DriveTech

2007 Damon Outlaw 36-foot motor home is traveling in style

Here is the way I'd go to Sturgis, the biggest motorcycle event in the US. First, I'd send out my Harley for a good detail. Then I'd head down to my local Harley store to stock up on cool Harley clothes. I would then head over to 10,000 RV in Kearny Mesa or San Marcos (check out its website for directions at www.10000rv.com) to pick up a 2007 Damon Outlaw 36-foot motor home powered by Ford.

Why an Outlaw? When you see one, you'll understand. You can load passengers, put the Harley in the rear garage area, latch it down and head to Sturgis in style and comfort. Once you get to the hotel, unload your freshly detailed Harley, climb into your road gear and make your presence known on the Sturgis strip. Sure, you're going to catch a lot of static for being a trailer queen but you will sleep a lot better than those who road out to Sturgis the hard way and camp on the dirt.

The Damon Outlaw is a motorhome with all the comforts of home, including microwave, stove top, full refrigerator, air conditioning and heating - all controlled by a handheld device with a garage. There's a very comfortable couch that transforms into an airbed. The booth style table is not only comfy but has plenty of room for four adults. For entertainment, there's a 27-inch flat screen TV with a VHS/DVD player with remote and speakers throughout the coach. You can have a TV in the upper bedroom for privacy and you can even hook up a TV in the cargo area for those late night repairs on your motorcycle or quad racer.

Damon hasn't forgotten anything. It also has an external gas filling station, an external shower center with hot and cold water as well as plenty of under body storage. Lowering the counter balanced rear ramp to get your toys out is so easy you can do it yourself. There is a toolbox on the wall for storing tools. You can close off the rear garage area from the rest of the coach and you don't even know you're hauling toys.

The Damon Outlaw is 36 feet long and is mounted on a Ford chassis. It comes standard with automatic levelers that have touch pad controls located at the driver dash area. The large 22.5 tires help with the stability along with vibration dampers.

Getting in the coach is a snap, thanks to a two-step electric step that opens and closes with the door (main power on or off). Look at the side shot of the Outlaw to see how the roof raises towards the rear for added height in the garage area. It has a very quiet Onan 5.5KW generator, plus 60-amp converter with outlets inside and outside.
There are three interior treatment styles; although select the wood and there's only honey maple to choose from.

One thing I found strange is that there's no way to climb on top of the Outlaw - no outside or inside ladder. Seems as if Damon wasted a good spot for motor sports viewing. But if that is the worst thing, I can live with that.

How well did it drive? I had to speak to the Pauma Valley Lions Club at Pala Casino and the drive was on a very narrow and winding road. The Outlaw handled all obstacles like a pro. Acceleration is good and braking is even better. It handles like a small van and visibility is the best, with big front windows and no TV hanging down in the middle to block the view. The large outside mirrors are easy to adjust electrically. The seats are manually controlled but are very big and comfortable. The dash is simple, with just enough gauges to keep drivers informed.

I really enjoyed my time in the Outlaw. The price is over $120,000, which isn't bad. When I asked the sales folks at 10,000 RV what it really costs, they said that they would sell it for under $100,000, The only problem is these coaches are flying off the lot at that price. So if you have a need for a motorhome with a garage, I would definitely look at the Damon Outlaw 36-footer. What a blast! All I need now is time to go to Sturgis!

Next week, I'll review a vehicle from Bob Baker Volkswagen Subaru.