I've been trying to test drive a Safari Trek for some time now. However, it's a little presumptuous to expect a coach this popular to roll off the production line and sit around long enough for writers and photographers to do our thing. So we wait patiently.
And more often than not, our patience pays off.
This time around, we were rewarded with not one, but three new 2007 Treks, each representing one of the three floorplans available for the new model year.
Available in lengths of 27, 28 and 29 feet, the 2007 Trek offers a versatile trio of floorplans able to accommodate a diverse group of RVers. Whether you prefer to camp in the wilderness, hook-up to shore power or host a Saturday afternoon tailgate party, Trek fits the bill. Built on a Workhorse Chassis with a V-8 gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, this coach handles the road with ease. Fuel tank capacity is 75-gallons, the engine has a 145-Amp alternator and an automatic hydraulic leveling system comes standard.
"The Trek has always been a popular coach because it's so unique," said Safari National Sales Manager Shannon Thatcher. "So we do our best to really think through any proposed changes, knowing that Trek fans already love it the way it is."
With that said, the thoughtful new features to the exterior of the 2007 Trek include a one-piece windshield, a recessed logo on the front cap, upgraded cargo bay latches and a more streamlined look. Deluxe full body paint, undercoating, side-hinge baggage doors and LED clearance lights are some of the returning features back by popular demand.
As an option, you can add a rear ladder, full-length mudflap and heated exterior mirrors. The tow hitch with a dual connector comes standard and cargo bay storage is ample with a pass-through section perfect for tucking away skis, fishing poles or golf clubs. The bay located under the new Eclipse poly-weave patio awning is equipped with a 120-Volt AC outlet and cable plug. The LP-gas tank has an exterior hook-up for gas grills.
Upgrades to the cockpit include a brushed gray instrument panel, ceiling mounted cube speakers and new privacy drape material. Soft-touch six-way vinyl seating provides a comfortable ride. Optional features include power sunvisors, sunscreens and an exterior camera system with an audio feature for backing up and side views that automatically engage to the corresponding turn signal. The 2007 Trek sports new-style dash buttons clearly labeled with print and graphics and the leveling system control panel is attractively imbedded into the lower left corner. New-style directional map lights installed under the television cabinet each have an individual on/off switch and are designed to swivel.
"The emphasis on the Trek interior is maximum comfort and efficiency," Thatcher said. "There is absolutely no wasted space, but we also refuse to sacrifice comfort."
Hidden away in the ceiling when not in use, Trek's unique Elecro-magic bed is a perfect example of this balance. The Electro-magic bed turns the living area into a bedroom. Raising and lowering the bed is as easy as flipping a switch. While lying in bed you can watch television or use one of the antique brass bullet lights as a reading lamp. The bed comes with a new-style ladder and a Sleep Sac, which according to some RV chat rooms I've visited, is becoming a popular form of no-fuss bedding for all types of motorhomes. An additional feature to the bed in the Trek is a ceiling fan with rain sensor installed overhead. When the bed is in the down position, there is plenty of overhead room as well as space for the optional fabric sleeper sofa to provide additional sleeping accommodations underneath.
One feature I find appealing on the Trek is the location of the interior monitor panel. This is something RVers frequently access. Positioning the panel over the entry door in the Trek is convenient. All three floorplans come with the option of adding the Energy Management System. Anyone who appreciates the value of amps put on the power load will find the EMS to be a great tool.
The standard living room in the 2007 Trek consists of a fabric sleeper sofa on one side and two comfortable barrel chairs with a flip-up party table across the room. Furniture arrangement is dependent on the specific floorplan. On all three models, a hardwood computer table and leather Euro recliner with Ottoman can be added as an option. The side entry stepwell can be concealed using the built-in hinge cover. In the 29RBD, a small solid surface table next to the doorway provides a convenient gathering spot for cell phones, keys and all those other pocket items that are easy to misplace. A 24-inch color television comes standard, but the 27RB offers an optional flat screen TV. Surround sound and a satellite system prep package are offered as a standard feature.
"I think owners are really going to appreciate the option of adding a central vacuum system, which is new this year," Thatcher said. "It's a space saver, and a really effective way to keep the coach clean, especially in one this size."
Two slides are available in the 29RBD and open to double the floor space in the galley. In fact, the opened slides increase the area to such an extent you can put up the solid surface counter extension and leave it extended without worrying that it's in the way.
This floorplan also has abundant light with two side windows built into the curbside slide and a longer-than-usual window over the sink. All cabinets are hardwood. Alder is standard, but you can option for Newport Cherry or Champagne Select. Galley counters differ between each of the three floorplans, but all offer impressive amounts of space. A double-door refrigerator with icemaker comes standard. A rollout pantry is installed next to the refrigerator in the 27RB and 29RBD, but if you want more cold storage, you can delete that feature and option the four-door refrigerator with icemaker. The three-burner cooktop is a new high-output sealed burner and an oven can be added as an option. The 27RB and 28RB2 come with corner cabinets and a Lazy-Susan can be optioned to help organize the space. Laminate tile flooring in the kitchen and bath is also new for '07.
On to my favorite place in a Trek: the bathroom. Due to the extra space gained by eliminating the bedroom, the bathroom is more aptly described as a suite. Wardrobe and drawers line one end of the room. The sink is surrounded with considerable counter space and a large mirrored medicine cabinet is installed above. New this year is an antique brass shower door with obscure glass. None of the available floorplans have a bathtub standard, but if desired, one can be added as an option.
Holding tank capacity is six gallons fresh and forty gallons waste. A six-gallon water heater comes standard, but ten is available as an option. The outside water bay is neatly organized, well labeled and includes a shower hose sprayer with hot and cold water and a monitor panel for easy reference. The sewer hose is stored in a separately contained area.
The 2007 Trek comes standard with easy to reach cut-off switches to the chassis and house batteries, as well as an Onan 4.0 KW generator. Fuses are accessed through a panel located in the bathroom and outside in the front run box. Wall thermostats are an attractive black.
According to Thatcher, the 29RBD and 28RB2 are two favorites for Trek customers this year. But when you're shopping around, check out the 27RB, because this is a nice floorplan worth more than just a passing glance. In fact, if you are in the market for just about any type of RV, the 2007 Trek deserves a spot on your must-see list. |
