Yes, it is! And it's not even close. I would be very happy to have a bath like that, in lieu of a normal dry bath, in a larger rig that normally has a dry bath.
The Ram is front wheel drive, which has no business on van conversions. The traction going uphill on curvy slippery wet roads is awful because all of the weight is shifted to the rear end.
I really like this EKKO and with the amazing storage, I could definitely do full time. However, I am quite old, and I don't think I could handle the weight of a full cassette to empty it. I only have to dump my black tank every 7 to 10 days. Since you still have to find a dump station to empty the grey water tank, then I really see no benefit to having a cassette toilet. However, I guess it works for some people and I know it is very popular in Europe. Love the mods you did on this rig.
I have to give Winnebago credit where credit is due. That bathroom is just amazing and ingenious. I hope it holds up for you and that it is as functional as it seems to be.
You guys really do a good job putting educational and entertaining videos together. Hopefully everything gets back to normal next summer and I’m able to see one in person. The 24c and the wonder Rtb are at the top of our list as we look towards an active retirement of 3 to 5 week trips. Love the all weather prep. Keep the vids coming. Stay safe - enjoy life’s adventure.
Don't discard the MOLLE. MOLLE is easy to attach and remove. There are THOUSANDS of MOLLE bags, pouches, and additional ways to connect MOLLE to non-MOLLE items. The attachment system is threading two straps in and out of webbing and then attaching it back to the original pouch with snaps. Very easy to undo, unsnap and pull up slowly. It just prevents the pouch or item from coming off accidentally. There are so many sizes of bags and pouches available. For that MOLLE grid in that cargo area on the EKKO I could see attaching a first aid bag, bike repair bag, and a pouch with spare RV items like hose gaskets, duct tape, propane manifold connector, tire gauge etc. The options are unlimited. And yes you could put a net on it for your bike helmets and gloves. For a good search on Amazon try: MOLLE, MOLLE pouch, MOLLE bag, MOLLE attachments, MOLLE net, MOLLE first aid, MOLLE repair.
I am always amazed at how far some people will go to complain about something. I doesn't seem to matter about what it is, some people go out of their way to grip and complain. If you don't like what you see--move on! Allow those folks who like this product the ability to enjoy it, rather than subject us to your nit-picking! There is NO PERFECT RV. (unless the naysayers design and build it). They, of course, will get it perfect. Kudos to Winnabego for building this unique RV.
Yes, just reading through... Embarrassing these contrarians and eeyore’s who find some nit or fault. Also those who can’t google info or bitch about $ or want a diamond for a cost of a stone. Entertaining, but their lack of awareness has me pity them. Great video 🙏👍
Oddly similar to my renovated ambulance which I’m very happy with (huge deisel gas tank at 50 gal, etc). Looks like they are listening to the off-grid customer. Excellent choice. Congratulations
As a long time solar installer (30 years) it's nice to see the RV crowd using it, and the manufacturers have caught on also! Good install, lot of air under the modules, many leave no space underneath, and a module will put out less power when hot. Lithium batteries, a game changer! Looks like an aerodynamically clean rig, at least the frontal area.
Wonderful! Thank you. I’m shopping too! This is something to consider. I have a pleasure way ascent and and ready to make a change for something bigger. Thanks guys! Can’t wait to see you guys drive it and review it!
I just watched a couple videos in the new Ford F-150 hybrid powerboost. One video shows the truck powering two travel trailers simultaneously including heating, ac and microwaves... I know you are not interested in a pickup but the tech is a game changer for camping if all kinds... instead of spending a ton on upgrading trailers and class c and class b units it solves the issue nicely. The next step is to bring the hybrid tech to the Transit. All electric camping is becoming a real possibility. Recharging bikes and electronics such as cameras and computers... especially for camping but also small travel trailers such as airstream basecamp units and teardrop trailers. The manufacturer could buy cutaway hybrids already set up for electrical generation and include original ford warranty on the systems instead of aftermarket warranty and service issues.
