Introducing the NEW Winnebago 23B Mercedes Sprinter Based Ekko (Sprekko)
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- Опубліковано 10 гру 2023
- You know us as your Ekksperts, so we are PUMPED about the new 23B Ekko which is on a a Mercedes Sprinter chassis. Come with us as we walk around this epic new rig and check out all the features and capabilities. We cannot wait to get our hands on this beast and start adding all the goodies. We'll be able to do so much with this rig just like we have with the OG Transit-based Ekkos. So if you're one of the lucky ones getting the 23B Ekko, you already know who to bring it to for some extra upgrades!
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Been saying that Winnebago needed to upgrade the EKKO to a Mercedes chassis. The Ford Transit Chassis isnt bad, but its more for a level campground/harvest host setup than an off-grid. This could be a game changer for the RV business...
Enjoyed the video😊 and I've been subscribed for awhile so looking forward to what you will do with it. Merry Christmas 🎄
Thanks for the video!
Can you tell me what the width is of rear garage?
Thanks for this video.
On similar vehicles, I don't like to pay additional $10,000 for a diesel engine. Neither pay extra for the diesel fuel, which cost probably 30-40% more, and mileage efficiency increases only 10%. Getting a Sprinter you will never recover the cost difference, and operational/ownership expenses will be much higher tahn a gas engine. Not a logical math.
Will Winnebago also implement the Fit RV fridge changes?
Nevertheless, I'm glad the additional 4" for the bed length.
The seating area changes are great as well.
Didn't catch how many passenger seatbelts in the dinning area.
I hope both changes make it to the Ford model.
Does this one will have the outside kitchen and/or the pop-up tent options?
The ford won't have a longer version due to chassis limitations. The wheelbase is too short for it to be longer. The advantage of the sprinter isn't the diesel. It's the longer and stronger chassis and the cab area in my opinion
There are two seatbelts. One three point forward facing and one side facing lap belt
No outdoor kitchen but there will be a pop top option down the line.
Thanks for your input in this video. I've only heard the best supportive comments about Freedom VanGo "Ekksperts" (great nickname along with SprEkko and TrEkko).
I'd be interested to know if the Sprinter suspension really "does the job". I've heard that your upgrade to the Transit really makes it ride so much nicer than Ford's factory default suspension. Second, I would be interested in enhanced forward (off-raod) lighting AND a winch (forward) that you guys would recommend. The Hankook tires are 'okay' but I've heard other tires provide a little better traction on off road adventures. The factory road clearance of 10.5" on the Sprinter is REALLY appealing...because now you CAN go on some tamer Class-II forest roads that aren't too ridiculously rough. This also includes the greater approach and departure angles that the Sprinter affords the owner/driver versus the lower Transit. Your thoughts on Sprinter factory traction modes versus Ford factory traction modes would be cool to learn from you. I'm genuinely excited about the Sprinter option, plus the inside is roomier and does afford more inside storage! The EKKO is a real winner from Winnebago and the Sprinter version seems to be a real superior option. Finally, I hope the 2.5 KW Onan propane generator is quiet...perhaps not as quiet as the 2.8 gasoline-powered Onan found in the Transit chassis; and adding a second battery (yes, WITH the generator) sounds like an ideal power-package!
Like the tranist, in our humble opinion, it's safe, HOWEVER, it can always be better. The upgrades we have in store for our sprinter ekko include a full assortment of Van Compass suspension parts and pieces (if you cant tell we really like them), and Toyo tires.
We will have a few lighting combinations. Grill lights from Tripple R, a Van Compass Hidden Winch Mount with a few LP6s on there, along with a 50" baja lightbar up top. Should make a significant wall of light to blind even the most stubborn sasquatch.
The initial height increase is awesome, but after moving to 33" tires and a 2" lift, it will be even better, but watch out for those bridges lol.
Traction IMO is better on the sprinter in AWD than the transit, it seems to work a bit better in our experience.
Time will tell on the generator!
Hope you stick around for our take on the sprinter ekko and the build we have planned!
Re: upgrades: I am ALL EARS & EYES...and yes, gotta watch out for clearance with overhead bridges...I say 11' 5" is likely a safe bet, but anything under 11' might be chancy, depending on when the road was last paved! Blinding Sasquatch...loved that comment! Again, thanks for all that you contribute and do and your stellar reputation!!!@@FreedomVanGo
@@robertgedzelman380 that's why it's important to have a Garmin navigator to set your height limits! Saved my butt a few times
Appreciate the kind words and support
Sprekko ❤🎉
Sprinter EKKO
thanks for the video, is the outside kitchen not an option with the sprinter?
