We upgraded essentially because we found the RV life style so desirable that we wanted to do more, but had to have something large enough out of which to work. The 28-foot Airstream with slideout serves that purpose – and I have no idea why Airstream stopped making them. (They only incorporate – I believe – the slideout with their Classic – and that weighs a whole lot more!) We’ve bumped into several who own “ours” and all love them for essentially the same reasons: space, and a little more maneuverability in national park managed areas where we camp often. For instance, a 30-foot Airstream would not have worked this past winter in Chiricahua National Monument. In fact, our 28 foot-trailer fit in only two or three spots.

Regarding more space, I need an “office” and the Safari enables me to have one. Near the front window there is a flip-up table and I use it to support my laptop — and work on it often while sitting on the sofa. The only problem is that I have used the sofa so much that the foam sunk down horribly. To remedy, last week I took the sofa out and took it to a local upholstery shop where they replaced the material. Cost: $59, which others say was reasonable. We’ve also had to have brakes replaced – but that may have been my fault.

While on the subject of computers, let me say that above the sofa where the CD changer is located, I tapped into the 12V system and added a pure sine wave inverter so that I can operate my computer when we have no AC current, which is quite often.

Our Safari is an SL model, and it came with two 55-watt solar panels. This past winter, while at the Slabs (use my Google Custom search located in the upper right hand corner, just under Home and Contact and type in “slabs”) we had “Solar Mike” link in a portable panel with a long extension enabling us to move it around as the direction of the sun changes. We love it! And with the three panels can supply all our energy needs when in the desert.

As far as cost is concerned, I can only tell you (with a little research) what a new one might cost, but suggest you go online and then make lots of price comparisons. Once you know the range, you’ll know what your negotiating room might be.

Hope this helps, and if you have any other question, let me know.

Thank you,

I can’t thank-you enough for answering all my questions regarding my e-mail I sent yesterday and yes you can use my name as you want on your weblog. Your insight and experience are so valuble to the many readers of AS and individuals such as myself that would eventually like to roam the many corners of this great country to explore it’s many National Parks.
I’ve traveled this country for over 20 years as a Minor League Coach, Manager or Hitting Coordinator from coast to coast and seen some beautiful and wonderful sites that America has to offer, however, I truely believe the best way to see it and experience it, is just like you and your wife are doing so. Again I thank you and wish you and your wife safe travels wherever they may take you and if I do have any more questions I’ll be sure to know who to ask !!!
Be safe and take care.
Bob and Anne Mariano