My friend James drives an old, dually Toyota motorhome with minimal ground clearance, stock tires, 2WD, and an overhang as long as a Greyhound bus. One would think that such a vehicle should be confined to paved roads and the occasional maintained gravel road. However, I have seen James effortlessly drive that Toyota motorhome on trails that made lesser drivers in 4WD’s sweaty and shaky. Sure, he has scraped the bottom clean, but James is not the kind of guy to worry about that.
James should buy himself the new AWD Winnebago Ekko Sprinter when he has a quarter million to spare and decides to have a couple of kids. The Ekko Sprinter is a Class C motorhome built on a Mercedes-Benz AWD Sprinter chassis equipped with all the modern conveniences and powered by a 2-liter high-output, turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. At the same time, safety and control are enhanced with 4-wheel ABS brakes. This all-new all-wheel-drive model complements the Ekko Transit, expanding the brand’s offerings into rugged, off-grid recreational vehicles.
The cavernous interior features a pop-top rooftop tent and forward-facing lounge that is equipped with 3-point seat belts and includes both a pull-up/fold-down table and a removable pedestal table for flexible dining and working space as well as a side-facing fixed sofa with a lap belt. The vehicle is fitted with a color touchscreen systems panel for monitoring and control. The vehicle also includes ample storage drawers, cupboards, and multiple charging options with 12- and 110-volt outlets and USB ports.
One of our favorite features of this camper is the bedroom, which has a bed system that can be divided into two single beds with a passage between (yes, please!) or combined to form one large bed. Another bed for a kid or visitor can be set up by collapsing the dinette behind the front seats. And let’s not forget about the pop-top rooftop tent that can sleep two.
The Ekko’s galley includes a drawer with a counter extension base, specifically for storing an induction cooktop. The countertops are made of durable laminate, and there is a two-burner cooker and a microwave/convection oven equipped with touch controls for easy operation. The kitchen also features a 5.3 cubic foot single-door 12-volt refrigerator/freezer for ample food storage. A stainless steel sink, complete with a sink cover and single control faucet, adds to the functionality and aesthetic of the galley area. The camper also features a full bathroom with a shower and cassette toilet.
One of the key features of the Ekko Sprinter is its all-season insulation, which makes it suitable for extended camping seasons. The vehicle is equipped with a Cummins Onan QG 2,500-watt LP generator and a 30-amp power cord, ensuring a stable power supply. It features an impressive solar power setup, including two 215-watt and one 100-watt solar panel/battery charger and a 220-watt flexible surface solar panel/battery charger. For efficient power conversion and charging, the vehicle includes a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter along with an 80-amp charger. Additionally, it is fitted with a high-capacity 320-amp-hour Lithionics lithium-ion battery, which comes with a Bluetooth control package and a battery pack heating system, enhancing both usability and control. These features, combined with a 50-gallon freshwater tank and a 51-gallon graywater tank, allow for prolonged off-grid stays, providing users greater freedom and autonomy in their travel adventures. There is also a garage for toys, tools, and camping gear beneath the main sleeping area and several large storage boxes accessible from the exterior.
A 13,500 BTU air conditioner adds to the luxury quotient, and a deluxe-powered ventilator fan with remote control and ambient accent lighting further enhances comfort. It also includes a Truma VarioHeat comfort system that provides efficient and comfortable heating.
The Ekko is sure to shake up the premium overland camper market as it offers most of the features of vehicles double or triple the price while being based on a highly reliable chassis and offering all the off-road capability you will need for a leisurely cruise down to Patagonia. Strap an adventure bike on the back bumper, and you will be smiling all the way.
From $208,000 | winnebago.com
Read More: Hard-Shell Rooftop Tents : Buyers Guide
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
