Introduction: A Travel Trailer That Thinks Differently
Most travel trailers force you into a trade-off: go big and enjoy the space, or go small and sacrifice comfort. The Safari Condo Alto R Series refuses that compromise entirely.
Built by Safari Condo — a Quebec-based manufacturer with decades of engineering-first RV design — the R Series is a patented retractable-roof travel trailer that collapses down for towing and garage storage, then expands at camp to deliver a full 82 inches (2.08 m) of interior standing height. It is, quite literally, the biggest little trailer on the market.
This in-depth review covers everything you need to know: how the retractable roof works, how the R1713 and R1723 models differ, full specs, what vehicles can tow them, and how they stack up against the competition.
More: Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs: Best 2026 Options for Easy Towing
What Is the Safari Condo Alto R Series?
The Alto R Series is Safari Condo’s flagship line of retractable-roof travel trailers, sitting at the top of the company’s Alto travel trailer lineup alongside the F Series (fixed roof) and A Series (aerodynamic). The “R” stands for Retractable — the defining feature that makes these units unlike any traditional travel trailer or pop-up camper on the market.
The retractable roof technology is protected under U.S. Patent 7488030 and Canada Patent 2580172, so this isn’t a concept you’ll find replicated elsewhere. When lowered for travel, the trailer fits inside most standard residential garages. When raised at the campsite, it delivers the interior volume of a much larger unit.
The Retractable Roof: How It Works and Why It Matters
The heart of the R Series is its electric retractable roof — a seamless system constructed with an AulFiber exterior, an aluminum interior, and sides made from smoked black tinted tempered glass. This isn’t a canvas pop-up or a fold-down tent trailer. The entire shell is hard-sided, rigid, and weather-sealed, whether the roof is up or down.
Key Benefits of the Retractable Design
Aerodynamics: With the roof lowered for towing, the Alto R Series achieves a drag coefficient 75% lower than that of a traditional 16-foot travel trailer. Every model is aerodynamically shaped through virtual wind tunnel testing, which translates directly into better fuel economy and reduced wind buffeting at highway speeds.
Centre of Gravity: When the roof is down during transit, the trailer’s centre of gravity drops significantly. This improves towing stability and makes the trailer less prone to sway — a real safety advantage over taller, heavier units.
Garage Storage: The ability to store a fully self-contained travel trailer in a residential garage is a practical game-changer. No more renting storage space, no more weathering the elements all winter, and no more depreciation from UV and moisture exposure.
Interior Height: Once parked and raised, the interior opens up to a full 82″ standing height — comparable to many fixed-roof trailers far larger in footprint. Large windows flood the space with natural light, making it feel airy and open.
Access While Down: Safari Condo engineers the R Series so that essential amenities — the toilet, refrigerator, and dining area — remain accessible even when the roof is in its lowered travel position. This is a meaningful convenience for pit stops and quick overnights.
R Series Model Lineup: R1713 vs. R1723
The R Series comes in two models. Both share the same core architecture, electrical systems, and construction materials — the differences come down to sleeping configuration and bathroom amenities.
Safari Condo Alto R1713
The R1713 is the entry model in the R Series, optimized for maximum sleeping flexibility.
Specification | R1713 |
|---|---|
Starting Price (2027 Model Year) | CAD $57,489 / ~USD $47,853 |
Weight | 1,949 lb (884 kg) |
Sleeping Capacity | 3–4 (optional) |
Storage Volume | 60 ft³ |
Fresh Water Tank | 100 L |
Grey Water Tank | 92 L (90 L noted on specs) |
Black Water Tank | 54 L |
Interior Height (roof raised) | 82″ (2.08 m) |
Layout Highlights:
- Extra-large rear bed area: 72″ × 76″ (easily convertible into two separate 27″ × 76″ single beds)
- Front dinette convertible into a 36″ × 81″ single bed
- Front dining area usable even while rear bed is deployed
- Ability to configure two separate dining areas, including a five-seat arrangement, by repositioning the table
- Flush toilet with black water tank
- No indoor shower (outdoor hand shower included)
The R1713 is the better choice for couples who want the maximum bed size or for small families who need flexible sleeping arrangements without needing an indoor shower.
Safari Condo Alto R1723
The R1723 adds an indoor shower compartment, making it the more self-contained of the two models.
