Forum Discussion

deportes's avatar
deportes
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014

Artic Fox 30ft 5th wheel weight?

Hi forum. I really appreciate the forum for us newbies. Just bought a 1995 F250 4x4 7.3 powerstroke. ext cab. Dual tanks. Now I am looking at a 2005 Artic Fox on craigslist 30ft 2 slides. Any idea if I would be able to stay within the towing and hitch weight limits for this truck. People weight on truck 350Lbs total.
Thanks. Also planning on boondocking mainly if possible. Getting close to retirement! yeah!!!

10 Replies

  • If it is a great deal for the 30', aka a deal you can't pass up, get it and stick to more local trips until you can find a bigger truck. You can pack smart and only fill up the water tanks at your destination. The 7.3 is a good engine but not as peppy as a modern diesel, you will be taking your time and enjoying the scenery anyway.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    deportes wrote:
    Thank you guys, appreciate the info. The sticker says 8800#. It's an automatic. How can you tell what the axle ratings are?

    We would like to get the largest Northwood Mfr. used trailer possible.
    Looking at numbers and wight of water etc. it appears that we will be limited to stay below a 30ft. trailer. maybe a 25ft. Safety first.

    Thanks.


    You should find the axle ratings on the VIN sticker on the Drivers door post.

  • Thanks guys, I think that your dodge 2500 is probably rated higher being that is newer. the f250 is a auto so my wife can drive if needed, 1995 4x4... Artic fox 27.5 ft sounds great. There is a great priced 30ft artic fox 2005 9.8k but I will have to shy away. I think.
  • We have a 2006 Dodge 2500 manual with diesel. After looking at all the numbers, we decided to limit ourselves to the 27-5L when we purchased our 2009 Arctic Fox. Anything larger would have been too heavy for our truck, especially for towing over the mountains.
  • Thank you guys, appreciate the info. The sticker says 8800#. It's an automatic. How can you tell what the axle ratings are?

    We would like to get the largest Northwood Mfr. used trailer possible.
    Looking at numbers and wight of water etc. it appears that we will be limited to stay below a 30ft. trailer. maybe a 25ft. Safety first.

    Thanks.
  • NADA lists it at about 9,500# (2 similar models) but don't know it that's dry or gross weight. A 10,000# trailer is about 2,000# pin weight.

    As for your truck it's probably around 8,800# GWVR but check the door sticker

    Automatic: if you have the 4.10 rear it's 20,000# GCVWR or 16,000# with the 3.55 rear.
    Manual: if you have the 4.10 rear it's 17,000# GCVWR or 14,500# with the 3.55 rear.

    It's close. Without putting it on a scale can't really say. The older trucks did not have the ratings that the new trucks have. Any pre 2005 (tow wars) is very limited by todays specs.

    Guess it depends upon which chart you find online but the numbers give you an idea.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Likely to be close, Arctic Fox are heavy rigs, the payload on your F250 with the 7.3 is reduced by the weight of the engine. the dry weight of the 5er looks to be in the 9,000# range and likely a 12,000 GVWR, with a dry pin in the 1,800# range.
    Go weight your truck then subtract that from your GVWR, likely 8,800# you will be a bit short.

    Then you need to decide if you want to exceed the GVWR, and look at axle and tire ratings. Many 250/2500 do exceed GVWR , but stay within axle ratings.
    I do this, but don't recommend for others, it is your decision.

    You could also call Northwood manufacturing (Arctic Fox)
    For questions about our trailers:
    (Or any question not answered below)
    Call 800.766.6274 (800.RON.NASH)
    7am-4pm Mon-Fri Pacific Time
  • 2005 Arctic Fox Specs........LINK

    1995 Ford F-Series TOWING Guide.......LINK

    The 5th wheel has a GVWR of 13,000#....so figure on 'wet' pin weight around 2500-2600#

    Depending on which rear diff gearing........
    truck with 'AUTO' has a tow rating of 9,300# or 12,000#
    truck with 'MANUAL' has a tow rating of 8,300# or 10,800#

    Notice the disclaimer in Ford Tow Chart:

    Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes towing vehicle with mandatory options, no cargo and driver (150-lb.) only. Weight of additional options, passengers and cargo must be deducted from this weight.

    Personally....I think the 5th wheel is just a tad too heavy for that truck.