DriveTech

2006 Gulf Stream Edura Max
35-foot Toy Box RV is the ultimate motorhome

Are you ready for the desert season? If you owned this 35-foot beauty, the answer would be "yes."

Motorhomes have come a long way, especially with the introduction of the "Toy Box Trailer," which allows you to load your desert toys in the back of a trailer that also houses living quarters. In other words, take a motorhome and stretch it out so you can load your motorcycles and quads. If the desert isn't for you, but you like riding your motorcycle, the Gulf Stream Edura Max just may be the answer.

This unit came from 10,000 RV, which handles all types of RVs and trailers for the desert or just hitting the open road with all the comforts of home. I tested an Edura mounted on a 2006 C5500 Chevrolet 2 1/2-ton chassis. That's
powered by a Duramax diesel backed by an Allison five-speed automatic transmission that has the pulling power to get your vehicle up just about any hill.

The driver and front passenger are treated to big leather captain seats that adjust electrically to set positions. The dash is well equipped with all the gauges needed to keep track of your rig. For added style, the dash also has
a beautiful wood treatment. It has A/C, of course, and a great sound system that's piped throughout the unit, even in the back where the toys are. A very comfortable couch converts into a bed and a booth dinette also turns
into a bed. Above the driver and passenger is a very comfortable bed for two and a 20-inch flat screen TV that swings out for maximum viewing.

I was a little concerned that this Endura Max doesn't have a backup camera, but as I snooped around, I found a small screen on the backside of the visor that is a backup camera screen. It engages automatically when you put the coach into reverse. Really cool.

You get a full galley of creature comforts with a three-burner stovetop, a combination microwave, convection oven, a full double-door refrigerator, 13,500-BTU roof air conditioning with roof ducts and hardwood cabinetry. The floors are linoleum, so tracked in dirt and mud can be cleaned up easily.

If you like a full bath, you're in luck. You can get a shower-tub
combination with a large skylight, a real toilet and a sink with a vanity mirror. For those times you just want to sit and enjoy the scenery, the 4.0 Generac generator runs on diesel and is one of the quietest ones I've tested. That may be due to the Thermopane windows throughout the unit. And if you have rowdy kids, the electric leveler controls are just to the right of the driver seat.

Getting in and out of the Endura Max is simple, thanks to a side door that comes with an electrical step. If you decide to sit outside, you get a full awning. This coach also has a slide out in the front room for added space.

If you watch NASCAR, you've seen teams loading and unloading the racecars on a ramp that travels from the ground to the top of the trailer. You get the same system in the Edura Max and it's all operated by a hand control that
allows you to walk around the rear of the unit for added safety. Once you've lowered the rear ramp (which holds up to 8,000 pounds), hit a switch in the rear cargo area and the rear roll-up door goes up with ease. When you're at
your destination and you want to use the cargo area as lliving space, there's a large pull-down screen to keep the bugs out.

In the rear area are two fold-up couches, overhead storage and an inside ladder that goes to the roof for access to the observation deck. There's also a door that can lock so no one has access to the living quarters if you don't want them too. There's plenty of lighting and electrical outlets for
all your needs and the floor in the rear is covered with a non-skid material for loading your toys in wet weather (there are plenty of tie-downs as well).

Driving the Endura Max is as easy as driving a Chevy van. Give 10,000 RV a call to set up an appointment for a test drive and see if this unit will fit your needs. Call the dealership at (800) 748-5820 or go to
http://10000rv.net to cruise the lots from your computer.