Mobile-homeless

[Safari Tim]

It's official, I'm travel trailerless.

Sold the Safari on eBay last week and it was picked up today. Sad day.

But time to move on! We need room for our family of five. Typically someone is using the laptop, other kids are watching TV while mom and I are making dinner. We also want a full time bed, seperate shower (not a wet bath), and dinette. So these are the space and layout concerns we need to address.

What we disliked about the '71 was the lack of space for stuff. We constantly had to move this to get into that. Or something had to go back into the tow vehicle because there was no room, etc.... My kids bring, DVDs, iPod's, toys, CD players, etc... all kinds of kid stuff.

I think I narrowed it down to a late 90's model to early 2000's six sleeper. I'm thinking of a 25' Safari SS, or a 30' Classic. A 28' - 30' Safari would be ideal but I have not seen them in the classifieds.

I personally like the look of the Safari interriors over the classics. The classic just feels heavy when standing in it. Makes me a little dizzy

If you have any leads, send them my way!

Help me think this out.

25' Safari SS Pros
Lighter
more modern design
shorter
Get to keep the name Safari Tim

Cons
cheaper materials
storage concerns
not a lot of space
funky windows
might be moving junk around again like in the '71 Safari

30' Classic
nice layout for family of 5 (we sit around the TV at night watching DVDs)
quality cabinets and countertops
lots of storage

Cons
heavy
length
old fashion interrior (IMHO)
gas prices


We typically tow to the CA coast, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe from the bay area. The hill up to Tahoe has me concerned about the 30' Classic.

We will probably start traveling out of state with the new trailer.

Please give me your feedback or obervations. Keep in mind my tow vehicle listed below.

Thanks!

[overlander63]

Tim, have you considered a '70's coach with the optional overhead bunks? You could sleep six in a comparable size coach, and save cash from the purchase.
You also could go with the new 30' Safari, like Rich and Eleanor have done. IIRC, they are available with sleeping room for six, also. The 30' Safari also is lighter than the Classic, by a significant amount.

[cosmotini]

Tim,

Do you boondock much? The Classics seem to have much larger fresh water tanks than the Safaris or CCDs.

Dennis

[Minnie's Mate]

If you want a 30' Safari, you'd better hurry 'cause they have stopped production and what's on the lots are all that's left. But, that might mean you can get a great deal right now from the right dealer.

BTW, I agree about the windows. I was waiting for the 30' to come out in the SE trim. When I inquired yet again with the factory it was then I found out that they have been discontinued.

[Safari Tim]

overlander63-

Tim, have you considered a '70's coach with the optional overhead bunks? You could sleep six in a comparable size coach, and save cash from the purchase.
You also could go with the new 30' Safari, like Rich and Eleanor have done. IIRC, they are available with sleeping room for six, also. The 30' Safari also is lighter than the Classic, by a significant amount.

We are looking for something newer than a 70's. Please don't tell Colin or Rob....

The 30' Safari looks perfect but I'm afraid its priced a little out of our range. I have not seen any used Safaris over 25'. Still looking....

cosmotini-

Do you boondock much? The Classics seem to have much larger fresh water tanks than the Safaris or CCDs.

No we have not boondocked in the past. But with a newer trailer and a grey tank I can see us using wal-mart camping when traveling far.

[robandzoe]

CON - I hope not!

We'd lose theVAP - as it'd probably become the NAP - the New Airstream PodCast!

I, too, would be worried with a new heavy Airstream going up to Tahoe.....

I'll keep my eye open......even a newer one Tim......

Keep on VAPing!

Rob

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

overlander63-


The 30' Safari looks perfect but I'm afraid its priced a little out of our range. I have not seen any used Safaris over 25'. Still looking....

You might look into one if you are interested and would have to finance a newer unit anyway. You might be surprised by the discount you might get.

Personally, I think one of Airstreams biggest untapped markets is family friendly units. The two big drawbacks that kept the 30' Safari from being a big (pardon the pun) hit IMHO is the price and size. Most young families aren't looking to spend that much money, probably don't have a sufficient tow vehicle, and are afraid of a TT that long. Most young families are also looking into the rapidly growing toyhauler segment. Something I'm not sure the traditional Airstream can be adapted to, but then again the latest thing from Airstream isn't exactly your father's Airstream either.

[swebster]

Sleeping for five, lots of storage, room to move around and plenty of boondocking capacity, newer than 1970's - that's easy...you need a 345.

[AZstreamin]

Safari Tim,
Minnie's Mate and I have discussed the 30' bunk in another post but you might be surprised how much dealers are willing to significantly cut price on the last few '05 Safari 30' Bunks. I know for fact there are a couple left in CA. We bought ours in Paso Robles, CA a few weeks ago and love the floor plan. It is a floor plan that will work for our family for many years. Best of all Mom and Dad get their own bedroom with a queen bed
AZstreamin

[Over59]

It's a fire sale on 34' with gas so high. Lots of room and you and the Mrs get your won suite...

[Safari Tim]

How much gas mileage change will I see towing 8000lbs vs. 5000lbs with my 6.0L gas?

Anyone towing 8000lbs with a 6.0l gas? How do you think it does?

[AZstreamin]

Tim,
I get 13 mpg with my '05 F250 PSD CC in the mountians. My business partner and his family tow a 32' SOB with a huge slideout weight is about # 7600 he tows with a '05 F250 V10 gas CC and he gets about 9-10mpg.