Mods Exterior
Exterior Mod Number 1: Installed Mesh pockets in Water Control Compartment
The outside water compartment is located on the driver’s side. We removed the chrome hook that Winnebago installed and added a nice mesh organizer on the door. We used the Stayput® fasteners included from Organized Obie 36” x 12” Get Wet Organizer (unpaid link). We did have to add an additional screw for support.
We store our flexible water hose, pressure regulator, inline water filter, 90 degree hose adapter, water bandit, water flow meter, Camco blow-out plug, Camco RV Water Tank Filler (paid links), and other related items in this handy organizer. Tip for doing this mod is to load up the gear in the pockets to allow for enough slack before you use the fasteners!
We do not store our sewer hose in this water compartment. Even that there is only a “grey” tank on the EKKO we felt there is a better solution than to store the hose here. Next modification…
Exterior Mod Number 2: Super Slider added underneath EKKO.
The included hose that comes with the EKKO was a bit short and only has a bayonet connection on one side. We wanted to carry a longer hose in a better more sanitary location. We also wanted to carry an adapter called the Americanizer by The FitRV so we can easily empty the cassette toilet at a dump station.
Using some large stainless steel hose clamps purchased at my local Ace Hardware we installed RecPro RV Extendable Waste Hose Carrier Super Slider Storage Tube (33″ – Extends to 60″) underneath the rear of the rig. In order to make sure the “tube” did not impact the clearance under the rig we had to cut some metal with a cut off tool.
We secured the far end cap with a bolt and nut and the exposed can with a carbiner. Fits a Camco RhinoFLEX 10 foot sewer hose with Pre-Attached Swivel Bayonet (paid link) and the Americanizer with no issues.
Exterior Mod Number 3: Passenger Side Compartment – Outside Kitchen Area
We originally wanted the Winnebago EKKO Tailgate package option which is an outdoor kitchen that includes a propane cooktop, refrigerator and an outside collapsible sink on a slide out in the passenger side compartment. We ended up buying an EKKO without this option even after waiting a pretty long time for our order. At first we were a bit disappointed as we felt we would miss the convenience of the outdoor kitchen.
We ended up happy with the storage compartment and added a shelf to store our Pico camp chairs, folding footstools, GoThreads leveling blocks/traction boards a TrailFire Grill 4-in-1 (unpaid link), cooking utensils and we ended up creating our own outdoor sink!
The TrailFire far more versatile than a propane cooktop as it is a BBQ grill, Wok, Pizza oven and fire pit that connects to the EKKO outside propane connector (just like the Winnebago Tailgate package cooktop) after we added 12 FT Propane Quick Connect Hose (paid link). The TrailFire Grill fits fine in this compartment and allows for plenty of other storage. So you can use the TrailFire grill on a standard BBQ propane tank we also purchased Propane Gas Grill Regulator with 1/4″ Quick Connect Cylinder Tank Adapter. This allows us to use the TrailFire away from the EKKO.
Winnebago includes the same outside water connectors for the sink even when the Tailgate package option is not installed. We purchased this 3-in-1 collapsible sink/cutting board and RecPro RV 12″ Replacement Flex Spout Hose for Exterior Spray Port Faucet which are quite similar items that Winnebago includes in their Tailgate package option.
The Coleman foldable multi-use high stand we owned for years happened to be a good size to create an outside sink using Large Cutting Board for Kitchen – 24″ x 18″ x .5″ as a top. Cutting out an area to embed the collapsible sink and adding 4 Extra Large Rectangle Rectangular Rubber Feet Bumpers on bottom to keep it from sliding around. The magnetic paper towel holder (unpaid link) was bought at Harbor Freight. This completed “our” outdoor kitchen minus the extra refrigerator. May add a small 12 volt cooler later on if we see the need.
Exterior Mod Number 4: Installed e-bike storage in rear garage
One of the biggest features for the Winnebago EKKO is the large rear garage area. A huge attraction for us as we wanted to store our Rad mini e-bikes inside the garage. This keeps them out of the weather and more secure. Not having to put them on a bike rack on the rear hitch also makes our rig shorter. Our e-bikes are foldable, but we only fold down the handle bars to store them inside the garage. The pedals are also foldable and allow them to fit side-by-side.
After quite a bit of time looking at possible solutions we added L Track Wheel Chocks (unpaid link) and aluminum U-Channel (unpaid link) that we saw several other EKKO owners had done.
