Happy 6th birthday, Breeze! Woohoo!
To borrow a popular internet meme, here’s how it started and how it’s going:
In between these two photos, my Alto has been towed just under 60,000 miles, seen somewhere around 500 different campsites, and carried me through pandemic lockdown and pandemic camping in style, thanks to self-contained water and sewage systems. We’ve camped in snow a few times (all accidentally!), 15F freezing winds, and 95F searing heat and we’re still here. I still love my Alto. Breeze is the first home I ever truly 100% owned and I can’t yet imagine splitting up our partnership.
Making the Alto My Own
The first few years I owned my Alto, I didn’t make many changes to it. I guess in the back of my head I was thinking I might sell it and want it to be as pristine as possible. But, life on the road is not pristine and neither is my Alto now either! It’s got scratches and scrapes, from errant tent poles (not mine!) to spiny branches scraping the sides on narrow passages. Somewhere in the last few years, I realized I wasn’t going to sell it any time soon. If and when I did, it will be “as is” and would-be buyers can take it or leave it. I decided I would make some major changes to make my vagabond life more comfortable!
First to go was the bathroom door (thanks again, Linda!). It sits in the basement of my friend’s house for now (thanks, Peg!). I have a curtain instead, a nice bit of batik fabric I picked up in Tucson. Way easier to get in and out of the bathroom, especially since that’s where my sole trashcan is. I had fun last fall, finding some nice batik fabric so I now have two curtains and I can swap them out depending on my mood (2.5 yards of 44-45-inch fabric, for the sewing crowd).
This past winter, I really dove into the whole customization thing, sparked by what could have been a major PITA. The last week of 2021, the shade that covers the big front window broke (again). I put my sewing skills to use and designed a cloth cover, applying stick-on velcro to the plastic shade frame and to border of the cloth shade. It took me a couple of tries over a month’s time to figure out the best design. I now have a two-sided one for nighttime, to block out the light, and a full-sized one-thickness panel for privacy or blocking the heat during the day. I also have two half-height shades that I can put on the top or the bottom of the wind, to block the sun or for privacy. Yeah, I might have gone a bit overboard, but I actually have used all four of them in the past three days, so maybe not. (Contact me if you want details on how to make one.)
Wait, you might say, where’s that big Alto table? My latest project has been to make the front area more functional. I do a lot of writing and photo editing so I wanted an actual writing desk, or as close as I could get to one. I combined the legs of a folding table (thanks, Amazon!) with a custom-cut piece of 1/2-inch bamboo created by Tucson Woodworking. They also cut me a shelf that has replaced the left side of the opening usually covered by the narrow front cushion, giving me easier access to that area. I now use it to store camera gear and books. I can also set things set things on top of the shelf as I’m working at the desk, which is super-handy. When it’s time to move, I just fold up the table and lay it on the bed. (Note: In five years, I used the front area as a bed, which requires the original table, exactly twice, so I’m not worried about the whole “make it into a bed” feature.)
How Durable Is an Alto?
People often ask me how good the Alto is. Here’s a list of what has broken in six (SIX!) years of full-time use:
- Fantasic vent fan died, replaced under warranty (2018)
- Big front window defect, replaced under warranty. No problem since them. (2018)
- Big front window shade broke, replaced under warranty (2018). Broke again (2021)
- Rear view camera water damage (2019 replaced camera, 2021 rewired and replaced with better camera)
- 12v fridge fan failed, replaced (2021)
- Propane regulator failed, replaced (2021)
- Water pump failed, replaced (2022)
- Top corners of front and side windows have cracked (2021, 2022)
Considering that the Alto trailer isn’t designed for full-timing, it been a solid workhorse for the last six years. For example, propane regulators last about 10 years, but that’s based on part-time use. That I got five years out of mine seems about right. I still remember Denis, my patient and kind salesperson at Safari Condo, telling me in 2015 when I placed my order that Safari Condo doesn’t market their trailers for full-time living and me saying I would just see how it goes. (So far, so good, Denis!)
I am disappointed that the window shade didn’t last longer than two years or so, but I think that’s a combination of the weight of it (it’s a BIG shade so it’s heavy) combined with strings that aren’t thick enough. And, yes, using it every day for two years is more than some owners will use it in years. I like my funky batik window shades and they’ll be fine till I get back up to Quebec at some point to get a new shade. I still love that big window view, despite the issues. (Side note: Recently, I was able to see a new Alto and quite pleased to see it has a shade of a different, and better design, without the strings that were the breaking point in both of my shades.)
I’ve had people ask if I would I buy an Alto again, knowing the cost is much higher than other trailers of the same size and the wait is 1.5-2 years? Yes, yes, I would. I am one of the few full-timers I know who hasn’t switched rigs after a few years. Why not? I honestly haven’t found a better-built trailer or a better trailer for me.
