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Winnebago Ekko & Tiffin OTX Trail Training
Go farther, smarter
Maneuvering a heavy cutaway chassis through backcountry terrain requires specialized knowledge.
Ekko & Open Trail owners will love this immersive, hands-on driving course. Learn to take on challenging terrain, remote travel, and real-world recovery scenarios with confidence.
Includes 12+ hours of recovery training and boondock destinations.
Location: Winthrop, WA
Winthrop is one of the most dramatic overland destinations in the Pacific Northwest in the Fall. The larches turn, the crowds are gone, and the forest service roads are yours.
The Weekend Itinerary
Friday (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- Arrive at the designated high-elevation staging area.
- We conduct a 1-to-1 rig inspection, cover proper tire deflators, dial in precise pressures for heavy cutaways, and discuss how to manage dual rear wheel setups off-road.
Saturday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM):
- Full trail day navigating wide, washboarded forest service roads. Expect deep ruts, tight clearances, and comprehensive instruction on identifying safe tow points and running winch lines.
- Radio communication standards, spacing for dust management, and blind-corner spotting.
- Focus on utilizing traction boards, deploying kinetic ropes safely, and managing heavy vehicle weight on steep, loose gravel descents.
- Evening: Break for the evening to clean up, relax, and enjoy the secluded ridge-line boondocking site.
Sunday (10:00 AM – Early Afternoon):
- A guided technical ascent to a premium overlook. We wrap up with a final Q&A on the trail, allowing you to drive home directly from the ridgeline.
Ekko Requirements:
Note: Dual Rear Wheels (Duallys) ARE permitted for this terrain. A Super Single conversion is not required. This course is appropriate and beneficial for both Transit and Sprinter owners.
- GMRS radio for trail communications.
Recommended:
- Upgraded heavy-duty suspension package (Agile Off Road RIP kit or Owl Arrow strongly preferred) to handle sustained washboards.
Why Choose This Course?
The Ekko and Open Trail are capable of a lot more than their owners realize. This course closes that gap. You’ll learn how your chassis actually behaves on steep loose descents, how to protect your fiberglass when clearance gets tight, and how to get yourself unstuck without waiting on anyone else.
JJ has built and driven more Ekkos and Open Trails than almost anyone in the country. He knows exactly where these rigs struggle and exactly how to get through it.
Learn to master torque management, assess approach angles, and confidently handle your rig on steep forest service roads without risking body damage to your fiberglass.
About Your Pack Leader
JJ has more than three decades of experience in multi-terrain vehicle operations with 22 years of training rescue professionals and special operations groups in the harshest conditions.
Before his "fun-retirement-job" of building van's suspension & electrical, JJ was a first responder and medical professional.
As one of the country's most knowledgable experts on the Sprinter and Transit platform, JJ knows your van down to the frame, transfer case, and load.
That means your training is focused on learning and enjoying your vehicle without worry, knowing you're in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Wolf Pack event is intentionally capped at a small number of vehicles (usually 5–10) to ensure a personal, high-quality experience. Registration is first come, first served.
We welcome Sprinter vans, adventure vans, Class B RVs, small overland builds, and similar adventure vehicles. Specific requirements are listed in each event description. Feel free to reach out if you're unsure whether your setup is a fit.
Yes! Passengers and partners are welcome unless otherwise noted for a specific event. We encourage bringing someone to share the experience.
In general, well-behaved dogs are welcome at most events. However, some locations or activities (like certain state parks, recovery trainings, or wildlife areas) may have restrictions. Pet policies will be clearly listed per event.
Wolf Pack events are designed to run rain or shine. We believe real adventure includes real conditions. In cases of extreme, unsafe weather (such as wildfires, floods, or severe storms), we will reschedule or refund as needed.
A packing list and tools list will be provided after registration, customized for each event. Expect to bring basics like food, water, fuel, sleeping setup, recovery gear (where applicable), appropriate clothing, and basic van necessities.
Due to the small group sizes and advanced planning, Wolf Pack event registrations are non-refundable within 30 days of the event. However, if you need to cancel earlier, or if we must reschedule due to weather or emergencies, we’ll work with you fairly.
If you can comfortably walk around a campground, crouch, lift light gear, and hike short distances on uneven ground, you’ll be fine. We adjust our pace to the group. No extreme hiking or climbing required.
