Test Camping in the Winnebago EKKO!


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If you’re part of the EKKO Owners and Wannabes group on Facebook, you probably know this already.  Winnebago loaned us one of their pre-production EKKO rigs to test camp in.  We’ve done our best to try everything out and get our feedback to Winnebago.  But we couldn’t leave you out of the experience!  What did we think?  Watch the video to find out!

 

I’ll start off by saying that test camping in the EKKO only reaffirmed our decision to sell our Class B van and buy an EKKO.  Sure, there were some things we wish were different, but by and large, this rig is a home run for us.  You’ll hear our unscripted opinions in the video, but briefly, we go into 6 areas

The Galley and Dinette

We had no problems cooking in the EKKO, even when we didn’t use the countertop extension.  Stef thinks we actually have more galley and pantry cupboard space than we did in Lance, but I’m not totally sold on that.  In any case, it was certainly enough for the two of us.  The propane stove didn’t win me back, so I’m still planning on replacing that with an induction cooktop.  And the freezer and microwave are a bit high up for the vertically challenged.  But we just chalk all that up to the compromises we all make, no matter what the RV.

The Bathroom and Shower

The good news here is that this all worked as expected and we took FABULOUS showers in the EKKO.  The pivoting wall is genius, and everything that was supposed to stay dry stays dry.  The AquaGo is literally FIFTY BILLION TIMES BETTER than the Truma Combi that we had in Lance (and the Combi is actually pretty good, so that should tell you something about the AquaGo).  You do have to be careful to only mount thinner towels on the hooks on the back of the pivoting wall though, to allow room for the wall magnets to engage.

And as far as the toilet goes, we did have to empty it, and I appreciated the options a cassette toilet provides.  As far as chemicals, we used drop-in packs (meant for much larger tanks) in the cassette and they worked just fine.

The Bedroom

The bedroom is as comfortable as we had hoped, and that’s all due to the mystery foam that Winnebago uses in the Winn Sleep mattress.  I don’t know what it is, but it’s 10 kinds of awesome.  And while the twin beds are a little less “romantic” than the bed in Lance, they do make for great sleeping in tight quarters.  (And it’s not like Stef and I can’t both fit into one of the beds if we want to… 😉 )  Storage was totally fine for both of us – especially since we didn’t have to lose one of the wardrobe cabinets for Mel.

The Drive

THE POWER!  OH MY GOODNESS THE POWER!

Yeah.  So that was the biggest difference we noticed between the Promaster we’re used to and this new Transit rig.  Just… wow.  Watch the video for the full scoop.  The EKKO is a bigger rig than what we’re used to, so that takes a little bit to get “in sync” with the rig.  But once you do, it’s totally fine.  All the safety features on the Transit chassis are the icing on the cake.  Great choice of chassis, as far as we’re concerned.

And so I don’t get this a thousand times in the comments: 12mpg.

Electrical

This was NOT an effort focused on detailed testing with control groups etc.  That stuff comes later.  But I did notice two key things on this rig about the solar, and the inverter.  What were they?  Watch the video!

 

It was a sad day when we had to let the EKKO go.  We turned it over to a photo/video team that was going to be developing content for Winnebago.  In the end, this whole experience just made us all the more anxious to get our own EKKO.  Like… now.

 



James is a former rocket scientist, a USA Cycling coach, and lifelong fitness buff. When he's not driving the RV, or modifying the RV (or - that one time - doing both at once), you can find him racing bicycles, or building furniture, or making music. In his spare time, he works for a large IT company.


    142 thoughts on “Test Camping in the Winnebago EKKO!

    1. Martine

      Great tour and discussion. I enjoy your videos a lot. They have substance, and the interaction between you two is sweet and funny.
      European RVs have toilets that swivel around. I am surprised that Winnebago who borrowed the swinging door idea from Europe, did not borrow the swivel toilet idea as well. It is a useful concept.

      fyi – the constant music in the background hurts my ears. Best not to add any music while you are speaking but just save it for beginning and end of videos.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The Winnebago EKKO actually does have a swivel toilet. You can see it in some of our other videos on the EKKO.

        Reply
    2. Gail

      I am considering my first RV and creating my specifications. Your blog on Compost vs Cassette CONVINCED me to NEVER opt for a cassette yet here you are! I get folks get to change their minds but you were pretty adamant. Are you going to make a toilet change?

