Safari Trek RV

[kyonu]

Hey guys,

So I had recently (within the last two months) decided on getting an extended, 170" (and hopefully Mega Roof) Sprinter to begin dwelling in... But, as needs arose (a second person, my work situation, etc) I decided I needed something "slightly" bigger.

So I began looking around for the smallest Class A RV's, and came across the Safari Trek. I am now a member of the Trek Traks forum, and they are the largest place for information on these units, and have been extremely helpful.

I'm looking at the 2400 model 1994 Trek, which has all the specs I need and can upgrade. This unit is 24 foot unit with a great layout as shown below:

These units are famed for their "ElectroMajik Bed" which drops down from the ceiling, which during the day, gives you a lot more wiggle room within the RV, and at night comes down above the Living room area to give you a place to sleep. On later models this is in the main living area, and in earlier models is above the captains chairs halfway, and halfway into the living area.

I'm thinking about this unit instead... Anyone have any experience with them or have any preference? Has anyone driven one of them before? I hear the handling is kinda choppy...

 

[mockturtle]

Haven't owned one but have known people who did and they were happy with them. The layout is really primo.

 

[Patrick46]

I hear the handling is kinda choppy...

well...whaddaya expect from a loaf of bread on wheels??


I'd bet this would be a great live-aboard rig. They have a great layout.
I've thought about these myself.

As for the handling...are you gonna be driving it lot, or parked a good majority of the time? If parked, then I'd say heck yeah!

My big issue is you can't sleep in the bed while blazing down the road. JMO

 

[kyonu]

well...whaddaya expect from a loaf of bread on wheels??


I'd bet this would be a great live-aboard rig. They have a great layout.
I've thought about these myself.

As for the handling...are you gonna be driving it lot, or parked a good majority of the time? If parked, then I'd say heck yeah!

My big issue is you can't sleep in the bed while blazing down the road. JMO

I will be parked most of the time, but only staying in one place for about a month at a time (travelling with T-Mobile connection sites, as I will be doing remote IT work with it), so I guess that won't be an issue.

As for the bed--it's got a pull-out sofa bed as well.

 

[Lucky mike]

HHHHMMMMMMmmmmm............if you look you will notice I own that exact unit (1997)
its a smart choice on my part....I added solar , I also have the larger tanks...120 Fresh water.
I love the majic bed and have no problems with it..it is the reason that makes the coach so much smaller ,8 to 12 feet by not adding a bedroom area.....the bath & shower is like a full size coach

I average 10 to 12 mpg towing with it........I go 2 weeks plus before needing to dump or refill water....

so just about anything you want to know ask!!!.......I've had this one 3 years its one of the ultimate Class A boondocking rigs and easy to maneuver within cities and tight quarters

---

something to note: these are a special breed coach, kinda like owning a 57 chevy , they are valued high...a piece of crap is worth 8 to 10K not running and are in high demand , if you have found one and your sure its what you want ....grab it , because a collector will!!!!.

...P.S the early diesel units are under powered , had problems and needed a tow uphill over a 2% grade!!!!!

 

[kyonu]

HHHHMMMMMMmmmmm............if you look you will notice I own that exact unit (1997)
its a smart choice on my part....I added solar , I also have the larger tanks...120 Fresh water.
I love the majic bed and have no problems with it..it is the reason that makes the coach so much smaller ,8 to 12 feet by not adding a bedroom area.....the bath & shower is like a full size coach

I average 10 to 12 mpg towing with it........I go 2 weeks plus before needing to dump or refill water....

so just about anything you want to know ask!!!.......I've had this one 3 years its one of the ultimate Class A boondocking rigs and easy to maneuver within cities and tight quarters

---

something to note: these are a special breed coach, kinda like owning a 57 chevy , they are valued high...a piece of crap is worth 8 to 10K not running and are in high demand , if you have found one and your sure its what you want ....grab it , because a collector will!!!!.

...P.S the early diesel units are under powered , had problems and needed a tow uphill over a 2% grade!!!!!

---

Thanks for the info! On the Trek Traks forum, I found that the Isuzu, though underpowered, is still the best MPG. Now I'm not particularly worried about MPG as I will be staying in one spot for a month+, but I have a goal in mind for monthly spending.

Do you have the Diesel 1997? How does it handle? I heard they had the "wagging-tail" problem on all of the 90's units. Is that still an issue?

Also, agreed on the cost... Man these things are hard to find under $15k! That is my spending budget, and then another $5k or so on electrical modification.

I WILL be working out of this. My work offered me to travel while I do my support as long as I have internet, so I will be constantly draining batteries (thus my want for LiFePO4 batteries.) I liked this unit because working from it will be a LOT easier than from a van (phone IT support for a consulting company.)

 

[Lucky mike]

Wagging most of the time was caused by low tire pressures and overloading....I dont have that problem , Mine has the GMC 454 gas for an engine...

there were a couple available thru PPL in texas and you will find a few real nice deals on craigslist in Florida!

