You did a terrific review of the Ford chassis and Winnebago Ekko. Much better than some of the auto review channels. Covered topics that the common driver is interested in. Keep up the good work.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, your comment is much appreciate.
@jordanlambert75073 ай бұрын
Exactly what I was looking for thank you!
@cottomsadventuresbryanandt32962 жыл бұрын
We ended up taking our unit to Forest City to get our blind side monitors repaired. They replaced the monitors with ones designed for wet weather. After they checked, it still wasn’t working and they replaced the entire wiring from the front of the coach to the rear. It’s still working, fingers crossed. They also did the other two service projects mentioned in the group. I have to say, with regards to Winnebego service Dept, we got more accomplished in three days at their shop than we did in six weeks at our local dealer. Most due to the dealer having to document, submit for warranty repairs and then wait on parts I’m sure. It was just top notch work and our tech even caught things we hadn’t and fixed them.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Winnebago, it’s good to hear. I’m sure it’s hard for dealerships to keep up with all the recalls and warranty work on all the units they sell.
@vince87052 жыл бұрын
Owen, check out fit Rv, he just did a noise test and found that most of noise is actually from above in the roof area. Check it out.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, we watch those guys very closely, as they have a wealth of knowledge.
@bikeama2 жыл бұрын
You are going to like the Ford Transit. I have a 2020 Ford Transit 350HD built out by Coachmen as a 2021 Beyond. The stock Ford blind spot mirrors work great, must be something the way Winnebago installed the sensors. One trick you may want to try is the remote start. On mine, you push lock/unlock/lock on the key and the engine will start. Do it again and it will shut the engine off. Looking forward to your adventures in the Ekko.
@TakeAHikeToday2 жыл бұрын
Owen ….for the engine start/stop there is a separate connection on the battery terminal with a smaller gauge wire. Simply disconnect the connection and the start/stop is disabled.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Wow! $200 saved!!!! Thank you very very much.
@latada60182 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on your new EKKO! Great job sharing your driving experience. Now let’s go camping! You guys are my favorites!🙏🏻♥️🐾🐾🐾🐾
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I agree… let’s go camping.
@cjjin77952 жыл бұрын
Drive a 2022 350 HR Extended Ford Transit too in a custom build. I too feel the many driving systems make a long day far more comfortable than the MB 170. Enjoy your new Ecco and James at Fit RV has lots of wisdom.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We watch Fit RV for inspiration and have learn a lot from James. Thanks for sharing.
@mikemanjo24582 жыл бұрын
So excited or see this today. Lynn, I’m with you...don’t want to drive in Chicago traffic!! Y’all stay safe! Much love from SC, Jane❤️🙏🏻
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I would have been even more nervous… not use to all that traffic.
@johnyang14202 жыл бұрын
Im glad there is someone out there that is finally full timing in the Ekko!!!! Bravo!!!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Not full timing. We travel 6-8 months per year but have a sticks and bricks home too. But we will definitely show traveling and living in it when we're out there. Thanks for watching.
@johnyang14202 жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Close enough!!!!
@David-jo4gt2 жыл бұрын
Love the EKKO. Tires can make a big difference in the noise level. Love Michelins but hate the price. So happy for y'all. Happy tails and safe travels.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We love Michelins too, but we may have to live with the noise until we have to replace the tires.
@paulrogers56392 жыл бұрын
I'm excited about your new adventures in the Ekko. Great videos and what a great inspiration you guys are to me and my future retirement plans. Thank you
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We appreciate your kind comment and for following along on our new adventures.
@lindajoplin80542 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your reviews. I know I will get your honest opinions. Thanks.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We will always be honest.
@trickpony32 жыл бұрын
Thanks for doing this video. We own a 2021 Pleasureway Ontour 2.0 on the Transit chassis. We've been eyeing the Ekko for a little more space and the 4 season capability. After watching this episode, the noise and low mileage of the Ekko, are enough to quit eying it. The Ontour is very quiet and I'm getting 18-20 mpg without eco mode. As cool as the Ekko is, it's seems to have the same pitfalls as most class c's.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome. The Ekko has a lot of good feature’s but like with everything it’s not prefect. If anything we are honest. Sounds like you have a good setup.
@bernie.b8 ай бұрын
For the blind spot assists.... I had a similar problem and at one point disconnected the battery, it reset and no problems since (Ford transit connect).
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle8 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info.
