• 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
  • Nomadic X3 Helix white shroud top and black shroud top
  • 170 with full front to back roof deck panels from orion van gear with nomadic x3 ac
  • Nomadic Helix mobile app control on smartphone, siri, google home
  • Parts list for X3 Helix AC Unit with various components displayed.
  • Helix LCD control panel close-up showing temperature and modes, PWM compressor control for steady off-grid cooling
  • Nomadic Cooling app interface on a smartphone with a blurred home screen background
  • 144 orion roof rack with deck panels configured around a rear nomadic x3 helix
  • Black metal bracket with three circular holes and a rectangular cutout, featuring the 'Nomadic' brand logo.
  • Whats in the box nomadic x3 ac helix
  • Black remote control with Nomadic Lifestyle logo on a white background

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

$3,999.00 USD
$4,694.00 USD $3,999.00 USD
SAVE $695.00 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 ›

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