      Reply
    3. Richard Leinbach

      James and Stef,
      We have been waiting a year and half for our first RV, a 2022 Winnebago Ekko, and will take delivery in late February 2022. Finding lots of great information on thefitrv.com. Thanks! We bought your Americanizer cassette tank adapter but don’t want to use it with our 15″ waste hose. Just discovered and ordered a Camco product (Camco P/N 39391 : Flexible 3-in-1 Sewer Hose Seal with RhinoExtreme Hose). It attaches between the Americanizer and the sewer. It is only about 1 foot long, so should be easy to rinse out after emptying the cassette tank.
      Rich

      Reply
    4. Daniel Servatius

      To estimate solar collection capability, consider 4 Amp-hrs /day /ft². I reeduced that by 20% from 5 Amp-hrs /day /ft² to account for the horizontal (non-tilted) orientation of a typical van roof array. With that rating, 120-240 Amp-hrs of energy on a 60 ft² typical van roof surface would be produced, depending on cloud cover.

      Now consider 3 equally sized panels stacked over each other w two mounted on guides that permit them to slide out. This would triple the effective collection capability of the same 60 ft² surface area, and produce 360-720 Amp-hrs /day.

      Now tilt the two slide-out panels. If two are tilted, the capability would be 120-240 Amp-hrs /day for the center panel and from 150-300 Amp-hrs /day (20% more each) for the two slide-out-and-tilt panels. This would total 420-840 Amp-hrs /day for a 3 panel slide-out-and-tilt system.

      Right now, test panels in the lab are achieving 40% efficiency which is twice the capability of what my calculations were based on. I read that that technology is about two years away from retail availability. (I have not seen a price estimate, but initial offerings come at a premium.)

      Still, just looking at the numbers, you can see that a daily electrical energy collection capability of 840-1680 Amp-hrs should be achievable within a couple of years from van roof. That’s not looking too shabby. That maximum is actually more than the capacity of the E-trek Warp Core system (bank of 8 Li-Ion batteries) could manage.

      Reply
    5. Lorene

      Has anyone thought about skiing out of an Ekko? Is there enough heat and air circulation to dry wet jacket, pants and boots in the garage?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The EKKO hasn’t been available through a winter yet, so nobody has tried it.
        The rear garage would be above freezing, and there would be easy ways to hang gear.
        But it certainly wouldn’t get like a dry sauna from just the built in heat.
        You could always plug in boot heaters and maybe even a supplemental space heater in the back. That would probably do the trick. But I’d be very careful about the safety aspect there.
        We’ll probably try it this coming winter and should have better info then.

        Reply
    6. Kelly Burns

      Hi guys ! Congratulations on the new rig. As someone who will travel with her cat, I was curious how you managed to prevent Mel from escaping Lance with those simple mosquito/magnet doors. Pleas elaborate.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        He was always pretty good about staying in when we wanted. Sometimes, we’d pile stuff up (trash cans, bags, whatever) in the screen magnet opening to reinforce the “Stay In” message.
        I think the newer and better magnetic screen doors have velcro across the bottom that should be sufficient to keep him in.

        Reply
    7. Jordan

      You guys talk about James working remotely and while you’re on the road – what are you using to provide WiFi/wireless internet capabilities? I never see any mention of it in your EKKO videos. I am VERY interested in living full-time in the EKKO, and would like to know if it would still be possible to bring along a strong enough signal for online gaming/Netflix/etc.?

      Love the videos guys! Really tilting me to the RV lifestyle!

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        My work pays for my cell phone and data plan. So far, it hasn’t made a whole lot of sense to add a self-paid option on top of that. We do have a WeBoost installed which we use when the signal isn’t the best. We have a video coming up of how we installed it in Number One.

        Reply
    8. Cisco

      What are your suggestions, ad-on’s, etc. for levelling the EKKO? I’ve never done that so iIm a novice at best

      I am new to an RV and your videos helped me choose an EKKO. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We’ll be addressing leveling (and being level) in upcoming videos.
        In the meantime, we’re just using leveling blocks and a bubble level smartphone app.

        Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We can’t make a blanket recommendation like that. The best solution for you depends on you and what you’ll be doing.
        If you don’t know your own answer here, you should take a look at our 8 step program for choosing your RV.
        As for us, we went with no generator. But I’m also installing 5 times the battery capacity.

        Reply
    9. smoothmoose

      You didn’t talk about the bike storage! Being a serious rider myself – how easy is it to roll in/out the bikes? Can it fit a couple of full suspension mountain bikes? Does it have fork axles to lock down the bikes from moving around when driving? Also I don’t really trust the panel locks on most RVs – they are not very secure, just simple crowbar can pry most panel locks open. Not sure I would trust keeping $10k bikes in there.