@hamoud88 Жыл бұрын
thanks 🙏🏻 for sharing
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
You are so welcome and thank you for watching.
@pcsteve60722 жыл бұрын
One thing we like about the second 12v fridge is using it as a deep freeze, particularly when starting a long trip. We portion control and vacuum seal leftovers as well as " on sale" proteins in anticipation of the trip. You are no longer at the mercy of store prices and awkward package sizes on the road. Likewise, a bag of ice lasts a long time when none of it melts in the cooler. Enjoy your new rig!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We've thought about using it as a freezer too. Great suggestion.
@lasvegas3131002 жыл бұрын
Drives easily. Love ❤️ my Ekko!!!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Glad you agree. Thanks for watching.
@sherriweber71052 жыл бұрын
I’m glad it works out for you going to Walmarts. Hopefully you’ll be able to get the mouse fixed soon and the light that goes off when you try to pass people when someone is there it goes off. But it looks nice from what I see so far. That bathroom looks nice to when you go to use the shower. I like it. Good too see Maggie likes it and she goes on your bed to sleep while you drive. Thank you for this video. Hope you have a great night and weekend. See you soon!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We always appreciate reading your feedback. Thanks for following along.
@larryboldt483 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the walk through on the function of your EKKO. I like your practical and realistic approach, all the dealers just say the same thing. Where do you stow your EKKO when you are at the sticks and bricks?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
The Ekko sit in our drive way when we are at home.
@stephaniereed88692 жыл бұрын
Also if you get a really strong side wind it may shut down cruse and other safety features. Had to turn engine off for a bit to make them work again
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Good to know. Thanks for sharing.
@dianejimenez83272 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍for sharing another great video .. very informative!!! Happy for you both.. and maggie !!! Have a beautiful day !!! 🤗😁😊
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome and thank you for watching and commenting.
@hbjtf2 жыл бұрын
You three are the best!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Miss you guys already. Safe travels.
@SlowTransitTimes2 жыл бұрын
Hi guys! Hey, you were in my neck of the woods!! I’m with you on that chi -town traffic, not a fan. I appreciate the FT features you went over, as I am still new to my custom van conversion on this chassis and there is no group really for my particular camper. I too thought some of the features were basic (key!) in this van, but overall I enjoy driving it. Not so much on the highway. Can’t wait to see where you’re headed next!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing… we appreciate your input.
@rayswiney73982 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the informative video. I think you might be the first actual drive review. Many walk throughs, no driving. You should make a off road handling video when you get a chance. I'm currently in my Tranquility 19L van that I've had for eight months now. Finally got all the bugs out, but put my order in for my 2023 Ekko last week. Tranquility is a pleasure to drive, but not quite big enough camping. If you don't mind me asking , how long from order to delivery with your Ekko? They're telling me it could be a year. Thanks again . RS
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We bought our Ekko used so we didn’t have to wait. Our dealer told us the same thing, it would probably be 2024 before we could get one due to their wait list. Thanks for the suggestion to make a video of driving off road, we will do that for sure.
@mikemanjo24582 жыл бұрын
Yay! Good to hear!❤️ Jane
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I agree it is good.
@1tpmg2 жыл бұрын
Great video. You covered so much ! Thank you
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome and thank you for watching.
@larryvincent20982 жыл бұрын
Thank you , I enjoyed this video ! !!! As always BS & BK & BC .
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We always appreciate you following along.
@djbrettbsu Жыл бұрын
The OK button should pause. Try it!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, we will try that next time.
@mzollnerable Жыл бұрын
Super well spoken! (unlike me) LOL. Can't see why you don't have more subscribers. I just became one. Thanks guys....
@maryrobinson69032 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great videos! My husband and I love watching you guys! Congratulations on your new ride! My husband and I are weekend warriors and we learn so much from you! I have a question: do you have any recommendations on apps for RV gps? We recently traveled from Massachusetts to Maryland and we had to avoid parkways because of our height. Google maps was not helpful. Thank goodness my husband has a great sense of direction and humor-but if I was driving alone…well that would have turned out terrible! Any advice?
@richardcoyle26352 жыл бұрын
Great info.
