Whether you are in the market for a full-timing coach or just wishing you could be, a recent addition to the Safari line just might be what you’ve been waiting for. The Gazelle is available in five separate floorplans, with triple or quad slideouts, and comes with a décor selection that will undoubtedly please even the most discriminating taste.
The interior of this RV contains a comfortable cockpit with a color rear vision system, power sun visors, adjustable foot pedals and audible turn signals. Dual 12-Volt outlets for his and her cellular telephone connections are installed over an attractive wood console with sturdy cup holders and a deep drawer with heavy-duty ball bearing guides.
Driving tools include power steering, Smart Wheel, angled shifter pad for at-a-glance viewing, and warning lights on the dash for the roof antenna and the windshield wash reservoir. A few of the many optional cockpit features in the Gazelle include an extra wide copilot seat with power foot rest, OnStar, and pull-down sunscreens for the pilot and copilot.
Customarily, there isn’t a whole lot to say about the step well area of any RV. However, a couple of things in the Gazelle deserve mentioning. For instance, lighted steps, under step storage and an electric flush-mounted cover. One thing the step well does not have, but could use, is a handrail to grip as you climb in.
Additional Safari-worthy features of the Gazelle cockpit include the monitor panel conveniently located within easy reach above the entry door, and the video control box positioned in the cabinet above the driver’s seat to provide clear visuals of all the buttons.
“There is ample floor space in the Gazelle’s dual slide living room floorplan. Closer inspection reveals a host of nooks and crannies tucked away in the various cupboards and cabinets that create a solution for where to store cargo of almost any size.”
There is ample floor space in the Gazelle’s dual slide living room floorplan. Closer inspection reveals a host of nooks and crannies tucked away in the various cupboards and cabinets that create a solution for where to store cargo of almost any size. The galley counter provides a pull-out extension along with plenty of work surface when sink and stovetop covers are in place. Carpet lined shelves and a roll-out pantry lend a hand for streamlining kitchen duty. The oven is stainless steel; countertops are polished solid surface. Those features combined with ceramic tile flooring, designer carpeting, and stained or natural oak cabinetry make the Gazelle an RV that you are going to want to show off to the neighbors.
A few features back in the bathroom deserve mentioning, starting with living room light switches in the hallway to illuminate the way to the restroom. Courtesy lights over the bathroom sink provide excellent nighttime lighting, and the positioning of the window is high enough that it doesn’t become necessary to pull the shades each time you enter the room. When all slides are in, turn around space within the bathroom is plentiful, and one floorplan of the Gazelle offers an optional bath and a half.
Polished solid surface nightstands and a dresser countertop help to provide well-needed stacking space in the bedroom that has lacked in the way of counter space in the past. A pull out clothes hamper, tile flooring in front of the washer/dryer area, decorative wood grain headboard and windows on each side of the bed give the bedroom a roomy, functional feel and one infused with natural light. Security latches are located on the mirrored wardrobe and the sliding pocket doors for added security.
The exterior of the Gazelle is pleasing to the eye with its deluxe full body paint, chrome power heated mirrors with turn signals, docking lights and a front molded fiberglass cap. Wheel mud flaps help keep road spatter to a minimum, and a one-piece molded crowned fiberglass roof promises to help cut down on wash time. The keypad of the optional keyless entry is installed vertically. Dual flush-mounted metal fuel doors, side-hinge bay doors with integrated single handle latches, a one piece generator access door and the front door awning all add up to a smooth and sleek RV exterior.
“Adding this model to the Safari product line makes good sense, because—as you will discover once you get behind the wheel—when it comes to the Gazelle, everything fits.”
Behind the scenes of the Gazelle is a Roadmaster RR8S-Series chassis with an 8-airbag system, cushioned air-glide suspension and eight shock absorbers that present a smooth and quiet drive. A 10,000-pound hitch receiver provides more flexibility in choosing a tow vehicle, and automatic traction control lends added security to parking off pavement. The Caterpillar C9 400 engine teamed up with the Allison 3000 MH 6-speed transmission, adding the muscle needed to navigate bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic during this test drive.
Ensuring smooth travel means having to occasionally monitor various systems, and the Gazelle offers easy access to the nuts and bolts of RVing. The LP tank is positioned with an easy-to-read gauge located on one side. Dual mounted valve stems are installed to simplify monitoring air pressures on the inside and outside tires. A slide-out battery tray comes standard. In the rear, the run box is clearly labeled and comes with weather-protected fuse holders, both battery cut off switches and overhead lighting controlled by a pin switch. In the front run box, you’ll find the same fuse panel cover to keep out water and debris and a switch to automatically run the generator in and out.
The engine compartment of the Gazelle includes a convenient 110V-outlet for the block heater cord. Clear labels and the comfortable reach help take the guesswork out of fluid and filter maintenance. Belts and hoses are in clear view. Accessing transmission oil through the bedroom is no longer necessary with the Gazelle’s convenient remote transmission fill located in the engine compartment.
In a move that will clearly help to cut down on traffic going in and out of the RV, the water bay of the Gazelle includes a monitor panel to check holding tank status as well as additional water pump switch. Sewer hose storage, gravity and pressurized water fill and an optional power water hose reel and convenient low point drain access for winterization all help to enhance the service center of the Gazelle.
Adding this model to the Safari product line makes good sense, because—as you will discover once you get behind the wheel—when it comes to the Gazelle, everything fits. |
