Flexibility isn’t usually a word associated with motorhome construction, but according to Safari Regional Sales Manager J.P. Mischkot, when it comes to choices and options, the 2008 Simba Gasoline motorhome is designed to cater to everyone’s needs. “We’ve come up with a long list of standard and optional features to offer you whatever you want.”
Narrowing the choices begins with the engine and suspension where the Simba Gas is available on either a Ford or Workhorse chassis. All models are pre-wired for a supplemental brake system, offer a hitch rating of 5,000 pounds and come with a 75-gallon fuel tank. The complete chassis package has all the engine torque, alternator charge and leaf spring suspension needed to take you wherever the road leads, and if you are in the market for a length of more than 30 feet the standards list also includes automatic leveling.
The solid body construction of the Simba Gas includes the Alumaframe Superstructure and a one-piece panoramic windshield. The front cap is molded fiberglass and the rear cap is redesigned this year and flaunting some stylish new taillights.
“We’re also getting positive feedback on the gelcoat fiberglass sidewalls with full-body paint that come standard on the Simba Gas,” Mischkot said.
Additional standard features on the outside include a locking fuel door, side-hinge cargo doors, a one-piece rear ladder, undercoating and an attractive front grill. Cargo holds are roomy and include one pass-through storage bay. Slideout awnings adorn the roofline of at the living area and the bedroom, and you can also choose to add an optional automatic patio awning. A rear window is available on five of the eight models, and an opera window is installed in the living area on select floorplans.
Selections abound in the interior. The 2008 selections offer a choice of three new décor packages and two different types of wood. All eight floorplans are designed with a side entry. The entry door comes with clear glass, a roll down shade and on select models, a handy little overhead shelf to store outdoor gear such as maps, a flashlight and gloves.
The Simba Gas cockpit is outfitted with new slide control leatherette pilot and co-pilot seats that, according to Mischkot, are gaining popularity for being “comfortable and durable.”
The instrument panel design is also new this year and an attractive wood console is installed over the engine cover. Carpeted floor mats, a dash workstation and recessed map lights in the ceiling help round out the standard features. Some options available in the cockpit that are also worth considering include interior privacy sunscreens, the three-camera rear vision system and a driver’s side door.
Three of the Simba Gas’s eight floorplans offer the exclusive hydraulic full-wall slide in the living area.
“Getting a full-wall slide in the 30- and 33-foot models is a real selling point for the Simba,” Mischkot stated. “With most of the other RV manufacturers you have to go up to the 36- and 37-footers for this type of feature.”
All floorplans in the Simba Gas provide a long list of furniture options to choose from, including rocker barrel chairs, the Euro recliner, an assortment of hide-a-bed sofas and even a wall-mounted table. Raised panel cabinet doors, padded carpeting and a 26-inch LCD color television help fine tune the living area.
Galley design is another area in which you will want to carefully consider all the choices, because here again is an extensive list of selections designed to fit everyone’s needs. The central water filtration, solid surface backsplash and a kitchen window are some new features this year. In all floorplans there is ample counter space, and on the 36 PCT there is an additional counter extension with drawers. A pull-out pantry is available on all coaches that measure 33 feet and longer. Standard appliances include a three-burner cook top, a large double door refrigerator and a microwave/convection oven. You can upgrade the appliances by adding the optional four-door refrigerator with icemaker and a gas range with oven. Galley seating can be provided by either a freestanding or a booth dinette, depending upon your floorplan selection. And on select models a roadside wall hutch offers additional storage and counter space.
There is plenty of room to move around inside the bathroom area, especially on the 36 DBD, which features a bath and a half.
“People either love the extra bathroom space or they don’t,” Mischkot said. “But at least the Simba Gas offers the choice.”
The shower has been redesigned with new doors, built-in shelves and water shut-off at the showerhead.
“The new rounded shower is appealing and fits better into the space so you get a wider door,” Mischkot explained. “It definitely enhances the residential feel.”
A six-gallon water heater comes standard and runs on gas or electric, and there is an option to increase that amount to ten gallons on any floorplan. A China toilet with sprayer is new this year. Holding tank capacity is 60 gallons for the fresh water tank on all models and ranges between 42 and 54 gallons for the waste tank depending on floorplan. Separate storage for the sewer hose and a rinsing system come standard, and you can add the Sani-Con system as an option.
Back in the bedroom area you’ll find a queen bed with nightstands and a 20-inch LCD television with remote. In the 37 PCT you can opt to add two barrel chairs and a desk. There are a variety of wardrobe layouts available for this model year. Four of the floorplans offer 30-inch deep bedroom slides and on the 34 SBD you can even add hallway bunks that sit opposite a 20-inch LCD television built into the bathroom wall; a wall that is outfitted with an AV game plate. The bunk area comes equipped with two windows, one in the wall above each bunk, curtains that can be drawn across the entry to the bunks offering a little added privacy and drawers in the base of the bunk unit for a coveted storage opportunity.
“The hallway bunk option is really starting to take off,” Mischkot advised. “People like the additional privacy it provides for family members.”
There are a couple of housekeeping options you may want to consider, such as the washer/dryer and central vacuum system. Dual air conditioners and a roof vent in the kitchen and bath are available on all models, as well as a skylight in the bathroom. On the 37 PCT you can opt to add a skylight in the bedroom.
The Simba Gas is powered by a 60-amp 12-volt converter and Onan® gas generator with an hour meter to track maintenance schedules. Two house batteries are positioned in the bay for easy access and the remote panel in the hallway is attractively mounted at eye level.
“Basically, what you get with the Simba Gas is years of experience in quality construction by a high-end manufacturer. And that experience in quality construction has filtered down into a gas coach,” Mischkot said. “And for a product that retails in the hundred thousands, that’s a lot of bang for your buck.”
Shelly Curtin is a Pacific Northwest-based writer. She has contributed numerous features for Safari Adventures, from product reviews to RV lifestyle topics. |
