When asked to highlight some features on the 2007 Neptune XL, Holiday Rambler Regional Sales Manager Kevin Atkinson cut right to the chase. “[The XL package offers] a value savings package of $1,780,” he said. The key features Atkinson mentioned form a lengthy list, which includes a 325HP engine, 6-speed transmission, raised rail chassis with a full pass-through bay, arched back wood booth dinette and a Sleep Number® queen-size bed by Select Comfort™.

The 2007 Neptune is available with six floorplans ranging in length from 34 to 38 feet. Because lashing rain was turning the interstate into lakefront property, I selected the maneuverable (in other words, shorter) 34SBD to take for a drive.

The exterior of the ’07 Neptune XL sports new front and rear caps, eye-catching deluxe full-body paint, chrome heated mirrors, automatic patio awning, 3M front film mask and a full-length mudflap. Vehicle weight ratings have been raised to 27,500 pounds on GVWR, and 10,000 and 17,500 pounds on the front and rear axle ratings, respectively. The Neptune XL’s hitch rating is 7,000 pounds and pre-wiring for a supplemental brake system comes standard.

As Atkinson said, the Neptune XL is constructed on a raised rail chassis to provide improved driving and handling, as well as a full pass-through bay. “Take a test drive at your local Holiday Rambler dealer to see what I’m talking about,” he suggested.

Compartment doors are side-hinged and lined with functional molded polyethylene. The rear engine door is restyled, the generator door access is one-piece and Holiday Rambler’s signature stamp is displayed on the front and rear caps.

Inside the cockpit is a fiberglass dash with a burl instrument panel. Black and white lettering, amber lighting and white needles make seeing and reading the instrument panel gauges much easier. There are also two separate air gauges: one for the front air tank, and one for the rear air tank. Also available in the cockpit of the XL package are OptimaLeather™ cockpit seats and a three-camera rear vision system. Plus, the system is wired, ready to add GPS or Sirius Satellite Radio.

She may be the smallest in the stable, but the double slide rooms and a north-south bed make a big impression when the 34SBD is put into full camping mode. A fully hydraulic leveling system comes standard and the electronic ignition furnace heats up the interior within minutes. Residential improvements on the Neptune XL package include raised-panel upper cabinet doors, upgraded light fixtures, satin nickel hardware and fixtures, a tile runner laminate floor covers the living area and the 34SBD comes prepared to add a washer/dryer.

In the galley, visible upgrades like the stainless steel microwave and refrigerator front, a Corian® backsplash at the cooktop, high output sealed burners and a wood-louvered air return grill for the furnace greet the eye. An arched back booth dinette with a legless countertop and 30-inch drawer provide improved aesthetics.

Bathroom enhancements in the XL package include new shower doors, a diverter hose with showerhead shut-off, porcelain stool and a rain sensor on the attic fan. For extended boondocking, holding tank capacity on the ’07 Neptune XL has been increased to 55 gallons for the gray tank, 39 gallons for the black tank and 95 gallons for the fresh water tank.

The Sleep Number air mattress in the bedroom is controlled using remotes situated on each side of the queen bed. The remotes are used to set the mattress to each sleeper’s desired firmness or softness at the touch of a button. I was a little skeptical before giving this technological marvel of a mattress a try, now I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back to anything else. Also available in the bedroom of the XL is a 20-inch television and the optional central vacuum system.

Décors packages in the 2007 Neptune comprise three choices of wood and four fabric choices including a new fabric selection, Brown Sugar, offered on the XL package.

Electrical loads are easily handled with a 50-amp distribution panel, Onan® 5.5kW diesel generator, two six-volt house batteries and a 60-amp converter. If you plan to do a lot of dry camping, which seems reasonable given this motorhome’s ability to easily adapt to either outdoor resort or wilderness, a 2,000-watt inverter and additional house batteries can be added as an option.

Driving the 2007 Neptune XL gave an extra boost to my driving confidence. Despite driving rain, the Cummins® ISB 325HP engine, Allison® 6-speed transmission and anti-lock brakes with a full airbrake system made road-handling a breeze. This coach carries a fuel tank with a capacity of 75 gallons and a dual-fill system takes the guesswork out of determining which side of a gas station island you need to access. The Neptune also provides an alternator with 160 amps and fog lights help add additional visibility while navigating through rough weather.

According to Atkinson, the top three best-selling floorplans are the 38PBT, 36PDQ and 34SBD, in that order. Maneuverability, comfort and a variety of floorplans have helped make the 2007 Neptune XL a hot model.

However, Atkinson confided one more reason why the XL package is garnering so much consumer attention. “We did a good job of holding the price down.”

With a variety of highline upgrades and an MSRP entry-level diesel owners can live with, it doesn’t take psychic power to predict the XL package will be a popular pick among the Holiday Rambler lineup this year.

To request a brochure for the 2007 Neptune XL, call (800) 245-4778.