More: 3 Best Budget Teardrop Campers in 2026: Affordable Teardrop Trailers
Specification | R1723 |
|---|---|
Starting Price (2027 Model Year) | CAD $58,989 / ~USD $49,353 |
Weight | 1,991 lb (903 kg) |
Sleeping Capacity | 3–4 (optional) |
Storage Volume | 55 ft³ |
Fresh Water Tank | 100 L |
Grey Water Tank | 92 L |
Black Water Tank | 54 L |
Interior Height (roof raised) | 82″ (2.08 m) |
Layout Highlights:
- Large rear bed area: 60″ × 76″
- Front dinette convertible into a 36″ × 81″ single bed
- Front dining area usable even while rear bed is deployed
- Indoor shower with curtain in a dedicated toilet/shower compartment
- Flush toilet with black water tank
- Outdoor hand shower also included
The trade-off for the indoor shower is a slightly smaller primary bed (60″ wide vs 72″ on the R1713) and a modest reduction in overall storage volume. For campers who prioritize a full bathroom setup — especially for shoulder-season or winter camping — the R1723 is the clear pick.
Full Specifications & Standard Features
Both R Series models share the same robust standard feature set. Here is a complete breakdown:
Construction & Materials
- Full aluminum frame, floor, interior, and exterior walls — no wood framing that can rot, warp, or harbour moisture
- Seamless roof with AulFiber exterior and aluminum interior
- Bed frames made entirely from aluminum extrusions
- Lightweight composite furnishings throughout
- Bed cushions with integrated ultra-light rigid sandwich panels
- Smoked tempered glass crescent panels on the retractable roof sides
Electrical System
- Two heated lithium auxiliary batteries (260 A/h total)
- Lithium battery monitor
- 30-A, 120-V shore power inlet
- 45-A converter/charger with three-stage charging
- LED lighting throughout
- Outdoor exterior light
- Two ground fault-protected 120-V indoor duplex outlets
- One ground fault-protected 120-V outdoor duplex outlet
- One 12-V outlet (cigarette lighter type) on auxiliary battery
- Four USB outlets
- Optional flexible solar panels: 220 W or 440 W configurations available
Appliances & LPG
- Built-in 4.3 ft³ refrigerator (12V compressor)
- Two-burner flush-mounted LPG stove
- Propane tank with fuel gauge
- Ultra-quiet combined heating and hot water system (German design, runs on LPG or 120V electricity)
- Variable-speed automatic roof vent
Plumbing
- 12-V water pump
- Fresh water inlet connection
- 100 L fresh water tank
- Flush toilet with black water tank (54 L)
- Toilet wash-down sprayer
- Outdoor hand shower
- Indoor shower (R1723 only)
- Electronic voltage indicator and probeless tank level indicators
Comfort, Convenience & Safety
- Rear screen, side door window screen, rear side window screens
- Curtains on all windows
- Pull-out entry step
- Grab handle beside door
- Spare tire
- Rock guard
- LPG and CO₂ detectors
- Smoke detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Electric brakes
- Galvanized steel axle with Flexiride independent suspension
- 15″ aluminum wheels with radial tires (13″ option available for tighter garage clearance)
Certification & Warranty
- Certified by QAI Laboratories to meet CSA Standard Z240 RV for recreational vehicles
- Limited two-year warranty on both the vehicle and appliances
More: Best SUVs for Towing Travel Trailers in 2026: Top Models Under $50K
What Can Tow the Alto R Series?
This is one of the most compelling aspects of the R Series: the trailer’s featherlight aluminum construction means it can be pulled by vehicles most people already own.
Both models fall under 2,000 lb (under 910 kg), which puts them well within the towing capacity of:
- Compact crossovers: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, Ford Escape
- Subcompact SUVs: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Cherokee
- Sedans and wagons with a factory tow package (varies by model — always verify your vehicle’s rated tow capacity)
- Electric vehicles: Safari Condo specifically highlights R Series compatibility with EVs and smaller-engine vehicles, thanks to the low drag coefficient reducing highway load significantly
- Half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks: These are dramatically over-equipped for the R Series, but will tow it with zero effort
Important Towing Notes:
- Always verify your specific tow vehicle’s rated tow capacity and tongue weight limit, not just gross tow rating
- The Flexiride independent suspension helps maintain trailer stability regardless of tow vehicle
- The electric brakes (standard) are a meaningful safety feature for steeper descents
- The 13″ wheel option helps the lowered trailer clear residential garage door thresholds that might be tight with the standard 15″ wheels
How the Alto R Series Differs From the Competition
vs. Traditional Hard-Sided Travel Trailers
A conventional 16-foot hard-sided trailer typically weighs between 3,500 and 5,000 lb — two to three times heavier than the R Series. That weight demands a full-size truck or heavy-duty SUV to tow safely, and garage storage is simply not an option. The R Series opens RV travel to an entirely different segment of vehicle owners.
