Safari vs. Monaco

[moldtech]

Is it my understanding Monaco purchased Safari? I am new to all this and am looking at a 2005 Safari Gazelle. Is this a quality DP Motorhome?

[Steve Ownby]

This motor home was built by Monaco as part of the Safari brand. In the '05 time frame Monaco's build quality was very good. I'm not familiar with the Gazelle and I suspect that it's a floor plan name rather than a specific line. The only caveat is make sure it's not built on the 4 airbag chassis. That specific chassis had serious safety issues with trailing arms breaking.

[OLYLEN]

I would not discount the coach if a 4 bag, however if so it is a $2500 fix to the new trailing arms. This could be a good get it cheaper ploy.

LEN

[JC2]

Here is an extensive link on the trailing arm issue that the original Monaco company has wiped its hands of. Kind of gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling about corporate responsibility. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f24/trail...ter-54838.html I wouldn't touch it period unless the trailing arms from Source Engineering were installed. Source Engineering Trailing Arms for 2002-2003 Holiday Rambler Ambassador and Monaco Knight; 2002-2004 Safari Sahara and Zanzibar; 2002-2005 Holiday Rambler Neptune and Monaco Cayman; and 2003-2005 Safari Cheetah motorhomes manufactured between 11/30

[EngineerMike]

Mold- Safari was an independent brand, got bought up by an outfit that got bought up by Monaco. Coach you are looking at is pure Monaco, and was probably mfgr'd & then painted/stickered as Beaver, Monaco, Safari, and maybe Holiday Rambler (I forget what year Monaco bought them also).

If its the 4-bag chassis & gets (or has been) upgraded to the Source Engineering trailing arms, it will be a serviceable coach, provided it wasn't inordinately abused otherwise. It won't likely be a good driving rig tho, compared to better built platforms.

[moldtech]

It has 8 self-adjusting airbags. Does that mean it will handle ok, I'm planning on pulling and enclosed 22 foot car trailer with about 8000lbs.

[moldtech]

should I still request the Source Engineering trailing arms.

[Steve Ownby]

The trailing arm problem is specific to the 4 airbag chassis. The 8 airbag chassis is well engineered and is a very good handling chassis.

[JimM68]

Originally Posted by moldtech

It has 8 self-adjusting airbags. Does that mean it will handle ok, I'm planning on pulling and enclosed 22 foot car trailer with about 8000lbs.

What he said. The 8 bag roadmaster chassis is (arguably) the best on the road.