Since it’s inception, the Holiday Rambler Imperial has been a champion in the arena of luxury diesel pushers, but the 2005 model year brings us an Imperial that has somehow managed to improve. In every category, from actual physical prowess to technical amenities, the 2005 Imperial offers more. It is bigger, stronger and undeniably better.

Starting from the ground up, the Imperial is clad in new Accu-Shield™ polished aluminum wheels and riding on 10 outboard mounted air bags and 10 Bilstein shock absorbers, up from eight last year. These are necessary because when you’ve got more wheels, you need more cushion in the suspension. More wheels, you say? That’s right, the 2005 Imperial now sports a tag axle with anti-lock braking system: big news. For those who don’t know, the benefits of a tag axle include an extra set of brakes for increased stopping power, less wear and tear on tires, improved balance and easier handling. It’s especially important in bigger rigs because, as I’ve heard one RVer say, “Rock and roll should come from the speakers, not the chassis.” The new eight-inch chassis rails act as the foundation for all of this.

An upgraded chassis means the Imperial has increased accommodation for larger floorplans – exactly what the designers and engineers had in mind. For the first time, the ’05 Imperial is available in a 42-foot floorplan, actually, four of them to be exact. All told, including last year’s carried over quad-slide and two new 40-foot floorplans, the Imperial offers a grand total of five quad-slides.

It isn’t just the size of the Imperial that’s impressive, however, it’s also the complementary changes in storage and equipment that has occurred. The fuel tank and LP gas/electric water heater tanks are both larger by two gallons, the dual zone electronic ignition furnaces have increased output, and upgraded generators (Onan 10 kW on 42-foot models and Onan 8 kW on all others) mean increased capacity for electric loads and easier dry camping.

A few of the new exterior standards include fiberglass skirts, a remote engine start/kill switch located in the engine compartment, lockout windshield wipers, painted DSS dish and A/C covers to match the vents, and dual head, power controlled heated mirrors with turn indicator lights. This list doesn’t include the new options to standard, such as an improved emissions engine, automatic power cord reel, automatic patio and entry door awnings and a full-length mud flap.

Stepping inside, if you feel two inches shorter that’s because the ceiling is two inches higher, with an increased interior height of 81 inches. The entire dash and cockpit area has been upgraded and redesigned. A handsome Eagle Burlwood instrumentation panel is the background for tan gauges with satin nickel bezel, and the lighted VIP Smartwheel gets the same burlwood treatment. The AM/FM six-disc CD player comes ready to receive Sirius satellite radio and the Aladdin Video Coach Monitoring System has been redesigned for use with the optional SEE-Vision system. All of this will be enjoyed from the Ultraleather pilot and co-pilot seats with six way power adjustment and co-pilot foot rest.

There are too many interior redesigns to name them all, but highlights include four new decors, an updated solid surface countertop with integrated sink and an innovative solid surface backsplash with metal tile inserts, plus new wallpaper, polished ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen, bath and entry, and redesigned hardwood fascia, window treatments and headboard.

The bedroom sees the majority of standard electronic upgrades, including a new 22-inch flat screen television and optional DVD player. However, a 37-inch flat screen television with computer desk in the living area, a new GPS system with flip-up color monitor, an in-motion digital satellite system and a king bed are other options appearing for the first time in the Imperial. The options available for the leveling system now include an air leveling system or dual, air/hydraulic combination.

Of course, the furniture available in the 2005 Imperial is also feeling the hand of change, and standing as evidence of that are the new free standing dinette chairs, “villa-style” furniture in the living area and an optional fold down coffee table and wrap around computer table with leather recliner.

In all of this newness, it’s easy to forget that the Imperial continues to carry the host of standards and options that made it such a magnificent coach last year (a standard 24 inch television, 30-inch flat screen option, pass through storage bays with slideout trays and an optional OnStar system come to mind). When you pair a larger, more substantial coach with technological upgrades and traditional Holiday Rambler quality, the decision is easy: the 2005 Imperial is a knockout.