      Reply
    10. smoothmoose

      Honestly the cassette seems like a lazy/cost savings compromise given the huge fresh/grey water tanks. Why not allocate a few gallons of space for a black waste tank?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Flexibility of dumping choices.
        No need to worry about winter camping and freezing.
        Just the first two that come to mind…

        Reply
    11. Christin Hale

      Great reviews. Would it be possible for you to explain in your blog or here or in a video just how the EKKO manages charging the house and chassis batteries among the various power sources? How is the power allocated among solar, generator, alternator, and shore power?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        It’s a longer topic, as you may have guessed. But here’s one nugget now.
        The chassis battery is only charged by the primary vehicle alternator. Just as it would be if there was no RV.

        Reply
        1. Christin Hale

          May I induce that the vehicle electrics are entirely separate from the house? Imagine boondocking in cold weather with 455w solar, 640ah of lithium, and an Onan generator (I am having the dealer install the second battery and retaining the generator–belt and two sets of suspenders) only to find you can’t start the truck. Oh, the irony. I will be interested to see if you retrofit this capability into the EKKO. I look forward to hearing more about the EKKO electronics.

        2. James - Post author

          Not to worry.
          Unlike some other lithium batteries, the Lithionics batteries are rated to support engine cranking.
          Accordingly, Winnebago has installed a battery boost switch. SO you can start the vehicle from the house batteries.

    12. Marcy

      My question is about the insulation of the Ekko. In your videos you have talked about having two inches in the walls but depending on what kind of insulation is used could make a big difference. Would you please relate this to R rating on a house insulation, I understand that. I live in the NW and using the Ekko in the winter for long periods of time might be really be cold if not properly insulated.

      Also, I have not seen any talk about (I’m not sure about the correct word) feet that go down from the corners of the Ekko when parked so it will be stable in wind, etc. Can these stabilizers be automatic?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We’ve heard – but have not independently confirmed – the following EKKO R Values:
        Roof: 14.7
        Side Walls and Doors: 7.6
        Floor: 6.6

        Automatic Leveling Jacks are not an option from Winnebago on the EKKO. We will be looking to install some aftermarket. (Yes, there will be a video at some point about it.) 🙂

        Reply
    13. Joe D

      James and Stef, what options did you guys get on the Ekko that you ordered. Did you keep the generator and just add the second lithium battery? Or just deleted the generator and have two lithium batteries?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Honestly, we never ever even considered getting a generator. We haven’t had one for years and wouldn’t likely use one.

        Reply
    14. Mark K

      Great video! Since you are huge Winnebago Influencers, are they still looking to make changes over the next few months based on your test camp? I see a couple of changes that should/could be made to improve livability for all future owners. 1. Add an adjustable shelf in all OHC. 2. Option to delete gas cooktop and allow for a customer supplied induction burner. 3. Add pull out drawers to the door side under bed storage compartment to expand pantry or wardrobe as well as cover exposed plumbing lines. Putting my order in soon and hope your feedback with them gets incorporated in future units.

      Reply
    15. Chris

      James,

      I noticed you don’t tow a vehicle and I believe I heard you mention in another video that you’re against towing another vehicle with you. Is that still your plan with the EKKO? Have you tried driving the EKKO around town and dealing with parking in town, and/or other every day driving situations? We are very new to RVing and trying to decide between a Class B and Class C with the strong desire not to tow another vehicle with us. Thanks for the great videos.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We do not plan to tow anything with the EKKO. If pigs flew and we did, we would tow a cargo trailer before we towed another vehicle. That just seems silly to us, plus… we have bikes.

        The EKKO can get to anyplace we would like to go RVing. We’re not worried about navigating a parking lot or finding a place to park it. We tried that extensively when we had the test EKKO. WE EVEN TOOK IT THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU!

        Reply
    16. Bill Sprague

      James,

      I just watched the video on the 2022 and they’re offering an awning delete option for we non-awning people! Yeah!

      What are the dimensions of the garage, please? I’d like to travel with my folding e-Trike, in lieu of a tow’d.

      Yay! The wait is over!

      Thanks,

      Bill

      Reply
        1. Bill Sprague

          James,

          Perfect! I could fit two trikes I there! I’m 77 and trikes keep me moving and one would be my in-camp grocery getter. It will be a great, minimalist full time solution for me next year.

          Thanks!

    17. Jack

      Great information on your Site regarding the Ekko, as we wait for ours I was questioning the galley window and if it had a screen and blackout shade like the other windows?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Yes, the galley window has a shade and screen like all the others (even the tiny bathroom one does)!

        Reply
    18. Tom Sullivan

      James, in your prior cassette review comments you pondered inventing a urine-diverting dryflush combo. How about using the Ekko cassette for #1 and putting a Laveo Dryflush on the middle step by the bed? Maybe leave the mattress section on top when not in use. Or not worth the space vs. cassette for everything?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        If I understand you correctly, you’re suggesting literally doubling the space devoted to toilets. With a separate pooper right between our mattresses?
        Totally not worth it. Not even close. Just use the cassette.

