Purchase used fifth wheel trailer

Euronine wrote:
We are interested in purchasing a used 5th wheel trailer. We were told by a casual acquaintance that the Northwood Arctic Fox is an excellent trailer. However, we feel a bit paralyzed as there are soooo many different makes and models. Any assistance / recommendations will be most appreciated!

You might try here, http://www.afnash.com/forum.php takes a day or so to get registered.

JCZ wrote:
Northwood Mfg. makes two lines of 5th wheels.....Arctic Fox and Fox Mountain.....!

Just some points, since the OP was talking used.

Northwood used to make a Nash 5er. The Nash unit (same floor plan as the Arctic Foxes) where built to the same general level of quality, but with slightly lower appointments (which varied by model year). Almost always the cabinetry was from a cheaper wood. At various points wood vrs aluminum framing, aluminum siding vrs Filon (at other both were the same),etc.

Also Northwood made a Snow River 5er, which was similar in appointments to the Fox Mountain.

Nice but heavy especially at the pin. Be sure you have the truck.

Northwood Mfg. makes two lines of 5th wheels.....Arctic Fox and Fox Mountain.

Both receive very high ratings from actual owners as reflected in RV Consumer Group. Go to the Northwood owners forum (privately owned forum and not connected with the factory) and you'll see very, very few complaints about anything. The few complaints that you do see are more of a nuscience nature rather than something serious and they are things that are quickly addressed under warranty and then the owners seem to have years of use without issues.

Having said that, if you're buying a used Northwood 5er, always look into the general maint. and upkeep (receipts) of that 5th wheel...ask questions. I just haven't ran across a Northwood owner that has regreated their experience.

The reviews and high customer satisfaction is what won us over and we're the proud owners of a 2013 Fox Mountain 235RLS. We've had it about nine months and have been all over Calif. Nev. and Ariz. with it and are very happy with it!

Usually a good unit with few issues. But that said, any unit can have issues due to misuse or lack of maintenance. Be sure you check out everything. Open all cupboards, feel along the where the floor meets the wall all along. Check the slides, get on the roof, look at the caulking or lack thereof. Sit in the unit, can you see yourself with it. Can you get to the fridge with the slides closed, can you get to the bathroom, etc while traveling with the slides closed. CVheck all appliances. Check tires, are they old and dry rotted. If you find a solid, nice, used unit, go for it.

North wood had some issues a few years ago when they switched form wood to aluminum frames. But generally are very good products.