Winnebago Motor Homes - Why the 2027 Winnebago EKKO Makes Sense for Chicago, IL Adventure-Minded Drivers
Drivers around Chicago, IL often need a motor home that can handle more than open highway travel. Dense traffic, tight neighborhood streets, lakefront routes, tollways, parking limitations, and weekend escapes into Wisconsin, Michigan, or northern Illinois all ask for a coach that is capable without feeling oversized. That is where the 2027 Winnebago EKKO earns attention. It combines the efficiency and easier maneuverability associated with a camper van with the added livability, storage, and comfort of a compact Class C coach. For shoppers who want something more functional than a van but more manageable than a traditional large motorhome, the EKKO™ is a compelling middle ground.
The EKKO™ Series is also built for travelers who pack real gear. Bikes, fishing equipment, climbing gear, skis, camp chairs, tools, and pet supplies all need dedicated space, especially when the interior must stay organized during longer trips. The heated rear gear garage is one of the model’s defining features, with an L-track cargo tie-down system, removable floor liner, 110V/12V charging ports, and LED lighting. Whether your travel plans start in city traffic or head toward trailheads, forest roads, river towns, or state parks, that garage helps separate outdoor equipment from your living area while keeping important items accessible.
Compact Size with Class C Advantages
The EKKO™ stands apart because it is not trying to be a conventional RV in a smaller shell. It was designed around a more flexible travel style. The EKKO Transit 22A measures 23' long, while the EKKO Sprinter 23B measures 24'6", giving shoppers two compact Class C choices. Both maintain a 7'2.5" exterior width, along with a 6'8" interior height and 6'9" interior width. Those proportions help the coach feel comfortable inside while still remaining practical for drivers who may be moving through urban corridors before reaching open roads.
The Transit 22A uses the FORD® AWD TRANSIT CHASSIS with a 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 gas engine and 10-speed automatic Selectshift® transmission with overdrive. The Sprinter 23B is built on the MERCEDES-BENZ® AWD SPRINTER CHASSIS with a 2.0L high-output, turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Both platforms include 4-wheel ABS disc brakes and AWD capability, while the Sprinter 23B adds a wide collection of driver-assist technologies and premium cab conveniences. For Chicago-area drivers who regularly transition between expressways, suburban roads, and rural routes, that balanced drivability can make ownership feel more natural.
Why the Gear Garage Matters
Storage is one of the biggest reasons shoppers move from a camper van into a compact Class C. The EKKO™ gives owners a heated gear garage that is large enough to support active travel, with rear garage storage listed at 54.6 cu. ft. on the 22A and 55 cu. ft. on the 23B. The garage area is especially useful because it is not just empty space. Tie-down points, lighting, charging access, and a removable floor liner make it easier to secure and manage cargo.
- Heated rear garage: Helps protect stored gear and supports all-season travel planning.
- L-track cargo tie-down system: Allows owners to secure bikes, bins, tools, and outdoor equipment with confidence.
- Charging ports: 110V/12V access helps keep equipment, small electronics, and accessories ready for use.
- Removable floor liner: Makes cleanup easier after carrying gear from trails, water access points, or work sites.
- LED lighting: Improves visibility when loading or organizing equipment.
For buyers comparing motorhome layouts, this garage changes the daily experience. Rather than stacking equipment in walkways or moving items from the bed to the dinette each night, owners can maintain a cleaner living space. That detail matters on longer routes, especially when passengers, pets, or hobby equipment come along.
Off-Grid Power and Practical Comfort
The EKKO™ is designed for independence. Standard electrical equipment includes a 2,000-watt pure sine wave inverter/80-amp charger, a 320-amp-hour Lithionics® lithium ion battery with Bluetooth® control package and battery pack heating system, an auxiliary start circuit, automatic dual-battery charge control, a dedicated second alternator to charge coach batteries, an exterior AC duplex receptacle, exterior TV jack, and 30-amp power cord. Solar equipment varies by model and configuration, with the Transit 22A listing solar panel/battery charger equipment and the Sprinter 23B listing its own substantial solar array. Available generator-delete and expanded lithium options give shoppers even more ways to shape the coach around quiet, off-grid travel preferences.
