Canadian RV manufacturer Safari Condo has added a fixed roof version of their Alto travel trailer to their line-up. The Alto initially hit the Canadian RV scene around 2009 with the unique teardrop shaped travel trailer with an electric retractable roof.
But new for 2013 is a fixed roof option (Model F1743), which checks in at 17 feet long and a dry weight of 1600 lbs. The light weight of the Alto can be attributed to the aluminum frame, floors, and the Alufiber skin. It also boasts an enclosed shower/toilet combo. “To our knowledge the F1743 is probably the lightest 17ft trailer with a real bathroom”, says Daniel Nadeau, president of Safari Condo.
Says Nadeau, “The F1743 has a very big curved panoramic window that you could open. All the windows are acrylic European style full opening with built in combination blind/screen system.”
While the F1743 will have a price tag between $25,000-$29,000 (Canadian $$) nicely equipped, it’s still about $5,000 cheaper and over 100lbs lighter than the retractable roof models, while also offering nearly 30 cubic feet more storage space.
I’ve been aware of the Safari Condo line for a few years now, but have never really paid much attention to them until recently. Still, I’ve never seen one in person and can’t attest to any build quality. However, if the old saying “you get what you pay for” still holds true, it should be a well-built unit. However, common sense should prevail if considering a purchase of one, and I’d suggest inspecting one first hand before committing. All the Alto models are available to United States buyers through Safari Condo.
You can find out more about all the Safari Condo Alto models at their website at: http://www.safaricondo.com
(images courtesy Safari Condo)
I would like to have pricing of the Safari Alto trailor, as I am very interested in buying one.
Thank You,
Frank Calmes
The Safari Condo fixed-roof, Model F1743: One family’s experiences.
By R. Dikkes
After camping for 2 summers in our Funfinder 139 we decided it was time for an upgrade, My Suzuki Grand vitara is rated to tow 3000 pound max, and I was very close to the 3000 pounds with the funfinder, if not over on loaded trips, we also wanted a separate bed and seating area in our next Camper.
I had been looking at various options in the lightweight category but could not find a lot, the Alto fixed roof with a starting weight of 1592 lbs would be ideal for the Suzuki, we added a bike rack, 2 leveling jacks, a microwave, a heat pump, the aluminium wheel for the spare, the 15 liter water heater , and the canopy, totaling the weight out at approx 2000 lbs, add to that the regular stuff like blankets, food etc it may become 2300.
The purchase
The safari is manufactured in the province of Quebec, and the cost of the unit starts at around $23.033 Canadian, factory direct. After doing the math on travel to Quebec, gas etc, we decided to purchase the unit through Can-Am RV in nearby Lambeth, Ontario. They calculated the cost of delivery and pickup at about $1,800, and for that we could conveniently pick up the trailer in Lambeth, and any service work could be done through CAN-AM. Our total cost to actually get the trailer home would be about $30.000 – a big hunk of change for my family. Warranty on the RV is 2 years on all parts manufactured by Safari, and all other parts like fridges etc have their own separate warranties.
The delivery
Since there seemed to be some demand for this particular model, our wait time for the delivery would be about two months. In September we got a phone call to say that our unit was in, and that the pre-delivery inspection had been done, so off we went to pick it up. I had the advantage of already owning a camper, so all the brake and hitch work was ready to accommodate the new trailer. One problem with the Suzuki Vitara is that, being made in Japan, the rear door (in place of the customary hatch) opens horizontally towards the curb. I have never been happy with that arrangement, but it certainly makes for a tight fit on the trailer hitch and the rear spare wheel. We always have to load the car first, and after the RV is hooked up the door barely opens 12 inches. We added a Reese light weight distribution kit, and although I had never used such a device before, I really got to like it after a while.
We arrived in the morning, and had to wait about 40 minutes before the delivery process actually began. The delivery function turned out to be very thorough and informative, and it was several hours before we finally hooked up the RV and went on a test drive with the Can-Am salesman. Twenty minutes later we returned, and were soon on our way home with our new baby.
