Three years and 366 days ago, I saw this graphic on my phone:
Yep, four years ago today, I met my shiny new Safari Condo Alto F1743, production number 821. I had never towed a thing, never done any RV camping, and had absolutely no idea what I was in for. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I love my trailer and (yes, Yvette) I love my vagabond life.
My first year of Alto ownership was a steep learning curve. Dumping tanks was the easiest thing, learning to back up with a left/right learning disability was the hardest. The second year was the 12 months where everything seemed to break: two phones, two windshields, one tire, and one left hand. I was happy to see that year end. Third year, I was hitting my rhythm: longer stays in places, and then a few months wintering in Florida to recharge. The fourth year? Started great, loved Vancouver Island and getting back to the west coast, but the last three months I could have done without.
In these four years, Breeze has traveled over 44,000 miles and stopped at almost 350 places overnight, from state parks to RV parks to driveways, KOAs, and one really cozy side yard. We’ve seen 41 of the 48 continental US states and a handful of Canadian provinces (although, honestly, I feel like we barely scratched the surface of any of those provinces!). Breeze said farewell to her first sibling, Bella (a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R), and hello to her new one, Luna (a 2019 Honda Ridgeline SE). We’re still waiting to actually hookup Luna to Breeze. I’m hopeful it will happen sometime in 2020.
The first two years, I didn’t make many changes to my Alto, as Breeze and I were getting to know each other. The last two years, though, I got serious about making the Alto my own, fit for a full-time vagabond.
Interior
- Replaced grey table with concrete/white table from Safari Condo
- Removed bathroom door, replaced with curtain.
- Lagun table mount
- Replaced the original cushion covers with new blue fabric after 3.5 years.
- Replaced fridge vent fan after 3.5 years
- Dawn sink, cutting board cover, and Kohler bar faucet
- Removed grey flooring and replaced with stick-on light gray tiles
Exterior
- Two 17-pound viking tanks on tongue
- Longer dump hose mounted on tongue
- BFW replaced under warranty after 2 years
- Second keder rail added after 2 years (very handy for aluminet to shade the fridge)
Electrical
- Trimetric battery monitor
- Progressive surge protector (interior installation)
- Battleborn Lithium-Ion battery
- Victron solar controller with bluetooth/phone connectivity
- Replaced rearview camera after 3 years due to water leaks in rainy weather
I’d be hard-pressed to pick my favorite mods. Each change I made was to make things easier or more useful. As a full-timer, I use my trailer every day, so I would expect some of these mods wouldn’t appeal to most Alto owners, but they work for me. That deep, wide Dawn sink? I love it after four years of trying to put dishes into the smaller, oddly-shaped sink and worrying about the faucet coming loose and giving me an impromptu shower. Was it a lot of work? Oh, yeah. Next time, I’d pay a plumber to do it! But now that it’s done, and I know how my plumbing works, I’m really happy with it.
When I started this wandering life, I never thought a pandemic would stop me in my tracks. But here we are. I’m sheltering in place in my Alto, reading, writing, and quilting the days away. The new hitch sits in the grass nearby, waiting for first use. A map of the southern states is pinned to the corkboard on the cupboard door, with pins marking a tentative path up the coast and then inland to the Blue Ridge and cooler weather. Here’s hoping the 365 days ahead bring us all pandemic relief, maybe a vaccine, and, if it feels safe, some travels on roads old and new for Luna, Breeze, and me.
They call me the breeze
I keep blowin’ down the road.
J.J. Cale
(For my absolute favorite version of this song, go to 19:45 in this video.)
Annie,
I own an Alto1713 and I’m looking for someone to switch my acid battery to lithium. Did you have yours done in Gainesville? I’m in Jacksonville and would gladly drive there to have someone experienced with our trailers do the work. I’m in the process of purchasing all the parts and battery.
Thanks for any information you can share.
Linda
I have had some work done locally, but the place I used to trust got bought out so I can’t recommend them (they way overcharged me for work). I had a fellow Alto owner help me (OK, he did all the replacing of the solar controller, which I appreciated since it needed a different wire connection) convert mine over. The battery switch was easy, just take a photo of the battery before you disconnect everything, and then put it back the same way. The Victron battery monitor was also an easy install the way I did it. Just the solar controller needed someone else (because I hate wiring!).