        Reply
    19. Phil Stover

      When you consider suspension improvements for handling in cross winds, I suggest including Agile Offroad in your research. Their Agile Tuned Fox 2.5 rear shocks for our similar-profile Pleasure-Way Plateau XL on the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 cutaway chassis made a huge improvement (no more exhausting multi-steering corrections for wind gusts and passing trucks). And no other mods needed to the sway bar etc. for our rig to get to relaxed driving in windy conditions.

      Reply
    20. Ken

      Can Winnebago paint the cab/chassis prior to the buildout? Not a fan of the carbonized grey. I liked the preproduction color much better.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Not prior to build. But you could pay them for a custom paint job if you wanted to arrange that. Your dealer should be able to work that out for you.

        Reply
    21. Ron Parker

      I’m not very knowledgeable about power systems but we are thinking of upgrading our 2005 class b Sprinter to a lithium battery bank with auxiliary alternator. How do I calculate the battery capacity (amp hours?) needed to run our 13500 BTU air conditioner full blast all day and 50% at night, with the least recharging required possible? (Highs in the mid 90’s all summer here!)
      Many thanks

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        It’s easier to do that math in Watt-hours.
        Let’s say your air conditioner uses 1300 watts when running. If you want to run it full blast for 12 hours and half time for 12 hours… that’s a total of 18 hours.
        18 * 1300 = 23,400 watt hours.
        Add a little bit for overhead and battery reserve, and you’re looking at about a 25,000 Watt-hour battery bank at a minimum.
        I’m not saying you can’t do it, but that’s a lot of battery.

        Reply
        1. Ron Parker

          Wow. Cramming that much battery into the back of the RV would cause it to go into permanent wheelie mode. So if I purchased three of the 4800wh 12v batteries, would that get through about 9 hours of full air conditioner run time before having to recharge? Is there a way to calculate how long the engine would have to run in order to recharge those monsters?
          Thanks

    22. Danni

      Hello, we just ordered an Ekko, but I am still deciding on which interior color we should go with. They both look nice, but without seeing them both in person, it’s really hard to decide. May I know which color you guys picked?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We picked green!
        But it wasn’t an easy decision, Stef liked the warmth of the red. We would have been happy with either.

        Reply
    23. Josh

      With your new EKKO, would you ever be up for putting together a YouTube series set for first time RV owners? Basically covering topics from items to bring before leaving to setting up at the campsite. I am on the fence about ordering an EKKO as my first RV and would be interested in seeing start to finish what camping in an RV, specifically the EKKO is like.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Well, there will be plenty of videos, that’s for sure.
        Winnebago has started doing “How to XXX” video applications for their various models (where XXX is the model). I’m sure there will be something on the EKKO.
        We do have various checklists available here on the site that cover what you’re thinking of. Just type “checklist” in the search box and you’ll find them!

        Reply
    24. Tony

      To choose the second lithium battery adds almost $8k, which is steep, in terms of the current cost per kWh of other lithium batteries and “solar generators.”

      Is this because additional components, other than just the second battery itself, are required for a dual-battery system?

      And would that mean adding a third would also cost $8k? Thanks.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        I can’t speak to the cost, as we don’t work for Winnebago.
        But I can tell you that adding these is NOT like just dropping in another battery. First off, these are UL listed batteries, which have external battery controlled circuit breakers for each individual battery. They also must be wired in to communicate with the charge controller.
        There’s more I’m forgetting, but comparing these to a commodity drop-in battery is like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes, and saying that they both get the same miles per gallon.

        Reply
        1. Christian Sandmann

          Hi,
          A second one should be very simple since it is literally connecting it in parallel to the existing one. The battery list price is $4,500 and when you ask nicely they may even give you a discount at Lithionics. I currently have one of these batteries and the BMS is integrated into the rugged aluminum housing. Only thing you need to do is to program your charging devices to the recommended settings from Lithionics. I think the “external battery controlled circuit breakers” refers to the Lithionics batteries with external BMS but so far I could see this is the 315Ah battery which has, as earlier mentioned, an integrated BMS. No to forget this battery has also an integrated heater so there is no issue in charging it at freezing temperatures.

          Regards
          Christian

        2. James - Post author

          In the case of the UL listed batteries (different from the 315s), there actually is a separate circuit breaker – a separate physical device – that also has control wires running to the battery.
          You do correctly mention that one may need to program the charging devices to account for the extra capacity.
          There’s also a Field Control Circuit, and I’m not sure if that needs to be wired in series to the alternator and each battery, or in parallel, or if only one battery needs to be so connected. That’s TBD.
          Suffice to say, for the average RVer, I wouldn’t recommend adding the second battery themselves.