The first drive
I immediately felt that the Suzuki was a bit happier pulling the Alto, it actually felt like I was not pulling anything, we arrived at the house and parked the beauty in the driveway, I now had my toy back and could play again.
Instructions.
The instruction book is related to the trailer, but not specific to it, they were written for the 1723 , all warranties and appliance instructions are in English and so are the trailer instructions, it is all bundled in its own nylon bag and very wel done.
First impressions.
In comparison to the Funfinder, we had gained 3 feet in length, and the 80 x 60 bed was a most welcome addition, as its size made it capable of accommodating the complex and highly individualistic sleeping postures that all humans seem to adopt. The kitchen countertop has an extension which is not foldable and it would be hard to sleep under it; we found that even though it changed our regular routine it has become nothing more than just a minor inconvenience. The seats on the bed also serve as the mattress; the quality of the fabric used is excellent, and we expect no problems with that. The foam is comfortable for sleeping on, but as we are getting a “little older” we preferred to add a two-inch memory foam pad – but for the kind of money we paid, I can’t help feeling that perhaps a thicker mattress could have been provided. The left and right bed benches serve as storage spaces, and when one is facing towards the rear of the RV the left-hand bench-storage is also accessible from the outside. Sitting at the dining table, the window is stunningly large, and the screen and blinds are built-in, and work very efficiently. The windows all open, and are double-pane acrylic, but unfortunately for us, in the manufacturing process some dirt was left behind in between the panes of the front windows, and it eventually became an annoying visible irritant to us. I contacted Can-Am RV and got a commitment that the windows would be replaced under warranty. The door is a door only, unlike most camper doors we know where the screen door and outside door are one. The screen therefore is separate from the door, and while it functions well, it does come across as a somewhat cheap solution. Still, this might well be a rather smart weight-saving measure.
The dining area is very adequate and we managed to sit at it with our grandson comfortably, a small fold up chair was used as the third seat. All light is supplied by LED’s and is plenty for reading and work. A fuse panel is under the dining room seat on the inside wall , Two cigarette lighter sockets are present , one under the table and one in the upper rear of the RV they can be used with proper chargers for charging cell phones etc.
The kitchen functions well lots of slide out drawers are present , we lined them with antislip rubber mats and all pots pans and plates stay where they belong, the stove and sink are the standard high quality appliances you will find in high end RV’s, we had some trouble with the piezo element but that has been replaced under warranty. The fridge works on electric and gas and gave us no problems, Safari added an extra fan in the service compartment of the fridge to keep it cool on those hot future Daytona days. The shower and the toilet are of high quality and the shower curtain is nicely tucked away into its own little box, two mirror tiles are standard. There is lots of Storage and has not been a problem. Finishing the tour on the inside we did notice a fair bit of condensation on the smooth walls in the morning and I was a bit surprised by that, leaving the windows open a bit and keeping the top roof vent fan open helped a bit.
The outside
The finish is superb and the color matches my Suzuki perfectly, and aerodynamically the RV is as good as it gets. The holding tanks are built into the frame and do not protrude beyond the frame. I am not particularly knowledgeable in aerodynamics, but perhaps a spoiler on the back might reduce fuel costs even further. The shape of the bottom half reminds me a little of a Citroën DS. The bike rack functions very well, and holds 2 bikes in place securely. The access doors for the storage bins are large enough to stuff all the camping gear through without any trouble. The jack has a wheel supplied with it, and that can be used to help turn the trailer around, when static. Propane capacity is standard at 20 lbs, as is the marine-grade battery. A high quality 30 ft electrical cable is supplied, and the outside shower and fresh water filler are standard RV grade. The bumper on the rear serves as storage space for the canopy poles. The canopy comes in a bag with 2 kinds of tent pegs, is made of a high-grade canvas, and is easy to set up. The ropes supplied are fitted with low quality rope stops, so I replaced them with the yellow ones all campers are familiar with. I was disappointed that the poles do not come in a bag, but luckily my wife is a seamstress, and we will have a bag in the near future. We will also add Velcro to the edges of the canopy, and add clear plastic sides to make it more like a room, to keep the rain and wind out.
