Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Safari Coach Trek
The 1998 Safari Coach TREK suffers from a significant recall concerning its refrigerator cooling unit, potentially leading to leaks. Despite minimal owner complaints, it's crucial to check the refrigerator for reliability. This RV might be a good purchase if the issue has been addressed, but thorough inspection is recommended to avoid hidden surprises.
Known issues to inspect
Refrigerator cooling unit failure
How to check: Inspect refrigerator for signs of leakage or cracking.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Initial inspection
What to check: Inspect refrigerator cooling unit for leaks.
Red flag: Visible leaks or cracks
- 02
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual noises or rough start.
Red flag: Engine struggles to start
- 03
Engine idle
What to check: Observe engine for smooth idling.
Red flag: Rough or inconsistent idle
- 04
First few miles
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting and acceleration.
Red flag: Rough gear changes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for vibrations or stuttering.
Red flag: Strong vibrations or power loss
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the refrigerator recall been addressed?
- Are there any past refrigerator leaks?
- Any recent repairs or replacements?
- Is there a current warranty available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent repair receipts
- Refrigerator recall documentation
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration paperwork
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/8/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 1998 Safari Coach Trek.