Hellonew member here, hope I am not posting something already covered in detail but I did a search and could not find. My husband and I are looking for driveable motors homes and I have fallen in love with the safari trek. This is our first rv and we are taking our time about buying but the trek would be our dream coach. My questions are many.First, How is the power and the gas mileage on the 454 and the 496 and any chronic issues with these motors? I am considering the wide trac, I believe it is 100 inches? Or the ones with slide out. Does the trek have any issues with the slides?Are all the treks aluminum siding? I had read that the trek drives poorly, has alignment issues? Has safety issues? Is this only in the older models? I am looking at a 2001 or newer. Does anyone know of a rv similar to the trek, ie bed goes away when not in use that I could also consider, I have found the treks to be expensive but I guess you get what you pay for? Thank you, zigpep

I know someone with an 02! It has been for sale for over 2 Years.

Go to this website and ask all of your questions. It is for Safari Trek owners and want to be owners. Safari Trek OwnersYou will find people there that have Safari Treks of all years and you can get accurate information about anything that concerns you.

zigpep,Driveability issues would be with the chassis, not the brand of coach. The chassis, if gas, would be Ford or Workhorse (Chevy engine). Workhorse chassis has a better reputation for ride and stability. Much of a coaches handling characteristics are due to overloading, or improper inflation of tires.The Ford F53 chassis, up to about 2004, was noted for poorer handling and more aftermarket steering/suspension modifications were needed.The Safari coaches have a decent repututaion for build quality. The best advice I can give you is to look for the coach that gives you more of what you want. The considerations are, IMHO, floorplan, slide-outs, amenities, chassis.I suggest you drive as many different coaches as possible before you buy to see how they drive and handle. Walk through them and check out the features each coach offers. There are so many different configurations that it can be confusing, but when you come across one that strikes your fancy, go for it.One other thing to consider, if you have not RV'd before, rent one for a week to see how you like the lifestyle. Or, you could buy an older, less expensive coach, then trade up if you love it!Happy Trails! :WDarryl

I had a 1999 Ford V-10 chassis, which was the first "modern" one. it drove and handled just fine. they did up the horsepower a year or two later but the folks I talked to with those got worse gas mileage than I did. I also had mid 90s Chevy P30-32s with the front wheels 4 1/2 ft apart and they sucked. if you are looking at Workhouses of the early 2000s, be sure you aren't just getting a rebadged P30-32.bumpy

There than what chassis it is on, a BIG factor in handling is wheelbase/overall length.Many Treks have a very poor (very short) wheelbase to overall length ratio. That long overhang negatively affects handling and ride.

Safari trek | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 08, 2013
I had a 1999 Ford V-10 chassis, which was the first "modern" one. it drove and handled just fine. they did up the horsepower a year or two later but the folks I talked to with those got worse gas mileage than I did. I also had mid 90s Chevy P30-32s with the front wheels 4 1/2 ft apart and they sucked. if you are looking at Workhouses of the early 2000s, be sure you aren't just getting a rebadged P30-32.
bumpy
desobelman
Explorer
May 08, 2013
zigpep,

Driveability issues would be with the chassis, not the brand of coach. The chassis, if gas, would be Ford or Workhorse (Chevy engine). Workhorse chassis has a better reputation for ride and stability. Much of a coaches handling characteristics are due to overloading, or improper inflation of tires.

The Ford F53 chassis, up to about 2004, was noted for poorer handling and more aftermarket steering/suspension modifications were needed.

The Safari coaches have a decent repututaion for build quality. The best advice I can give you is to look for the coach that gives you more of what you want. The considerations are, IMHO, floorplan, slide-outs, amenities, chassis.

I suggest you drive as many different coaches as possible before you buy to see how they drive and handle. Walk through them and check out the features each coach offers. There are so many different configurations that it can be confusing, but when you come across one that strikes your fancy, go for it.

One other thing to consider, if you have not RV'd before, rent one for a week to see how you like the lifestyle. Or, you could buy an older, less expensive coach, then trade up if you love it!

Happy Trails! :W

Darryl
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
May 08, 2013
Go to this website and ask all of your questions. It is for Safari Trek owners and want to be owners. Safari Trek Owners
You will find people there that have Safari Treks of all years and you can get accurate information about anything that concerns you.
robatthelake
Explorer
May 08, 2013
I know someone with an 02! It has been for sale for over 2 Years.

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Safari trek

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