The construction with the alumfibre skin is beautiful, it consists of two skins inside and outside glued together on a honeycomb plastic grid, and vacuformed glued together, however to my disappointment I noticed when the sun was shining on the left side a bubble appeared ,
this is caused by a bad lamination, under warranty but very disappointing after only having the RV for a month. The RV has to go back to Quebec for this repair. Not an ounce of wood is used in the RV and if the construction is solid it should last for many years, time will tell.
Customer service
This is a benefit we all need, but hope we’ll never have to use. When I found myself actually in need of this support I received courteous and constructive responses to my queries and problems, and I found both the Safari and the Can-Am staff to be helpful and clearly dedicated to finding reassuring solutions for me, as a new customer with problems to be solved.
Bottom line
Would I buy this RV camper again?, considering all facts the car I have, the fuel savings I get, and the quality of the camper it will be yes.
Specifications
Model F1743 Floor Plan
• 60″ X 81″ Queen size bed.
• Front dinette converts to 36″ X 81″ single bed.
• The table can be moved to create two distinct dining areas.
• Large wardrobe.
• Easily accessible ample storage.
• Private shower/toilet cabinet with 60L grey water tank and 46L black water tank.
• Large European double glazed acrylic windows with full opening.
• Built-in combination blind/screen system.
The Alto’s Technology
________________________________________
• Aluminium frame and floor
• Walls made from a sandwich-type construction with aluminium outside and inside
• Seamless aluminium roof built in a single piece of curved Alufiber/aluminium sandwich panel.
• Cabinets mostly made of aluminium and composite materials
• Ultra light sandwich construction panels integrated in the bed cushions
• Bed structure entirely constructed from aluminium extrusions
• Powerful electric brakes standard
• Feather weight of 1 592 lb (722kg)
• Towable by most compact cars or small SUVs
• Height of 95” makes it fit inside most garages with an 8’ door
• Aerodynamic drag coeffcient is much lower than that of a traditional 16″ travel trailer
• Aerodynamic holding tanks built into the frame
• Optional flexible solar panels available in either 68 or 136 watts
• A very low centre of gravity ensures optimal stability.
• Aerodynamic shape developed in a virtual wind tunnel
• European windows with built-in blind/screen combination system
• 2-Year Warranty, on the portion of the vehicle manufactured by Safari Condo
Contacts:
Can Am RV
6068 Colonel Talbot rd, London,Ont.
519-652-3284
Safari Condo
1378 ch. Filteau (Autoroute 20 exit 305)
St-Nicolas, QC, Canada
G7A 2N4
1-866-836-6664
Written by Rene Dikkes
London Ont Canada.
Good review thanks. We just purchased a used 2016 f1743 Alto
. We pick it up in mid May. We have travel plans this summer and fall but would like to travel to the Yukon and Alaska in 2017. Any Alto owners planning a trip like this? We would like to go as a group.I understand that the Cda national parks are free in 2017 as it is their 150 yr anniversary (yeah bonus). We live in Burlington Ontario and purchased at Canam London Ont.
You will want to join up and post this on the Facebook page for Alto trailers. It’s called Altoistes. https://www.facebook.com/groups/796708077030434/permalink/1154496427918262/?comment_id=1154674324567139¬if_t=group_comment_reply¬if_id=1460488279840321
I was wondering where you found a used Alto? I am from Colorado and have had my antenna up, looking for one for a while:)
One day, I will have one!
This was a great review! We are from MN and also looking for a used trailer. Alas I think at some point we will want one too badly and will plunk down the change to get in line for a new one!
Hi Carol,
We live in Burlington as well. We would love to ask you some questions about your experience with the Alto trailer.
I haven’t seen anything about this unit having air conditioning. Does your unit have it?
Thanks
Judy
Thanks so much for the in depth review. Have you now had time to actually use the trailer in a camping experience. If so, would love to hear your further comments. We have been thinking about purchasing one for a while now but live in Florida where the kind of issues you talked about would really be a killer for us to deal with because of the distance involved.
