The Noovo Plus is a custom-built Class B camper van designed for extended off-grid living and full-time van life. It offers a spacious interior within a standard van footprint, featuring a unique lift bed system and powerful electrical capabilities for various lifestyles.
The Winnebago Ekko is a compact Class C RV that blends the efficiency of a camper van with the spaciousness of a small motorhome. Built on the Ford Transit chassis, it offers more interior space and amenities than a typical van conversion, catering to those who want extra room without the bulk of a large RV.
While both vehicles are designed for comfortable travel and off-grid capability, they differ significantly in size, layout, and overall design philosophy.
The Noovo Plus and Winnebago Ekko represent two different approaches to compact RV living. The Noovo Plus, as a Class B van, offers a more maneuverable and city-friendly option, while the Ekko, as a Class C RV, provides more interior space and amenities.
The most noticeable difference is in their design. The Noovo Plus is built within the confines of a RAM ProMaster van, maintaining a sleek, low-profile appearance. The Ekko, while compact for a Class C, features an over-cab area that provides additional storage or sleeping space, giving it a more traditional RV look.
In terms of living space, the Ekko's slightly longer length (23' vs 20'11") and Class C design allow for a more spacious interior, including a dry bath - a significant advantage for some users. The Noovo Plus maximizes its van layout with a clever lift bed system, offering versatility in a smaller footprint.
Both vehicles excel in off-grid capabilities, but approach it differently. The Noovo Plus offers a more powerful electrical system with up to 1320Ah of lithium batteries, while the Ekko comes standard with 455Ah. However, the Ekko boasts a larger fresh water tank (50 gallons vs 40 gallons), potentially allowing for longer stays without hookups.
The Noovo Plus, built on a RAM ProMaster chassis, may offer easier maneuverability in urban environments. The Ekko's Ford Transit AWD chassis provides better traction in various conditions, which could be advantageous for off-road enthusiasts.
Price-wise, the Ekko starts at a lower point, but both vehicles are in the premium segment of their respective classes, reflecting their high-end features and build quality.
The Noovo Plus and Winnebago Ekko, while both compact RVs, offer distinct living experiences due to their different classifications and design philosophies.
The Noovo Plus, as a Class B van, prioritizes maneuverability and efficient use of space. Its standout feature is the powerful electrical system, with lithium batteries ranging from 660Ah to 1320Ah and 400W of solar power. This setup is ideal for extended off-grid stays and power-intensive needs. The Ekko, while also well-equipped for off-grid use with 455Ah lithium batteries and 455W solar, offers a different balance of features.
In terms of living space, the Ekko's Class C design provides more room and a layout closer to a traditional RV. It features a dry bath, which many users prefer over the wet bath in the Noovo Plus. The Ekko also offers more fresh and grey water capacity (50 and 51 gallons respectively, compared to 40 gallons each in the Noovo Plus), potentially allowing for longer periods between fill-ups and dump-outs.
The kitchen setups in both vehicles are comparable, with both featuring induction cooktops and convection microwaves. The Ekko's larger refrigerator (5.0 cu ft vs the Noovo's Vitrifrigo DP150) might be advantageous for longer trips or larger groups.
Sleeping arrangements differ significantly. The Noovo Plus uses an innovative lift bed system with an RV Queen-sized mattress, while the Ekko offers two twin beds that can convert to a larger sleeping area. The Ekko's over-cab area also provides additional storage or sleeping space, a typical advantage of Class C RVs.
The Noovo Plus, built on a RAM ProMaster chassis, might offer better fuel efficiency and easier handling in urban environments. The Ekko's Ford Transit AWD chassis provides better traction in various conditions, which could be advantageous for off-road enthusiasts.
While the Ekko has a lower starting price, both vehicles are in the premium segment of their respective classes. The choice between them will largely depend on whether the buyer prioritizes the maneuverability and stealth of a van (Noovo Plus) or the extra space and amenities of a small motorhome (Ekko).
The Noovo Plus and Winnebago Ekko represent different value propositions within the compact RV market, each reflecting their unique features and target audiences.
The Noovo Plus starts at a higher price point of $186,700, compared to the Ekko's base price of $171,845. This price difference reflects the Noovo's custom-built nature and more powerful electrical system. Noovo offers financing options for up to 20 years, which could make the higher purchase price more manageable for some buyers. Winnebago financing is typically available through their established dealer network.
Monthly payments will vary based on down payment, term length, and credit score, but as a starting point, the Noovo Plus is estimated from $1,248 per month, while the Ekko might start around $1,149 per month.
When considering total cost of ownership, it's important to factor in potential additional costs. For the Noovo Plus, this might include custom features or energy system upgrades. The Ekko may have costs associated with optional packages or dealer fees. The Noovo Plus's larger battery and solar system might lead to lower campground fees over time due to enhanced off-grid capabilities, but the Ekko's larger water tanks could also contribute to extended boondocking periods.
Warranty coverage is a crucial consideration. Noovo offers a comprehensive warranty with the unique benefit of mobile repair services in all 50 states, which could be a significant advantage for full-time travelers. Winnebago provides a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, which is standard in the industry and backed by their extensive dealer network.
Resale value is likely to be strong for both vehicles. The Noovo Plus's custom features and powerful electrical system may appeal to specific buyers in the resale market. The Winnebago Ekko benefits from Winnebago's strong brand reputation and the general popularity of compact Class C RVs, which typically translates to good resale values.
The choice between these two vehicles will largely depend on the buyer's specific needs and preferences. The Noovo Plus offers more customization and potentially more powerful off-grid capabilities in a more maneuverable package. The Winnebago Ekko provides more interior space and a layout that may be more familiar to traditional RV users, with the backing of a well-established RV manufacturer.
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