About Escape Traveler
Escape Traveler has been designing and building tiny homes for over 30 years. Based in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, the company operates out of its own 45,000 sq. ft. RVIA-inspected facility, where each unit is hand-crafted by professionals using premium, sustainable materials. Today, thousands of Escape units are in use across the country, including on multiple Hawaiian islands.
Each Escape unit is designed by an award-winning AIA architectural firm — SALA Architects — with a focus on light, flow, and livable comfort within a compact footprint. The company sells factory-direct, meaning there are no dealers or middlemen involved in the purchasing process.
Escape Units as ADUs and Accessory Dwellings
Escape units are classified as Travel Trailer RVs under federal regulation, which means they are not subject to property taxes in most jurisdictions. This classification also makes them a practical option for those looking for an accessory dwelling unit solution. Because they arrive on wheels and are delivered complete and ready to use, they can function as a backyard cottage, in-law suite, or granny flat alternative — without the permitting complexity typically associated with a traditionally built ADU.
Escape units are not manufactured or modular housing. They are inspected by the RVIA and certified as complying with the NFPA 1192 standard for recreational vehicles. As a result, they can be placed in RV parks and many other locations without requiring building permits, though local zoning rules do vary and prospective buyers are advised to check with their local zoning office.
The units are also used as income-generating rentals, including Airbnb listings, as well as second homes and vacation properties. Escape also operates its own communities, including Canoe Bay Village and Escape Tampa Bay, where units can be placed without HOA fees or long-term maintenance concerns.
Construction, Certification, and Customization
Every Escape unit is built from scratch in America, using American materials and craftsmen. The company purchases premium materials in bulk, which helps keep pricing more accessible compared to smaller builders. Build times for ordered units typically range from 60 to 130 days, depending on the model and selected options. Units are also sometimes available in stock or already in production for quicker purchase.
Key features of Escape units include:
- RVIA inspection and certification on every unit
- A 2-year warranty, with many third-party components carrying longer warranties
- Options for heating and cooling, including LP furnace, electric heat pump, baseboard heat, and fireplace
- Off-grid capability with some limitations, including solar power compatibility
- Washer/dryer hookups and furnishing options available
- Energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials
- Customization options available depending on the model
All Escape units are delivered fully complete. The company does not sell shells, plans, or trailers separately. Buyers are responsible for site preparation, which includes ensuring the site is level, firm, and accessible for delivery. Utility hookups — power, water, and sewer — are single-drop connections designed for straightforward installation.
Financing is available through standard RV or auto financing channels, as Escape units are legally classified as RVs. The company is sold factory-direct, and all inquiries and service requests are handled directly by the Escape team.