Thanks in advance.
Skip,
I don’t own one and haven’t seen one first hand. I just write about them on the website. I do know someone whose sister here in the states has one. I’ll try to get her email address and get back with you.
Pat
The distance from the dealer will be an issue if or when there is a problem, in itself it is a beautiful trailer, we purchased it for lookes and lightness. ours had to go back to the factory, the windows are made of 2 laminated acrylic pains and for some reason there was dirt in between one, probebly a one in a million chance, that was replaced no problem, if you would ever consider a purchase you may want to go to quebec and camp out in it for a couple of days on the safari property, we had a delamination problem which was also fixed, I cant see any other issues arising, we used it for a good month and a half, and had no further issues. As an example my brother purchased a motorhome in Florida and we are in Ontario, any issues he has had we solved by having the parts shipped to him and he installed them or the garage did. A good agreement between Safari Condo and yourself would be a must., if you are ever in London Ontario come and see us, Greetings Rene.D.
Mr. Dikkes: We’re picking up our new F1743 from the Safari Condo showroom in just over 3 weeks. Regarding your problem with the lamination bubble, was the entire laminated panel replaced? We live in Colorado and it would be an enormous problem to get the trailer back to the factory in Quebec from here. It’s going to be a 5,000-mile trip to take possession of the trailer in April. We’ve been told that any U.S. warranty problems would be dealt with by a traveling team of technicians who would come to our area if needed. Obviously, those traveling technicians might possibly not be able to replace an entire side panel. In any case, we’re very much looking forward to traveling with the trailer over the next few years. There are a few of them here in Colorado already.
Best regards,
Fred Lord
Just park er with panels facing the sun shouldn’t take longer than 5 min for bubbles to show up if there is a problem that is, I do not know if they replaced the whole panel never go a clear answer on that, please keep in touch, we have another 1743 here in London ont, and they have no problems.
The details of the repair were really never explained, to see if you have a delamination problem park it in the sun at a 90 degree angle for 5 min and it will show, if there is a problem that is. I hope mine is good for now Ill take it out of storage in a few weeks and see. my delamination was on the left side facing forward I used two magnets one on the outside and one on the inside to pinpoint the location and it turned out to be at the outside, translated to the inside at the cloth closed above the fridge, if there are any more problems i just drill a small pinhole so the air can escape. Ill keep you informed, there is another 1743 here in London,Ont,Can and those campers had no problems.
Thank you for the very prompt reply and explanation. We will be watching to see if this is a problem with our unit. We have new friends with another 1743 to be based in New Mexico so we’ll inform them of the possibility as well.
Fred
How is it going there with the new trailer?
Hi Fred! Thanks for thinking of us. We leave in less than a month to pick up our 1743 and bring it back to New Mexico.
From our emails I assume you didn’t have a lamination problem
Jean
I just bought yesterday the F1743 safari condo! We are very impress of all you get for the weight. The look is very modern, the inside well designed!!! Be aware, delivery are now in September 2014… We will use it in 2015! So if we are fine to wait a year to use it it is because we didn’t find anything like it. I have the chance to live near the manufacture so not stress about little issue that could occur.
Very nice for you, but not so nice to have to wait so long, I hope you have good luck with the Camper, there is nothing else on the market, we love it for the weight, as mentioned in my article i pull it with a Suzuki 4Cyl Grand Vitara, I may mention that a set of towing mirrors is a nice addition for traveling I got mine on Amazon, the trailer comes with a good 30 amp/30feet electrical cord but a extension cord to that is sometimes needed. I also purchased 30 Amp Twist Lock Female to 15 Amp Male Pigtail Adapter with Power Smart LED. so a regular extension cord can be used. Bon voyage. Rene.D.
My delamination problem has been fixed and so far no further issues, Update on the warranty, If I read my new users manual correctly, the warranty on delamination has been extended to 3 years. Rene.D.