Random Thoughts
I’m happy with my solar setup; the 180 watts of panels on the roof combined with the 100 amp-hour Battleborn lithium-ion battery means I haven’t had to use my generator in over a year. I’m actually thinking I might sell it next winter if I haven’t had to use it by then.
The Honda Ridgeline I got back in 2020 has been a superb tow vehicle. It’s easier to hitch up the trailer, it holds way more stuff, and the bigger weight and tow capacity means I actually do sometimes forget there’s a little blue trailer behind me.
I do have a short list of things I’m thinking about changing or upgrading, starting with a new fridge with more room (same spot, the newer model is just deeper so it can hold more stuff and that new front window shade. And if I can fit it into my budget, I’d like to replace the two side windows, since not only are the corners now cracked, the surface has seen six years on the road and has the dings and scratches to prove it. Although, to be honest, I don’t really see them when I’m inside the Alto looking out, so maybe I’ll just live with them a little longer.
Next up: Six Years: Part 2, or how I’ve done in those six years of vagabond life.
An echo of music, a face in the street, the wafer of the new moon, a wanton thought – only in the iridescence of things the vagabond soul is happy.
Logan Pearsall Smith
Hi Annie, I have much enjoyed your blog and photos over the years. We have had our 1743 for several years and I have you to thank for the fact that I can drive and park the thing myself. Always left it up to my husband but you made it sound doable and right you were. Our BFW shade strings broke last summer. I would love your advice on making a temporary fabric shade like the one you have. Keep up the happy travels! Alice
Happy Anniversary and many more years, trips, and posts!! So happy that YOU are happy—Hugs! 🙂
I love your re(ar)view!! Such great ideas. First I will steal your idea to remove the front table 🙂 I hardly use the area and it opens up the space so much! Love it! Thank you for sharing your insights (over the years…).
Let me know if you want more details on making your own TV-tray based table. It’s so convenient to fold up!
Would very much like that, tank you 🙂 I am also debating if I use the hardware off the orig. table and add it to a much smaller table top. But your set up makes the space so much more open! Thank you for your help!
Hi, Daniela, again! Some people have made a smaller table using the original hardware. I once saw that hardware used on a beautiful round orange plexiglass table in a retro trailer and I still have that photo thinking someday I’ll do that. For my table, I bought this folding desk from Amazon (https://amzn.to/3KLvDrA) and then found a place in Tucson (where I was going to be) that would cut wood to my specifications. I made the table the same width because the frame kinda needs that to fit the hardware, but I made it longer (front to back) so that it would be closer to me when the legs ran into the A/C cabinet at the floor level. The original table was a good first check that I wanted to do this, but the legs “stuck out” and I couldn’t get the table surface close enough to me. Hence making a longer table, which works really well. The measurements I used are 20 inches front to back and then 23 inches wide. I picked bamboo that was 1/2 inch thick, same thickness as the original plywood-type table top.
Hi Annie 🙂 Thank you for the link for table and info! I do have a F2114 and have bit more space already, but with a folding table it would open it up a lot! Love the bamboo. SideNote: I changed the window frames to grey/silver so frames blend in more. Btw, I had the same thought, to keep it all original in case I wanna sell it, and I agree with you, it will sell no matter what (…if every… 🙂
Though not included in this post, the photo of you hugging Breeze upon pickup is so memorable. Of course we followed your wait and anticipation, but that picture….
I suspect what the picture conveyed then is still applicable these six years later. See ya down the road.
I love that you remember that picture, Jack! I might have to do another hugging picture this year, just to update, now that Breeze and I are a few years older 🙂
I am so glad that everything is going fine with your ( vagabond life style). As for the modifications your trailer went trough: it is easier to live with evolution than revolution.
Keep the pace my friend.
Bonjour, Denis! I hope your traveling is going well, even though the pandemic has probably stopped Florida trips. I did not write it in the post, but every May 1, I have a nice dinner for myself, to remind me of that nice dinner we had in Quebec City after I first met you and Breeze. It was such a wonderful two days in my life <3
You’re such an inspiration! And yes the Alto is too! Since I got the Alto R-1713 in late 2018, it has made me simplify my lifestyle even more than I had already had. When I retire (a long ways yet) I hope to “live on the road” to explore the country.
I always think we “live small” until I read your blog and realize how small one can really live and have exactly what they need. It all comes down to the design of the RV and the little changes one makes to make it work for them. You really did well with Breeze and it’s awesome that she’s been so reliable for you. You’re right – most people do switch our rigs – some of them do it multiple times, but you found the exact right one for you and it’s stood the test of time, temperature, and travel. Onward!!
I’ve been thinking of you two and wondering how the getting off the road project is going. Hopefully, all is going smoothly and you must feel such a mixture of relief and excitement. Fair winds, and onward to you!
