2018 Safari Condo Alto
We wrapped up this state-of-the-art installation in a brand new custom ordered modern and lightweight Safari Condo Alto made in Canada. This customer tows the trailer with their Tesla Model X and wanted to be able to get the most out of the available roof surface with flexible solar panels and also have the ability to charge the vehicle in an emergency situation. Installation included a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 250/85-Tr Charge Controller, Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor, 9x Elfeland flexible solar panels (4x 200w flex, 1x 130w flex, 2x 35w flex, 1x 40w flex & 1x 20w flex) using 3M VHB high-strength double-stick tape, AM Solar Roof Combiner Box with all penetrations sealed using color matching grey Dicor Leveling Sealant. We also installed a Victron Multiplus 12/3000/120-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger, Digital Multi Control 200/200A and Victron Color Control along with a Progressive Industries EMS (Electrical Management System) hardwired into the incoming shore power circuit. We replaced the existing 85ah house battery w/ 2x Royal Battery CPL12-300 (300ah each) Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and anchored using D-rings and tie-down straps. To provide dedicated internet support via WiFi and their cellular carrier, we installed a Cradlepoint IBR900 modem/router and Panorama LGMM Vehicle Antenna w/ GPS. To aid in their backing up with the trailer in tow, we installed the TadiBrothers backup camera with dedicated circuit and lighted switch. We also replaced the OE manual tongue jack with an powerful electric model. Blue Sea 12 cir. & 6 cir. fuse blocks were installed for fused 12V power distribution in the forward battery compartment and rear driver side equipment compartment to power the added USB power ports, Color Control, Cradlepoint and backup camera. Since we relocated the battery location to the interior, we removed the OE battery tray and replaced with a steel powder coated tongue box. To aid entering and existing the trailer at night, we installed dimmable exterior LED step lighting with dedicated circuit and lighted switch plus dimmer controls in same location as the exterior lighting wall controls. We added additional Keder rail for larger awning coverage and additional stop and tail lights were added for safety. Finally, to mitigate moisture and odor build-up in the bathroom, we installed a bathroom fan & vent control. With 1060w of solar and 600ah of battery storage installed on this teardrop style trailer, the possibilities are endless with this home on wheels.
Out customer was gracious enough to share this fantastic install on his blog for everyone to see. Feel free to read through his write-ups at your leisure.
Electric Travels - Camping 100% electric = no propane
Electric Travels - Improving the already impressive Alto trailer
***** UPDATE *****
We recently performed some additional modifications to one of our favorite projects. This customer came back to us with a couple challenges. We installed a 12V Acuva Eco water filter unit, pre-filter and pressure switch under the sink. We replaced the factory water pump with quieter and more powerful water pump, pre-filter screen and added an accumulator tank to smooth water pressure and reduce pump cycling, insulated and covered the water pump cavity for added acoustic protection.
We designed and installed an emergency hazard control system to flash the exterior running lights in an emergency situation and also to have the option to hold continuous. We also finished off the upgrades with some customer requests including a towel bar installation to the outer bathroom wall and added a new cam lock to tongue box placed on the lid with a water-tight cover & cover plate to be welded in place where factory lock was previously installed; box powder coated satin black (40% gloss) to match existing frame and trim color. We attached a Volterra dump hose carrier at the rear, secured the entry door against wind with more robust solution than existing factory hardware, secured the trim strip on port side area below front window and removed tape residue and media blasted the tow chains and added clear coat finish along with attachment of some loose strips of keder rail for supporting their awning material when at the camp site.
We installed silver suction cup holders (bolted and riveted at their respective locations) and custom mounted a garbage can to an in-house fabricated modular base below the dinette and attached to the floor to avoid spilling when driving.
Finally, we modified and installed a custom propane tank holder to allow for continual use of the tongue box with full access for propane tank removal with added security provisions. We powder coated the assembly and components to match tongue box.
While we specialize in RV solar, we do occasionally perform upgrades upon request such as these noted above when the customer wants quality work with a clean and functional end product.
