1997 American Eagle vs 2000 Safari Zanzibar
Hi, we are just starting our full timing journey. We have been sitting in the same park basically for a year waiting for our house to sell.We finally have a contract-so we are thinking about the futur...
Forum Discussion
Well as far as dollars and cents. The American Eagle makes sense. You are getting a good engine "Cummins" (I wont argue on the better engine here-I will just say we dont get too much repairs on either engine, but IMHO the Cummins seems to have more "pep" than the Cat has. And I drive a bunch of Class As every day) ---- Not to mention you get a Subbie to dinghy tow for a small amount.
As far as reliability, well both are old enough now that the "first year fall aparts" has already happened. It will be hard to get parts for either at this stage. We also get very few repairs on either brand unit. Both are pretty solid.
Now, look for water damage (possible prior roof damage). Open the slides and look at both outside corners on the bottom (floor) of the slides. That is where most water damage shows first. If the corners are real soft--pass it by! Slide out structure repair is very common, time consuming, and costly. --- Then look at the roof itself. If a roof needs replaced, it can cost from $5k up to $25k (but can be done to look "better than new". --- Finally take time inside each unit. Test all appliances on LP and A/C. Appliances can also be very expensive. Finally run the generator under a load.
Now if one unit checks out better than the other, buy that one! If they both check out good, buy the one you like better!
As far as reliability, well both are old enough now that the "first year fall aparts" has already happened. It will be hard to get parts for either at this stage. We also get very few repairs on either brand unit. Both are pretty solid.
Now, look for water damage (possible prior roof damage). Open the slides and look at both outside corners on the bottom (floor) of the slides. That is where most water damage shows first. If the corners are real soft--pass it by! Slide out structure repair is very common, time consuming, and costly. --- Then look at the roof itself. If a roof needs replaced, it can cost from $5k up to $25k (but can be done to look "better than new". --- Finally take time inside each unit. Test all appliances on LP and A/C. Appliances can also be very expensive. Finally run the generator under a load.
Now if one unit checks out better than the other, buy that one! If they both check out good, buy the one you like better!