We had to remove the nice plastic tray that Winnebago provides in the garage. Installed a 72 inch length of L track which we cut to size and secured using some black screws. Mounted the wheel chocks that are made to attach to L track. Next we cut the 8 foot length of aluminum U Channel in half with a mitre saw and used 3M VHB two sided tape to secure in place.
This allows for us to lift the front wheel (these bikes are heavy) and roll the bikes into place into the wheel chocks. Using two ratchet straps we secure them to the Winnebago provided L Track O rings. We did purchase additional L Track O rings as we found we needed more for use in the garage. The bikes do not move and travel extremely well.
Our two e-bikes fit side by side and are quite manageable storing them this way even though they weigh almost 70 lbs each and have wide 4-inch tires. The bikes do take up quite a bit of garage space. We love this solution.
However we quickly saw we had to store quite a few other items and needed to maximize and organize the storage space so we can easily get to the items in the garage. Next mod…
Exterior Mod Number 5: Shelf over e-bikes
Weight and strength are important things to consider. So we decided to use lightweight 8020 aluminum and 1/4 inch ABS plastic to build our shelf above the bikes. Measurements were critical to maximize the space and make the shelf useful.
8020 is a great product for building especially in vans and RVs as it is extremely strong, light and versatile with many hardware choices. One thing to note is the measurements need to be pretty precise as there is little wiggle room when building anything with it. Cuts need to be accurate so using a good mitre saw with a blade made for aluminum sure made this easier.
The 1/4 inch ABS plastic sheet fits into the groove on the 8020 structure. We used brackets and some L-Track Double Lug Threaded Stud to attach the 8020 shelf to the EKKO’s L Track at the top of the garage. These 8020 10 series bolts were invaluable to this build and we even used them to mount the security cameras to the EKKO roof rack. 8020 10 Series 1/4-20 Steel Roll in T-Nut with Ball Spring are also quite useful.
Quite a bit of gear fits above the e-bikes on this strong shelf. We store foldable Portable Outdoor Fire Pit and BBQ Grill, rolling pad creeper, Collapsible Traffic Safety Cones, DEWALT 20V MAX Tire Inflator in case and our patio mat on this shelf with room to spare.
Thanks to the EKKO’s garage with two side doors and huge back door you can access items quite easily. We made sure not to make the shelf too long so there is plenty of vertical space on both sides to hang things on the L Track O Rings.
Inside the EKKO garage we store a telescoping 10.5 foot ladder so we have easy access to roof for cleaning off solar panels, folding three step ladder for cleaning windshield and our foldable camp table. Even though the e-bikes take up a lot of room this huge garage area allows us to carry everything we need.
Exterior Mod Number 6: Rear View Mirror Camera System
This was probably one of the most important and involved mods we did to our EKKO. The Ford Transit comes with a standard rear view mirror, but the EKKO has no rear window. So the included rear view mirror allows you to see the bedroom! Thankfully the side mirrors are quite helpful, but not being able to see directly behind makes you feel less secure.
I purchased the Auto-Vox T9PRO Rear View Mirror Camera/Dashcam and the goal was to install this as a mirror replacement and have no wires exposed and for it to look like a factory mirror cam. I chose this Auto-Vox unit after returning another brand that snapped onto the existing mirror. The Auto-Vox allowed me to reach my goals.
The Auto-Vox T9PRO replaces your stock mirror as it comes with hardware to fit most vehicles. Some of the trim on the Ford Transit mirror shroud needed to be trimmed with a dremel tool. Routed the wires around the windshield under the rubber weather stripping and down to the driver’s side fuse box. With the fuse box cover removed, connected to the ACC, the B+ and to a ground using fuse taps. Next ran the cable for the optional GPS sensor back up to the windshield. The GPS supplies location for the dashcam and local time to the clock. Now for the fun part.
Routing the cable to the rear of the EKKO was a challenge. Accomplished this by running the cable from under the dash down into the driver’s side step well. Hiding the cable under rubber weather stripping and unscrewing the plastic step well cover. Secured the cable toward the top of the step well with duct tape to protect the wiring.
