MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — Jayco is offering an all new Class C motorhome for 2003, the Escapade®. The coach is designed to take advantage of a specific, growing niche market.

“Changes in the travel market have brought about a significant increase in the demand for RV rentals,” said Paul Gardner, motorized product manager for Jayco. “The new 2003 Escapade gives dealers a low-cost, high-value choice to supply this market. It also provides an excellent entry level platform for those new to the motorhome market.”

RV rentals are up substantially this year. Spokesmen for two of the nation’s largest RV rental companies have said first-time RV users are major contributors to this trend.

“Part of the strategy for expanding the industry is to convince non-RVers to give the lifestyle a try. Renting an RV is a practical way of doing that,” said Gardner. “We believe that if we can provide those first time users with a quality product, they will be more inclined to buy. And, we are providing that quality product at a reasonable price.”

Despite its relatively low price, Jayco treats Escapade users to easy, van-like handling and luxurious interiors. There are three interior color decors: Blue Lagoon, Nile Green and Bayside Beige.

The Escapade is available in three floorplans, a 24-foot coach, a 28-foot unit and a 31-foot model. The 24-foot unit comes on a Chevrolet chassis with an 8.1L V8 engine. The other two floorplans employ a Ford chassis with 6.8L V10 engine.

Standard for Escapade are power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel and rubber body mounts. The cockpit boasts a deluxe AM/FM stereo with cassette player, recliner seats with front and back adjustments and lap and shoulder safety belts.

The interior has roomy overhead cabinets, including a TV cabinet. A 13-inch television is optional. Each unit has mini-blinds and the box valances are fabric covered. Easy maintenance vinyl flooring is standard throughout.

Designers paid special attention to the kitchen, making it efficient and useful. The stainless steel sink has its own cutting board. Each unit is equipped with a three-burner range and an oven is optional. Other kitchen standards include a flush-mount, six-cubic-foot double door refrigerator, the microwave oven and the laminate countertops. The cabinet and drawer faces in the kitchen are Fairfield Oak.

The bathroom is equipped with a skylight and removable clothes rods while the bedroom has a queen bed with deluxe mattress. A full bed is standard in the 24-foot model.

Those who want to make their Escapade a little more special have loads of options from which to choose. Twin beds with a wardrobe are available in the 28-foot model and a double bed with a bunk is optional for the 24-foot unit.

Flooring in the living room and bedroom can be upgraded to carpeting and a 13-inch color TV and exterior entertainment center are available.

Jayco continues its 2+3 Warranty — two years bumper to bumper and three years for the structure. It also provides a user-friendly owner’s manual. All buyers also receive a one-year membership in Jayco’s owner’s club.

Jayco, Inc., headquartered in Middlebury, Ind., is one of the largest privately held manufacturers of recreational vehicles. It manufactures and markets a full line of motorhomes, folding camping trailers and travel trailers under the brand names AVATAR, Firenza, Greyhawk, Granite Ridge, Eagle, Qwest, Jay Flight, Designer, Kiwi and Talon.

For more information, call 1-800-RV-JAYCO, e-mail us at info@jayco.com <mailto:info@jayco.com> or write Jayco, Inc., P.O. Box 460, Middlebury, IN 46540.