Van-Size Class C

[atreis]

That shorter one is a really nice floorplan! Not enough sleeping space for my family right now, but something like that in the future would be perfect.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by atreis

That shorter one is a really nice floorplan! Not enough sleeping space for my family right now, but something like that in the future would be perfect.

For a couple accustomed to traveling and camping in a van, the Ekko seems huge. Having said that, I agree 100% with you that not having sleeping for two more (young grandkids) is a serious drawback.

Winnebago does indicate there will be an optional pop-up roof similar to those used on vans that will sleep two adults. I’m not sure I like any pop-up on roof since we wouldn’t need it 99% of time, preferring a makeshift bed if only for occasional use.

[Bob Denman]

Just carry a tent in the bike garage for the guests... c
If they're too comfortable: ir becomes a habit!

[Chance]

Not a big fan of Transit chassis or turbo gas engines for trucks and RVs, but agree with James of The Fit RV when he states:

“I really can’t say how excited I am to finally see something like this on our side of the Atlantic. It’s going to be a game changer… GAME ON!”


https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-reviews/...o-our-next-rv/


The Ekko’s high price will limit many buyers, but similar size and floorplans below $100K should be possible if built more like the Coachmen Cross Trek, which cost less than many van campers.

[Oneilkeys]

I think you are right on the price. The MSRP on my Travato was almost $130k and I paid 80K. So there is room for an Ekco type RV under $100k, maybe with a generator and AGM batteries.

[Bob Denman]

The market will set the price, and you can decide to buy one... or not,

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Oneilkeys

I think you are right on the price. The MSRP on my Travato was almost $130k and I paid 80K. So there is room for an Ekco type RV under $100k, maybe with a generator and AGM batteries.

From what Winnebago has released, it appears the new Onan 2,800-Watt inverter generator is standard, as well as a 315 Amp-hour lithium battery and 2,000-Watt Xantrex inverter. The 455-Watt solar is also standard.

Watching The Fit RV video, James stated he opted to delete the generator because they have been doing fine without it on their Travato.

The video has a lot of implied technical information to consider. James mentioned that battery is 12-Volt, not 48-Volt like on Volta systems used on Travato. The battery looks like a lithium iron phosphate, which is also a different chemistry than used on Volta systems. The 12-Volt system will limit system capacity but should cost less than Volta offered on Travato.

He also mentioned dedicated 12-Volt second alternator which is very interesting. Ford offers dual alternators, but they are not segregated except on the standard F-150 with Pro Power Onboard. Having an option for RV manufacturers to install a lower cost stand-alone high-capacity alternator is great news if brackets, drive belt, etc. are supplied by Ford to OEM quality standards.

[Chance]

For those who are interested in what makes the Ekko design different than typical motorhomes (other than its smaller size), the following are a few features I’ve noticed — show in pictures below:

Propane is by dual 20-pound replaceable tanks.

The generator is the new quiet Onan inverter 2,800-Watt unit.

The 315 Amp-hour lithium battery appears to be the Lithionics 12-Volt with 4 kWh capacity.

Full size spare is mounted under motorhome.

Chassis frame is dropped below floor level at rear — under bike garage. Finally.

[Bob Denman]

With the dropped frame: what is it's towing capacity?

[Chance]

Two more nice features and one that’s not great:

Kitchen cabinet appears less deep so as to leave more aisle room. I’ve mentioned this design option numerous times as one way to create a roomy Axis without needing a slide.

There is an insulated curtain to separate the cab area in hot/cold weather. Should work well to reduce heat load but blocks use of front seats as part of living area.

The one design detail I had not noticed before is that the front seats are much lower than the coach seats which make the back of the dinette. It appears Winnebago is including two very thick front seat cushions to make everyone sitting in living room or dinette at same elevation.

Cab seats that are too low is one reason I don’t like the Transit chassis. This same floor plan built on an E-Series with a flat floor would work much better for me.
.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

With the dropped frame: what is it's towing capacity?

Dropping the frame, when done right, doesn’t have to reduce towing capacity.

Many diesel pushers have a dropped frame at rear to lower the big Diesel engine and still have extremely high tow rating.

[Bob Denman]

Okay... that's great. But I was asking if you knew whether or not it affected this particular model...

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Okay... that's great. But I was asking if you knew whether or not it affected this particular model...

I knew what you asked, but how exactly would anyone other than Winnebago engineers know that for certain?

If Winnebago made similar motorhome designs with and without garages with dropped frame, then we could compare the tow ratings to see if it made a difference.

The Ekko has 5,000-pound with 500-pound tongue weight rating, which is comparable to other Transit-based motorhomes, so I’ll go out on a limb and say no, it didn’t affect tow capacity.

Besides, since GCWR is 15,000 pounds, and GVWR is 11,000 pounds, it’s doubtful the usable capacity would have been improved even if the hitch was rated higher. As an example for clarity, even if Winnebago could make hitch 7,000 pounds, an empty Ekko with just the driver may not be able to tow more than 5,000 pounds anyway. Fully loaded at 11,000 pounds, it’s limited to a 4,000-pound toad (15,000 — 11,000).

[Bob Denman]

5000/500... got it: thanks!