choose your Voltage (12V or 48V), Color (Black or White), and Package:

  1. AC Only: X3 Helix rooftop unit with interior faceplate, control panel, remote, and mounting hardware.
    • X3 Helix rooftop unit
    • Foam gasket for standard 14×14 roof opening
    • Crossbars with mounting hardware
    • Flush-mount metal interior faceplate
    • Faceplate screws (black)
    • M8 mounting studs, nuts, flat washers, lock washers
    • Remote control
    • Leveling strip
    • Foam air separator (2)
    • Control panel + wire harness
    • Full-size 14×14 cutout template (1:1 scale)
  1. AC + DIY Install Kit (Optional Upgrade): everything above plus an Orion DIY kit for a clean, self-install, includes:
    • 15ft power harness (2 AWG for 12v, 8AWG for 48v; butt connector required; Anderson connectors no longer recommended)
    • Adhesive for the foam gasket
    • Thermo tape (foil tape is not recommended around interior cutout)
    • Threadlocker & heatshrink
    • Internal support trim ring (reinforces the roof opening, preventing warping and ensuring a secure, professional installation)
    • Extra hardware + zip ties

X3 Helix — Datasheet Snapshot

Item 12V Model 48V Model
Current — ECO 61 A 11 A
Current — MAX 89 A 23 A
Rated Power ~1297 W ~1512 W
Rated Cooling Capacity ~12,893 BTU/h ~12,380 BTU/h
Voltage 12V DC 48V DC
Roof Opening 14" × 14" (industry standard)
Overall Size 31.5" L × 30.9" W × 7.36" H
Weight ~52.91 lbs
Refrigerant / Oil R1234yf / POE68
Fan Speed Range 1,000–3,000 RPM
Interior Faceplate (cutout) ~16.375" × 16.375"
Noise < 81 dBA
Operating Modes Auto / ECO / Full AC / Fan
Min–Max Temp Settings 61–86 °F

Estimated Performance (Averages Across ~70-100+°F)

Mode 12V 48V
Full AC ~12,893 BTU/hr • COP ~2.9 • ~1,297 W • ~88.6 A ~12,380 BTU/hr • COP ~2.47 • ~1,512 W • ~24.21 A
ECO ~10,503 BTU/hr • COP ~3.4 • ~899 W • ~61.2 A ~5,216 BTU/hr • COP ~2.92 • ~523 W • ~10.26 A

Figures above are provisional estimates provided for planning and will be replaced with final certified numbers after verification.

Compatibility

  • Runs on 12V or 48V DC battery systems (no shore power or generator required).
  • Standard 14×14-inch roof opening.
  • Suited for camper vans, RVs, overland rigs, and off-grid builds.

Install, Fit & Downloads

  • Fit: 14×14 roof opening
  • Basic install sequence: Prep & dry-fit → seat gasket & place unit → secure crossbars/hardware in a criss-cross pattern → install air separator & faceplate → connect DC & harness → commission and verify airflow/hold.
  • Downloads: X3 Helix Install & Operations Guide (PDF)

Tips: dry-fit before sealing; plan wire routing; evenly compress the gasket; set a “Quiet Night” scene in Helix for low-RPM hold while sleeping.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) — click to expand

1.What’s new about the Helix version?

Helix adds full app/remote control, PWM compressor logic for steadier temps and lower battery stress, a High Humidity mode, and upgraded sealing/connectors with a flush interior plate.

2.Can it run from batteries only?

Yes. X3 Helix is a DC unit designed for 12V or 48V battery systems without requiring an inverter, generator, or shore power. We recommend pairing with the 48v Ecoflow Powerkits.

3.How do I choose between 12V and 48V?

Match the unit to your house battery voltage. 12V integrates with common van/RV banks. 48V pairs best with larger, high-capacity systems and reduces current over long cable runs.

4.Will it fit my roof opening?

Yes. It’s designed for the standard 14" × 14" roof cutout used on most vans and RVs.

5.What does the Helix app control?

Start/stop, target temperature, fan/compressor behavior, scheduling/scenes, and remote status checks from your phone, tablet, or watch.

6.What’s the difference between AC Only and AC + DIY Install Kit?

AC Only includes the rooftop unit, faceplate, controls, and mounting hardware. The DIY Kit adds wiring, adhesive, trim ring, and accessories to streamline a clean self-install. Full list above.

7.What colors are available?

Black or White.

8.Does the X3 Helix support RV-C / multiplex control?

Yes. When paired with the optional Helix AC Controller, X3 Helix can publish AC status and accept basic commands on standard RV-C networks, enabling coach-wide UIs while still operating standalone from local controls.

9.What is the warranty and how do I activate it?

The X3 Helix includes a 1-year limited warranty with US-based tech support. Follow the instructions in your documentation to activate coverage shortly after purchase.

10.What’s included with the AC-Only package?

Rooftop unit (Black or White), foam gasket (14×14), crossbars + mounting hardware, flush metal interior faceplate + screws, M8 mounting hardware, remote, leveling strip, foam air separator + screws, control panel + harness, and a full-size 14×14 cutout template. See image.

Get a CAD-Verified Roof Layout

We understand that every van setup is unique. That's why we offer CAD-verified roof layouts for customers who have purchased or plan to purchase an Orion roof rack - so you can maximize space and fit exactly what you need, where you need it. Request a layout here ›

Shipping & Returns

We offer free shipping to the lower 48 states on all products. Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or international destinations may have additional shipping charges calculated at checkout or quoted separately. Local pickup is also available at our McMinnville, Oregon warehouse by appointment.

Most purchases can be returned within 30 days of purchase if they are in new, resalable condition with original packaging. A 20% restocking fee applies; return shipping is the customer’s responsibility, and some items are final sale or not eligible for return. For full details, please see our Shipping Policy and Return Policy.

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