This surprising hit to the Safari motorhome lineup is now in its third year of production and changes to the 2006 model have really helped improve an already nice ride.
In case you didn’t know, the Simba is a gasoline powered Class A motorhome available in lengths between 30 and 37 feet. The test unit used for this review was the 37PBD built on a Workhorse chassis. We took it out for a nice, 100 plus mile drive that included a fair amount of winding roadways, and the Simba handled cornering beautifully. The journey also included a number of hills, and those climbs were handled with plenty of power, compliments of an 8.1L V-8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Certain models of the 2006 Simba are also available on a Ford chassis. All units come standard with a 75-gallon fuel tank capacity, 60 gallons of fresh water storage and a fully automatic leveling system.
The exterior appearance of the 2006 Simba is attractive with a choice of three paint schemes that can be replaced with optional full body paint on the 33 – 37 foot models. Changes to this year’s Simba exterior are a single piece fiberglass roof, smooth sidewalls and a one-piece windshield. Our test review model included the optional full-length mud flap, chrome power heated mirrors, side hinge bay doors and storage compartments designed to hold fishing poles, golf clubs and skis. The fuel fill door is integrated metal with a lock. Other standard exterior features are awnings on the living area and bedroom slideouts, lights in outside the storage bays and attractive chrome inserts around the taillights.
The entry door is located between the living area and galley and comes equipped with lighting in the step well, a sturdy handrail and step storage. This unit had triple entry steps that made it comfortable going in and out of the Simba.
The inside of the Simba is just as attractive as the exterior. The dash is two-toned with an instrument panel that displays easy to reference gauges. There is a workstation and a comfortable armrest with a cup holder on the passenger side. The cockpit also includes an attractive center console. An optional three-camera rear view system worked great for keeping an eye on side angles during lane changes. Because the Simba is a gas coach the engine cover takes up a considerable amount of space in the middle of the cockpit, but once we were comfortably settled into our respective seats it didn’t seem to make much difference, largely in part due to the fact that the 24-inch flatscreen television was nicely recessed into the overhead cabinet.
Interior height has been increased to 84 inches on the 2006 Simba. Our unit had a glider barrel chair and computer desk curbside and a fabric sleeper sofa roadside. Carpeting is padded and flooring is laminate tile. The fabric style was labeled Rainforest and presented a comfortable Safari-type color scheme. Fluorescent lights are installed in the ceiling and halogen lights are located under the overhead cabinets. Oak cabinetry includes a woven insert on all the upper cabinet doors, which can also be added to the refrigerator door as an option. Overhead doors are top hinged and drawers slide easy on ball bearing guides. Handles and knobs are antique brass.
The 2006 Simba is powered through 30-amps, but 50-amps can be added as an option. The coach is constructed with a 5.5kW gas generator, two six-volt house batteries and a redesigned monitor panel located in the hallway. One roof air conditioning system comes standard, but a second can be added as an option if you’ve upgraded to 50-amp service.
In the galley is a solid surface countertop, mirrored backsplash, stainless steel sink and chrome pull out faucet. The kitchen overhead cabinet and pantry in this unit was designed with adjustable shelves. A skylight is positioned over the sink. All floorplans come with a booth dinette, but that can be exchanged with an optional freestanding round dinette table and two chairs. This model had the large double door refrigerator that comes standard, but you may find it preferable to replace that with an optional double or four-door refrigerator equipped with a convenient icemaker.
The 37PBD floorplan has a private bath located between the kitchen and the bedroom, but other floorplans offer separation of the sink and shower, and on the 36DBD floorplan a private bath located at the rear of the coach. The shower has an antique brass frame with a decorative glass door and the latrine comes equipped with a sprayer. An optional bathtub can be installed in place of the shower.
Bedroom layout on the 2006 Simba is dependent on vehicle length, and all are designed with a slide room that is 30 inches deep. The 37PBD model has windows installed on each side of the bed that provide a perfect breeze to a warm summer afternoon. There is also a scenic window on the rear wall that adds a nice infusion of natural light into the room. The bed is a standard queen size with overhead reading lights and separate nightstands.
The Simba is gaining the reputation among the RV crowd as a motorhome that can hold its own on the road as well as in a campground. Backed by a solid customer support system and membership into the Safari family helps to make the 2006 Simba a good choice for anyone interested in a Class A gasoline powered motorhome. |
