2021 Winnebago Ekko Electrical system Problems

“We have a Winnebago EKKO year 2022 and had the 174 recall completed in August of 2023 and now the second alternator Balmar has failed again we smelled the same smoke again and whine like the first one. We disconnected it before it caught fire.”

“Sudden loud whine varying with engine speed, coming from engine compartment, traced to secondary balmar alternator. Alternator was extremely hot, we shut engine off and electrically disconnected alternator. We knew to do this because others have posted this information, some have caught fire. This was close to combusting as well. No noise is present when electrically disconnected, but noise resumes if connected and load placed on alternator. This was the subject of Winnebago prior recall 174 (which was performed in 2024). …”

“The RV's second alternator, a Balmer product, began whinning loudly and a burning/hot smell was coming from the vehicle. Based on knowledge of similar issues happening to many other EKKO owners of same type of unit, we knew the alternator was failing and could start a fire. We therefore unplugged a connector to the regulator which ceased load to the secondary alternator. This is the THIRD time we have had a secondary alternator/regulator issue. There was a recall regarding this matter by Winnebago, #174, which WE DID have completed in Sept 2023, at Winnebago Factory Service. …”

“This vehicle has a known fire safety hazard since 2022 as established in public information and documented at NHTSA as of March 31 2023, Overloaded electrical circuits that damage components increase the risk of a fire; NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V234000. We have made numerous attempts to contact the manufacturer regarding this matter but have been ignored. Winnebago has no remedial action plan for this as of this writing and do not seemed to be concerned despite the known fire hazard therein. We are hesitant to use/sleep in this vehicle without a resolution. 5 supporting NHTSA files attached. …”

“First Issue: Water leaks from shower/pump onto electrical inverter below. As per inverter manufacturer(zantrax) warning:exposing inverter to water may cause a fire. Winnebago has known about this situation since JULY 2021 Second Issue: three point Seat belts on rear jump seats do not retract to secure passengers.”