Found a grommet into the back of this area in the step well where we were able to run the cable through to get underneath the EKKO. Once the cable was under the vehicle we used plastic 1/4” wire loom to protect the cable from the elements. This is quite similar to what Ford uses on other cables run under the Transit. We just used cable ties to attach to other cabling underneath. Sealed up the hole made in the grommet using silicone.
Good time to mention the length of the cable. Auto-Vox includes cable that is approximately 33 feet, but not long enough to locate the rear camera at the top of the rear of the rig just to the left of the EKKO backup camera. Auto-Vox customer support was extremely helpful and supplied us with a 19 foot extension at no additional charge. With this extension we were able to run the cable up the side of the EKKO and across and mount the rear camera up near the stock backup camera.
The result of this install makes driving our rig more pleasurable and safer. No wires are seen and the install looks like it came like this from Ford. The dashcam feature is also very cool.
UPDATE: Replaced the rear camera with AUTO-VOX CAM7 Backup/Front View Camera, 180° Super Wide Angle Reverse Camera and 1080P HD Fisheye Calibration. The camera has a much wider view than the stock camera that came with the AUTO-VOX kit. The CAM7 also appears to be a better camera and mounts better.
I had the original camera fail. Seemed to get moisture and clouded up even though was rated IP69K. AUTO-VOX customer support shipped me out a new camera ASAP under warranty.
Exterior Mod Number 7: Tire Valve Stem Extenders
I call this the “Henry” Mod named after the person I saw on YouTube. Makes inflating the Dually tires in the rear far easier.
I purchased these stainless steel valve extenders and used small L brackets purchased at my local Ace Hardware to mount them to the tire. Just drilled out the L bracket to fit the stem extenders and used the screw on the tire. We did add a lock washer to secure.
This mod also makes it easier to attach the transmitters for the tire pressure monitor (see below) we also added.
Exterior Mod Number 8: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Ford Transit comes with a built in tire pressure monitor function. So why add another one you may wonder? Well for better real time tire PSI and Temp that can monitor all six tires at the same time. Knowing the conditions of your rigs tires while running down a highway is a secure feeling. The monitor is USB rechargeable and we just use some Velcro to mount it over our rear view mirror.
We installed the TireMinder i10 TPMS with six transmitters and booster. Transmitters just screw into the valve stems on each tire. Installed the booster as the instructions outlined in the rear garage utilizing the 12 Volt socket located inside. Added a 12 volt fused lighter plug that has a switch. We only turn it on when on a driving day so we do not put any drain on our batteries.
Exterior Mod Number 9: J&L Oil Separator
Installed the J&L Oil Separator 3.0 to our 2023 Ford Transit with the Oil Extension Can so we can check and empty on our regular oil changes.
Adding this popular device is to help protect your engine from venting crankcase pressure back through your intake track, large amounts of oil in the form of vapors can coat your blower rotors, intake valves, intercooler fins and even dilute your gas lowering its octane level. This happens on all engines and is even worse when supercharged as crankcase pressures are increased.
Pretty easy and economical install. Learn more here.
Exterior Mod Number 10: Motion Sensor Rechargeable LED Lights
We installed twelve motion sensor (and dimmable) rechargeable LED magnetic lights in all the outside compartments (as well as a few inside the EKKO). Most of the outside compartments do have push button puck lights provided by Winnebago, but we found the addition of these motion activated LEDs was pretty convenient.
These lights are easily removed and rechargeable via USB-C. As well as having them in all the outside compartments (we have three in the garage and two in the passenger side large compartment) we have two underneath the cabinets in the bedroom, one in the bathroom and one in the passenger side front over cab compartment.
Exterior Mod Number 11: Security Cameras
Installed Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) cameras on the roof rack on each side of the EKKO. Plus one on the back of the rig. Added a Blink doorbell camera and two cameras inside so we can also monitor our cats when we are away from the rig using the Blink app on our smartphones. Inside we used Blink Mini.
We used three Blink Outdoor Camera Housings for the outside cameras to better protect them from the elements. For mounting the Blink cameras to the roof rack we used Monitor/Surveillance System Support.
For the Blink Doorbell Camera we used 3M white heavy duty Velcro to mount to side of rig. The outside Blink camera on the rear we used Adjustable Wall Mount spray painted it black. Attached an L bracket purchased from our trusty local Ace Hardware to the back of wall mount and attached to the roof rack of the EKKO.
These cameras are powered by AA (lithium recommended) batteries and are wireless. They were chosen for their size and shape as well.
