It’s time for the ultimate showdown! Our signature Mavericks model takes on our larger Big Sur model. It can be difficult to decide between the Mavericks vs Big Sur. But there are a few key features that can make one a better choice for you depending on your road trip wants and needs.
The Basics
Our Mavericks model is a Ford E-150, with an average age of 2012. The Big Sur is a Ford T-350, avg. age 2017. Both seat 5 and sleep up to 5 (with the rooftop sleeper added), although the Mavericks offer less storage space. They each get around 17 mpg and are small enough to not require an RV campsite.
The Mavericks campervan is our signature model. It’s more often the budget-friendly option and offers the necessities, whereas the Big Sur is newer and has more features at a similar price. The Big Sur is about 2 ft longer than the Mavericks model. However, even though it’s longer, it’s easy to maneuver because it’s a newer vehicle with backup cameras, and still small enough to fit in most traditional campsites.
Interior Set-Up
The key difference here is that the Big Sur model has bucket seats in the back that stay put even when you’ve converted the “dining room” into a bed. View “bed mode” photos here.
This can be particularly nice for families with small kids because you don’t need to move car seats around in order to make the bed. It’s also better for folks who need extra space for luggage/gear. We recommend the Big Sur for any group planning to travel with a large amount of personal belongings!
In our Big Sur model, the 3 bucket seats in the back stay put even when the bed is down, which is great for people who need more storage space or have car seats. There are also storage drawers and spaces underneath each bench.
Kitchen Set-Up
This one’s easy! The kitchen is almost exactly the same. 2-burner propane stove, dual-powered fridge, interior roof light, storage space, and 5-gallon pump sink.
Other Campervan Features
Compare the Mavericks and Big Sur model fit-outs side by side.
Mavericks Fit-Out Diagram
Still not sure which campervan model to rent?
Don’t just take it from us! Read in-depth reviews of each model from past renters who have taken a spin in both. Then go ahead and book your campervan for your next trip.
Campervan review and tried-and-true tips from our friend Carly, who has rented both the Mavericks and Big Sur models a couple of times each. She’s basically an Escape pro!
Our friend Dawn knows all about campervans. She rented from Escape a few times before building out her own! Dawn wrote up a handy comparison between the Mavericks vs Big Sur after renting the Big Sur for the first time.
Question:
On the Big Sur model, does the middle bucket seat fold down? Basically, when parked, can you get from the bed/table zone to bucket seat row saying in the van?
Or do you need to exit van to go between those zones?
Please let be know.
No, the middle bucket seat does not fold down. There is a small walkway on the passenger side by the door that allows you to walk between the bed/table zone and the bucket seat row, so you won’t need to exit the van to move around.