I started following your blog in 2016, I believe. Due to stress at work and becoming empty nesters, I needed a distraction from work. I “discovered” RVing, camping, and travel in late 2014. Through therapeutic research (haha), we decided to buy a used 2005 Casita 17 Freedom Deluxe in November, 2015. We started camping in 2016. We have now camped 309 nights! I have recently retired. In addition to loving RVing and camping, I love Safari Condo Altos, Subarus, and Hondas (particularly the Ridgeline). We love our Casita and small campers. I enjoy keeping up with your travels. Happy 6 year Anniversary!
Dean, that’s great that you found a little Casita, they are solid campers and I know a few people who have them and love them. Keep going, keep camping! And thanks for reading my blog, too.
6 years – I remember your blogs about the early days of your travels and the “learning curve” which was tough. Both you and the Breeze have gone through many “adventures” and seen much of the US that I have not seen. thanks to your photos I have been able to see and enjoy some beautiful places.
Hi, Mary! Yes, so much learning since those early days! Stay tuned for Oklahoma and Arkansas, both states I have never visited in my entire 66 years. And this fall, I plan to trek up to Durham, minus trailer, to visit you, if you’ll be around mid-September…
Great information! Thank you for sharing your experience with the Alto. I am heading down the same path in a few years. One question: would it be as pratical to use the front seats as a bed and the back seats as a larger living area?
Thanks! It is doable, but there are two caveats to the front bed: it’s set above the air conditioner (which can be really noisy and vibrate a bit) so cold up there in that case. And if you get the 12v fridge, it may blow air on you and be a bit of noise in that front area as well.
I find the back bed is easy to make up and take down, although some people leave it as a bed 100% of the time. When I am moving sites, I leave it as a bed and throw stuff (like the folding table, my laptop bag, and various odds and ends) on it because they won’t move, they just sit there and it makes packing up easier.
If you can, try to see an Alto of the model you’re considering and sit in that front area, try it out, so to speak.
Love reading your posts and yes, you have been inspirational! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, images and tips!
Keep on breaking the mold Annie! Love that last photo! Coincidentally I am celebrating a birthday today too. My ’61 Mini was built exactly 61 years ago today.
Wow, that Mini definitely is getting the love from you, lasting that long! How did I not see it when I was that close to it?!
Hard to believe it’s been six years. How long does that make it since we worked together? (Don’t answer.) I’m glad you are still enjoying your vagabond lifestyle. Wishing you many happy miles in your future.
Hmm, I think my Trend gig ended in 2009 but I get fuzzy about dates more than a decade ago, as if my brain wants to delete the entire history of that gig 🙂 Thanks for the best wishes. Hope all is good with you, too, Ms. Author!
That bottom picture, where the sunset (sunrise?) bleeds into the window of the trailer is incredible! Could I save it for my desktop photo to help me wait the years between renting a trailer from Durango RV and eventually getting one from Safari Condo? I love reading your reviews, tips tricks. I love your photos! Thank you!
Just sent you a link to a better resolution image. I’m always honored when people like my photos
You also have wine stored here. Just sayin’.
Shhhh…
I read your 6 year recap and was happy to hear that the Breeze is mostly problem free. I haven’t followed you but maybe a year or so, and you may have covered this already, but I have two questions. I can see from an old photo that you had a weight distribution hitch on Bella but I cannot see if you do on LunaBella, and would be interested to know. Secondly, we have a 2015 model 1723 (more moving parts!) with the big window in front and it does not fit the contour as it should. Was there a recall on that or did you just happen to take it to Quebec to have it looked at and discover that they were replacing under warranty? Thank you for all the great hands on information.
Thanks for reading and leaving the questions, they are good ones. I don’t use a WD system with Luna because (1) Honda doesn’t recommend it and (2) I have a Hayes electronic sway control system. Safari Condo installs the Tuscon (sp?) system, which is a bit different. I might have continued to use the WD despite the Honda advice if I didn’t have the Hayes because wind still freaks me out.
As for the big front window, there was a batch of them that over time developed a bubble on the outer surface, so they replaced those under warranty. I’m not sure why yours doesn’t fit the contour of the front wall, perhaps an email with some photos to SC service would be a first step in figuring out what to do? I hope you can resolve it.
You are inspirational! I read all of your posts and enjoy your photos so much. We are still waiting for our trailer due June 1, but sadly delayed 3-6 months. The pandemic has effected us all in different ways. I hope to meet you on the road someday. Happy trails! Sue
Oh, Sue, that’s hard to have to wait longer for your Alto. But it will be worth it, I promise. The supply chain issues have gotten me a few times, I had to wait to replace trailer tires a few months longer than normal, for example, last year. Here’s to patience and then the reward of a shiny new Alto later this year.