It is not! Just use a Tembo tusk skottle like us!
Do you think that you could you set up the hitch to carry a dual sport motorcycle?
I don't suggest it
It is nicer. I was hoping for a Sprinter version as well, but why doesn’t the generator run off the diesel fuel like the Transit has the generator running off the gas fuel? How long will the heat last while running off of the propane? That’s a concern. Also, does the battery get charged while the engine is running?
The generators don't come in a size suitable in diesel. Heat totally depends on what you set it at. From 4 days to a few months.
Battery gets charged while engine is running for sure!
Can we swap out for the new microwave into the transit?
I dont actually believe so. . Its a bit larger than the normal one we have currently.
is the shelf in the gear garage removeable?
Just like the trekko, the shelf is actually covering the end of the vehicle frame rail. It's a part that can't move
I'm in favor of the Transit AWD for two reasons; the EcoBoost gas engine for one but also because the Ford support network is pretty much available anywhere. Not that I'm knocking the Sprinter it just that if I'm in East Podunk, Nowheresville, there's probably still a Ford dealer nearby. Am I wrong on that?
Well, its SOMEWHAT accurate. Like mercedes where ever dealer cannot work on the Sprinter, the Transit is the same way. You can get super basic things like an oil change at most any ford (if you can get in) but for real work (like when our AC Compressor went out) you have to go to a ford truck shop. There are approximately 650 commercial service centers in the country for ford, and approximately 300 for Sprinter. So yes, by that metric there are more Ford than Mercedes dealers capable of real service on the vans. However, they are still super sparse, hard to get into, and all have long wait times. you will essentially have the same issue with both vans to be frank
@@FreedomVanGo Thanks for the response. Still mulling the decision and always appreciate valuable feedback!
Will there be a pop-top?
Yes! It will come at a future date, but its coming
Will this ever be offered in a Ram & is it a feasible choice?
I highly doubt it. Its not a robust enough chassis
@@FreedomVanGo
Thanks !
👍👍👍👍👍
Does this model come with a pop-top option?
There will be a pop top version available, yes
@@FreedomVanGo I remember there were some concerns back in the day about this because sprinters have a tall profile and the heavy bed set and its frame can cause balance issues. I hope that is resolved.
@@aslann1948 I'm told it will be coming as an option
@@aslann1948 Not an issue In my opinion. Plus the sprinter upgrade options are way better
HUGE UPGRADE>> MEGA BULLISH
For that price I don't want to deal with a cassette toliet.
Totally cool!
Hello...Thank you for sharing! How do you use a gas stove in a rv? is there an option?
This one has an Induction cooktop, so no gas. You would have to retrofit a gas stove if you wanted to in this version of the ekko. The Transit ekko (trekko) has a gas stove if that is of interest
I totally disagree with your opinion on Ford vs Mercedes. Not sure if you have owned and traveled thousands of miles in either chassis or not......but I have. I owned a Winnebago Fuse with the Transit diesel and now the Itasca Navion on a Mercedes diesel chassis.
By far we enjoyed the ride quality of the Ford over the Mercedes. I think the fact that there are more companies offering upgrades and mods to a Mercedes has swayed your opinion based on what company you are connected to. 🤔🤔
We own both.... currently. a 2019 Sprinter 4x4 and the transit ekko.
Even before I started this company in its original form 6 years ago, i would say the exact same thing. I prefer the Mercedes chassis in a van to the Transit. It is absolutely okay not to agree, but the assumption that I'm tied to a certain chassis is hilarious because I have a van business. We build on both vans actively.
Is this what the former singer from LMFAO is doing these days?
That's a hell of a compliment right there
Did you see child seat hooks? Room for two child seats?
only one forward-facing child seat restraint option
Delete the 1980s propane please, and go all diesel. And a black tank, then we have a real RV
There isn't a compact diesel generator available from what I hear. That's why it's LP
And honestly the ability to dump the cassette anywhere from a portapotty to a dump station is awesome for us
@@FreedomVanGo The cassette is only scary to those whom never used it. We love our's in our Revel. It sets you free from dump stations.
@@ifly64s
Absolutely!✌️
Where's the outdoor cooking!?!. What the heck is up with the drawer/battery hogging induction burner unit?! $200K+ and a big fridge but no attention to cooking!??? BLAH!
Most people actually cooking aren't using a low output lame propane cooktop
I use a skottle to cook. And induction to boil