According to Monaco, acquiring a Cayman is taking that “big step up to diesel.” For many of us, making the move to acquire a first diesel motorhome usually means finding something in the entry-level category, and the only way to narrow that field is by performing some research. Chances are good that the 2006 Cayman will be one of those entry-level diesel motorhomes you come across.

The 2006 Cayman is offered in a choice of five styles ranging from 34 to 37 feet long with slide rooms numbering two, three or four, depending on the floorplan. The bedroom slideout is 30 inches deep, and that is a new feature to this model year. The Cayman presents an attractive exterior appearance, particularly with the optional full body paint that adorned the 36 PDD used for the test review. Additional exterior features worth noting on the 2006 Cayman are the side-hinge cargo bay doors, a pass through storage compartment, the single generator access door and a metal fuel door that locks.

This unit came equipped with an optional automatic patio awning, and we found it easy to operate. The amount of area this awning covered with shade was influential, especially when it was extended along with the front door awning that is available.

Our test drive in the Cayman was comfortable and the motorhome handled the road well. The Cayman is built on Monaco’s Roadmaster chassis and comes standard with four air bags, anti-lock braking system and a 7,000-pound hitch receiver. A Cummins ISB 300 engine with the Allison 2500 5-speed transmission powers this entry-level diesel. A 75-gallon fuel tank is designed for dual fill, and is enhanced by a fuel/water separator that will help to keep the fuel supply clean. You also get an automatic hydraulic leveling system and pre-wiring for a supplemental brake system.

Because the engine is located in the rear, the cockpit of the 2006 Cayman is spacious and all the gauges and controls are positioned for efficiency, right down to the dash heat and AC dials that are within easy reach of the driver’s seat. The interior step well includes lights, and there are 12V and 110V outlets in the cockpit that we used to charge our cell phones and plug in the computer.

The one-piece windshield is a new feature to this model year Cayman. Power sun visors come standard, and during our summer evening cruise we made frequent use of the side pull down shades. Seating in the cockpit is soft touch vinyl, and the pilot seat includes six-way adjustable controls. The steering wheel is tilt/telescope and a shift pad is comfortably placed for easy reach on the driver’s side console. An adjustable back up camera with an audio feature comes standard on the Cayman, but we made good use of the optional three-camera system.

I enjoy listening to the radio, and it was nice to note that the CD player/radio system in the 2006 Cayman is compatible to the Sirius satellite system and Weather Band, and comes equipped with a six-speaker system.

When you walk into the living area of the 2006 Cayman, you know you are entering a world of high standard living. The interior height is 84 inches. From the padded vinyl ceiling to the padded nylon carpeting on the floor, this motorcoach definitely delivers the luxury you expect to find in a Monaco coach of any level. Five fabric packages are offered on the 2006 Cayman line up and the Chateau Stone II used in this test model provided a nice looking décor that could be left on its own or blended easily with some personal decorating touches.

Our test drive unit had a sofa roadside and a soft vinyl recliner chair curbside. The unit included a DVD player that can be added as an option, as well as the 24-inch flat screen color television that comes standard. We decided to test the system and found it easy to view a movie. The furniture was relaxing to sit in and provided a good view to the television screen.

Laminate tile flooring and a solid surface countertop blanket the galley, along with a large double-door refrigerator and three-burner cook top that come standard. There is ample storage space and even a bit extra with a removable silverware tray, adjustable shelves, and in certain models, a second kitchen pantry. Our test unit had a booth dinette, but a dinette table with a wall cabinet is available as an option.

The hallway monitor panel is easy to read and includes the Smart EMS to help manage the supply when you are away from 50-amp hook ups. We were away from plug ins during the test review and the standard 5.5 kW diesel generator handled the battery charges just fine, but you can upgrade that to the optional 8.0 series. Another option available in 2006 is a 2,000-watt inverter.

Laminate tile flooring and the solid surface countertop extend into the bath area, along with a generous helping of drawers and cabinets in an area where storage space is generally at a premium. There is a nice sized medicine cabinet behind the mirror. Holding tank capacity in the 2006 Cayman is 92-gallons fresh water and 52-gallons in both the gray and the black tanks. Most importantly, there was plenty of room to move around the bath area and also inside the shower.

The bedroom slide room is 30-inches deep and this gives the area some extra floor space to turn around. The queen-sized bed has shirt closets and nightstands on each side, and on this model unit a bedroom dresser with drawers was located across from the end of the bed. Mirrored doors frame the closet and the door latches are designed for easy access. The bedspread and color coordinated throw pillows gave the room an attractive appeal.

Monaco invites prospective Cayman owners to “enjoy the prestige of a luxury motorhome.” Deciding to move into the diesel arena is considered a rite of passage for many RVers. The 2006 Cayman is an entry-level diesel that includes an impressive list of features and could be just what you are looking for to make that rite a reality.