Thanks for the info. I guess I’m going with a local trailer guy to switch battery boxes and my brother-in-law for electrical advice for the install of the lithium battery and smartshunt. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
I have been doing research in preparation for purchase of a small travel trailer and all things seemed to point to the Safari Condo Alto F1743. But, as with all large purchases I was worried – Is this the best choice? Fortunately one more web search brought me to your blog. Fantastic source of info and ideas and confirmation of my choice. Thank you.
Thanks for letting me know how helpful the blog was for you, that makes my day! Altos are great little trailers, and I’m still very happy with mine. Good luck in your quest, let me know what model you decide to get. And if you are interested, the Facebook group “Altoistes” is a very useful resource and full of good people (more than a few people only have a Facebook account so they can be in this group!).
Incredible site and insight on the Alto. I have been doing some daily research into all of the various RV’s available out there and just yesterday I decided that Alto gives one more bang for the buck than any other option. This morning I found your deep and wonderful take on them. I feel I have received approval on a decision that was long in coming. No matter what I looked into, I always had to return to the Alto site for a comparison and Alto always won hands down. It is time to start the process of ordering our F2414.
Thank You
Phillip
This is the sweetest comment I’ve had, I think. How lovely that my site was able to confirm your Alto purchase decision! I’m sure you’ll love it, and, yes, it is truly worth the long wait for arrival. Keep me posted!
My wife and I are, already, deeply grateful for finding your website. So much useful, practical information and wonderful photography and stories as well. We are considering purchasing an Alto and you have answered so many of our questions. Please keep sharing as we have now subscribed to your blog and hope to some day meet you in person and extend a more personable thank you.
Jun14, 2020, Gainesville Fl
Hi Annie, My name is Mitch, and I just found your extensive site 2 days ago. My wife and I are beginning our search for a camper trailer and I’m attracted to the Alto’s design. Imagine my surprise when I saw you were camped out in GNV for Apr/May! We would have loved to come visit you and Breeze and still might if you’re in the area. Of course, if that’s not possible, I will still read and appreciate your blog. Thanks, and Happy Trails…
Hi, Jim, thanks for leaving a comment. I am still in the Gainesville area, till next month, so perhaps we can work something out (I mask and social distance). You can send me a private email using the form on the About page.
Thanks for your support, inspiration and stories. If Safari Condo had a magazine, you’d be on the cover. Good luck to you, Luna, and Breeze. More adventures ahead. See you somewhere, sometime again.
I was happy to find your blog(and Altoiste group)as I am in the beginning stages of looking into buying a trailer for mostly solo camping (well, my 2 dogs & I). I was looking at NuCamp t@b, but I really wanted 2 sleeping areas. Then I came across these Altos and I think I really like these, although I haven’t had the opportunity to see one in person yet or talk with Safari to get an approx price. But I really don’t know what I want as far as options. I’ve done a fair amount of camping, but never being responsible for everything involved myself. So it will definitely be a learning experience . I will continue to follow your blog & the Altoiste page & hope to be on my way soon! One question, why did you chose the F1743 instead of a R1713?
Hi, Diana, and welcome to my website! The Alto is easy to take care of, especially if you get the solar panels and 12v fridge (not the propane/120v fridge). I chose the 1743 for two reasons: more storage (which was a huge consideration for me as a full-timer) and less moving parts (my dad was an engineer, so I learned to appreciate the less moving parts, the better!).
Thanks for your inspiring comments, long life to Breeze. I was expecting delivery of a new 1743 in April 2020, plans have be been delayed I don’t know for how long, but it’s ok, it’s hopefully a matter of weeks. I was also supposed to get a Ridgeline and finally had a very good deal this past November on a Chevy Colorado Midnight edition, crew cab and long box, more fun off-road.
Michel, the Alto is definitely worth the wait! And you picked the best model of Alto, too 🙂 May you have many adventures with Alto and your Chevy Colorado!