We are in the process of purchasing an Alto F1743, delivery spring 2015. We are hoping to tow it with our 4cyl Subaru Outback. For this reason we want to keep it as light as possible. We intend to purchase the awning and extra cabinet space in bathroom and rear living area. What else do you consider a good “weight vs utility” purchase? We wonder about the effectiveness of some of the other ad-ons such as the small water heater or solar panels. Are they worth the weight? How many features do you have as you are also pulling it with a 4 cyl vehicle? Do you have any advice as to what features you really appreciate? We have always camped in tents, and are not planning to put in a microwave oven or air conditioning unit. I would appreciate comments from any Alto owners!
Winnie,
We are looking at this trailer to be pulled by a Subaru Outback as well. We are trying to decide if we should get the 4 or 6 cylinder 2015 Outback. For many reasons we prefer the 4 cyl. I hope you will post how this works for you. We have many of the same thoughts about the trailer and add ons as you have mentioned. I hope you love it.
We pulled our alto 7143 all over Ontario , our Suzuki 4Cyl grand vitara could still use a little more power, but it works, I don’t have an Automatic transmission cooler on it and from reading the forum’s on Suzuki, I should not need it. there are no issues besides a leak on the rear window, the shape of the alto is such that a lot off water pours down the back, I fixed that by adding a thin strip of foam to the acrylic window,I guess a small gutter should also work.
We are also looking at purchasing a Alto 1743 in Summer 2015 but live in Alaska. Anyone in the Pacific Northwest who would be willing to let us see their Alto? I don’t want to purchase something site unseen and it is expensive to fly to Quebec to check one out.
Lisa,
We live in Burnaby (Vancouver ) Canada and have just purchased a second hand (essentially new), 1743. You are welcome to come and see it in Vancouver.
Best
Paul Wright
paul@wrightmoment.com
Liisa
I live in Anchorage and am interested in an Alto, did you purchase and if so how are you enjoying it………..and what did it cost to bring it into Alaska?
I’m very excited to say that we just placed an order for a 2016 F series. The delivery date is a year from now. A long time but I think it’ll be worth it. We’ve looked at light trailers for years searching for one that can be pulled by a car. Being Prius drivers, we just didn’t want a truck or big-ass SUV. We know that we can’t tow it with a Prius of course, but are happy a 4 or 6 cylinder engine will do it. We have an Audi wagon that will do the job. Can’t wait to get it!
Hi,
I’m interested in the fixed roof model, but would like to see one in person. Does anyone in Alberta have one that they are willing to show? I would also be willing to travel a bit into southern Sask or BC.
Maria
Curious if anyone knows of any used models available in western Canada. I would like to get a hold of one, and don’t wish to wait until next year…
I would like for you to send me info on a used 1743 alto safari camper; I just today found a site that featured them. I love the look and wt.! I have a 2008 mkx and think I could pull one of these campers?
question: is there any setting up to do? I’m fairly fit but at 73 not sure if I could still do some of the stuff I once did with my 23 ft terry trailer bk > 20 years…….thank you,linda
Check out the Altoiste Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/796708077030434/ There are lots of experienced Alto owners and prospective owners. We’ve had our Alto 1743 for 14 months and love it dearly. Most of the early teething problems were handled quickly and easily by M. Frederic Pratte who is in charge of warranty service with Safari Condo.
Dear Linda I own one of these 1743 , setting up is not that much, lower the legs, hook up the water, turn on propane and bob ‘s your uncle, the trailer is only 1700 lbs, plus your stuff, we pulled it with a suzuki 4cyl engine, but we now went to a 3 liter six cyl and hope to do a little travelling in the mountains, we are 70 years old and enjoy it very much, hope this helps.
Bon Voyage, Rene.D.
We’ve ordered a 1743 and recently drove From Winnipeg to London to have a look at one before finalizing the deal. We are concerned about the blind and screen latching clips. They seem very small and weak . Has anyone who owns a 1743 had any problems with these? Also are the screens effective at keeping insects out?
The trailer that was available for viewing had come in for repairs to a window unit that had warped. It did not seal tightly against the window gasket. Has anyone had similar problems?
We would really appreciate hearing from anyone with experience in a 1743.