I owned a 42' Supreme select prior to this and thought the downscale was going to be harsh...there is plenty of room to get comfortable , you can stand up and walk to the kitchen or bathroom and its all within 24 feet!!!

I also added the add-a-room to my awning so for a 1or 2 person rig it is beyond comfortable even for extended bad weather.....I have lived in mine in NH for the last 2 years!!!!

 

[kyonu]

Glad to hear it! Anything I should know about the gas engine? Obviously gas prices will be cheaper, but what's your average trip maximum? (350 miles, 400 miles, etc)

I will definitely make sure I fill up the tires properly... I hate scares on the road. Will look around a bit more. Saw a nice 2001 unit (curved nose) in Alvaredo TX, about 8 hours from me. Only 15,700, can work that down easily! Just a private seller, which means shipping is gonna be a beast...

 

[Lucky mike]

I've never paid attention to how many miles out of the tank since I,ve gotten it.....I only travel in short hops , no more than 250 miles before I stop and set up again and only allow myself 300 for fuel a month....(Im the guy doing 50 in the 65 area) I think when I first got it , it was around 500 to 600 on the first tank..
...it will more depend on how much you run the generator..(it can use about 1/2 to 3/4 gph)......I run 680 watts of solar with 6 batteries..(2 are house charging of of alternator or shore)....and a 6 gallon pvc rooftop for solar hot water fed off a solar pump to minimize using power from shore or genny..All lights onboard have been changed to led

I built a parabolic Wifi antenna that gets really good range (1 mile plus) for internet..and changed out the rooftop tv to a high dbi type (50 miles plus)

onboard phone I use A Tracfone...7 bucks a month and do most of my calling out on Skype.

the only thing I did to modify The Tracker was to remove the stovetop unit and replace it with a stovetop oven combo by removing 2 drawers below it and added a Olympic wave catalytic heater...

I also bought a Flo-Jet macirator pump & 50' hose to pump off waste thru toilet facilities when available.....(saves big bucks when you need to dump)

 

[kyonu]

Yeah, I don't think I'll need more than 1 tank a trip per month, which will come in handy. I own a 2009 Camry that has very good mileage on it that I'm thinking about towing--or getting a Nissan Leaf. I use USAA, and I can trade in my Camry for $10,000 on a $13,000 2011 Leaf, which gets around 100 miles on a battery charge. I was thinking this way, I can quite possible use my CAR to power my electronics! And use the genny to charge the car. Electrics done easy! Haha, I kid, but it would be cool.

Have you thought about getting a compost toilet and dumping the black tank altogether? I imagine it would save a bit of weight, and add a MPG or so ( maybe even less if the tank is plastic).

Have you thought about replacing the stove top with a couple induction tops? A bit of power hungry machines, but they cook quicker and more efficiently than regular electric OR propane (if you have the power for it...)

 

[Lucky mike]

I,ve thought about compost but....I need fresh water at some point so its gotta get dumped...as far as cooking ...I boondock so propane or campfire...My monthly budget is 800. and Im very frugal about where I spend money.

 

[kyonu]

Ah I see. I have a bit bigger budget, so I guess I won't have to worry about that. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[tpeticolas]

well...whaddaya expect from a loaf of bread on wheels??


I'd bet this would be a great live-aboard rig. They have a great layout.
I've thought about these myself.

As for the handling...are you gonna be driving it lot, or parked a good majority of the time? If parked, then I'd say heck yeah!

My big issue is you can't sleep in the bed while blazing down the road. JMO

i know this is an old post, but for future reference.....The handling of these can be made incredible. We had our 1998 Trek updated with the full suspension kit from Henderson's in Grants Pass, Oregon a few years ago, and the tail-wagging disappeared, and the thing handled on the winding switchback road between Grants Pass and Crescent City like a sports car RV. The difference was staggering! Just so you know there are options. Bob Henderson is a great guy to work with,  and will let you stay in your motorhome there, while they work on it. I have no affiliation with Henderson's Auto Line-up.

 

[ZoNiE]

Heh, the Trek is like my Sahara with the rear 10 feet cut off and the engine moved to the front!!! The build quality of Safari Coaches is exemplary. Solid wood cabinets, etc. My 96 Sahara is solid, and I understand the Trekers are very happy with their rigs too. Most Treks come in Isuzu Diesel or Chevy 454 and apparently some have Ford chassis under them. I get 10.4MPG with my Caterpilliar powered coach.

 

[web1racer]

i have a 1997 trek and love it. the only problem i have is that the previous owner completely screwed up the water distribution panel. could you take a picture of the panel for me so i can repair mine. they drive like a dream

 

[web1racer]

my e-mail i [email protected]

 

[Rocky]

i have a 1997 trek and love it.  the only problem i have is that the previous owner completely screwed up the water distribution panel.  could you take a picture of the panel for me so i can repair mine.  they drive like a dream

How long is your awning please