Which one is better built. Pros and cons
I’m shopping for a older model class a diesel. I would like any feedback you can give me on these three brands Safari Sahara 1998 35 foot Winnebago Vectra 1997 35 foot Beaver Monterey 30 foot ...
Forum Discussion
The Sahara and the Beaver will be very similar. We had a 30 foot 1996 Sahara which should be the same floorplan as the Beaver. Due to the shorter size, we didn't have the velvet ride suspension, we had leaf springs and added a couple because the back end squatted a bit. Never had a problem with "porpoising" and the shorter length. Easier to maneuver with 5 feet less in campgrounds/sites, too (but still had everything we wanted in the rig). The CAT engine and Allison transmission were great and very dependable. (Although the engine was 250 hp). Went halfway across the country a couple of times and all the way across to the New England states in 2013. Previous owner (we were the 2nd owners) had taken it to FL and back. No issues.
Roof leaks were a problem. The top is a one piece fiberglass cover and we had issues with the end caps, where the satellite was mounted and the fiberglass cover in general (cracking) because it had to be sealed with a couple coats of elastomeric "paint" every year by the time we sold it in 2016.
We loved our Safari for the 9 years we had it. Yes, there was quite a bit of maintenance but it was comfortable, the build quality was unbelievable (solid wood cabinets, lots of lighting options - including several with dimmers, porcelain commode, wood floors, HUGE bathroom) and we met a lot of great people at the rally's and excellent information on the forums.
Leaks would be the main thing I'd check and maintenance records for the engine and transmission.
Roof leaks were a problem. The top is a one piece fiberglass cover and we had issues with the end caps, where the satellite was mounted and the fiberglass cover in general (cracking) because it had to be sealed with a couple coats of elastomeric "paint" every year by the time we sold it in 2016.
We loved our Safari for the 9 years we had it. Yes, there was quite a bit of maintenance but it was comfortable, the build quality was unbelievable (solid wood cabinets, lots of lighting options - including several with dimmers, porcelain commode, wood floors, HUGE bathroom) and we met a lot of great people at the rally's and excellent information on the forums.
Leaks would be the main thing I'd check and maintenance records for the engine and transmission.