Exterior Mod Number 12: LP Tank Monitors
Managing the propane levels in your tanks was made far more convenient by using the Mopeka Propane Tank Gas Level Indicators (paid link). Pretty easy install.
You add sensors on the bottom of each propane tank and install an app on your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your tank levels using Bluetooth. Less surprises.
Exterior Mod Number 13: Truma Electric Anti-freeze Kit
We live in a colder area up north and we like to use our motorhome in colder weather. Keeping our EKKO from freezing our water lines and hot water tank means winterizing. Frozen water limes can mean expensive repairs and a mess when they thaw. The Winnebago EKKO is said to be a four season coach and that is accomplished by running the propane powered Truma heating system which circulates heat into all the outside compartments. None of the water lines or tanks are exposed under the rig.
However, you do not leave your propane tanks open and the Truma heating running while driving as a safety precaution. While driving you are depending on just the Ford Transit cab heat. Good as it is there is no guarantee this will keep your hot water tank from freezing when barreling down the highway. Especially since the vent is exposed on the passenger side of the vehicle.
As you can and should drain the hot water tank in cold weather driving we added the optional Truma AquaGo Electric Antifreeze Kit. This replaces your Truma water tank filter and can be left in all the time. Once installed you can switch it on and off at the Truma Control Panel and it uses some power from your house batteries to keep the tank from freezing. The kit includes everything you need such as cable ties and yellow flue cover you put in when driving and removed when you turn on the hot water. See this YouTube video by TheFitRV for installation and more details.
Exterior Mod Number 14: Diamond plate board for under grill
Using our TrailFire 4-in-1 Grill on top of a picnic table is said to be fine. But we built a 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 inch board covered in thin aluminum diamond plate made from 1/2 inch plywood. Just covered the edges with Duck tape. Nothing fancy.
This gives us some piece of mind and it stores easily underneath the TrailFire Grill in our passenger outside compartment.
Exterior Mod Number 15: Added Handles
The outside compartments are pretty air tight and water resistant. Sometimes they seal so tight they can be a challenge to open using only the locking mechanism. I saw this on a Facebook post from another EKKO owner. Looked like a great solution for making opening easier.
I added these low profile handles to the rear garage doors, water compartment and the large passenger side compartment.
Exterior Mod Number 16: Relocated Exhaust Tailpipe
We had two reasons why we had our tailpipe relocated. First was that we have seen a few EKKO owners end up crushing their tailpipe when backing out of driveways or hitting an obstacle in a parking lot or campsite. Second reason was we found we had intermittent issues with one our rear bumper parking aids on our 2024 EKKO that has the 2023 Ford Transit. This was the year they added the parking sensors.
The parking aid sensor located right above the tailpipe was an issue especially when the weather is cold and exhaust would exhale moisture. The sensor would sound loudly when backing up. After a service at Ford they pointed out why this was happening. Seems most all Ford Transit vans have the tailpipe going out the passenger side. Apparently all the “cut chassis” Ford Transit vans Winnebago have used for the EKKO have the tailpipe out the rear. The 2023 Ford Transit chassis added the parking aids. The false alerts seem to happen mostly in cold weather. I noticed the Sprinter EKKO has a side mounted exhaust as well.
So I paid a visit to a local muffler shop and had then relocate my tailpipe. Eventually I expect to do a lift kit that will raise the EKKO, but still wanted this tailpipe moved.
Exterior Mod Number 17: Rock/Bug Protector
We added a smoke color Auto Ventshade [AVS] Aeroskin Hood Protector. Pretty easy install with no drilling.
Exterior Mod Number 18: Flag Pole Ladder Mount for Starlink Mini
Purchased a telescoping flag pole from Harbor Freight. Ordered Aluminum Flag and Wind Sock Pole Mount for RV LADDERS STARLINK Pole Mount.
The telescoping pole goes up 20 feet to help position Starlink Mini dish to avoid obstructions like trees. Stores on ladder or in EKKO garage.
Exterior Mod Number 19: Fairing Install
Ordered a custom 79” x 12” fairing from Colorado Fairing Company to reduce wind noise and better protect roof and solar panels while driving down the highway.
In order to mount the fairing on the front of the roof you will need to purchase a roof rack cross rail (or move solar panels around). Ordered 77” roof cross rail from Black River.