Winnebago Escape

For many of us a campervan is the ultimate RV experience because of the freedom and versatility this type of vehicle allows. But ‘where to next?’ is a question some manufacturers are asking, particularly those keen to expand beyond the retiree market.

One answer lies with the flexible Winnebago Escape. Built on the market-leading, third-generation version of Fiat's Ducato chassis, this new Winnebago* conversion tries very hard to justify its $106,990 pricetag by operating both as a workvan and a campervan.

But unlike some competitors that are (and feel) like converted commercial vehicles the Ducato chassis, built with RV conversion in mind, gives the Escape some versatility in the way of four berths, opening rear doors and an electric operated drop down double bed, for starters.

LAYOUT LOWDOWN

The layout is divided into two distinct areas, with the rear of the van housing the double bed that moves vertically on four Happijac electric rail-posts.

Below is the lounge bench seats that not only fold up but unclip to create a space large enough for two motorbikes, a couple of bicycles, or whatever takes your fancy (there are floor securing clips too). The only gripe is headroom, with barely enough for my 5ft 10in frame.

Moving towards the middle/front section, there’s a roomy, rectangular shower/ Thetford toilet with double doors, allowing easy access and comfort inside.

Opposite is the kitchen with three burner LPG cooker and sink combination (with mains water interface), hidden below a smoked glass top. Underneath is a 104 litre Dometic three-way fridge.

Clever touches here include two-way drawers providing outside access when the large sliding door opens.

Hot water is from a Truma heater with an optional Dometic air-con unit fitting in a roof recess and operating via the central hatch.

Across the other side sits a small (optional) LG microwave above the double passenger bench. My assistant for the day, young Morven, declared this area 'good' because it allowed her to talk to the driver while being safely strapped in, unlike some other layouts that put the passengers away to the rear.

The bench may be a bit cosy for two adults but is ideal for two children and the fold up table gives the choice of dining table or more leg room. Combining this area with the swivelling main seats creates a pleasant social area.

PUSH AND SHOVE

After pulling on the handbrake, walking over to the control panel above the sink and pressing the 'lower bed' button takes care of setting up the Escape.

For a family of four, you can play with the height to leave headroom for the kids on the lower benches, while the adults can stretch out on the foam mattress double bed above. A ladder would be nice, though.

Access through the large rear doors as well as the side gives the area plenty of options, including a rear tent.

Around the side, by the main sliding door, the Fiamma awning rolls out to create a shady space and the nearby stovetop means that cooking can be an alfresco event.

Blinds all round, including a cab curtain, provides privacy while clip-open side windows and hatches vent the van well.

Storage includes a fairly large wardrobe and lockers – I’d prefer metal struts rather than merely string supporting the locker doors, though.

Electrics include halogen lighting (LED would be better) and a 16amp charger trickles the 100aH house battery.

Entertainment is another flexible part of the Escape thanks to the moveable flat screen TV/DVD that can shift from the forward to back part of the van. The stereo/CD player comes with four speakers with two in the rear doors. The only thing missing was an MP3 jack.

ON THE ROAD

The Ducato’s cab has bucket style seats with armrests and the console is dominated by the gear stick with the handbrake hidden by the driver’s door.

All the controls fall easily to hand, the steering wheel column is adjustable and the seat offers good back support.

Vision is always a challenge on motorised RVs and the Escape is no exception. Although the split level mirrors are electrically adjustable and there are clear views through the rear corridor, buyers might want to consider fitting the optional reversing camera.

Driving off is a revelation thanks to the torquey 3.0-litre diesel engine and slick six-speed gearbox (with Automatic Manual Transmission that allows clutchless gearstick control) and the vehicle’s relatively narrow feel instils confidence. 

Moving up to cruising speed of 100km/h showed a leisurely 2000rpm while cab noise was minimal, apart from a burbling exhaust note from the side mounted pipe.

Cruise control is standard, as is traction control and ABS brakes, so the Escape is ideal for the Nullarbor leg of that Big Trip.

The only thing that reminded me I was driving a campervan was the rattles from the living quarters. The main culprits were the TV fixings and the cook top lid, so no real dramas.

*The NSW manufacturer changed its name to Avida in 2013

VERDICT

The Winnebago Escape is something a bit different: an Australian-built conversion that really does extend the reach of the traditional campervan.

With options available including a slide-in Trade Pack the weekend fun can easily transition into weekday work duties, which might even make your accountant smile.

WHAT WE LIKED
• versatile layout 
• easy set-up
• pleasant to drive

NOT SO MUCH
• restricted headroom in rear
• no ladder for top bed included
• halogen rather than LED lighting

WINNEBAGO ESCAPE

Chassis: Fiat Ducato XLWB van
Conversion: Four Berth Campervan
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine
Power/torque: 115kw @ 3200-3500rpm/400Nm @ 1700rpm
Transmission: six-speed AMT (manual optional)
Fuel: 90 litre diesel
GVM: 4005kg
GCM: 6505kg
Towing capacity: 2500kg
Length: 6363mm
Width: 2100mm
Height: 2520mm
Fridge: Dometic 104 litre three-way
Toilet: Thetford flushing bowl with cassette
Battery: 100aH with 16 amp charger
Hot water: 12v electric start gas
Lighting: 12V halogen
Gas: 8kg
Price: $106,990 (on road NSW)
Supplied by: Sydney RV Centre
More info: Avida RV