The Panther is designed to be the top of the Safari line. Three floorplans are available in the 2005 model year, and they offer a selection of attractively harmonized decors, Safari’s distinguished quality cabinet design, and full body paint with well-defined graphics. According to the folks in research and development, just about everything on this year’s Panther is new: front and rear caps, slideout fascia trim and exterior graphics are just a few of the highlights.
The 2005 Safari Panther construction includes the Roadmaster S-Series Chassis enhanced with 10 outboard airbags, 10 shock absorbers, a tag axle, automatic traction control and a two-step engine brake. Combined with the power of the CAT engine, this RV practically glides down the road. In addition, a 10,000-pound hitch receiver and standard 7/4-way trailer plug provides a wider selection in choosing which tow vehicle to take along.
Bells and whistles abound in the cockpit. The fiberglass automotive dash with a silver circuit board instrument panel is wrapped around power steering, an illuminated Smart Wheel, power sun visors, adjustable floor pedals, audible turn signals and a one-piece windshield. A Safari logo etched into the panel is designed to illuminate when the dash lights are engaged—a cool new feature. The Aladdin Video Coach System has been upgraded to include in-dash outdoor temperature and a directional compass.
In the living room of the 2005 Safari Panther hardwood cabinetry compliments a recessed padded vinyl ceiling. Sculptured carpeting is optional. High quality furniture is surrounded with wallpaper, new valance style window boxes and solid surface windowsills. A 24-inch flat screen television comes standard, but can be upgraded with an optional 32-inch LCD, or a 37-inch LCD mounted in the ceiling. Optional automatic digital or in-motion satellite systems are also offered. The entertainment components in the living area of the Panther are combined in one convenient cabinet designed with metal meshing for enhanced airflow.
“The 2005 Safari Panther construction includes the Roadmaster S-Series Chassis enhanced with 10 outboard airbags, 10 shock absorbers, a tag axle, automatic traction control and a two-step engine brake.”
Ceramic tile flooring comes standard in the 2005 Panther galley. The kitchen countertops are solid surface with an integrated sink, decorative edging and tile inserts. Storage includes lined cabinet shelves, upgraded roller guide drawers, a compartmentalized drawer and built-in storage for the countertop covers. A double door refrigerator with icemaker comes standard, and stainless steel panels can be added as an option. The dinette area includes a legless table designed to adjust side-to-side, a wall cabinet with solid surface top, decorative overhead lighting and stained glass face panels adorning the cabinets. A fabric booth dinette with storage doors may be offered as an option depending on selected floorplan.
Attention to detail in the bathroom is evident with the spacious amount of floorspace that makes it easy to move about, including inside the shower. Ample storage in the bathroom is promised with a medicine cabinet and under-the-counter storage in both the main and private bath areas. A holding capacity of 56 gallons for the gray tank and 56 gallons for the black tank, drawing upon 100 gallons of fresh water supplies, helps to provide adequate dry camping accommodations.
A queen sized bed is standard in the 2005 Safari Panther, but can be replaced with the optional king sized mattress. Additional bed options are the queen and king sized air mattress with a digital remote. Blackout day/night shades, a mirrored rear oversized wardrobe closet, solid surface nightstands, clothes hamper and a dresser all come standard. The 20-inch flat screen television with remote can be upgraded to an optional 22-inch LCD, and satellite packages and second receivers for the bedroom are included in the upgrade.
The exterior of this coach provides an array of lighting with halogen fog lamps, recessed docking lights on the side, daytime running lights and a porch light. A doorbell located at the entry door sends off an audibly pleasing tone to the interior of the RV. Lined pass-through storage bays come standard, with optional slide-out trays if desired. Side hinge cargo doors are located under the slide rooms. A warning light located in the interior of the Panther illuminates if one of these cargo doors is not securely closed.
“The Panther has rightfully earned its title as the high-end unit in the Safari line.”
Access to the fuel tank usually requires the removal of a stationary panel, but in the 2005 Panther, a hinged service bay is provided for easy reach. Other maintenance items that are conveniently located on the Panther include the fresh water tank positioned for visual inspection and a slide-out battery tray. The front electrical bay can be locked for added security and is well displayed with an easy to read fuse label and wires that are neatly stowed and clearly labeled.
The engine compartment of the 2005 Safari Panther resides behind two side-swing locking doors. The chassis batteries are located inside, as well as the rear run box containing circuit breakers, relays and solenoids are clearly labeled and protected behind an easy to remove cover. A conveniently located rear start switch promises to save wear and tear on the RV interior during scheduled maintenance. Also included in the rear engine compartment is a retractable magnetic light and easy to reach positioning of the hydraulic reservoir, oil dipstick, air cleaner, radiator coolant site glass, tag axle regulator and alternator belt. New this year is the design of the hydraulic filter that has replaced the gauge with a red minder to show at a glance that the filter is clogged.
The Panther has rightfully earned its title as the high-end unit in the Safari line. If you’ve been considering an upgrade of your current Safari model, or are in the market for a quality motorhome that promises efficiency as well as comfort, this RV is sure to fit your needs. |
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