@RoadsofLife2 жыл бұрын
Great video! Our Embassy is on a Ford Transit too, so it was fun watching to see if there were differences. We don't have that little red light that you have. Ours is on the mirror, so not sure if that red light is a Ford thing or a Winnebago thing. We've got Embassy added a camera rear view mirror that we can turn on and off whenever we want. Don't know the brand though. You can control brightness and contrast with it too. Wondering why you don't want the auto stop feature? Would turning it off make that much of a difference when charging with the second alternator? Not sure if you've mentioned it before, but do you have the gas generator and one 320Ah battery or two 320Ah batteries? I was also wondering what the maximum occupant/cargo capacity was in the EKKO. Trying to compare Class C and Class B styles. Thanks for always posting great stuff! Be seeing you!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
That stupid blind spot system is one of the weakest parts of the design. It's better now but still not perfect. It was added on after the fact by Winnebago.
@RoadsofLife Жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I wonder why they didn't use what Ford already had? Maybe it was too wide so the Ford system wouldn't work? Hope all y'all had a great Thanksgiving!
@leonardgringlas6841 Жыл бұрын
Hello Owen. Love watching you and your wife enjoying life. We are looking at the Ekko but a little concerned about the road noise. Have you gotten use to it? Done anything to reduce noise? Or no concern?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
I guess it would be all three… We did but installation in the front above the cab and behind where the TV was located, it helped some but not a lot, we also put the cover over the max air fan and Owen always notices when I don’t put it up. There is some noise that comes from the side door that we need to work on. But I do think we have also gotten use to it so it doesn’t really bother us anymore. I hope this helps, kind of all over the place.
@twobusyliving6641 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos. My wife is asking how can we listen to your song about the shoes?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
Glad you're with us. Here's the link to the album it's on... you can listen or download for free. owenpoteat.bandcamp.com/album/time-marches-on
@garagehero1300 Жыл бұрын
Get an Autostop Eliminator.
@growland290242 жыл бұрын
when you going to do a walkthru of the Ekko
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Hopefully real soon. Thanks for following along.
@bevbender35872 жыл бұрын
Great insights.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, we appreciate your watching.
@philiptarnaski16672 жыл бұрын
Hopefully you all are just passing Chicago on the way to the U. P. Michigan 👍
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We are just passing through Chicago to go tomy nephew’s wedding in Ohio.
@aaronrapp4002 жыл бұрын
Fit rv put a fairing or wind shield up on the roof to help with noise
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We have watched a lot of their videos, we’ll have to revisit that one. Thanks for passing on that information.
@tradersato2 жыл бұрын
Look at a back up Digital mirror…. It straps over your current useless one and some come with a wireless back camera as well as side ones.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, we will look into that.
@bertkelly76502 жыл бұрын
LOL, Lyn head jamming.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Pretty fun jamming in the back seat. 🤣
@janetfolkerts58272 жыл бұрын
I made a trip from S Ind. to NY in a class C..and the noise drove me crazy. I was a rough ride too. So I am glad you are upgrading yours so it is a much more smoother ride. Would thick rubber mats on your floor help with the sound ? I hope insulating the back doors help. THANK YOU for sharing.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Like with any new rig you have to work out the little quirks. Thanks for the rubber mat suggestion, we’ll give it a try. Those rough rides really do wear you out a lot more. We appreciate you following along.
@TheGoldenAgeofHardRock2 жыл бұрын
Those Porsches are a federally protected species on the endangered list, glad you got to see one out in the wild 🤣🤘
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I hear you… thanks for watching.
@michaelbecnel632 жыл бұрын
I have the auto start/stop on my F150, at first it was very annoying now it's 2nd nature after starting. I'm wondering where yall are heading, guess we'll see soon. Happy Trails🦮
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I’m sure we will get use to the auto start/stop too. Driving through Chicago to Ohio for a wedding which will be released in a couple of weeks… we are always a couple of weeks behind on our Sunday video’s.
@larrymoore42232 жыл бұрын
Hi guys. Appreciate your videos, especially with your new EKKO. My wife and I have one on order. Curious to know how the Balmar alternator does charging up your lithium battery?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
So far ours is working great. If the batteries are at 50% they can be totally recharged in 2-3 hours of driving.
@gosman9492 жыл бұрын
The only quite RV that I have ever driven was the Leisure Travel Van RVs.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Good to know… thanks for sharing.
@judystreich73332 жыл бұрын
So, like any other vehicle that’s new to you, just got to get use to its little quirks and do a little tweaking? I think it’s a pretty sweet ride. 🙋🏼♀️👍 oh, and not sure your Ekko and my class c (E450 ) have the same Rear camera set up but mine will allow me to leave it on or just automatically come on when in R.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree that there are always things to get use to and then you either try and fix them or you just get use to them and yes we think it’s pretty sweet too. Our rear view camera only works when in reverse, Owen is pretty adamant on getting a rear view camera that stays on all the time especially since there’s no way to see the back of the rig. I hope you are doing well, we think of you often.