Finally, Euro rear garage layout and four season insulation makes it to this side of the pond. AWD gives it expedition vehicle vibe. IMHO that wrap around shade sticks out like a sour thumb. Good job Winnebago.
hello... just a idea. Remove the rear car seats, and install a 2 person bench in place of it. This will allow you to choose the right height to put the cat box, and cat storage under the bench. Then you would still have your his and hers closets. Safe travels, :)
Saw both videos. It looks very nice. The Bathroom is very European. That swing wall for the shower is very popular. Which would also explain the cassette toilet, since those are very popular in Europe. In fact, that entire Small Class C looks very European, including the large garage in the back, the closets under the beds, even the fridge. Which is great, because I love the European RVs. Let's hope more manufacturers bring over European designs. I'll even put up with a cassette toilet.
Hello from FRANCE, step by step, you transform your RVs like a European RV: Cassette, propane tanks, garage. Soon Winbago will be able to sell its production here. Good road to you with your new acquisition
Hi ya’ll. Looks like a very practical and comfy new adventure. Two things that caught my eye. Lithionics behind an outer door that will need a heavy duty lock, catch the drift, and venting/ temp considerations. The other is the exposed propane tank that even with mud/rock guards could receive a wayward projectile on the road. Looking forward to your mods and improvements. Thanks for the thoughtful and lighthearted presentation.
As soon as I saw it during Winnebago’s live event I new this was your next rig; & then they announce you both‼️ 🚐🚲🚲🐱👍🏽👍🏽 Seems to check all of your boxes ✅ ✅ ✅
Like the EKKO; Wish they would offer a bench seat option to replace two front passenger seats. Also a table with more multi-purpose (fold out, swivel capability).
Great vid!! Was thinking about the Revel cause I"m single & about ready to retire after 40 yrs of teaching science!! Got my 2 daughters in college & it's paid for! The vehicle I choose will be the one I live in full time! Never seen this EKKO! Damn...got me re-thinking again!!
On that molly system I would use big climbing/ lanyard hooks and then hang gear off the hooks like my backpack, water bladder, damp bike, climbing, ect. Shoes.. harnesses, ropes and so on..
Oh, man, the EKKO is like the Wonder RTB's bad-ass twin brother separated at birth! Perfect for you. The thing about the RTB (besides the real DOOR and the garage) was that it had those drop-in closet holes. EKKO has that, too. But so much more! it's really made for a more active lifestyle. Stefany: The first thing I thought when I saw your T-shirt was that it was what I got my husband for Christmas. (He's a Pluto fan and was very sad when it was demoted to dwarf planet): smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WQ5QB83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&customId=B0752XJX9Q&th=1&psc=1 Scott of Go Small Live Large did a thing from Spain a year or two ago and showed an innovative RV bathroom just like the EKKO's. I was thinking when I watched it that we would never see anything like that over here because, well, pedestrian, lowest common denominator tastes. And here it is! Bravo, Winnebago! Many people want innovative euro-styled caravans and white & gray instead of the dreaded brown/beige, etc
OK. "the Wonder RTB's bad-ass twin brother" I'm going to use that. Hope that's OK with you! lol. And I'm still calling Pluto a planet, so tell your husband he's got company!
@@Thefitrv I won't even charge royalties. Hah! The thing with the Wonder RTB is it it's for people my age - old. Or let's just say "more sedate". (I am almost 75, the love of my life just turned 80 on Monday 😱 ) The bad-ass EKKO is for hard charging travelers like you. But we'll stick with our 2020.5 Travato G for now. Despite what James said, I think it's a noticeably smaller profile all around, IMHO. We like to explore towns & communities as much as getting out there and enjoying nature. It's more nimble. Not to mention that the EKKO will definitely make it easier for the underpants gnomes! PS, there is a wonderful book on Pluto, "How I killed Pluto and why it had it coming." Or something like that. Very entertaining, written by the astronomer who axed the poor lonely little hunk of rock out there.
You guys did a great job showing all the best features of the Ekko. Purely from what I have seen in this video, it is gone to the top of my list of RV's being considered for purchase.
23' x 87" is perfect size but would much prefer two rear-facing all-day comfortable seats mid-ship that feet rest on while sleeping with panoramic view out sides and back (like a van) while lounging with feet optionally on bed as daytime ottoman
I like the RV and would consider buying one except for the lounge chairs. They look like airline seats and are too close. You couldn’t even sit in the middle of the two to have a comfortable meal. The Heimer has a much better front lounge choice - just isn’t the RV the echo is. If I bought an echo I would have to remove the lounge airline seats and replace them with a sofa.
