Safari Condo Promaster Flex XL

[GTD]

Hi all, I am close to deciding on a Safari Condo Promaster XL Flex, and I am looking for a bit of feedback. I visited their operation in Levis Quebec this summer, and was impressed with their product.
I have read a few posts from some current owners here, and I am wondering if their experience has been positive to date, and if there are any upgrades or options they feel they should have added or should not have bothered with? Currently we have decided on the full solar (385 W), roof AC, and Dimmer option for the lights.
What we are not sure about is the upgraded Webasto furnace (from 7950 to 1300 BTU's). We live in a fairly cool climate (Northern Ontario), but still not sure if we require the heat boost, as it is a $3000 upgrade. We are also considering the Truma Instant Hot Water system, but I have read that they are sensitive to cool temperatures to a greater degree than the standard hot water set up. This would be a $1500 upgrade. The last items we are deciding on include the Fiamma bike rack, rear promaster shower curtain, pur sine inverter (1000 upgrade) and the computer table.
Any feedback is welcome, thanks in advance,
Gary

[AlexJ]

Originally Posted by GTD

Hi all, I am close to deciding on a Safari Condo Promaster XL Flex, and I am looking for a bit of feedback. I visited their operation in Levis Quebec this summer, and was impressed with their product.
I have read a few posts from some current owners here, and I am wondering if their experience has been positive to date, and if there are any upgrades or options they feel they should have added or should not have bothered with? Currently we have decided on the full solar (385 W), roof AC, and Dimmer option for the lights.
What we are not sure about is the upgraded Webasto furnace (from 7950 to 1300 BTU's). We live in a fairly cool climate (Northern Ontario), but still not sure if we require the heat boost, as it is a $3000 upgrade. We are also considering the Truma Instant Hot Water system, but I have read that they are sensitive to cool temperatures to a greater degree than the standard hot water set up. This would be a $1500 upgrade. The last items we are deciding on include the Fiamma bike rack, rear promaster shower curtain, pur sine inverter (1000 upgrade) and the computer table.
Any feedback is welcome, thanks in advance,
Gary

Absolutely love ours. 32,000 miles in 21 months. No issues whatsoever. We live in a warm climate, but still got the larger furnace. It's done a great job when the outside temps have been in the high 20's. Not sure whether the smaller one would be adequate. Would definitely recommend the AquaGo, but also agree it may need TLC with freezing temps. The 2000w pure sine wave inverter works flawlessly for our travel Vitamix, InstantPot, and air fryer. Dimmer works well, but emits a subtle buzzing sound which is unavoidable apparently. It also gives you one master switch to turn off all the inside lights which is nice. Would recommend the full solar. We did not get the outside bike rack. We store all 4 bikes inside. Did not see a need for the outside shower curtain. What is the computer table you refer to?

[AlexJ]

The dimmer could be omitted since there is enough under-cabinet/floor lighting/ceiling lighting combinations that you can control the amount of ambient lighting fairly easy that way too.

[GTD]

Thank you Alex, that is great information, and will help inform my decisions. The computer table sits in the cab between the two seats. I am now leaning away from getting it. I have not noticed that sliding cargo tray before - is that an option ot aftermarket? I like your set up!

https://safaricondoacc.com/boutique/...-table-p78c35/

[AlexJ]

Originally Posted by GTD

Thank you Alex, that is great information, and will help inform my decisions. The computer table sits in the cab between the two seats. I am now leaning away from getting it. I have not noticed that sliding cargo tray before - is that an option ot aftermarket? I like your set up!

https://safaricondoacc.com/boutique/...-table-p78c35/

I built it myself. 5 foot, 500 lb, full extension/locking. Works great. We do not have the little table for the cab that comes off the center console. I don't think it was an even an option 3 years ago when we ordered. I can see it being useful for eating when in motion. We may add it when we visit Canada next year on vacation.

[AlexJ]

Originally Posted by AlexJ

I built it myself. 5 foot, 500 lb, full extension/locking. Works great. We do not have the little table for the cab that comes off the center console. I don't think it was an even an option 3 years ago when we ordered. I can see it being useful for eating when in motion. We may add it when we visit Canada next year on vacation.

Safari Condo now offers a sliding cargo tray too. The tray makes loading and unloading cargo so much easier.

[GTD]

Thanks Alex, I will ask them about the sliding tray, great idea! Really nice work you did there,
Gary

[rockymtnb]

Forum member GeorgeB previously posted a series of modifications to their early production XL Flex Promaster:

http://www.classbforum.com/forums/f8...mods-4059.html

Most of those were of the aftermarket variety but some, such as additional 12volt outlets, were factory options/updates.

That's an awesome sliding cargo tray on AlexJ's unit. Four bikes inside and still usable sleeping/cooking/dining/bathroom space. That's an amazing feat in a 21ft Class B van.

[rockymtnb]

Does Safari Condo offer the Webasto hydronic furnace / water heater option on the Promaster chassis XL Flex?

That's apparently how Durango RV Rentals had their two Sprinter XL Flex units configured, as it allows single fuel source (diesel or gasoline) for both air and water heating.

[GTD]

Thanks for the link to the mods, I really liked some of those ideas. The trimetric monitor was a great add. I didn't notice the webasto water heater option for the Promaster, only the truma upgrade.