      1. James - Post author

        The litter box will be in the cabinet where the outdoor kitchen won’t be. Mel can pass through.

        Reply
    25. Peter

      Interesting…
      Concerned about air quality in well insulated/sealed rv.
      Pm/mold/vocs/co2 – propane stove – off gases – yikes!

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        We experienced no issues. Nobody passed out, started coughing, had headaches, etc.
        Normally, folks would complain that an RV wasn’t well sealed enough! lol.

        Reply
    26. Don Kane

      From what I can see of the design of the bathroom/toilet it looks totally impossible to retrofit it with a composting toilet. Do I see it correctly, that the cassette tank is actually in a different compartment?

      That would be a really nice design for a composting unit, having the poop waste container “outside” of the RV. Oh well.

      –d

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Well, I’d never say impossible. Because if someone wants it badly enough, it’ll happen.
        But the need to have a rotating bowl that also fits under the sink and closely along the side will limit the options.
        The cassette is directly under the toilet, BTW. It’s just the door to remove it that is on the outside.

        Reply
      2. Don Kane

        My second comment is on the bed: Is there no transverse sleeping option? If you can sleep transverse (need about 185 cm for a full, thats what we have I think) I am 5′ 10″ and have no problems, but anyway, I thought I noticed that your van is actually wider than our Transit.
        Point is, you are losing about a half meter of fore-aft space that you could make into a cabinet or something. Not only that, but what is that space between the beds used for? Victorian spacing?

        Reply
        1. James - Post author

          They do provide cushions if you want to put them in for transverse sleeping. We elected not to. You will cover up some of the drawers and make it tougher to get to the under-bed storage if you use them.

          The EKKO sticks out only about an inch from the dual rear wheels on each side. So maybe 2 inches wider than a dually Transit van at most.

        2. Don Kane

          Okay. I thought that most of your aft bed was over the bike storage compartment. It would seem (having no knowledge of the the details) that if you went all transverse, that is, cut the ends of your current beds, you could get more space.
          That said, seems you have enuf space!! You need a dog…

      3. Don Kane

        My third comment is why the DRWs? I guess that’s a question. What is the weight on the back axel? I guess with the 50gal fresh water, that weighs maybe 200 kilos plus the bigger grey water, and more batteries, what ever. Point is that they are making a vehicle for the winter and then they ruin it with the duallys. (!) Around here, some people take the outside wheels off in the winter so the rear wheels track the front wheels and don’t wander/float as much, but they aren’t pulling their 5th wheel in the snow so they don’t need to worry about the weight issue.

        Reply
        1. James - Post author

          DRW gets additional cargo carrying capacity.
          (Probably a bit better highway manners as well – though I haven’t driven the SRW and DRW Transits side by side to say firsthand.)

        2. Don Kane

          I think on dry road you can’t tell a difference, having driven duallys in the past. I haven’t driven them on snow, but I did have the sad experience of driving a friend’s decked out hot Camaro in the snow, with way too much power and wide back tires and it was pretty scary. The deal with the duallys is that one of the back tires is cutting a new track in the snow and it causes the rear to wander about at speed and, unfortunately, at not so speed.

          Why not just put a proper tire on that can handle the weight? Is the ECKO that heavy?

    27. Lass

      Loved the review, thank you! Also loved the format where you both had equal air time, so two points of view.
      I like the EKKO a lot. Exterior looks so nice in grey vs white, and the red countertop (not in this one) was so eye catching and lively. Great layout. Too bad its so pricey at almost $200K.
      Looking forward to the electrical breakdown and your suggested mods, Greg. You guys have the most substantial reviews. Much appreciated!
      Happy Camping!!

      Reply
    28. Alice Bron

      Is it possible to sit up and watch videos in bed? Or would we need thinner mattresses? The rear overhead cabinets look kind of low. And do both front seats swivel? Thanks!

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        I think it would be. Maybe not sitting, but slouching up for sure.
        The front seats both swivel. But the factory Ford swivels leave a lot to be desired.
        They’re difficult enough to swivel that Stef won’t do it… she makes me do it for her. And you have to open the door to do it.

        Reply
        1. Don Kane

          I can swivel both our seats without opening the doors, and the passenger seat is really easy. From what you said in an earlier video, seems the swivel is on the wrong side of the seat rails.
          Also, saw you in “elegantly” getting out of the driver’s seat in your video….how many times have you hit your head on the pizza oven when getting out/ getting in to the driver’s seat? Isn’t that the most clumsy thing ever? I have been in our Transit for 2 years and still hitting my head.