Comfort is equally important. The EKKO™ includes all-season insulation, dual-pane euro acrylic windows, and water systems placed inside the coach, helping extend usability when conditions change. Winnebago recommends following the winter use guidelines and winterization procedures outlined in the owner’s manual whenever camping in freezing conditions, but the engineering emphasis is clear: this coach is built to support more than fair-weather campground use. Inside, owners get LED lighting, vinyl flooring, a color touchscreen systems monitor panel, a deluxe powered ventilator fan with remote, and plenty of 110V, 12V, USB-A, and USB-C charging points.
Interior Layout Built for Real Use
The living area is compact, but smartly arranged. The Transit 22A features forward-facing dinette seating, while the Sprinter 23B includes a forward-facing lounge, removable pedestal table, and a side-facing fixed sofa with lap belt. Both models include a pull-up/fold-down table and RAM® Tough-Track™ Mount overhead in the dinette area. The bedroom includes a flex bed kit, wardrobe/drawer storage below the beds, a metal clothes rod, room divider curtain, reading lights, and charging ports. The 22A includes 32" x 76" twin beds with the WinnSleep® System, while the 23B provides 32" x 80" twin beds with the WinnSleep® System.
The bath is another highlight because the dry/wet bath with pivoting wall makes better use of limited space. It includes a medicine cabinet, mirror, Oxygenics® shower head, robe hooks, 24" x 30" shower with wall surround, shower curtain, molded round sink, tissue holder, swiveling cassette toilet, and water pump switch. The pivoting wall design helps the space serve multiple roles, including bathing, daily hygiene, and even gear rinse or drying duties when appropriate.
Which EKKO™ Configuration Should You Consider?
The best configuration depends on how you plan to travel. The Transit 22A is a strong fit for shoppers who want the efficiency of the FORD® AWD TRANSIT CHASSIS, a 23' length, and available features such as the Tailgate Package or pop-top sleeping area when compatible. The Sprinter 23B appeals to buyers who want the MERCEDES-BENZ® AWD SPRINTER CHASSIS, enhanced cab technology, increased sleeping capacity, and a multifunctional lounge layout. Both offer serious capability, but the feel and feature emphasis differ.
- Choose the Transit 22A if: You want a shorter coach, gas power, flexible dining space, and available outdoor-living upgrades.
- Choose the Sprinter 23B if: You prefer Mercedes-Benz® diesel performance, advanced cab technology, and a lounge-forward interior.
- Prioritize storage if: Bikes, outdoor gear, tools, or sporting equipment are a regular part of your trips.
- Prioritize power if: You plan to camp away from hookups and want lithium, solar, and available generator-delete choices.
As a dealership serving Milwaukee, Rockford, and Chicago, we understand that shoppers often want one RV that can handle city departures, interstate travel, small-town stops, and quiet campsites without compromise. The EKKO™ addresses that need with a compact footprint, AWD confidence, substantial storage, and a true living space. At Winnebago Motor Homes, our role is to help match your travel priorities with the right EKKO™ layout and available equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the 2027 Winnebago EKKO easy to drive around Chicago-area roads?
Yes, its compact Class C size makes it more approachable than many larger motorhomes. The narrower exterior width, manageable length, AWD chassis options, and modern cab technology help drivers feel more confident on highways, suburban roads, and tighter urban routes.
How much gear can the EKKO™ carry?
The EKKO™ is known for its heated rear gear garage. The 22A lists 54.6 cu. ft. of rear garage storage, while the 23B lists 55 cu. ft. The L-track tie-down system, lighting, charging ports, and removable floor liner make the area especially practical for active travelers.
Can the EKKO™ support off-grid camping?
Yes. The EKKO™ includes lithium battery power, solar charging equipment, a pure sine wave inverter/charger, and a dedicated second alternator to help charge coach batteries. Depending on configuration, shoppers can also consider expanded lithium options or generator-delete setups.
What makes the EKKO™ different from a camper van?
The EKKO™ keeps much of the efficiency and maneuverability people like in camper vans, but adds Class C advantages such as greater interior livability, a usable bath, expanded storage, larger water capacity, and a more open living arrangement.
*Image may not be actual model