@judystreich73332 жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thank you. I am getting around with a leg brace, doc appt yesterday let me start driving, FREEDOM! A new normal after 8 years a caregiver, prepping my MH for The Antique Engine and Tractor Show in Buckley, Mi. Dry camping for 4 or 5 days ($20 total) always 3rd weekend in Aug. Only a few hours UP NORTH as we call it. Cannot wait to hear those steam whistles give us our morning wake up call. It's a big deal with flea markets, food, music and more. Evidently the thousands that attend every year think so too. Safe travels you three. Love your videos and Maggie.
@supergirladventures93802 жыл бұрын
the play button in the middle should also be the pause button 😀
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info. We’ll figure everything out soon I hope.
@stephaniereed88692 жыл бұрын
FYI, the accident avoidance is VERY aggressive. Motorcycle cut me off, scared me but I guess it works
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
That's great to know.
@Pinky1219712 жыл бұрын
Hi wanted to know your travel and boondocking experience using your Ekko. My guess this is a better choice for us to instead of the class B Sprinter, in terms of usability of space during our travels. Happy Trails.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
We have had great experiences both boondocking and dry camping and we are loving the extra space.
@fireincumbents Жыл бұрын
It's a lot quieter than my Super C!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Жыл бұрын
😂👍 Yeah but I bet you have air suspension, a ton of room and if you wanted to you could pull the Ekko behind you. 😂😂. They all have their advantages for sure. Thanks for watching.
@fireincumbents Жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle HaHa, nope no air suspension, rides like an old school bus... which ironically is exactly the International chassis that buses use. I'm ditching the Super C this year as we're no longer full-time and looking for a Transit based small C. NO SLIDES. Had enough of those friggin things for a lifetime.
@Runhikeandbike2 жыл бұрын
Hi Owen! Quick question. My wife and I have a Winnebago Solis and are contemplating upgrading to either the Travato or the Ekko. As I listen to reviews, it just seems like the Ekko is issue-prone. Ama I off here? Now that you've had both, I was looking for your thoughts or recommendations on which vehicle you preferred best - The Travato or the Ekko. BTW Thank you for all your videos. I especially enjoyed your trip to Alaska. :)
@ClanOfStonemasons Жыл бұрын
Did you ever get feedback? Did you make a choice?
@Runhikeandbike Жыл бұрын
@@ClanOfStonemasons We still have our Solis and have decided to look at building out a van instead. Right now we are looking at Titan Vans.
@auroranite2 жыл бұрын
Owen you don’t look that comfortable in the front drivers seat. Kinda crammed into space. Can you recline and push back seat for leg room if the table behind is removed?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Yes there's lots of room. I'm like that on purpose. Tweaked my back the week before and sitting closer and more straight up outs kore of the stress on my legs instead of my back.
@auroranite2 жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Tks for clarifying. Enjoying the journey.
@michaelday98092 жыл бұрын
You said it takes the wheel away from you and puts you back in your lane. What if you are going around a piece of tire in the road, can you over ride that or does it still try to move you over?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Yes if you keep turning it will allow you to do that. If you turn on the turn signal it disables that feature.
@maoss402 жыл бұрын
Ekko is very quiet already compared to e450 chassis RV
@johnyang14202 жыл бұрын
Is the Ekko hard to park in urban settings?
@ralphpride83782 жыл бұрын
are you going to add 4wd
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
Hopefully the AWD will work our for us.
@shelliebarnes19592 жыл бұрын
Just me.... wowsers WAY too loud. My new F250 diesel, truck camper...dead quiet at any speed...
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 жыл бұрын
I guess it’s all in what you get use to. The Revel was a lot louder to drive. We will keep working on it but we know it will never be as quiet as a new F250. You are lucky.
@shelliebarnes19592 жыл бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle yes it's all about your personal preference..your EKKO is absolutely beautiful and it's so much fun getting a new camper and just loving it.. congratulations
@MrAndrewhamilton2 жыл бұрын
Regarding the problems you've had with the blind spot monitoring feature, Winnebago released a technical service bulletin instructing dealers to replace blind spot monitors on certain EKKO models in order to improve performance and reliability. More details here: static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10206779-0001.pdf