Exclusivity is a nice feature in motorhomes - one the 2006 Cheetah offers by way of an optional suspension package only available to this particular model. The technical explanation of the elite suspension system is that heavy-duty Koni shocks on the front and rear axles combine with larger front airbags that are equipped with an auxiliary air tank to join together with the standard sway bar in creating a smooth, comfortable ride. In other words, this suspension package makes the Cheetah drive like a dream.
Interior height of the 2006 Cheetah has been increased to 84 inches, a feature that can make standing inside the motorhome a lot more comfortable for RVers of any height. There are five new floorplans, ranging from 34 to 40 feet, although the 40 PLQ was used for this review. The skylights in the bedroom and galley areas provided an infusion of light that enhanced the spacious interior, promising to reduce the need for electrical lights during the daylight hours, which would help to extend battery reserves while dry camping.
Additional refinements to the 2006 Cheetah include a one-piece front windshield, auto controlled exhaust fan with built-in rain sensor, armless front door awning, and a one-piece roof. Some of last year's options that have been moved to this year's standard line-up are polished aluminum wheels, power sun visors, alder hardwood cabinets and a stainless steel four-door refrigerator equipped with an icemaker.
For this review we drove the Cheetah into the mountains, and the Caterpillar C-7 engine pulled the steep grade with no more effort than it takes to exit a freeway off ramp. We didn't have a tow vehicle attached, but the hitch receiver in the 2006 Cheetah is rated at 10,000 pounds. Built on a Roadmaster Raised Rail Chassis, the Cheetah comes with a 90-gallon fuel tank, fuel/water separator, 160 amp Alternator and an aluminum rear mounted radiator with charge air cooler. Standard systems that help operate and maintain the Cheetah include manual remote air tank drains, automatic traction control, exhaust brake, a transmission temp gauge, remote transmission fill and an engine block heater.
The cockpit of the 2006 Cheetah is spacious and comfortable with an automotive dash and silver graphite metallic instrument panel, power sun visors, a color rear vision and audio system with an adjustable camera, and optional ultra leather pilot/co-pilot seats. The entry floor is tiled and there is a storage box inside the step well. We arrived at a lakeside campground and effortlessly backed the 40-foot Cheetah into a vacant site with ease. The fully automatic hydraulic leveling system comes standard and did its job in less than 30 seconds. This model unit came equipped with quad-slides, including a 30-inch deep bedroom slide, and when all four rooms were extended the floor space was substantial.
This is not the coach to buy if you crave anonymity. Within a short time of arriving, a steady stream of campground occupants stopped by to admire the deluxe full body paint, side hinge baggage doors, chrome power heated remote mirrors and a full length Safari mud flap. Capitalizing on his position as resort owner, the person gracious enough to let us use this temporary location requested a walk through for he and his wife, who are hoping to soon sell their resort and become full time RVers.
Part of the enjoyment of traveling in a motorhome is having the choice to eat in, and the Cheetah offers a galley that is comfortable to use regardless of your cooking skills. Solid surface sink and stovetop covers come standard to help expand countertop space, and this unit included a collapsible extension at one end to provide even more room for meal prep. A stainless steel microwave/convection oven is offered as an option. Cabinet storage abounds overhead, under the counter, and on this particular floorplan, inside a shelf-lined pantry.
Interior décor of the 2006 Cheetah lends an air of luxury with designer carpeting, solid surface countertops, decorative inlay on the kitchen backsplash, and satin nickel lighting. This model unit included the optional surround sound home theater system with three ceiling speakers wedge-mounted in the cockpit that looked very attractive. The Cheetah we examined had the standard 24-inch stereo color television in the cockpit overhead, but a 27-inch flatscreen LCD can be selected as an option.
In the private bath of the 40 PLQ is a new style China toilet, decorative wallpaper border and a hardwood raised panel door. The shower appears generous on space and there was storage inside a large wall cabinet and on decorative open shelving under the solid surface countertop. The monitor panel is situated in this area and that helps to make it convenient for dry campers to keep an eye on the holding tanks.
In place of a sliding pocket door at the south side of the bathroom, this model offers a French style door leading into the bedroom that provides an excellent sound barrier for anyone in search of a quiet room to get some rest. The queen-sized bed installed curbside faces a wall-cabinet with built in television on the roadside, and at the far end of the room is a sitting area complete with recliner chair, rear view window and desk area. The room is rich with storage, and satin nickel halogen lights with dimmer controls under the overhead cabinets.
The 2006 Cheetah is plumbed for a washer/dryer system. The washer/dryer package is optional, and something you should add, because the only thing worse than doing laundry while on vacation is spending hours jockeying for machine time at a public wash facility. With your own washer/dryer system on board at least you can sit by the campfire while drying a load of towels.
An Energy Management System and 2,000-watt inverter comes standard, and a 60-watt solar panel can be added as an option. Battery power is provided through four six-volt house batteries, and two 12-volt heavy-duty batteries on the chassis. Lights are installed in outside storage compartments. The 50-amp 120-volt distribution panel, power cord and 60-amp electronic 12-volt power converter are standard features. The 2006 Cheetah also comes standard with an Onan 8.0kW quiet diesel generator with an auxiliary start switch. The CO detector in the bedroom is flush mount.
Holding tank capacities in the Cheetah are 55 gallons for the grey, 39 gallons for the black, and 95 gallons for fresh. The water service center is well labeled and neatly organized, and includes a water pump switch to access the 10-gallon system from outside. A water hose reel can be added as an option. Also available as an option on the 2006 Cheetah is a waste pump designed to further maximize the holding tank capacity. The LP tank system provides an accessory hook up that comes standard.
As we prepared to depart and return the Cheetah to Monaco Coach Corporation's Coburg factory, a woman staying in a nearby campsite stopped by to make a confession. Pointing to the two full-length windows situated next to the dinette table she admitted that when we had stepped away to buy a cold drink at the store near the boat docks she dragged over an ice chest to stand on in order to peek inside. Obviously, while the 2006 Cheetah bears exclusive features, the interest it generates in the RV world will be much more universal.
So while finding the answer to all your RV needs inside an affordable motorhome isn't restricted to the Cheetah, it is a feature that doesn't come along very often. If you are in the market for a good-looking motorhome that has what it takes to make your RV dream come true, take a closer look at the 2006 model. You'll be pleasantly surprised. |