A quick search on RU-vid for videos about RV's that burn to the ground during propane refill will show just why I LOVE that propane solution. I trust myself to hook up a cylinder waaayyyy more than a bored dude on minimum wage who passed a typical USA industry 'training course' on how to put explosive gas into my vehicle.
Looks like you found a winner! I wasn't expecting a Winnebago that small to have a garage, but I guess American RV companies are already slowly adapting some of the European RV trends as well if the garage and the shower is any indication. If you don't want that generator, you can always have them install more battery banks as well as another slab of solar panels on the rails on top. Makes me wonder how hard it is to tinker that rail into a variable geometry solar collector where you can raise the solar panels and point it out to the left/right direction depending on where the sun is to get the most out of it.
Glad that you kind of followed on my small recommendation on looking at a European rv like for example a Hymer, everything of that rv is 100% Europe. We don't have those huge highways you have there so our rv,s are though for smaller places and at the end everything is fit to the millimeter and at the end everything is more practical, like it very much
What we discovered is that Winnebago doesn't do a good job with extra holes...which means mice!! We have found our RV which is a Vista 32T has so much easy access for these critters. We are forver finding and plugging up seams, holes anywhere there is a gap for mice to get in and still they get in. Winnebago should be a more aware of their workmanship because it lacks. The cash you fork out for an RV you would think they would be more vigilant. This is our 2nd RV but our 1st Winnebago. We are forever mice proofing also with traps, scents..you name it we have done it. Your lucky to bring a cat.
Used to have a pet mouse and kept it in a guinea pig cage. Mouse kept getting out, and, me, being the youngest kept getting blamed for letting it out ... until, we all watched it escape. As long as a mouse can get its head through an opening, it will contort its body to squeeze through. They are patient, so make sure all holes are sealed up. I find using steel wool with some spray foam works well.
Put it on a Sprinter 4x4 chassis and I'll buy it. The box on a chassis approach was pioneered by Advanced RV, and they are using Sprinter Chassis. Sprinters are hard to find for the manufacturers, but chassis cabs are not.
The sprinter is much harder and more expensive to service. You can service a Ford anywhere but there are often long waits to get in for service on a sprinter. Also you lose power at altitude on a sprinter vs ecoboost Ford. Overall more power on tap with Ford by quite a lot.
I, for one, prefer the EcoBoost gas. Glad they avoided the sprinter. Also the box on chassis is a typical class c build. Nothing new here except the size of the box.
This has the potential to be a nice rig. Did you see any tripping hazards in the floor design? Many campers have those. Overall, many great design choices made. However, it looks like there are plenty of pictures of wood in there, as well as stick and staple cabinets? Same here, no interest in outdoor kitchen. Would greatly prefer a convection microwave. If they stick with the propane cooktop, you could always add an Omnia stove-top oven to your gear and bake in that instead of in the microwave. Wow, pantry is teeny. Love the fridge, though, very nice. We do like the Lagun counter extension idea. We do not like the curtains that separate the cab from the rest of the unit. In any "B," the cab is critical part of the real estate inside the rig when camping. They should offer insulated blackout shades for side windows and windshield. We are not fans of above-cab TV's. We didn't watch much TV anyway when camping, and not even when we were full-timers. I need to see you turn those cab seats around to face the rear! Overall, we like the Transit as a choice as long as it's got ecoboost, 4x4, the extended chassis and all those nice options you mentioned. :)
The cab curtain is very handy from the aspect that it can be used to keep the dash A/C in the cab in very hot climates when it is not capable of cooling the entire insides. I used the curtain in my View for just that, and it worked great.
Loaded with a lot of features, nice RV. I like the fact that its a compact Class C. Class B is too small, Class C is too big. This is just right. The tire pressure monitoring system and cab perks are very nice. The garage is like the Euro models, so glad that Winnebago is copying that pattern finally! The garage is the single best thing about this RV!!!! Love the beds, and bathroom, and nice compact two extra seats for passenger or kids. For the Cat litter box, you might consider a passage way into the garage from the bedroom. This was an excellent tour, and I saw everything I wanted to see, thank you both!