[AlexJ]

Webasto furnace runs on main gas tank (uses very little fuel). Truma AquaGo instant hot water runs off propane (again uses very little).

[AlexJ]

Originally Posted by rockymtnb

Forum member GeorgeB previously posted a series of modifications to their early production XL Flex Promaster:

http://www.classbforum.com/forums/f8...mods-4059.html

Most of those were of the aftermarket variety but some, such as additional 12volt outlets, were factory options/updates.

That's an awesome sliding cargo tray on AlexJ's unit. Four bikes inside and still usable sleeping/cooking/dining/bathroom space. That's an amazing feat in a 21ft Class B van.

It is amazing. Comfortably seats 4, 2 refrigerators, very spacious bathroom, permanent comfortable queen size bed.

[nancyd]

I picked up one about a month ago and I love it so far. I got the upgraded heater but haven’t been in a cold area so no input on that. Also got the instant water heater, I experienced error messages on it so Truma is sending a new circuit board. Also got max solar, biggest inverter and sliding cargo tray and l’m happy with these options. No bike rack, plan to put bikes inside. I did not get a rear shower curtain but it might be nice to have because the outdoor shower is great.

[GTD]

Hi Nancy, thanks for the feedback! Was the sliding cargo tray standard, or an option? I didn't see it on the options sheet so wasn't sure. Is the biggest inverter the pur sine one? I haven't placed an order yet, but will likely do so in the next month. I would be happy to get more feedback on your experiences as you use the unit!
Gary

[nancyd]

Hi Gary,, the tray was an option, about $1,000 I think. I like it because you can’t really stand up in the cargo area. Yes pure sine. Good luck! Nancy

[Paul the Gardens]

Originally Posted by GTD

Hi all, I am close to deciding on a Safari Condo Promaster XL Flex, and I am looking for a bit of feedback. I visited their operation in Levis Quebec this summer, and was impressed with their product.
I have read a few posts from some current owners here, and I am wondering if their experience has been positive to date, and if there are any upgrades or options they feel they should have added or should not have bothered with? Currently we have decided on the full solar (385 W), roof AC, and Dimmer option for the lights.
What we are not sure about is the upgraded Webasto furnace (from 7950 to 1300 BTU's). We live in a fairly cool climate (Northern Ontario), but still not sure if we require the heat boost, as it is a $3000 upgrade. We are also considering the Truma Instant Hot Water system, but I have read that they are sensitive to cool temperatures to a greater degree than the standard hot water set up. This would be a $1500 upgrade. The last items we are deciding on include the Fiamma bike rack, rear promaster shower curtain, pur sine inverter (1000 upgrade) and the computer table.
Any feedback is welcome, thanks in advance,
Gary

Hi Gary

I just got my new 2018 Safari Condo Promaster XL Flex, I did order the larger furnace but the price of $3000. you mentioned is probably a misunderstanding. The RV comes standard with the 7950 BTU Furnace and as an option you can purchase the 13,000 BTU So they credit you the full amount for the 7950 BTU that is about $2,000. credit and then charge you the full amount for the 1350 BTU that is about $800, more expensise. So it is a $800, difference between the between them. Likewise for the Aquago Instant hot water you get the credit for the standard one (less $975) and charged for the more expensise Aquago (Plus $1,600). Yes these Aquago are more sensible to frost but the main advantage is that your RV carries only 100 liters of water and when you are not connected to city water you need to save water. The Aquago gets hot instantly thus you do not waste water while adjusting the temperature. I got 285 Watts on roof. Since I plan to use the RV most of the time with no shore power I did not order the roof AC thinking that perhaps later I could add a newer type of ac that would use less energy and make less noise. Therefore I ordered the Max fan and again they credited the Fantastic fan for the full amount and charged the full amount for the Maxfan. The dimmer was $125. so I got it without knowing why, and finally I ordered the Fiamma bike rack (expensive) thinking I could store my bikes inside in the garage under bed during travels in bad weather, and use the rack for nice weather or during the night or biking with four people (2 inside 2 on the rack) . I ride about 5000 KM per year on my road bikes.
Finally I could say that I have made research for over a year and never found a bad comment about any Safari Condo users, they delivered my RV at the promised date, they are honest reliable family run company. Take advantage while you can and order your Safari Condo without hesitation, the Promaster is made in Mexico the conversion is made in Quebec maybe futur free trade Nafta negotiations will get prices up ?
Best of luck and PM me directly if you have any questions.

Paul

[jgmarcotte]

Originally Posted by GTD

Thanks for the link to the mods, I really liked some of those ideas. The trimetric monitor was a great add. I didn't notice the webasto water heater option for the Promaster, only the truma upgrade.

If you are looking for Safari condo you should look at panoramicrv.com better quality better design and you can choose your option, also made in Canada

[GTD]

Thanks Nancy!

[GTD]

Wow, thanks so much Paul, that certainly cleared a lot up for me! I am not 100% on the AC at this point, we have never had one in the past and got by fine. I guess I was thinking about potential travel to the southern states in the future. My research has been similar to yours, and I did get a good vibe from the people in Levis when I visited this summer. I may be PM'ng you in the future with some more questions, enjoy your Safari!

[GTD]

Thanks Jgmarcotte, I have not heard of that company before, but will look into it,
Gary