Thanks.
Nancy and Eric Hutchison
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The small clips work very well on all but the large front window. In fact, they can be difficult to unclip at times. We seldom have had trouble with insects coming through the screens or the edges of the screens whether clipped or unclipped. As to window warpage, although none of our side windows have done so, the windows can warp if they are in hot direct sun and not correctly closed. However, they can be straightened by simply leaving them in the sun again while a tiny bit of corrective pressure is applied in the opposite direction of the warpage. They are relatively soft acrylic and can be easily scratched or broken if not handled with care. We have found that all but the deepest of scratches can be buffed out with plastic polish. In fact, I have sanded and polished even some rough areas out to a high shine very easily. We had the same make of windows in our T@B. They never presented a warpage problem over the six years we owned it. It sat in some very hot sun at times over the years.
Thank you for your informative response. Sounds like you’re a creative and experimental worker. We will keep all your info in mind. You’ve given us confidence!
The small clips have been replaced, and new one’s are available and are a huge improvement, just ask safari condo they probably give them away. we got them for free let put it that way.
Thanks! We’ve included your information with Can-am in London Ontario and with Safari Condo. We hope to hear that we can get the newer clips with our trailer. Enjoyed your long report on the trailer while we were deciding on buying one.
If anyone has either an Alto 1713 or 23 and lives in the lower mainland of BC. My wife and I would love to take a tour. We are thinking of buying one and want to take a good look before ordering. Thanks
We live in NH and would love to see the F1723, and especially the new R1723! Does anyone have one we can look at in the New England area or even a bit into eastern Canada?
Cheers!
Kevin
Does anyone have one of these trailers in North Carolina or Virginia that I could possibly take a look at? Thanks!
Call this man and he can arrange a viewing. There are several Altos in that area.
Denis Messier
US Sales representative
Safari Condo
1378, Chemin Filteau
St-Nicolas(Qc)G7A 2N4
Canada
Toll free 866-836-6664
denis.messier@safaricondo.ca
If you are on Facebook, simply go to the Altoiste page and ask to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/796708077030434/
It’s a very nice group of people.
Hello,
We are very interested in purchasing a F1743. We live in West Vancouver, BC and would like to see one before we order. Please be in touch if you are nearby and have one we could see.
Thank you,
robyn@robynmackay.com
Hello! I’m from North Vancouver and would love to see an R1713. I would be willing to travel anywhere on the lower mainland if someone has one, and would be kind enough to show it off!
Cheers!
Heather
hfromson@hotmail.com
Hi, we are very interested in either of the 1713 models. Does anyone have one we could see near Madison Wisconsin?
We just placed our order on a R1713 for delivery in spring 2017. We are also in Madison, WI and are looking to actually see one before we get delivery!!
Call this man and he can arrange a viewing. There are several Altos in that area.
Denis Messier
US Sales representative
Safari Condo
1378, Chemin Filteau
St-Nicolas(Qc)G7A 2N4
Canada
Toll free 866-836-6664
denis.messier@safaricondo.ca
We have just reached 100 nights and 20,000 km (13000 mi) with our Alto 1743 since early September 2013. There are few places in the Maritime Provinces and Eastern Ontario where we have not been. We picked the fixed roof 1743 for its much better floor plan, 125 lb lighter weight and $3K lower price. We travel with 2 adults and 2 dogs, all sizable.
We tow at 2100 lbs loaded (1700 empty), behind a Toyota Sienna V6 minivan with 2 bikes on the double rack (which kills the aerodynamics in any case). Fuel consumption increases by 50-60 % to 15-16 liters per 100 km when towing at 95-100 km per hour. The standard Reese mini stabilizer hitch works very well. Towing with less than 200 hp would be tedious, in my opinion. We store outdoors in winter with no visible impact so far.
The only maintenance/replacements so far have been the propane detector and one wheel bearing and seals. The electric water heater, awning and bike rack are no brainer options. We also have 1 strip of solar panels which helps when dry camping.
