Nomadic Cooling builds 12V and 48V DC air conditioners for camper vans, RVs, truck campers and off-grid rigs that run on a lithium battery bank. Each unit runs straight from DC power with a PWM compressor that ramps and holds temperature instead of hard on/off cycling, and the Helix app adds schedules, scenes, pre-cooling and diagnostics. Nomadic Cooling is the climate line of Nomadic Innovations in Elkhart, Indiana.
What we carry
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X2 Helix Gen II rooftop A/C: the compact unit, 9,586 BTU/hr rated at 12V, 42.8 lb, fits the standard 14 x 14 in roof opening. 12V White, 12V Black, 48V Black.
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X3 Helix rooftop A/C: the larger unit with High Humidity Mode and RV-C integration through the optional Helix AC Controller. 12V White, 12V Black, 48V Black.
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S1 Helix split A/C: rear-wall condenser plus interior evaporator, for sleeper cabs and builds with no room on the roof. 12V and 48V, black or white.
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Helix smart devices: the Helix Pulse 10.1 in touchscreen hub, Helix Eye camera, Helix Signal leak sensor, Helix Flow tank monitor and Helix Shift 4-channel switch.
Nomadic Cooling models at a glance
Figures are Nomadic's averages across 70 to 100+°F test ranges, on 12V unless the column says 48V. X3 figures are provisional and S1 figures are planning estimates, both pending certification.
| Model |
Mounts |
ECO, 12V |
Full AC, 12V |
48V Full AC |
| X2 Helix Gen II |
Roof, 14 x 14 in |
~5,864 BTU/hr, ~526 W |
~8,950 BTU/hr, ~871 W, ~59 A |
~913 W, ~17.7 A |
|
X3 Helix (provisional) |
Roof, 14 x 14 in |
~10,503 BTU/hr, ~899 W |
~12,893 BTU/hr, ~1,297 W, ~88.6 A |
~1,386 W, ~25.2 A |
|
S1 Helix split (planning) |
Rear wall + interior |
~6,304 BTU/hr, ~486 W |
~10,216 BTU/hr, ~879 W, ~61 A |
~948 W, ~17 A |
A DC air conditioner is only as good as the battery bank behind it. Not sure your lithium bank, solar and charging can carry one overnight? Try our solar and battery calculator or ask us before you order. Every Nomadic unit ships from our warehouse in Upland, California, with free shipping to the lower 48 states.
Nomadic Cooling guides: X2 vs X3 vs S1: which one fits · how much battery you need · 12V vs 48V wiring and fuses · DC rooftop vs 120V rooftop vs portable · installing in a 14 x 14 in opening
Nomadic Cooling questions
Which Nomadic air conditioner should I buy?
The X2 Helix Gen II for vans and small rigs where roof space and battery capacity are tight, the X3 Helix for larger cabins or RV-C coach builds, and the S1 Helix split when nothing can go on the roof. See X2 vs X3 vs S1.
How long will a Nomadic A/C run on my batteries?
A 400 Ah 12V LiFePO4 bank holds about 4,608 Wh usable at 90%. At Nomadic's averages that is about 8.8 hours of the X2 on ECO or about 5.3 hours on Full AC, with no other loads and no charging. Full tables in how much battery you need.
Do I need an inverter?
No. Nomadic units run straight from a 12V or 48V DC battery bank. Choose the voltage that matches your system; the X2 Gen II is not offered in 24V.
Will it fit my roof?
The X2 and X3 fit the industry-standard 14 x 14 in roof opening, and each comes with a full-size cutout template. The S1 mounts on a rear wall instead, through a 2.25 in pass-through.
Do I need the Helix Pulse?
Not for the air conditioner. Nomadic says the Pulse is not required for X2 app control; it adds a wall screen for Helix cameras, leak sensors, tank levels and switches, and the Helix Signal leak sensor needs it.
Where does it ship from?
Every Nomadic Cooling and Helix product we sell ships from our warehouse in Upland, California, with free shipping to the lower 48 states. Rooftop units travel by LTL freight with curbside delivery.
