Well maybe more like a matron voyage
I left the snow and cold of Lapeer Michigan to travel to the warmth and sunshine of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and then across and up to Spring Hill on the Gulf side and over through the panhandle a bit to Panama City Beach. On the way home I also stopped in Wisconsin for a short visit. It was the first trip out in the 2003 Safari purchased in November and my first solo of considerable distance. I drove 3,640 miles and was gone for 28 days, and loved every wonderful moment of it.
Towing was a breeze and the new Reeses Dual Cam along with the unit's shock absorbers made an even better combination than the lighter SOB and friction sway control behind the Expedition. I was pleased to find every appointment for ease and comfort in the well thought out layout and features of nearly every step of my day. You are probably long accustomed to the things I marveled at. No spare tire cover to blow off in the wind, gas tank cover secured and easy access lid, detachable electric cable, water hose connector and built in pressure valve, lighted storage, secure deadbolt door, convenient light switches and handle assist, automatic control and auto duomode refrigerator, electronic ignited burners, fiberglass shower stall with with single control faucet and retractable door, storage galore, width and headroom aplenty and not only functionality but flair. I definitely could spend some serious time out and about and never feel a compromise in amenities on the road.
My problems were few. The metal hinge for the cabinet under the refrigerator came apart on one side and the door was lain open after travel. Closing it snapped the door in place and remained shut until the hinge was put back in order very simply by hubby upon return to home. (I couldn't figure that one out!) Several of the plastic overhead locker hinges either did not hold or did not fold as they should. The bottom tray of the slideout pantry hopped off during transit several times. (may be a weight distribution issue with the way I had things placed.) I think a second step on the Safari would be a good thing. I wonder if it is available? And that was it, and that isn't really anything, is it?
Now on user error we have a bigger score to settle. I did not remember to lower one side of the awning and a sudden downburst caused the awning to burgeon with water which I was fortunate enough to have seen. Releasing one arm immediately corrected the oversight but also gave me the strongest shower of my life! Somewhere, somehow in my travels the trailer to car cord got caught, kinked and minutely sliced exposing but not severing the wires in one place (which we are still wondering how to fix or replace.) Then there was the day I hurriedly slammed the door shut and must have pulled the slider lock along with my hand grip in exiting the trailer and was unpleasantly surprised that reentry was no longer an option. A phone call for the free lockout insurance from Thor and a 45 minute wait remedied that(an extra hidden key will need to be procured for the future.) Everyone was very helpful when learning that I was traveling alone and I only had to correct my hookup and/or disconnect on three separate occassions when my chivalrous helpers were not looking.
(which consisted of a guided parking with an angle so acute that the rear car hatch could not be opened or the ball released, a jammed up chain on the weight distributing bars and the jack support not being alligned and resting on the edge)
I also need to practise my backing to become more adept and confident.
So all in all, even for a learning experience I think it went very well and I met many lovely people and saw many wonderful places and things and can hardly wait for my next adventure!
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