I highly recommend both the product and the folks behind it at Safari Condo. BTW we are located 25 km west of Kingston ON in Bath.
Greetings to all.
We have reached retirement age meaning the toy haulers, tenting, and accessories of a large family have gone by the wayside as each child has left the nest.
We have looked at R Pod’s, Tear drops, and fiberglass ultra lites. We are finalizing plans for purchase and have fallen in love with the design of the R1713.
Now the rub; we live in South FL and are wondering if anyone is within a few hundred miles with a R1713 that would allow us to take a look and ask about their satisfaction with the purchase.
A related concern, given the warping issues and warranty fixes cited here, what is the performance of Safari when warranty work is done off-site i.e.; South FL?
Seasons greetings to all, Merry Christmas and thank you for your time.
Thom
Hi there! I’m looking to buy a used Alto, preferably fixed roof, in Massachusetts. I am willing to come to Canada to pick it up.
Please contact me at teamfabian@gmail.com if you have a lead.
Anyone have any experience towing 0ne of these with a 2-door Jeep Wrangler? I have a 2012 with the V6. Short wheel base has me worried, but the weight is within the suggested limits.
There are a couple of them being towed by Toyota Prius hybrids. The Toyotas probably have longer wheelbases than your Jeep. You could always install the anti-sway system if it seems to need it. They are very stable trailers.
Lee,
Did you end up purchasing one and does it tow well with your 2-door Jeep? We currently own a 2005, Jeep Wrangler TJ (2-Doors) on 31″ tires with a V6 engine. However, my husband is looking to trade this in for a older model 1970s-1980s vintage restored Jeep CJ7 (2-Doors) that would be on a 4″ lift kit with 35″ tires also with a V6 engine.
We are interested the Safari Alto F-1743 (fixed roof) however my husband is very concerned that we cannot safely tow this size RV behind the Jeeps mentioned above. He thinks the 4″ lift, tire size and short wheel base of the 2-door Jeeps will be an issue when towing.
Any advice is appreciated.
If you have a Facebook account, go to the Altoiste Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/796708077030434/ join up, and ask this question. There are all kinds of tow vehicles listed on the page.
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I’m also on the lookout for a used F1743 in Western Canada. I know, I know… they are impossible to find new, let alone used. I have been searching for a year off-and-on. Can someone confirm what the exterior length is *with hitch* ? The official website lists 213″ which is 17’9″ but I don’t believe that includes the tongue.
We are expecting to pick up out Alto 1743 in London in June of this year and are currently in the process of trading vehicles for an appropriate one for towing the trailer. We are interested in the Subaru Outback 2.5 i which is rated for 2700 lb. and has a 175 hp engine. Has anyone out there got any experience with towing with this Subaru that they could share with us. We are hoping to get it with a manual transmission which we enjoy using. Any info on this from anyone? Thanks.
If you have a Facebook account, go to the Altoiste Facebook page, join up, and ask this question. We towed our similar 2008 T@B for almost two years with a Subaru Forester Turbo with manual transmission and had no problems. The weak spot is the clutch when you tow with a manual. You have to be very careful to avoid slipping the clutch on Subarus. We now tow our Alto with a Honda Ridgeline pickup which actually gets about the same MPG when towing as the Subaru did.
Do you have any video of that? I’d care to find out some
additional information.
Wanted Used late mod. 1713 or 1723 Alto Travel Trailer.
Thomas did you find a unit?
Looking to purchase a used 1713,1723 or 1743. Alto trailer
Has anyone got to experience the F2114 yet? I’ve seen tons of photos on the Safari website but no videos or reviews yet. Not sure if it has officially hit market and is available? Very similar to the f1743 but 4 more feet of trailer. Would love to talk to someone who is familiar with this unit.
Go to Facebook and search for Altoistes pages.
Altoistes page on Facebook.
Very excited to see the new fixed roof model for the RV. Having a RV can be very convenient, but if you want your RV to last longer, you need to take proper care of it. One of the areas that tend to receive little attention until something goes wrong is the roof. The best and simplest way to make RV roof repaired for leaks is to use RVRoofMagic.