Looking For A Newer Rig

[ramblinboy]

We like the 34 foot HR we have now but were looking to move up the years from our 1999.

Looking at a 2006 Safari Simba Allison. Any cautionary tales on the product? In see a recall on the trailing arms but not much else.

[RVerOnTheMove]

A Simba? That's the name of our cat (named after the young cat in the Lion King). What could possibly be wrong with a Simba!

[ramblinboy]

Ok not a lot of Safari or Simba owners want to admit they bought one ;-) How about a 2008 Fleetwood Terra 34' Workhorse/Allison. Any comments warnings etc?

[ramblinboy]

I know you're out there I can hear you breathing!

[wolfe10]

I think if you ask more specific questions about rigs you may be interested in, there will be more responses. Too broad a question tends to be difficult to answer and if answered, often turn into a "my band is better" thread.

[ramblinboy]

Thanks Brett. I was wondering if it was my deodorant.

[ramblinboy]

One of the issues with the Fleetwoods is its 30 Amp service. Any limitations there? They have more energy efficient AC perhaps - there are 2 ducted.

[RVerOnTheMove]

30 amp is a LOT less service than 50 amp. While they sound similar, a 30 amp coach allows for a maximum usage of 30 amps on all circuits combined. A coach with 50 amp service has 2 50 amp legs allowing for a maximum usage of 100 amps on all circuits combined. When you get out on a hot summer day and you were wishing you could run both (all) airs to stay cool you might regret making the 30 amp choice.

[five]

Here is an interesting link on RV electricity: http://www.myrv.us/electric/

[ramblinboy]

Thanks for the advice. It seems like it's about running both AC's while running the microwave with all the lights on. With 50A there's reserve.

[danddferr]

On a hot day you'll want the 50 amp sevice for sure. I'm staying at a site with only 30 amps, but it's also only going to hit 80 degrees. If the temp was going to be in the 90-95 range I would want both ac's cranking. As far as getting your questions answered, perhaps going on a forum that is dedicated to that product line or at least has boards that are. I have a Tiffin and if I have any questions they get answered right away on the tiffinrvnetwork. I know IRV2 has sub-boards dedicated to various manufacturers. The FMCA board is great with questions of a general nature, but not as good with unit specific questions. Just a thought.

Dan

[bbnuttmann]

The Safari Simba is made by the same folks, now, that also own your HR brand. A whole bunch were sold early on and then the brand bought Beaver, and subsequently Monaco bought them, Monaco reorganized, and so on. When I was really active looking at coaches about 2 1/2 years ago Safari Simabas were maybe a notch below your current Holiday Rambler. As I remember some models had good chassis length and weight capacity and some did not. If it were me I would check with the RVCG to easily get a rating on the one you are interested in. And I guess if it were me I would stick with HR. We have several friends with HR's and they are quite good coaches. Some very close RV friends of ours just bought a Monaco Kinght 2005 40'. This is a close relative of HR and Safari. They bought an extremely nice rig at a good price. And that is my 2 cents worth.

[ramblinboy]

Great advice all, thanks! I havent heard of the RVCG. The search continues.

[theoldman]

Under the hood, I think alot of changes took place in 05 & 06. So I looked for 07 or newer? And yes 50 amp would be nice.

[ramblinboy]

Update-bought an 08 Fleetwood Southwind 35A.

Meets and exceeds all expectations. Floor plan suits us to a "T" and the Allison Transmission is a bonus. The chassis AC is poor and the cruise control works occasionally otherwise lots of great features! Oh and its 50A!!