EKKO Sprinter Van Rear Bumpers: Do You Need One?

The EKKO Sprinter was first released in 2024, capturing the interest of those who wanted the space and comfort of an RV with the vehicle capabilities of a Sprinter. Winnebago created this iconic combination for people who didn’t want to sacrifice material comforts just to get off the grid.

As you can imagine, there are some design gaps with this creation, especially in regards to off-roading and the accessories that are needed for it. To fix that, Owl decided to manufacture EKKO Sprinter van rear bumpers that add the durability, versatility, and aesthetic that the stock version lacks. Not sure if you need one? Read on to find out.

The Weaknesses of a Stock EKKO Sprinter Bumper

The back of an EKKO Sprinter doesn’t exactly scream “off-road ready.” The base model is a blank slate without a ladder or a single storage compartment. Higher-end models add a flimsy ladder and a few storage options, but there’s still much to be desired.

From an adventurer’s perspective, here are a few negative traits that the Winnebago EKKO Sprinter has:

Lacks Aggressive Style: The EKKO leans into the traditional RV style more than it does an off-road style. The box-like design of the rear doesn’t communicate “capable.”
Wasted Space: There is so much open real estate on the back end of the EKKO. Space that could be used to mount gear and accessories.
No Room for Customization: Along with the open space is a lack of customization. Besides adding ratchet straps to the ladder, there’s no option to mount anything.
Exposed Rear Body: There’s quite a bit of overhang on the back of the EKKO. This spot is quite vulnerable when off-roading. When going over bumps, ditches, or pitch changes, the rear body can easily drag on the ground.
Negligible Bumper Protection: While there is a bumper on the back of the EKKO, it provides no protection underneath the corner of the rear body. It’s really just there to avoid damage when accidentally backing into something.

Main Benefits of an Upgraded Sprinter EKKO Bumper

An aftermarket rear bumper solves all of the issues listed above on the EKKO. To start, it provides significantly enhanced protection on the rear-end, both from bottoming out and backing into things. This is crucial, as you won’t have to worry about the body of the camper being damaged.

Rear bumper upgrades also provide exponentially more space. The bumper provides a mounting point for accessories like ladders, tire racks, and gear carriers. Whether you’re mounting bikes or a storage box, you’ll have a variety of options.

Finally, it simply looks better. New bumpers have more angular designs and a powder-coated finish, giving an aggressive look to your EKKO and transforming it into a machine.

When is Upgrading a Necessity?

There are a few use cases where an upgraded Sprinter van rear bumper is absolutely necessary. Off-roading is one of them. If you plan on taking your EKKO anywhere away from a paved or gravel road, you’ll want to consider adding an aftermarket bumper to protect your investment. These rigs are not cheap, and one wrong trail crossing can leave you with a massive repair bill. Furthermore, a durable bumper adds confidence to your adventures because you’ll know that you can take your vehicle deeper on trails.

Another reason to strongly consider purchasing one of these bumpers is if you have lots of oversized equipment. Mountain bikes, surfboards, and recovery gear may fit inside the EKKO, but not comfortably. Putting them on the back of the van is a much more practical option that you’ll thank yourself for down the road.

Ekko Sprinter Van Rear Bumpers: 4 Top Options

1. Teton Rear Bumper

The Teton is Owl’s flagship Sprinter van rear bumper. It’s constructed of ultra-strong steel that can stand up to harsh trail conditions, bottoming out, and whatever else you might put it through. The bumper bolts directly to the chassis frame rails, giving it excellent weight-carrying capacity.

2. Teton + Rear Ladder

The next step up from the Teton is adding a rear ladder. This kit makes a massive improvement to the design of the factory EKKO ladder. Its strong, all-aluminum construction can support more weight, and its sleek design seamlessly complements the aesthetics of the van.

The main upgrade of the rear ladder is the modular lower rack, providing space to mount recovery gear and other equipment.

3. Teton + Swing-Out Carrier

The rear carrier upgrade solves the issue of all the wasted space on the rear of the EKKO. It mounts to the EKKO’s rear panel and the Teton bumper, allowing you to bolt any size rack you need, similar to the Owl B2 Sherpa. The swing-out design makes it so that you can still access any storage compartments your EKKO Sprinter might have come with.

A popular secondary upgrade with the swing-out carrier is a tire basket. This mounts directly to the carrier and allows you to relocate your spare to the back of the vehicle for increased clearance.

4. Complete Teton Rear Carrier System

You can combine all of these options with the complete rear carrier system. This features a full integration of the bumper, ladder, and swing-out carrier. This installation gives you the most functionality and flexibility for your adventures.

Other Options: Sprinter Van Rear Step Bumpers

Normal Sprinter adventure vans can also benefit from a bumper upgrade. While the factory Mercedes rear bumper is generally adequate, many van owners choose to install a Sprinter van rear step bumper in the hitch to complement it. This provides elevated access to storage boxes, roof racks, and other Sprinter van accessories on the rear.

Make Your EKKO Versatile With Owl

With the right upgrades, the EKKO Sprinter can be turned into an off-road, adventure beast. Installing an improved rear bumper is a great way to make your van more rugged and capable, no matter how you use it. If you’re looking to take your EKKO beyond the confines of a campground, a new bumper will help take you and all of your gear there safely.

As a leader in Sprinter van accessories, Owl manufactures the highest-grade EKKO components. Browse our complete collection today to start building the rig you’ve always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can aftermarket lights be added to an EKKO Sprinter rear bumper?

Absolutely. Baja Designs S2 rear lights can be easily added to the Teton’s laser-cut pockets.

Is the Teton bumper compatible with all EKKO Sprinter models?

Yes, the Teton bumper packages can be used with all models, including hard and soft top ones.

Does a new bumper improve crash ratings?

While they offer more structural integrity, aftermarket bumpers are not put through crash tests; therefore, improvements to safety cannot be determined.