Don & Joy's Old Motor HomeUpdate! In March of 2003 we traded the '98 Sahara in on a new '03 Zanzibar, which you can see here.After traveling for a couple of weeks in a rented motor home, we arrived in Phoenix, which is one of a number of places where used motor homes abound. I had decided that I wanted a mid-range diesel pusher, but did not have brand or model in mind. We visited several lots, and Joy in particular liked a Safari Sahara on the La Mesa RV lot. It had a number of selling points, including a shower/tub combo, and certainly including the tiger mural. I liked most of what I saw, and we were able to negotiate the price to what we felt was a reasonable level, so we made the purchase. Joy is not interested in driving a big rig, so we returned home in the rental unit, bought a Hyundai Santa Fe to use as a toad (dinghy), and returned 2 weeks later to Phoenix to pick up the Safari. Our trip in the rental and the return trip in the Safari are chronicled on our Arizona page. The coach is a 1998 model 3506, called 35 ft but measuring 36 ft 7 inches. It has a 300 hp Cat 3126 engine with Allison 6-speed transmission. There were a bit under 36,000 miles when we bought it. Here are some interior views at the time of purchase: Since purchase we've been steadily making changes and additions to suit our needs. The first item added was a MotoSat DataStorm 2-way internet satellite system. See our DataStorm page for details. We also added a Splendide 2000 vented washer/dryer combo. We removed the recliner chair and replaced it with a wooden rocking chair; the additional space generated was used for a 4-drawer chest of drawers. The ice maker was removed, and the space turned into a cabinet housing an ink-jet printer and all of the miscellaneous computer parts. The Safari used the overhead TV as the backup camera monitor, which I found inconvenient for use as a constant rearview. I installed a 6.7-inch LCD monitor on the dashboard instead. A Roadmaster Sterling towbar was added for the Hyundai toad, and a roof ladder was installed - ladders are an option on Safaris, but essential if regular roof access is desired. A small worktable was included to hold the laptop for normal use - I normally use a regular keyboard in my lap, along with a mouse, and sit on the couch while computing. A stereo system including a JVC 12-CD changer was installed in the bedroom. Some pictures of altered items: Comments? Send mail to donb@arcatapet.net Snail Mail: Arcata Pet, 600 F Street, Arcata, CA 95521-6301 USA Webspace provided by and ©Copyright 1994-2024 by Don Bradner, All Rights Reserved. |