        2. James - Post author

          Never hit my head (the pizza oven is cut out a bit).
          But I banged my legs up plenty threading the needle with them.

    29. Craig Nelson

      I love you guys, but am beginning to question your objectivity. There is a lot to like about the Ekko, but to me you’ve shown the cassette toilet to be a deal breaker. No way that I fit on that toilet. Even you slim folks need to sit sideways and I can’t imagine constantly needing to empty the cassette. Not very happy with the microwave height either. My wife could not use it. Thank you for revealing the faults as well as cheerleading the good.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The seat part of the toilet swivels, so you’re not really sitting sideways.
        I’m working on ways to make peace with the cassette. The Americanizer™ is a start. More to come in that area.
        We will be carrying a second cassette, so 4 days between dumps (which is longer than we would get in Parky).

        Reply
        1. Craig Nelson

          Thanks for clarifying about the swivel. I guess I need to re-watch some of the Ekko videos. I would think you’ll need three cassettes to equal Parky considering that you’ll need to pull them before they are completely full (don’t want an accidental overflow!). I have my own Parky (59KL NPE) and we get more like 6 days on the black tank??? Our limiting factor has been the fresh followed by the grey (3 days but we both shower every day) which is why I’m adding reverse osmosis to reprocess the grey back to fresh (allows longer showers too). All the best!

        2. James - Post author

          We got 3 days in Parky. But some of that had to do with the bathroom sink also emptying into the black tank in that model.
          Thought about RO… but never thought about using it on grey water. With 50 gallons, I think we’re good in that regard. We could go a week on Lance’s fresh water if we didn’t both shower in him every day.

    30. GREG B

      Do you know if the Ekko is using the 2nd generation Ecoboost that added port fuel injection in addition to the direct injection to reduce carbon buildup issues with the intake valves. As of 2020, Transits were still being built with gen 1 engines while F150’s switched to gen 2 in 2017. Thank you for all the great info.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Don’t know. Given the chassis supply issues in the RV industry today, I’d be hesitant to predict exactly which components were going to be in any vehicle until I had a VIN number.

        Reply
    31. Andy & Kim

      You mentioned that you didn’t have to give up a closet for Mel.
      Mimi & Jojo wanted to know where did you put his litter box and food.
      Andy 7 Kim
      Mimi & Jojo (The Cats)

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        Litter box went in the outdoor kitchen cabinet. I removed a vent cover so Mel could get through. It’s his own private apartment!
        Food and water just went along the wall under the dinette table.
        You guys should totally get one!

        Reply
    32. Tony

      Thank you for your thorough reviews and reports.

      Do you know what the weight rating is for the Ekko’s rear storage compartment? Wondering if it could handle a small motorcycle, under 275 lbs.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        I don’t know the number is, but I do know they tested it on their shaker table pretty thoroughly.
        If I can find the weight rating, I’ll come back with it.

        Reply
    33. Ann Halbower

      Dear James and Stefany, thank you so much for your thoughtful videos! I memorize them. we are expecting our EKKO in August. I am a pediatrician and do not know who to contact at Winnebago, but if that garage does not have an emergency exit latch for people/kids stuck in the back, that will be a recall. Does that dinette table latch down? does it make noise when driving? Finally, how does this handle on serious bumpy dirt roads with ruts and high pitches? Wish they had turned the back seats sideways to the wall so they could become a bed stretching toward the door.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        There are magnets to hold the dinette table down so that it doesn’t rattle. They work, and we didn’t notice any noise when we had them engaged.
        The somewhat rough roads you saw in the video were the furthest off-pavement we took the EKKO, and it did at least as well as our Lance would have.

        Reply
    34. Don Kane

      We went smallish, with a Mid Height Mid Length Transit, but our gas mileage is 18 mpg on trips. If we keep the speed at 50 or 55 on flatish rural roads, we can hit 22 mpg.
      But we don’t have an indoor shower…

      Reply
    35. Patrick Broos

      Thanks for sharing your impressions.

      In all your videos, music at the beginning/end, and during transitions is great. My own preference would be zero music while you are talking, but I admit that is not the current norm in our culture.

      The appearance of cassette toilets in *large* North American RVs is quite a mystery to me. I thought there was going to be an Ekko model with a black tank, but I don’t see that on their site. My mistake?

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        The EKKO model with the black tank was pulled back by Winnebago. No word on if they will be revisiting that some time in the future.

        Reply
    36. RTD

      Thanks for the review.

      Interior color scheme is new? Very nice. More appealing than the red/grey schemes that WE has been previewing.

      Reply
    37. BKR

      Nice to finally see a test video of the rig out in the field. Very impressed with the color scheme as that red was hideous. Very attractive now.

