May 2 is my Alto-versary, celebrating that day way back in 2016 when I picked up my shiny new blue Alto F1743 and became a full-time vagabond. I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I liked to travel, I didn’t mind driving, and there was a lot of America and Canada I wanted to see. Seven years later, I’m kind of surprised I’m still out here.
A lot has changed in those seven years, including me. I’ve learned so much about traveling, about trailers, and about myself. I’ve been staying longer at places, exploring the back roads as much as I can, and camping more with friends than in previous years. Here’s a look at my last 365 days of Alto life:
Over the last year, I learned a lot more than I ever wanted to about weather warnings. I know what a heat dome is now, and I could probably have lived another few decades without having had to learn that. And then there was that hurricane on the east coast that made me hunker down for 4 nights at the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula. Through it all, my Alto was a safe haven, keeping me warm (or cool) and dry.
How is the Alto Holding Up?
In the last seven years, I’ve towed my Alto somewhere around 66,500 miles. The list of things that have broken is short: a fan, the big front window and two shade/screens, the caravan mover, a couple of front frame bolts. It still doesn’t leak in heavy weather (and, trust me, I’ve been in some serious storms!) and I still wouldn’t trade it for anything but another Alto.
The favorite changes I’ve made to my Alto? A lithium battery and Victron battery monitor, a bigger sink and a nicer faucet, a folding table up front instead of the default mounted one, and opening up the front area with a shelf/bookcase instead of the default long and narrow cushion (I used the front area as a bed exactly twice in the first five years I owned my Alto).
I’ve learned a lot about plumbing, electrical, solar, and wiring in my seven years of being an Alto owner. I’ve fixed little things, changed others, and overall done a lot of things myself, although I always let someone else do the yearly maintenance, frame bolt checks, and wheel bearing checks and replacements. I know my limits 🙂 Many thanks to the fellow Alto owners who have given me advice and and those special people who have worked on my baby, from upgrading the solar controller to installing a permanent surge protector.
Overall, my Alto has been stellar on the road, providing a safe and comfortable little home for the last seven years. I’m just as happy with my purchase now as I was on my pickup day, May 2, 2016.
Camping with friends at the beach is the perfect way to celebrate my Alto-versary this year. The photo at the top of this post is from May 2, 2022, a year ago, when I was camping in Texas (and dodging the first of many tornado warnings…)
Bonus Map: My last three years of vagabond life in one (exhausting to look at) map…
I thoroughly enjoyed this post, and the map gives me chills! Thanks a million for sharing your journeys with us. Always interesting and entertaining, and those gorgeous photos!
Thank you, Anne! I try to share my journey so people can see the amazing things I have, even if they never leave home.
Congratulations on seven years of adventures, Annie! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and stories. So glad we met in person in Gainesville, and hoping you’ll come visit us in NC! :-))
Thanks, Laurel! I’m hoping to drop by this fall, assuming you’ll be settled into your new place by then. Hang in there, it’s coming!
We would love to see you!!
Thanks for sharing your travels with us. I got to go to and see places I didn’t know about and see your beautiful pictures. It has always been a treat.
Seems like you passed near my as you traveled down I-25 through Wyoming and into Colorado. If you’d ever like to visit western Nebraska, you’re welcome to stop by my place.
As always, I enjoy reading your traveling stories and of all the places I may never get to, did not know existed, and now have on my list of places to see. I look forward to hearing more.
Happy Altoversary!!
Awesome!
Now I wonder if you will try Trans-Canada Highway???
We have thoroughly enjoyed your posts Annie and they’ve informed us as we considered a lifestyle like yours. Please know that you are welcome to visit us anytime in Virginia. We have a very large driveway with shade on one side that would be a perfect place for you to stay a few nights if the needs arises – all you have to do is email us and we’d work out the details. My wife and I are retired seniors. Safe Travels and happy Altoversary.
Thank you for letting me know you’ve enjoyed my posts, I really appreciate that. And the generous offer of a driveway in VA if I’m in need is one I’ll hold on to, as I never know what’s up ahead 🙂 Hope you both are enjoying retirement, it’s a great life, isn’t it?
Another year…you are intrepid and full of perseverance. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Hey, I was thinking of you today, you’ll see why in a few days…
Congratulations to you, Annie! I admire your adventurous spirit. Here’s to seven more!
Wow. What a dream to live while exploring the world! So many stories to tell. Thanks for sharing some of it with us!
Congratulations, Annie! Your spirit and your resilience continues to inspire. I’m glad the road still beckons and you continue to find your happy places on the journey. Hugs, friend.
Happy Altoversary Annie!
I remember when you were first starting out. Seems like yesterday and a long time ago all at the same time. It is great to hear that you are still enjoying the vagabond life. Heading out myself tomorrow for a bit of adventure overseas. Ciao for now!
Thank you! Your journey is what started me dreaming, and I have now been a full-time (still working remotely) nomad since Sept 2022. I would love to plug in my stops on a map but google capped my stops. Can I ask what mapping app you used?
Great to celebrate this anniversary with you. The Alto product seems amazingly robust! We have a 2017 TAB 320 purchased used and dealing with water dampness in one of our rear compartments has been an ongoing issue. The water is not enough to pool, but it is aggravating. We are likely to return to tent camping, just to keep it simple. You are a genuine road warrior. Congrats to you and your Alto.
Happy for you. Good account!
Seven years – amazing!!
Congrats Annie! Well done and keep going girl!! ♥️
WOW! That second map. Holy smokes. So glad you’re still having fun.
I seem to be able to be exhausted just staying put, I don’t know how you do it! I’m glad you do though, since we get to see you! You have done an amazing job adapting your home and yourself to the circumstances of life.