Great review! Pro tip on using a tape measure for inside distance; a tape measure case is a certain length (let's say 2"). Extend the tape with the case against the inside opening of what you are measuring and add the length of extended tape plus the length of the case.
I was sold on Ekko until I discovered the crash rating on the 2020 Ford Transit, 3 stars overall and 2 stars for front passenger. Unacceptable!!! What in the hell is Ford thinking?
I don't watch network TV but use my RV TV as a computer monitor via a COMPUSTICK win10 version, USB hub and a wireless keyboard/mouse works great plus you can stream from your phone, justification for keeping the TV. Why no fans/skylight in the shower/lav? I like the outdoor cooking option you won't stink up your cabin while cooking. Good review.
You guys did an excellent job on the video footage. I like the motorhome. It looks well made. If the pipes are not exposed, is this camper well suited for winter travel?
Have you ever looked at Truck Campers? We've had two over the 20 years we've been RVing. Both were from Lance. In this video you mention modifications you would make to this Winnebago, but many if not all of those mods plus what the Winnebago already has are all available in Truck Campers. Plus you have the ability to tow more and separate the truck from the camper to go on trips.
Some of the truck campers are pretty amazing. But an unstated requirement from Stef is that she could get up and go to the bathroom while I'm driving. Not so easy in a truck camper.
I was gob smacked with delight when seeing the new Advanced RV B Box (so advanced) until I saw the price $380,000! OMG. But, after watching this video on the new EKKO, I think I have a realistically priced option that is closely similar. I still have to find out the EKKO price, but as it is a mass produced product as opposed to the bespoke B Box, it must be a lot more affordable. I am looking forward to hearing more about the EKKO once it is put to a real-world test. Thank you for your very useful tour. Your videos are very enjoyable and educational.
Well, it’s ugly as sin, but it look to be very practical. You have tons of solar, a DC to DC charger and a ton of lithium battery power, so I’m not sure why you need a generator. The RV has one foot in old school and one foot in new school. Winnegago should just go all in on a new generation RV without a dang generator.
They explained in the video that this is a protype so they installed all the available options including the upgraded Lithium and the generator. The generator is an option you don't have to get.
Wow this could be it! Roomy, cassette toilet, relatively short and nimble, lithium system (second alternator), outside storage, great solar, all wheel drive! Awesome! We joined your Facebook page for the Ekko! Thank you for your work! 🤙
Sorry, can't get overly excited Ekko. Nice - yes, but way over priced which Winnebago has a habit of doing. Very few others to compete with due to lack of transition to the new Ford Transit chassis that has enhanced capabilities to proir generation, but equally as nice on the same Transit chassis, Winnebago succeeded in making Leisure Travel Vans appear inexpensive. With the STARTING MSRP at $163662 for the Ekko, the rear twin bed floorplan of the LTV Wonder may start at $125710, adding EVERY option, including AWD, 400w solar with lithium upgrade and generator upgrade, plus some options like macerator not available on Ekko, increases the final build price to $147721. The chunky "hardy" utility box design vs the smoother rounding/streamlining is more marketing than functional.
LTVs have a lengthy wait, and are selling for MSRP. Check your dealer for EKKO pricing. Adding a sliding tray for the bikes is very simple. We'll be doing that.
You guys did a better tour then any other video here… and I’m pretty sure one of the other videos I’ve watched on the EKKO was you guys also. Thanks for showing the entire bathroom like that, that’s a first in any video
So nothing new here, just a copy of European design but so sad they did not get rid of the Seating against the wall, this is a two person van, why waste the space for seating (can you spell European Copy). Aside from that, I would still buy a Pleasureway, and am sure their new design on the class C will be as innovative and of course better quality!!!!
They lead in tech, first in touch screen, first lithium, first 5 year warranty, and first in Quality. Wow they have had those for how long?And replacing a fridge, you would have that done in a day, no problem!
@@Thefitrv Compressor fridges are too noisy. I can hear the one in my kitchen kick in from every room on the ground floor, and it's a newer high-efficiency unit. I can only imagine the sleepless nights in a rig with one!
But these are now the days of the plague though. No lawn to mow and no prop taxes, plus you even get to escape the Great 2021 Zombie Apocalypse if you limber up enough and have the right 10 gague!!