      Questions in my mind

      Would like to know how James is going to build shelves in there w/o too much intrusion on drilling etc.

      Did you consider those furry felt baskets as storage for the overhead? You know, the ones that everyone uses so they don’t rattle?

      The storage does seem small though you said you had enough. How do you keep more than a few days of food in there?

      Not an instant potter?

      Also, how you are going to use your outside storage – side and garage? Heavier clothing? Extra fridge? Micro washer and dryer? =)

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        As always, we’ll post about any mods we make, storage ones included. We don’t even have our own rig yet, so we can’t really say what will go where for sure.
        (But I don’t see us buying an instant pot any time soon.)

        Reply
        1. David Lessnick

          Really enjoy and appreciate all the detail and work you guys put into your videos! As a matter of fact, because of your multiple videos about the Ekko, I am ordering one.

          2 quick questions:

          1) do you think the 24” “tv/Entertainmemt system” is a value or is it simply too small a screen for the viewing distance? I love to watch movies but am thinking watching my media from an iPad up close may be a better viewing experience than the 24” screen the Ekko had as option?

          2) will I be able to fit 2 full suspension Mt bikes (frame sizes small) in the garage?

          Thx and keep up the great work!

        2. James - Post author

          We personally don’t plan to get the TV option. I don’t think that mounting location would work for us.
          You can certainly fit MTB in the garage. You’ll likely have to remove the front wheels and turn the handlebars.

    38. Donald Koval

      Great video, as usual, James &Stef. It seems that the dining table is a bit of a compromise on an otherwise well thought out rig. Check out the similarly placed table on the Panoramic RV from Quebec. Bigger, sturdier, with an ingenious rotating extension. https://panoramicrv.com/ It would look great in the Ekko.

      We get our Panoramic in May!

      Reply
    39. Bruce Gustafson

      Instead of using a squeegee think about using a chamois in your bathroom/shower. We used in our large boats in our combo bath/showers and now use in our class B. We use a smaller synthetic one we got at West Marine that comes in a small plastic container. Takes 2 minutes, gets it super dry and clean and we squeeze it out in the sink. Every time we have shown people they love it.

      Reply
    40. Dan Leclair

      Thank you S&J. This was a great video and cemented why we chose to sell our current van (Class B) for an EKKO. We are so looking forward to camping and traveling this Summer.

      Reply
    41. Will

      This is a good first attempt at making a more self-sufficient rig. I applaud Winnebago. Now they need to make is less ugly, build the awning into the side of the body, get rid of the generator and go 100% solar/lithium, dump LP, go single source fuel for cooking, heat and the RV’s engine, and last but certainly not least, get rid of the duals in favor of super singles.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        I’ll let others respond to your suggestions, but… We’re OK with duals. I like the safety margin.

        Reply
        1. Will

          But the EKKO is designed to attract the “tactical RV” crowd and boondocking. You don’t want to travel off the pavement in duals if you can help it. They’re a bear to air down and you don’t want a rock to lodge between the duals, then get launched into your house when you hit the highway.

          I run super singles on my Fuso Canter cab-over RV and they are excellent!

        2. James - Post author

          Well, when it comes to anything that would modify the drivetrain as delivered by Ford, I don’t think Winnebago is going to be willing to go there. They’d likely have to recertify things with various government agencies, complete crash tests, recertify the emissions, reprogram the speedometer, etc. etc. etc. As an aftermarket mod though, customers are free to do whatever they like.

          Plus, on a personal note… we’re primarily road cyclists. Skinny tires, paved roads. The EKKO will get us anywhere we’d like to go.

    42. DEL M GOMES

      You gave us a lot of insight! Thank you very much!

      At the 2 min point in your video, I see a black rectangular plate on the top of the cabinet (above the dinette table). What is that? I was hoping it was an outlet so I could plug in a Weboost to use the indoor antenna on the dinette table.

      Reply
      1. Stefany

        You’ve got a good eye to spot that! It’s not an outlet of any sort, just a piece of metal… I’m guessing some sort of cabinet support. This is a pre-production unit so I’m not sure it will be there on the actual production units.

        Reply
      2. Tricia L Taylor

        The only actual question I have is how tall is this inside? I’m 6’2.. this looks perfect for me.. im in Washington State.. thanks Tricia Taylor

        Reply
    43. Loligag1953

      Love it. I wonder if the seating arrangement in the galley would be more comfortable and useable with that table if it were more of a bench seat; especially for one person working. All in all it’s a beautiful, highly functional rig that I would take over almost any class B.

