A great deal of collective wisdom speaks to the beauty of balance, and with the 2005 Signature Series, Monaco has achieved a seamless integration of brawn and elegance that would make the yin-yang symbol jealous. From the gentle curves of sculpted carpet and padded ceiling to the razor sharp exterior and snarling authority of 500 horsepower, this motorcoach offers luxury in all the right proportions.

Figuring out where to start with this review was not easy. The “What’s New” listings in the 2005 Signature Series roster runs three pages in length and covers everything from a complete revolution in body design to a wall switch in the bedroom that controls all the awnings, with a vast choice of furniture and entertainment selections in between.

Constructed on the Roadmaster S-Series, Semi-Monocoque Chassis, the 2005 Signature comes standard with a Cummins ISM 500 HP engine. The Cummins ISX 525 and Detroit Diesel 515 HP engine are available as options. Tow hitch rating is 10,000 pounds. Along with newly designed headlights, taillights, clearance lights and backup lights, new graphics are included in the seven different paint scheme designs. The windshield has been redesigned and includes a new windshield wiper system. Chrome paddle locks are provided on the engine door and  the front run box. Insulated aluminum baggage doors incorporate power locks, side hinge on certain floorplan designs, and interior slide trays in select pass through and single side bay compartments.

Maintaining the 2005 Signature should be streamlined with a one-piece generator door, new rear ladder design, and a drain plug added to the hydraulic tank. The water service bay, constructed in stainless steel, includes the winterization valve, gravity water fill and a monitor panel to check tank levels. A water purifier system comes standard and is installed in the outside service bay. The Sani-Con black tank drainage system is an option.

Inside the cockpit is a Corian step well with two steps that are wider in size and seem easier to maneuver. Small attractive lights line the steps, and are part of a new courtesy lighting system that encompass, along with the step well, the kitchen, bath and bedroom. The dash design in the cockpit includes a burl instrumentation panel, attractive and easy to read gauges, and a warning light to alert the driver if the TV antenna is still sticking up. A small tray is located perfectly for holding toll road change or any of those other obscure items the driver needs to keep within easy reach. The GPS, the SmartWheel, and the Aladdin system with a new audible alarm on the joystick come standard. OnStar, XM Satellite Radio and VORAD are offered as options. The rear view camera includes a small air release that blows off moisture and debris at the flip of a dash button. Pilot and co-pilot seat designs are new and include seat heaters. Sun visors have been redesigned, and the privacy blinds are power operated.

The 2005 Signature Series is available in a choice of eleven floorplans, and seven different interior packages with designer textured carpeting in the living room and bedroom. The door style and hardware on the wood cabinets, ceiling design, edging on the solid surface countertops and deeper cabinets and drawers are all new this model year. New style switches are installed to control the new Multiplex system that operates a series of electrical components from conveniently located, well-lit and clearly labeled control pads. An Onan 12.5 kW generator with auto temp start and Trace inverter with remote start come standard, and the All Electric Signature is optional in select model floorplans. In the dining room and the living area are power silhouette shades that the Multiplex system will open and close individually, or all at one time. A pure sine wave inverter is optional.

In the galley, a legless side sliding solid surface dinette table with a solid surface top wall cabinet comes standard, but can be replaced with an optional booth dinette. The dinette light fixture and window valance designs are new. A decorative hardwood frame surrounds the recessed wall mirror, and a glass splashguard protects furnishings from the sink. Cabinet shelves are lined, drawers are constructed with low-friction roller guides and there is built-in storage for countertop covers and a wastebasket. A four-door refrigerator with icemaker comes standard. Options include a dishwasher, ozone water filter, and a residential refrigerator.

High gloss tile floors are standard in the galley and bath of the 2005 Signature. Plank flooring is optional. The bathroom area is spacious and includes a medicine cabinet, vanity mirror, tile backsplash behind the sink, towel bars and on select floorplans, reflective paneling behind the halogen lights situated over the sink. The bathroom also sports a Corian caddy in the shower and a new showerhead. A bathtub is optional. The window in the private bath has been enlarged. A drawer can be installed under the washer/dryer on select floorplans for storage of cleaning detergents.

Where to relax is going to be a real coin toss between the front and the end zone of the 2005 Signature. The bedroom area has a 22-inch LCD flat screen television that in select models is hidden in a cabinet also housing the DVD and VCR behind a vented cabinet door with convenient finger holds. A new wardrobe design includes climate control inside the closet, and some floorplans have added drawer storage under the bed. A decorative hardwood headboard comes standard and optional mattress selections cover a vast array of sleeping preferences. Separately controlled reading lights are installed for easy reach and there is a 120V switch in the base of the bed. You can conveniently access security cameras, awnings and docking lights without getting out of bed. Floorplans with four slide rooms have added an Aqua-Hot vent to the bedroom.

It’s hard to believe that Monaco can continue to improve what always seems like perfection. But this model year, the Signature Series has undergone an impressive transformation that will bring owners closer to ultimate harmony in the RV lifestyle.