Intro myself to the world of Safari

[johnplum]

Hello all good Safari folk. I have decided to get a Safari because I need a caravan for my children. I have stayed in caravans, and visited people, and I don't like the way they are built. I began restoring a 'gypsy' caravan (1970's)... what a rotten mess of a job, and terrible construction.

That's why I decided on a a Safari, as I was surprised when by chance I found myself going over a friends , and began to take in the details with appreciation.

I would appreciate advice on what to look for. I have a 1.9 litre diesel citroen for towing. Especially, info on overall strength of construction, like what gives it strength, vulnerability of the seams. I know they are supposed to be good, and 'coach built': what does it mean by coach built with the safari, and which models year are good to go for?

Any succinct pointers for tow-ability with regard to model changes would be appreciated, for this newcomer with a mission!


Looking around this site I see a nice group of sensible people, who I look forward to meeting!

[Brian M]

John - flattery will get you nowhere on this site, sensible - where did you get that idea from, half of us are mad (about Safaris) and the rest are certifiable!!

Nevertheless you are most welcome to join our exclusive group.

As I have said in previous threads, there are only three things to look for when inspecting a Safari:

damp

damp

and then more damp.

Regarding towing - your Citroen should have enough power but you should check on the weight. You might be limited to a 12-2 Safari.

Strength - Safaris were made from obeche, and very light but strong timber which meant that extra stiffening could be included without increasing the weight. For instance if you remove the internal ceiling you will find crossbars every 10-12 inches in a Safari, on a "Non-coachbuilt" caravan the bars are probably 15-18 inches apart and so the whole structure is less rigid.

There aren't really any differences between the models except the lengths and number of berths, so you need to decide what you require.

[johnplum]

Also, thanks Brian, for posting your excellent rebuild, which I have admired.

[johnplum]

Well, I decided to buy on a safari that definitely needs some work: I haven't seen it yet - go to pick it up next week. It's a 13/2., late 70's.
A 4 berth would have been ideal, but a 17' would have been just at my tow limit, so I decided against that.
I'm going to carry a decent cotton tent for an extra berth or two and, I'm pleased with the thought of that or flexibility!

I'd love an awning for the caravan.

A couple of questions:
-------------------------
q. Does the roof have an internal wooden structure?
q. how do I get notification of replies to a topic?

[michael1]

Yes the roof is made up of 2side roof parts side roof are the ones with the small windows in then wood strips across at inervals this makes the main roof the small side roof is made up in the same way hopes this helps you

[Brian M]

May 23, 2011 23:29:59 GMT johnplum said:

q. how do I get notification of replies to a topic?

You need to submit a message to the thread and then "Bookmark" the thread and you will get an email when anyone replies.

The book mark is two lines below where I am typing this

[johnplum]

OK thanks Michael.

SO,

side roofs and main roof each have wooden strips across, (or perhaps in case of side roofs, place vertically)?