vs. Pop-Up Tent Trailers
Pop-up campers share the “collapses for towing” concept, but the comparison ends there. Pop-ups use soft canvas or fabric sides that are vulnerable to moisture, mildew, insects, and temperature swings. The Alto R Series is entirely hard-sided — rigid tempered glass and aluminum panels in all conditions. Set-up times are also far shorter since there are no tent walls to unfurl and snap into place.
vs. Teardrop Trailers
Teardrops are compact and light, but their interiors are famously cramped — often offering nothing more than a sleeping space and a galley accessed from the outside. The Alto R Series delivers full standing height, a kitchen, bathroom, dining area, and multiple sleeping configurations in a similarly light package.
vs. Other Lightweight Trailers
Brands like Airstream Bambi, nuCamp Tab 320, and Lance 1475 compete in the lightweight segment, but none offer a retractable roof with garage-storage capability. The Alto R Series occupies a unique niche that genuinely has no direct competitors — the patented roof system is proprietary to Safari Condo.
The Safari Condo Difference: Built to Last
Safari Condo emphasizes durability as a core design philosophy. The all-aluminum construction (no wood, no OSB, no fibreglass) means the trailer resists delamination, rot, and moisture intrusion — common long-term problems in wood-framed RVs. The company notes excellent resale value as a downstream benefit of this approach, and the fit and finish reflect a premium, purpose-built product rather than mass-market cost-cutting.
Customization & Finishes
Buyers can personalize their R Series trailer with a selection of interior finishes:
Cabinet Options:
- Danish Maple
- Storm Gray
Counter Options:
- Concrete
- White Drops
- White
- Sea Blue (R1713) / Walnut Butcher Block (R1723)
Fabric/Upholstery Options:
- Froth Grey
- Couture Red
- Sea Blue
These choices allow buyers to create a space that feels personal and considered rather than generic — a detail that matters when you’re spending extended time in a compact space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the retractable roof hold up in rain and wind? Yes. The roof is a hard-sided rigid structure with tempered glass panels and a seamless AulFiber exterior. It is not a canvas or fabric system and performs comparably to any hard-walled trailer in wet conditions.
Can I use the toilet when the roof is down? Yes. Safari Condo specifically engineers the R Series so the toilet, refrigerator, and front dining area remain accessible with the roof in its lowered travel position.
Does it come solar-ready? Yes. Optional flexible solar panels are available in 220 W or 440 W configurations, designed to work with the onboard 260 A/h lithium battery bank.
Is the R Series suitable for four-season camping? The combined LPG and electric heating system (German design, ultra-quiet) and the fully hard-sided construction make it suitable for cold-weather camping. Buyers in northern climates should verify tank heating and insulation ratings for their specific use case.
How long does it take to set up the roof? The roof is electrically operated, so deployment is a matter of seconds — not the multi-minute process of a pop-up camper.
Is it available in the United States? Yes, through a network of authorized dealers. Note that U.S. buyers at the time of publication should be aware of applicable import tariffs (Safari Condo notes 50% of U.S.-imposed tariffs are passed to buyers above the CAD base price).
Pricing Summary (2027 Model Year)
Model | CAD Price | USD Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
R1713 | $57,489 | ~$47,853 |
R1723 | $58,989 | ~$49,353 |
Prices are base MSRP for the 2027 model year. Options (solar panels, wheel size, finishes) will affect final pricing. Contact Safari Condo or an authorized dealer for a full quote and delivery timeline.
Verdict: Who Is the Safari Condo Alto R Series For?
The Alto R Series is purpose-built for a specific type of adventurer — one who values intelligent engineering over bulk, wants to tow with a car or small SUV, and refuses to sacrifice comfort for compactness.
It is the right trailer if you:
- Own a compact crossover, SUV, or EV and don’t want to buy a truck just to tow a camper
- Want to store your trailer in a residential garage rather than a storage facility
- Prioritize build quality and long-term durability over bargain pricing
- Prefer a hard-sided, all-weather unit over a canvas pop-up
- Want full standing room and a proper bathroom without a full-size rig
The Safari Condo Alto R Series is not the cheapest trailer in its weight class, but it may well be the cleverest. For those who’ve been waiting for a trailer that can do it all without demanding a truck and a storage lot, the R Series is exactly that.
