By now, just about every RV enthusiast in the western hemisphere is aware that the Safari Trek has managed to include the amenities of a highline coach within its small structure by foregoing a bedroom. For anyone who may still be out of this ‘innovative design loop,’ a queen-sized bed is stored in the living room ceiling and lowered at the touch of a button. What may be a less known fact is that owning this unique RV includes membership in a fraternity of Trek owners who are so thrilled with their motorhomes that they publish a regular newsletter to make sure everybody knows it. Trek owners wouldn’t trade out if they won the lottery. Why should they? This compact size Class A motorhome is easy to drive, park, hookup, clean and maintain. From a full service resort to the most remote campsite in the wilderness, the Trek is the coach for the job.
Change is often met with reservation. When Safari joined the Monaco Coach Corporation family two years ago, a sense of unease arose in the Trek fan club. Worried that a bunch of young upstarts were going to come in and mess up an already good thing, Trek owners watched and waited. Although sales were good, being shunned by those ‘popular kids’ made it feel like empty victory. Fortunately, persistence has paid off and the 2003 Safari Trek is getting an enthusiastic welcome from current owners and potential buyers alike. Backed by a sound manufacturer who has proved they are in this for the long haul, the 2003 Safari Trek is riding a wave of popularity at RV shows around the country. Sporting just enough new features to make an already great coach better, long time owners of the Trek are lining up to trade in for this upgraded model.
“From a full service resort to the most remote campsite in the wilderness, the Trek is the coach for the job.”
The 2003 Safari Trek sports a redesigned front cap that not only looks great, but has managed to add some well-needed room in the cockpit. Nobody likes to talk about expanding waistlines, but the additional three inches of size added to the exterior width is worth bragging about. Improving the bay storage areas, this 2003 edition comes standard with a portion of pass-through storage compartment and locking bay doors. By the way, say goodbye to fumbling with latches when you need to hold open the bay door, the 2003 Safari Trek now has gas struts to do the job.
Exterior paint and vinyl graphics are jazzed up by raised name decals, and for anyone interested in really putting on the Ritz, full body paint is now offered as an option. A peaked aluminum roof, with fiberglass insulation, offers easy roof maintenance to ensure long-lasting quality of the 2003 Safari Trek. The front engine gas coach, still available in lengths under thirty feet, has the horsepower and hitch capacity to comfortably tow a car. A gas operated generator feeds off the sixty-gallon fuel tank, saving the LP-gas supply for the water heater, refrigerator and stove.
“Trek owners wouldn't trade out if they won the lottery.”
Interior improvements in the 2003 Safari Trek include a 24-inch stereo color television with remote, situated for viewing while relaxing in the living area, or stretched out on the queen-size bed. A padded vinyl ceiling offers warmth, quality, and a much easier surface to clean. Available options to spruce up the interior of the 2003 Trek include natural oak or walnut cabinetry and a vinyl Euro-Recliner with ottoman on some models. Most impressive of all is the variety of décor packages that offer well-balanced colors in a generous selection of new style and design.
Because they can go just about anywhere, Trek owners do a lot of dry camping. The 2003 model includes some new components that are provided to enhance excursions away from hookups. Four 6-volt deep cycle house batteries, 1500-watt inverter and battery disconnect switches are now all standard additions to help manage electrical loads. For those who crave the companionship of a campground, the former sewer hookups have been removed from the exterior and placed into an insulated water bay that is easy to clean and organize.
The Safari Trek is not for everyone. Although the sleeper sofa situated under the bed may work well for temporary overnight guests, the compact living space is best suited for two people. Bathroom space is ample, thanks to the excess room afforded by omitting the bedroom, but streamlined storage space makes wise packing the rule of the day.
“The 2003 model includes some new components that are provided to enhance excursions away from hookups.”
If I won the lottery I would buy my father a 2003 Safari Trek. He has a problem with his knees and the spacious cockpit with a 6-way power vinyl pilot seat would make extended weekend journeys a pleasant ride. His favorite hobbies of reading and oil painting would be easily accomplished in the living area that offers a multitude of comfort and natural light. Plus, I think he’d get a real kick out of joining that Trek Club.
Many of us have outlived more things than we care to remember. The family diner that served up a mouth-watering chicken fried steak, a corner grocer who knew our first names, and even the drive up bank teller who greeted us with a smile. Safari Trek owners can breathe a sigh of relief to know we haven’t outlived the great idea of a compact RV and will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference those tasteful upgrades in the 2003 edition have made. |
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