By Carly Eisley
The flagship model in the Escape campervan model lineup is the Mavericks. The Mavericks model is based on a Ford E-150 platform and seats 5/sleeps up to four people. This van is the perfect size for a couple and more than adequate for a group of four.
**Tip – this setup is easiest for four people without the need for a car seat; removing and storing a car seat every night to make the bed is doable, but a bit of a pain. The Mesa model or Del Mar Pop Top with permanent back seats is much easier in this scenario.**
Mavericks Camper Van Model Exterior
The best thing about these vans is their size. Easy to maneuver on busy highways and winding mountain roads alike, and can fit in a normal parking spot wherever you may adventure. In campgrounds, the Mavericks fit in tent sites, which are usually much more secluded (and cheaper!) than an RV site. To easily expand the sleeping arrangements to accommodate 4 people, add on the rooftop tent. I have taken several road trips both as a couple and with a group of 4 adults in the Mavericks campervan, and both scenarios were great.
Mavericks Camper Van Model Interior
The inside of the van is set up with a bench seat in the rear with seat belts for three. There is a table for dining, playing games in rainy weather, adventure planning…. you name it. The table stows away and the bench seat folds down futon-style; with some additional cushions, it makes a queen-sized bed. There are storage bins behind the front seats and behind the rear seats – perfect for stowing away gear and groceries.
Mavericks Camper Van Model Kitchen
The Mavericks and Mesa models share a similar kitchen setup, with a pump sink, drawer fridge, and two-burner propane stove. The fridge has ample room for perishable food for 4 people for several days.
Kitchen Confidential
- Have extra stuff you want to keep cold? Pick up a small cooler and fill it with ice, then leave the cooler at the depot for future renters to re-use!We found that the styrofoam type keeps things colder longer (Just don’t leave them out where critters can get them, or you may return from a hike to find that crows have pecked your cooler to bits and you will be running around a desert campsite cleaning up little white pieces. Ask me how I know this).
- If you are traveling with more than 2 people, I highly recommend upgrading your kitchen a bit. For $10-ish bucks you can seriously elevate your kitchen game and make mealtime prep a breeze. Pick up a (cheap) larger stockpot if you are planning on making pasta/rice regularly and a wok (we found a cheap one for $5 that did the trick). It is so much easier to cook a larger meal this way (especially the wok – we will never do a group trip without one again!). Add a sharp knife for chopping up veggies, etc as well.
- Grab a flat box to put small food items in and slide it on top of the stove; this creates an additional “shelf” of storage to keep things from rolling around and getting lost.
So there you have it. An overview and some “van hacks” to make a great adventure mobile even better. Whatever model you choose, rest assured your Escape campervan trip will create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy exploring!
Can’t decide between the Mavericks and Mesa models? Read our Mesa model review from a past renter or go even bigger with our newest model the Del Mar!