2021 Trip 1: The Truma Install

So the first trip of the season turned out to be a jaunt to the factory. This is an appointment that was lined up long ago, but of course, Covid threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Got a new date pencilled in and then just hoped everything would fall into place, which it did.

The Mothership

Alto #80 is getting kitted out with a Truma Combi 6. We have experienced the warmth of a few Truma equipped Altos, and it is without a doubt the only way to go. Our retrofitted furnace is a few BTU’s short of cozy, so we have envied this little warmth machine for a while now. What sealed the deal was learning from Karen & Steve that the Truma can be installed in older Altos not fortunate enough to have it as standard. They called it a game changer..so game change we will.

A nice drive to Saint Frederic, and as I turned into town and headed towards the Service building, I could not get over the number of employee cars dotting every square inch of the asphalt. We have been to the factory a few times over the years, and the visible growth of the company is amazing. The place is a beehive of activity. Everywhere you look there is something going on. Altos being towed around, golf carts moving parts between buildings, workers working, customers hanging about chatting. No layabouts here…things are happening! Had a quick conversation with Frederic to line up the next morning, then the end of day bell rang and the town slowly became quiet again.

a few Altos in the paddock

Nice grey colour...nice van.

Set up the Alto for a night in the parking lot, beside a few nice trees and under some decorative street lighting. Sort of evokes a Walmart camping vibe, but certainly quieter. Service opens at 7:00am, but I’m already here…sweet. The days have been really hot and humid, but once the sun went down a nice breeze came up and cooled everything off.

I was up early, wanting to get the Alto squared away well before the Service Dept opened at 7:00am. Frederic rolled into town at 6:00am and disappeared into the Service building. A short time later I spotted him scooting around between buildings on a golf cart, no doubt getting set for another busy day. A bit later he swung by with coffee in hand and we had a quick visit, talking Alto and chatting about the impacts of Covid. A little tractor then pushed #80 into the service bay and a couple of guys were soon all over it, planning the install.

Being at somewhat loose ends for the next day and a half, I headed up to the showroom to check out some of the new models I have only seen in photos. The F2414 and the A2124 are impressive in person. The build quality continues to be solid, and the layouts quite functional. Compared to the beige boxes, these units are stellar. A few customers were already being given tours of the models, a bit surprising given it was just after opening, but perhaps not that surprising based on the general Covid induced demand now driving the industry.

Interesting example of how the floor and walls go together

Had a great conversation with Francois, and it was interesting to hear just how crazy busy it has been for well over a year now. Between the sales calls and questions, order follow up, change requests and the added logistics of cross border deliveries, these guys don’t stop. He says it is the same for production and the service dept. He was certainly not complaining, just telling it how it is. He told me he just personally took delivery of the new Transit van model, and was eager to try and grab some time in it. The ring of his phone told me it was time to wrap up our chat and let him get on with his day. What a super nice guy he is!

Got a call from Frederic the following morning, telling me that #80 would be ready at 1:00pm, exactly as anticipated. They did a great job with the install, and there was no trace that a major chunk of work had happened inside. Settled up the invoice, hitched up, thanked Frederic for the work with a fist bump, then I was on the road back home.

Just back from a ten day tour of the Bruce Peninsula, and I can report that the Truma is indeed a game changer. Everything about the functionality, from the heating to the hot water, is just so efficient and convenient. We have now experienced the total Alto warmth it can provide, and Dale gives it a two thumbs up!

Alto 80 feels like it is now up to date with the newest technology available, and we are excited to get out there for some more travels.