Stepping into a 2008 Scepter without any adult supervision is probably far more dangerous than the folks at Holiday Rambler realize. Of course maybe they do realize the danger and it’s just part of the plot to entice you to give in to temptation, like the candies so many stores strategically position near the checkout counter in grocery stores just at a child’s eye level. If so, the plot is admittedly successful (somewhat like the checkout counter candy ploy). But this is temptation on a much grander scale.

The Plot Thickens

As you enter the coach’s cockpit, a feeling of openness and comfort greets you, from the smooth texture of the Ultraleather™ captain’s chairs to the unobstructed view from the Panaview™ one-piece windshield. Inside this cockpit there’s room to stretch your legs when you sit down. But the captain’s chairs pose a potential danger to the driver. That’s right, a danger. They are so comfortable as you sink into them the implicit invitation to just lay back and relax holds a nearly irresistible allure. Buttons and switches have easy to read labels and a system of symbols that are easy to interpret and most switches are readily accessible from the driver’s seat. At the touch of one (well potentially two) of those handy buttons, privacy screens descend offering relief from the hot summer sun for the driver, navigator or both.

In the living area two sofas provide a welcome seating option for additional guests. Plus, additional seatbelts located in those sofas allow you to make sure grandchildren and any other loved ones are safely belted in. And whether you’re parked or on the move, whenever you feel the need to show guests those old home movies of Uncle Petie and his first homemade potato cannon, a 32-inch flatscreen LCD TV descends from the cockpit ceiling to offer visitors optimal viewing opportunities.

Golden woodwork and Corian® countertops gleam in the soft light of the kitchen. Top-hinged cabinet doors are found throughout the coach for easier access, not so much bending or contorting required to get at items stored in cabinets. Not to mention that those top-hinged doors demonstrate how deeply Holiday Rambler takes customer feedback to heart, since those very top-hinged cabinet doors were an owner-inspired modification.

The spacious stateroom was packed with plenty of storage space for clothing, knickknacks and whatever treasures you bring with you or pick up on your journeys. The bed was comfortable and the wardrobe was ample.

Two new décor packages are available for 2008, Satin Sable and Raspberry Truffle. The décor package used in the coach viewed for this article was Raspberry Truffle. Not only did it sound luscious, it was pretty, too. Colors are in soothing golden browns and creams. The comforter for the bed was satin in shimmering shades of red, gold and cream finished with gold trim.

Bang for the Buck

All four floorplans have quad-slideouts and feature first-class amenities. The 42-foot Scepter DSQ features the luxurious and coveted bath and a half floorplan. The half bath allows you to offer a restroom area to dinner guests while preserving the privacy of your own palatial bathroom. Allowing you the freedom to fling all the dirty towels you want on the floor with reckless abandon without fearing your guests will see the mess. This private bathroom is as wide and open as a second bedroom. The stateroom wardrobe is stationed in the back wall of the master bathroom. Initially the wardrobe placement seemed strange but upon considering the perks of having all the contents of your wardrobe right at your fingertips maybe this should be the wave of the future.

In addition to the splendor of the 42 DSQ’s bath and a half, the 42 FKQ has it’s own horn to blow. In this model the kitchen is placed directly behind the cockpit with the living area in the coach’s mid-section. This living area sports a superhero sized home theater system featuring a 37-inch flatscreen LCD TV in a hutch at the back of the mid-section. The other two floorplans give buyers the option of the tried and true PDQ floorplan in lengths of 40 or 42 feet.

One upgrade that has industry professionals and buyers talking is the Roadmaster RR10S Series tag axle available on 42-foot floorplans (RR8S Series on 40PDQ). “Scepter has the most competitively priced tag axle floorplans in the industry,” said Holiday Rambler National Sales Manager, Ken Walters. “It gives people a selection. The Roadmaster chassis is a gigantic deal.

“It gives you the most bang for the buck when it comes to the tag axle at this pricepoint,” Walters said. “The Scepter represents our entry into the tag axle market.” So, this is the first time that the tag axle has been offered by Holiday Rambler in a coach at this pricepoint. The tag axle enhances safety, offers greater maneuverability and performance. “It provides a whole lot more availability [for buyers looking for the] tag axle.”

The tag axle is not the only item to fill out the Scepter’s list of features. Other popular features that have drawn buyers to the Scepter include: The Cummins® ISL 400 hp engine with Allison® 3000 MH 6-speed transmission and 1,200 foot-pounds of torque, the automatic leveling system, the 10,000 pound hitch receiver, ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen and bathroom and the No-Fuss flush holding tank rinsing system, to name just a few.

A multitude of options give potential owners the opportunity to adapt their Scepter to meet their needs. “There is a full tile option available for the front living room,” Walters said. “More and more people want that and we’re providing it.” Another recent addition: the Aqua-Hot 450 water and heating system can provide you with more hot showers than you’ll know what to do with. Then there’s the well-loved Super Savings package, a package that delivers the popular three-camera system, RV Sani-Con tank drainage system, a solid surface kitchen sink and an additional storage bay slideout tray.

For a clean modern look the stainless steel package is available for microwave and refrigerator. Speaking of the fridge, it’s also possible to upgrade that standard 12 cubic-foot unit to a 14 cubic-foot edition, giving your cold storage items a little more elbow room.

There are a couple other options of interest beg to be mentioned. The exterior entertainment center with a 26-inch flatscreen LCD TV lets you watch the game while you’re manning the grill or hosting a game day picnic at your favorite campground. One hands-down favorite option will more than likely be the king-size Select Comfort air mattress. But then there’s also the roadside wraparound computer desk with, get this, an Ultraleather™ Euro-Recliner with heat and massage capabilities. Now, that’s the way to work while on the road.

The Great Outdoors

Along with all that’s on the inside, there are some features to love on the outside of the coach as well. “Exterior styling [on the Scepter] is unmatched,” Walters said. Bold colors in a five color blend and fade paint scheme swoop across the body of the coach to catch the eye. The pass-through storage bays are deep enough and wide enough one has to crouch down next to them just to see the other side.

So, what brings customers to the Scepter? “Value and styling,” according to Walters. “The 42-foot floorplans have a 10-airbag system. Plus, the Roadmaster chassis makes quite a difference. “The picture speaks pretty loudly for itself,” Walters added. “It’s just a great full-tier coach.”

Features and options galore, a paint job and sleek design that offer a little roadside eye candy, plus a clearly demonstrated understanding of comfort and livability, the 2008 Scepter is one tempting treat.