2016 Holiday Rambler Scepter 43DF Review
As Holiday Rambler’s newest and most expensive Class A motorhome, the Scepter is designed to fill your road trips with five-star luxury.
With two floorplans to choose from, we decided to explore the 43DF. For weight, the Scepter has a gross vehicle weight rating of 44,700 lbs, front gross axle weight rating of 14,700 lbs, tag gross axle weight rating of 10,000 lbs, rear gross axle weight rating of 20,000 lbs, gross combined weight rating of 59,700 lbs, hitch rating weight of 15,000 lbs, and tongue weight of 1,500 lbs.
For measurements, the Scepter has an overall length of 43’10”, overall height with A/C of 12’11”, overall width of 102”, interior height of 84”, and interior width of 96”. For liquids, Scepter’s fresh water holding tank capacity is 100 gallons, grey water holding tank capacity is 60 gallons, black water holding tank capacity is 40 gallons, and water heater tank capacity is 10 gallons.
Scepter is built for all climates and terrains, whether you’re driving in mountainous Arizona, snowy Alaska or rainy Seattle. One-piece molded fiberglass front and rear caps and aluminum tube hull framing is resistant to corrosion. Vacu-bond hull lamination process, along with the vacu-bond floor, contributes to a solid foundation. The five-layer floor is equipped with 3” foam insulation and the six-layer radius roof is equipped with 5” foam insulation. Front, rear, and engine compartments have acoustic absorption material, while the strut-assisted side-hinged luggage doors are insulated. Powered by a Cummins ISL9 engine producing 450 horsepower, the Scepter has Allison 3000 MH six-speed transmission.
Holiday Rambler knows that driver comfort is key to a successful road trip, which is why the cockpit goes above and beyond to make the driver feel safe and comfortable. Driver and passenger sit in adjustable seats that are equipped with adjustable three-point seatbelts. An automotive wrap-around dash is equipped with 12V power outlets, 110V power outlet, USB charger, and touch screen radio with GPS navigation. For safety, the driver has a color rear and side-vision camera, color back-up monitor, auxiliary start circuit, auxiliary fog lamps and a smart wheel with tilt.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 American Coach American Revolution 42W
When you walk into the Scepter’s living room you’ll forget you’re in an RV. The interior features modern, luxury décor that could only be found in a designer catalog or luxury hotel. Spacious slideouts expand the living space and beautiful hardwood warms it up. The entertainment center features a 50” LED HD TV, Blueray DVD Player, sound bar and TV antenna. If you want to go all out, you can request an electric fireplace. The villa seat styling features a comfortable sofa that turns into an equally comfortable bed. You can also request dual Euro recliners and a jackknife sofa.
Luxury is in the details. Crown molding throughout the space comes with decorative corner caps, and the soft touch padded ceiling has decorative trim. The polished porcelain tile floor comes with accent inlays, and for an extra price you can request a heated floor. Hardwood cabinetry features fully concealed and adjustable cabinet door hinges. Countertops have decorative edge treatment, and the Deluxe roller bearing, full-extension drawer guides are equipped with transit-ship locks.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Thor Challenger 37LX
To stay energized on long journeys, you’ll have to spend some time in the kitchen. Scepter’s kitchen is as beautiful as it is useful. The residential fridge comes with an icemaker and the high-rise faucet comes with a sprayer. Under-galley shelving is equipped with a wastebasket and the Whirpool convection stainless steel microwave oven has a built-in range hood.
Scepter’s bathroom will make you forget that you’re home has wheels. It’s equipped with the essentials, and more. The ABS shower tub has surround and the residential-style faucet has a large sink. The bath door has a residential passage lock and towel bars. The vanity is equipped with dual solid-surface sinks and even a makeup bench. You’ll struggle to find a better RV bathroom.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Tiffin Zephyr 45 DZ
In the bedroom the queen bed memory foam mattress comes with a beautiful bedspread and décor pillows. It also features under-bed storage, providing you with ample room to store extra bed sheets. With a mirrored wardrobe and overhead cabinetry above, you won’t run out of places to store your stuff. Scepter also gives you a stackable washer/dryer, which means you can say goodbye to Laundromats. If you like to take up a lot of space on the bed, request a King-size mattress instead of the Queen.
The Holiday Rambler Scepter 43DF sells for around $350,000. Visit HolidayRambler.com for more information.