      Reply
      1. Stefany

        James is thinking of modding it just like your suggestion! He works remotely and we’d rather have that space as a comfy remote office first, and dinette space second. 🙂

        Reply
        1. Tom Sullivan

          Have you guys considered replacing the bench entirely? I’d like to replace with a residential rocker-recliner with side shelf under the window for laptop(s) and around a 28″ monitor in the corner behind the driver’s seat. But from your (awesome) measurements video it looks like the recliner might have to hug the wall to straddle the grey pump.

    44. daniel archer

      Just a side note. The video was very very clean and clear. I don’t know what you are using but it was very nice.

      Reply
    45. Gerry Roncolato

      Great video guys. Thanks for taking one on the road. I will pickup my EKKO in early August, then take it on a shakedown cruise! Am thinking about getting two batteries plus a generator. Any thoughts on that? Will also be following you as you mod yours. Keep the vids coming!! Thanks.

      Reply
      1. Stefany

        Hi Gerry! We have a smaller lithium battery setup in our current van Lance than in the EKKOs and we don’t have a generator and never once have wished for one. So we’re probably the wrong people to ask about generators! Come join the EKKO Owners and Wannabes group on Facebook… loads of conversations about this over there! 🙂

        Reply
    46. Dan Eilenstine

      Any word on them making a wheelchair accessible version? I would gladly help with the design changes.

      Reply
    47. Mark Pfost

      You added auto-leveling to “Lance”, is there an option for that with the /EKKO or are you going to aftermarket add it.

      Reply
        1. Bert

          Please let us know the installers you are considering for adding auto-leveling and a very rough timeline needed for reserving an appointment. Auto-leveling and air suspension are top on my mods list requiring appointments.

          Thanks for this awesome video to keep us engaged while we look forward to build dates for the first EKKO’s starting to appear over the next month or so.

        2. Rick

          I’m also interested in adding it. I’ve only found one (bigfoot) kit that is specifically designed for the Transit cut-away chassis. Please do keep us updated as you go through this and thanks for all the pathfinding you’re doing on our behalfs!

    48. Shane

      Did you play with the front seats and turning it into a bed? Just wondering if 2 younger boys would fit on it. All the stats says the echo will sleep 4 but haven’t seen any videos covering that part anywhere.

      Reply
      1. Stefany

        Hi Shane! So, there is a poptop option, but besides that, you CAN sleep 4 with a little creativity. First, a camping cot fits right in front of the dinette seats; I took a picture of me in a camping cot right there and shared it on the FitRV Facebook and Instagram pages! And then, there are inflatable mattresses specifically made to go over the cab seats in vans, so between the camping cot and the inflatable mattress, you can sleep 4! Winnebago will be offering one of those inflatable mattresses hopefully by this summer. Pleasure Way has one too!

        Reply
    49. Daniel Leonard

      I like this color scheme much better than the original prototype. Glad to actually be able to see it. I’m Interested to see how long the 2 battery setup would keep up if you needed to run ac.

      Reply
    50. Mitch

      Do you guys not cuddle any more? Been married 22 years, and it’s still mandatory for us. So how much of a pain is converting the bed into a single sleep surface, and are the gaps between the cushions problematic?

      Reply
    51. Carol Hall

      Fantastic! The Ekko is impressive. Did you put your bikes in the gear garage? Hoping to see what else fits when bikes are in there.

      Reply
    52. Don & Julie Wilson

      The test camping in the Ekko was phenomenal. As one of the new Ekko owners(when ours comes in) we are very interested in all ideas and mods that are done. Hoping those will be shown in the future videos. Please be assured they will be greatly appreciated by many, or at least us.

      Reply
    53. GB

      On the cassette toilet – can a adapter be made so the cassette could be pulled out and an adapter hose could be used from the toliet when one is in a campsite that has a hook up to sewer? In other words bypass the cassette and dump toilet waste directly into a camping sewer connection.

      Reply
      1. James - Post author

        No, sorry. It doesn’t work that way.
        The seal for the toilet is on the cassette itself.
        So even if you could hook up an adapter, you’d be venting the sewer gases directly into your rig!

        Reply
    54. Andy & Kim

      with every new Ekko video we get even more impressed!
      Mel is going to love it.
      Andy & Kim
      Mimi & Jojo (The Cats)

      Reply
      1. Stefany

        Mel was with us for the majority of the time in there! He very much does love all the extra bed space and the wonderful views right out the bedroom windows. 🙂

        Reply
    55. GB

      Does the air-conditioning run off the lithium batteries? How long can they run off the batteries if the they are fully charged? Reason I am asking is I do have a pet like you all and If I leave my pet in the camper to go shopping etc will it be a problem.
      What is the BTU size of the air-conditioning?

      Reply

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