Unlike many of the camper vans we cover these days, Winnebago has been around a long time and has a reputation to consider. Winnebago mostly made large motorhome RVs usually piloted by retirees headed to Ft. Lauderdale or someplace. However, Winnebago isn’t a stranger to the smaller, more rugged gear needed to roll with the overland crowd. The all-new Winnebago Ekko camper is proof that the mondo RV brand knows a thing or two about a thing or two. 

If the normal camper van is too small for the fam, the Winnebago Ekko has your back

Winnebago just recently released the intermediate-sized camper, the Ekko. This is a Class B camper but accommodates the same amount of people as a Class C. Gear Patrol says that the folks at Winnebago call it a “B+” class. 

The Winnebago Ekko is built on an all-wheel-drive Ford Transit chassis, powered by a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 making 310 hp and 400 lb-ft, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Obviously, the Ekko isn’t going to out-brawn many of its competitors like Earth Roamer, or some other monster custom builds, but it can still hang on the rough track. 

The Winnebago Ekko is set up for adventure

Gear Patrol reports a heated gear garage meant to store bikes, kayaks, and just about any other outdoor gear you could need. Unlike some other camper vans, the Winnebago Ekko allows you to pass from the gear garage into the main cabin like a mudroom of sorts. 

What makes the Ekko so good for winter camping?

Winnebago made a point to insulate everything in the all-new Ekko. All water tanks and lines have been insulated and ran inside the coach and above the floor to keep from freezing. The roof, walls, and floor are all extensively insulated with all-weather insulation. The Ekko also has dual-paned windows keeping every ounce of hot or cool air right where you want it, inside. 

Alternative power for the Ekko camper van

Winnebago has made sure to help campers feel more confident to really get out in it with not only solar panels but also a second alternator that keeps the auxiliary batteries charged/recharged while driving to your next destination. The solar panels are capable of pumping out 455 watts of power to the cabin, as well.

Too cold to go outside? Well, you don’t have to

The comfort and practicality of Ekko don’t stop in the kitchen. The galley is set up with various high-efficiency appliances like a sink, microwave, range-top, and more. The dining area also converts to another sleeping area with the new WinnSleep system, which utilizes the FlexBed bench/bed. Basically, every seating surface can convert to a bed by folding flat. 

The Winnebago Revel camper van set the stage for the Ekko

Winnebago uses the perfect camper-van template, Mercedes Sprinter, for building the Revel. This is the camper vans we have come to know and love. The Revel is a camper van conversion that lives in the stratosphere. This Winnebego camper van starts around $180,000. That is $20,000 more than the Winnebago Ekko. Many people prefer the smaller and more nimble vans, like the Revel, over the bigger Class B or Class C campers.

The bigger RVs can be more intimidating to drive and operate, but in this case, you are getting so much more with the Ekko than with the Revel for $20,000 less. The Ekko sits around $160,000, which is a lot, but it’s not so bad for a second home.