I heard that same rumor two weeks ago from another Safari owner parked next to us in the course of an evening of chat and dinner.
Over on the RV.net forum, this is Brett's signature:
Brett Wolfe
1997 Safari Sahara 3540
EX: 1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
:o
Yes, after looking for 4 months for a small coach that would do BOTH the South America trip and serve our needs in the U.S., we concluded that no coach small enough to do the South America trip would be comfortable for season-long trips here.
So, Plan B was to buy a less expensive Class A for the U.S. and a "throw away" older Class C for the South America trip.
The world is full of trade-offs.
Brett
Fortunately Brett W. continues to share his knowlege with us over here and many other foums as well.
Rick
I'm willing to bet this baby has a CAT in it...
Yes, Peter, it has the 300 HP/860 lb-ft Cat 3126. In a lighter coach than the Foretravel, it feels like a hotrod. But, did not select for a Caterpillar engine-- looked at several with Cummins and would have been quite happy with their engine as well.
Of course handing and fit and finish are not close to Foretravel standards.
Trade-offs are a bear.
Oh, no! Say it ain't so!
Brett: I just hope you stay active on this site as your knowledge is incredible. Good luck with the Safari. Is it one of those with the torsilastic suspension also?
Careful on the hydraulic brakes. Replace the fluid to make sure no water is in the brake fluid. Rebuild the entire system after 15 years? Recaulk roof completely and carefully.
Matt was excellent at floor plans.
I looked long and hard at Safari's (Continental) before I stumbled onto the Foretravel. I always liked the Safari brand especially the early ones. I admired the business for site the original owner had, and the way he helped transform the modern class A coach.
A fantastic coach for the money.
To answer a couple of the questions:
Not torsilastic-- even simpler. It is just leaf spring suspension. But I have/am in the process of upgrading shocks to Koni FSD's, new sway bar bushings, adjust ride height, etc.
Hydraulic brakes-- yes have already changed brake fluid and will be cleaning and lubing caliper slide area before next trip. Also changed hydraulic fluid.
Net, net, it is a coach that will allow us to continue our RVing lifestyle and still afford an older Class C for the South America trip.
Brett, after you get done working your magic on the coach you will need a name for it.
Something like: Almost (as in almost a Foretravel)
or: Wannabee (as in wannabee a Foretravel)
Good luck, have fun, play safe.
Norm
Brett, I think I saw a safari in our storage lot...are you my neighbor? Let me know if you need another pair of hands any time and I'd be glad to be your apprentice!
Thanks, Chris.
No, we have an enclosed with power garage at another facility.
Brett