There’s a new truck-based turnkey adventure rig in town, and it comes from a brand that’s well-steeped with road trip expertise.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreAs much as you can equip a van (especially something adventurous, like a Mitsubishi Delica) for overlanding duty, truck conversions can make for much more capable starting points.Be it down to power, drivetrain options and towing capacity, or even just a matter of parts support and ease of service, a pickup-based rig is often preferable if you’ll be headed to the ends of the planet.Winnebago’s ARKA makes for the brand’s first truck-based backcountry overlanding rig. - Credit: WinnebagoWith this in mind, Winnebago, of all brands, is now dipping its toes into the turnkey overlanding truck market. The outfit may come with a reputation for RVs, but the resulting rig is as badass as they come.A rugged Ram foundationWinnebago has dubbed it the ARKA, and it’s based on a Ram 5500 4×4 crew cab. It’s a fitting choice, as it features a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel making a total of 360 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed auto.The Ram 5500 platform brings a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel with stump-pulling torque. - Credit: WinnebagoOn the trail, this means that the ARKA boasts a GCWR of 43,000 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 15,000 pounds from its included hitch. In other words, you can bring plenty of toys along for the ride, even with the generous interior accommodations (more on those later).AdvertisementAdvertisementNot content with factory specs, however, Winnebago also taps BuckStop for some overlanding-worthy upgrades to refine the chassis. Beyond ditching the dually wheels at the rear and adding a spare mount, this means fitting massive 41-inch tires, a winch-ready front bumper and a set of front and rear branch guards.Rated for up to 15,000 pounds of towing at the hitch, the ARKA allows you to bring toys along, too. - Credit: WinnebagoAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat’s more, the ARKA benefits from plenty of provisions for backcountry reliability. In addition to dual 480-amp alternators, it touts off-road driving lights, an on-board air compressor and an integrated winterization system.Winnebago even coats portions of the body in tough paint to add protection against wear.Equipped for off-grid livingAs formidable as the ARKA is around the outside, it’s the interior where Winnebago’s expertise really shines. After all, the brand did make its name building out motorhomes for road trips.The rear bay doors swing open to provide access to the dinette. - Credit: WinnebagoFor instance, in keeping with the rig’s go-anywhere objective, Winnebago engineers it to operate from -10°F to 120°F. Thanks to hydronic heating, R-15 roof and R-12 wall insulation and a trick recovery ventilation system, it promises true four-season capabilities.AdvertisementAdvertisementMoreover, it accounts for all of your creature comforts along the way, and for days at a time. Winnebago rates the 48V electric system and its 3,600-watt inverter for as long as two weeks off-grid, with up to 15 kWh of battery capacity and 800W of expandable solar.Once closed, the interior can be configured for lounging or sleeping, depending on who came along for the ride. - Credit: WinnebagoTowards that end, the ARKA also brings heated and insulated freshwater (60-gallon) and gray water (40-gallon) tanks, as well as a portable induction cooktop, a mini fridge, a composting and a foldaway shower. It’s fully self-sufficient.While Winnebago employs some modular trickery to fit all of these staples inside, the 20Z floor plan nevertheless ensures spacious accommodations. With a full 6’8” of standing height and sleeping for up to four between the front cap and the convertible dinette, you won’t be wanting for room.Rounded out by an abundance of storage provisions and the brand’s smartphone-based Winnebago Connect system, the result is a badass rig set to rival the likes of Earth Roamer and Supertramp.A true four-season performer, the ARKA promises comfortable operating conditions from -10°F to 120°F. - Credit: WinnebagoAvailability and pricingAs is to be expected with a turnkey adventure rig this well-appointed, the Winnebago ARKA will cost you. According to the brand, pricing starts at $331,901 for a fully furnished conversion. Pre-orders are now open.AdvertisementAdvertisementWinnebago ARKAStarts at $331,901About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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