During a recent preview of the new model line-ups for Holiday Rambler, two things were immediately apparent. First, Holiday Rambler has once again hit the mark when it comes to offering a selection of motorhomes sure to fit any RVing lifestyle; and second, a vast array of shoppers in search of a full service RV are going to find themselves drawn to the 2006 Scepter. The reason why this diesel pusher will be such a hit with motorhome buyers is because the 2006 Scepter is not just user-friendly, it’s a true camping RV.

With a choice of six floorplans that range in length from 38 to 40 feet, everyone interested in purchasing a Scepter is going to have plenty of room to move when it comes to personalizing their rides. Gross vehicle weight is rated at 34,600 and interior height has been increased to 84 inches, laying to rest any fear of having to compromise size for economy. The front cap is redesigned and encompasses a higher one-piece windshield along with new style headlights that modernize the appearance of the Scepter. Getting to the storage bays is convenient with side hinge doors, and access to the roof a snap with a rear ladder that comes standard. Constructed on the Roadmaster RR8S Series Chassis with undercoating, other standard features to the 2006 Scepter include a Cummins ISL 400 engine, aluminum side-mount radiator, automatic traction control and a 10,000-pound hitch receiver. The 103-gallon fuel tank capacity is easily accessed through a dual fill, a feature that comes in handy when an RVer can spend more time navigating a fuel island and less time worrying about which side the tank door is on.

This year’s model offers front disc brakes, which is a big plus for a motorhome in this price. Disc brakes are fully exposed to air and that works to constantly cool the rotors. Considering that a majority of stopping power comes from the front wheels of a motorhome, it’s nice to build in a little less worry about overheating the brakes. A few other stock items on the 2006 Scepter are polished aluminum wheels, the front 3M mask and a rear full-length mudflap. The exterior attractions don’t end there. Heated sideview mirrors have built-in turn signals, clearance and side marker lights are LED, pre-wiring is installed for a supplemental brake system and leveling is automatic.

The beauty of a motorhome like the Scepter is that you can be just as comfortable away from the crowd as you are in a full hook-up campground. For RVers interested in extended stays off the beaten path, there is plenty of on-board assistance with the 10-gallon hot water heater and 55-gallon LP tank. Water supplies will be plentiful with the 100-gallon fresh water tank, and electrical needs can be easily met with four 6V house batteries located on a slideout tray, an Onan Quiet Diesel generator and a 2000-Watt inverter. Exterior tanks have monitor panels, and outside storage compartments have 120V receptacles. Setting up in the darkness of twilight will be a little easier thanks to lights in the outside bay storage compartments, under the hood, and when the porch light is illuminated, on the entry step, as well. Those who prefer the freedom of dry camping should also give some consideration to the optional Auto Gen Start and 60-Watt solar panel.

In the cockpit of the 2006 Scepter the stepwell area can be illuminated. Lights are also located on the bottom of the television cabinet. The battery cutoff switch at the front door will come in handy, and a boost switch on the dash is a great way to team up the chassis batteries with the house batteries for a cold morning start. The cockpit still comes standard with ultra leather power seats and pull-down shades on both the driver and passenger sides. And some new features are an adjustable rearview camera with color and audio, increased size in the odometer reading, a redesigned Smartwheel and tile flooring in the entry way. Options that will help enhance drive time are a three-camera rearview system and auxiliary defrost.

Buyers will need to set aside some time to peruse a long list of interior décor options on the newest Scepter. Ceramic tile flooring is standard in the kitchen and bath. The ceiling is made from soft touch vinyl and houses a 12V attic fan with a sensor to automatically close the vent at any sign of rain intrusion. Crown molding adorns the walls and fabric valances are accented with hardwood.

A home theater DVD/VCR system comes standard and speakers are attractively wedge-mounted in the ceiling. A 24-inch flat-screen television is offered standard, but can be replaced with the optional 32-inch flat-screen. An additional entertainment option in the 2006 Scepter is a fully automatic in-motion digital satellite system.

Oak cabinetry comes standard along with solid raised panel doors in the cabinets. In the kitchen, overhead storage is top-hinged and designed with adjustable shelves. Cabinet shelves are lined and drawer guides are constructed on heavy-duty ball bearings. Satin nickel cabinetry hardware is offered as a standard feature. The galley includes a tip-out tray and wastebasket storage under the sink. New to select models of the 2006 Scepter is a rollout pantry and customized storage for the sink and stovetop covers. The four-door refrigerator/ice maker has been moved from option to standard, and can replaced with the optional 2-door stainless steel refrigerator with an ice dispenser in the door.

The bathroom area of the ’06 Scepter is comfortable and boasts a solid surface countertop with integrated sink. There is a fan in the private bath with a wall control for power. The raised panel bathroom door is constructed from solid wood and a wallpaper border in the private lavatory comes standard. The Scepter is pre-plumbed for a washer/dryer and these components can be added as an option.

In the bedroom, nightstands are constructed with solid surface countertops and select models that offer a bedroom dresser also include an integrated laundry hamper. A 20-inch remote control television in the bedroom is standard, and a bedroom clock radio with CD/DVD players can be added as an option.

This diesel pusher motorhome has been built to make the most of RVing, and promises to fill the bill for anyone interested in a quick sprint of weekending or the long stretches of extended RVing.