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In this episode of Beyond The Wheel, we sit down with Stephanie Whittington, Senior Product Manager at Winnebago, to discuss one of the most anticipated adventure vehicles to hit the market: the all-new Winnebago ARKA.
Stephanie shares the story behind the ARKA’s development, the growing adventure truck segment, and how Winnebago designed a vehicle capable of taking travelers farther off the grid while still delivering the comfort and convenience RV owners expect.
From heated floors and hydronic heating to a massive lithium battery system and true four-wheel-drive capability, the ARKA is designed to be a self-contained basecamp for adventure.
In This Episode
Meet Stephanie Whittington
• Senior Product Manager for Winnebago’s Backcountry Adventure Portfolio
• Oversees:
- Revel
- EKKO
- ARKA
• How her passion for camping, hiking, skiing, and full-time RVing influences product development
What Is the Winnebago ARKA?
• Winnebago’s first entry into the growing Adventure Truck category
• Designed for travelers who want to venture far beyond traditional campgrounds
• Combines off-road capability with premium residential comfort
• Built as a true off-grid basecamp for extended adventures
Why Winnebago Built the ARKA
• Growing demand for more independence from campgrounds
• Customer feedback drove much of the vehicle’s development
• Designed for adventurers graduating from:
- Rooftop tent setups
- Truck campers
- Off-road trailers
- Overlanding rigs
• Four years of development and testing before launch
Chassis and Off-Road Capability
• Built on the Ram 5500 diesel chassis
• Available in:
- Standard cab
- Crew cab
• True four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing
• Zero-torsion frame design allows the coach and chassis to flex independently on rough terrain
• Integrated inclinometer system through Winnebago Connect
• Designed for remote campsites, trailheads, and backcountry exploration
Comfort Meets Capability
Stephanie explains how the ARKA balances ruggedness with luxury, including:
• Heated hydronic floors
• Four independently controlled heating zones
• Continuous hot water
• Single-fuel design powered entirely by diesel
• Spacious interior with premium materials
• Large refrigerator and ample counter space
• Innovative hidden bath design
• Massive shower for a vehicle of this size
Flexible Sleeping Arrangements
• Twin bed configuration
• Queen bed configuration
• King bed configuration
• North-south sleeping layout
• Molded roof design allows occupants to sit up comfortably in bed
• Large windows and sky hatch for stargazing
Off-Grid Power System
Standard Overland Package Includes:
• 8.4kWh Lithionics lithium battery
• Expandable to 16.8kWh
• EcoFlow Power Hub
• 3.6kW inverter
• 800 watts of roof-mounted solar
• Expandable to 1,200 watts of solar
• Three-alternator charging system
• Ability to recharge from 10% to 100% in less than two hours of driving
Climate Control and Four-Season Performance
• Elwell Timberline 2.0 hydronic heating system
• Heated floors
• Heated tanks and plumbing
• 20,000 BTU DC air conditioner
• R-15 roof and floor insulation
• R-12 wall insulation
• Rated for temperatures from -10°F to 120°F
Storage and Cargo Flexibility
• Full-height rear gear garage
• Modular U-shaped lounge and dinette system
• L-track cargo tie-down system
• Flexible storage for:
- Bikes
- Climbing gear
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Kayaks
• Additional storage inside the crew cab
Towing Capability
• Tow rating up to 15,000 pounds
• Ideal for:
- Jeeps
- Boats
- Side-by-sides
- Utility trailers
Key Specifications at a Glance
• Ram 5500 Diesel Chassis
• Adventure Truck Platform
• True 4WD with Low Range
• 60-Gallon Fresh Water Capacity
• Up to 16.8kWh Lithium Battery Capacity
• Up to 1,200 Watts Solar
• Heated Floors
• Four-Season Capability
• 15,000-Pound Tow Rating
• Up to 26’7″ Overall Length (Crew Cab)
To learn more about the Winnebago ARKA click here:
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