Electrical Mods, Additions and Internet

Electrical Mod Number 1: Installed a DC-DC Charger Kit from FreedomVanGo

The 170A Balmer alternator installed by Winnebago has VERY limited output at low idle (around 50A). This kit boosts charging the batteries up to 50A across the board (from idle to redline). It allows for up to 100A at idle and up to 220A when driving! Faster charging is a nice option.

Additionally, this kit can act as a redundant backup to the auxiliary alternator system installed by Winnebago. If the auxiliary alternator goes down, this will provide up to 50A of charging from the stock Ford Transit alternator.

The kit comes with a pre-configured Victron 50a Orion DC to DC charger, fuses and wires required for installation. FreedomVanGo provides detailed instructions and are available for questions and guidance.

Electrical Mod Number 2: Our 2024 Winnebago Transit EKKO came with a single Lithionics 320 Amp Hours battery and a Cummins Onan QG 2,800i gas generator. We added a second lithium battery which doubles our capacity (640 Amp Hours roughly 7680 watt hours). We had this done at local RV dealer Colonial RV which is also a Lithionics dealer.

The space for the second battery is available. Just need battery, cabling and brackets to hold down the battery.

This is an expensive upgrade, but since we camp mostly at state/national parks that have no hookups boondocking is pretty common to us. We felt the upgrade was a good investment.

Along with the EKKO’s 50 gallon fresh water tank we can extend our “off-grid” stays. We can now run our air conditioner off batteries for extended times.

Electrical Mod Number 3: Ekko Solar Fuse Melting Upgrade by FreedomVanGo

Replaced solar fuse above the sink area behind the wood panel in the cabinet behind the zamp solar controller. This upgraded fuse holders are more reliable for the high resistance that can occur than the stock one.

Kit Included Components:

1x Victron Midi Fuse Holder
2x Marine-Approved Heat Shrink Terminals
1x ul-rated Littlefuse 40 Amp Midi fuse
2x Screws

Video showing detailed instructions from FreedomVanGo

Link: Ekko Solar Fuse Melting Upgrade by FreedomVanGo

Electrical Mod Number 4: Xantrex Bluetooth Inverter

Inverter changes the DC (12 volt) power from the coach Lithium batteries to 120 volt AC for your appliances delivered via your standard AC outlets located through-out the rig. The EKKO AC appliances includes your Microwave oven, Air Conditioner, TV Entertainment package and any AC appliances you may have brought with you like induction cooktop, coffee maker, etc. In order to use AC power you must switch on your Inverter at the control panel. Unless connected to shore power or running you EKKO generator (option).

The downside of all inverters is it does run down some of your battery power when it is switched on even when you are not using any AC appliances. Therefore it is a great idea to make sure you turn it off when it is not needed. In the standard Winnebago EKKO this means switching it off at the Xantrex Inverter panel.

A very easy, economical mod is to swap out the stock Xantrex Inverter Panel with a Bluetooth Xantrex Remote Control Freedom X/XC panel (paid link). This allows control of many settings and information display on your smartphone using the Xantrex app via Bluetooth. Very simple swap as it is only two screws to remove old panel and disconnect the one data cable.

This upgrade allows for great info displayed on the smartphone app. NOTE: However you still must turn off the Inverter at the panel! Unfortunately the Bluetooth app does not allow for turning off/on the Inverter.

The Lithionics Bluetooth app that comes with the EKKO is also quite useful.

Internet Connectivity

Depending on needs being connected can be rather important especially on extended trips. Our needs are texting, phone calls (especially in an emergency), weather app, information, maps, etc. Yes we sometimes “stream” a TV show or movie as well.

We have two iPhone 15 Pro Max (one on ATT and one on Verizon). We use two main devices on the EKKO to cover our needs depending on where we are located. Most times our Calyx Institute Membership 4G/5G Wi-Fi hotspot (MiFi X Pro 5G) has us covered. It is an unlimited mobile hotspot on T-Mobile that we pay yearly. We have a WeBoost Drive Reach cell booster installed that strengthens our connection for our phones and the hotspot. We usually get good speeds and coverage in most places.

When we are boondocking in remote areas that have little or no mobile cell service we depend on Starlink Mini. National Parks and some State Parks have no mobile cellular connectivity. We use the 50GB limited plan to cover us when we have no cell service. Main thing with Starlink is you need to avoid tree coverage which in some campsites not always easy. We have found just laying the Starlink Mini on the dashboard and aiming it thru the windshield gives us enough signal for a quick call, text or checking weather. The Starlink Mini has a built-in router, runs on 12 volt, lighter plug, USB-C cable or AC power. It draws very little power and is small enough to carry in a backpack. PLUS it works while your vehicle is in motion.

You can mount the Starlink Mini to your RV roof. We like the flexibility of placing the Mini in other places to avoid trees. We do have a ladder mount that can be used if the campsite allows for a clear view of the North East sky.

WiFi in campgrounds are either nonexistent or are quite poor. Some do have WiFI at the visitor centers or office. Traveling into a town to get connected can get old real fast.

Starlink offers an unlimited plan or the limited plan we use for the Mini. Both plans can be paused when not in use. So if you need to work from the road and have larger needs you can get an unlimited plan.