Trip to the Factory

Sunset at the Factory

The trip was all about the Caravan Mover. Steve and I saw a video of the Caravan Mover before we picked up our Alto, but thought it was in testing, or it was a prototype, but we had no idea it was available. It wasn't listed as an option and the salesman never mentioned it. Months after picking up our Alto, one of our friends in the Alotistes group on Facebook talked about his and how great it was. Let me explain... The Caravan Mover, when engaged, allows us to move the Alto forward, backup, spin, and rotate, all by remote control. Considering that backing up was a terrifying experience, every time, and was keeping us from enjoying the best camping spaces, we decided to take the plunge to have one installed.

Having the CM installed is not a simple thing. It comes from Europe, and is not available in the U.S.,and there are two places we knew of in Canada to have it installed. So---that leads us to Quebec and Safari Condo service, right next door to where our little house was built. But, if one is going to Quebec for service, one should think of it as an opportunity.

Solar panels have been on my wish list for awhile, so why not? We would already be there, and that's where the panels that fit our roof are available. Then there was a bike rack, but we'd have to get those bikes we've been wanting. Check. Those were the biggies, but there were other things that were only available at the factory, so the list grew and grew. The exchange rate was favorable. Even after paying Canadian taxes it was like getting 25% off.

Us at the factory

After clearing Canadian Customs (the boarder agent thought we were nuts to come to Canada to have work done on our trailer), we arrived at the factory on Wednesday and camped outside of Service that night. The work started the next day promptly at 7:30 am. We met another family in a similar situation, and traveled with them going here and there for the first part of the day. They have an infant and a three year old, and we have a dog, so it was hard to stay together. How brave of them, but what fun too.

Steve's bucket list item to visit Canadian Tire

Not knowing how much time we would spend at the factory, we didn't have tourist plans. We drove to St Marie, and St. George just for something to do. We ate near the factory where we befriended a restaurant owner, named Michel who only spoke French. That was interesting. Michel showed us what he prepared as the special, since we had no idea what he was saying. Fried chicken tenders! They were great. The next morning I wanted a fried egg over easy. Michel engaged a bilingual customer to help. Seems "flip flop" described what I wanted. The eggs were sooooo good. I raved over them like I was eating prime rib.

The employees here are beyond kind. And most importantly, they know their stuff. It has been a pleasure having them work on our baby. In addition to the employees, there were a couple of other treats here at the factory. We saw Alto number 1, the first Alto ever built, in all its yellow glory. And we saw the prettiest sunset of the trip.

Our work was complete by 3:00, but too late to move to our next destination, so we spent another night.

Alto number 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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