Forum Discussion

trucker495's avatar
trucker495
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014

ARCTIC FOX 32a AND 30u

hi all, We are looking at the 2 trailers above and would like your input. We are concerned about quality and factory support. We have a 2004 HR Alumascape that we love and the build quality seems to me a little better than the AF. Would be interested in hearing from owners with any pros or cons. Thanks in advance for your input.
happy trails,
Trucker
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    Well, we owned our first rig for 10 years, a 24-5N, which we bought used, we have had this rig for nearly three (new). Lets see, what was "wrong" from the factory. The lifting hoist for the spare had lost a bolt and wouldn't work (fixed before we left the dealer), the metal pantry rack needed adjustment and the fresh water fill was not properly sealed.
    I was actually at the dealer (dropping off the trade-in) the day the new rig arrived and saw it "factory", clean and ready for delivery.
    I have heard of many owners that have taken out-of-warranty work to the factory done for free (not all of course, but if it was workmanship, the odds are good.

    BTW, if you are ordering consider asking for the "Direct-Responce" power awning vrs the normal one. That one can be set to auto-retract if the wind comes up
  • nvreloader's avatar
    nvreloader
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    Why don't you drop in to the home base of Northwood RV's and pose the same questions.

    You will get some more help.

    Try here:
    afnash.com

    Tia,
    Don
  • scbwr's avatar
    scbwr
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2014
    Arctic Fox certainly has a pretty good reputation around here, and your options are somewhat limited when looking for a 4 season trailer. From what I've seen of Arctic Fox units, which is limited, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if the floorplan met my needs and the unit passed a thorough inspection.
  • rgolding's avatar
    rgolding
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    We have owned Starcraft, Dutchmen and now an Artic Fox 30U. Very pleased with the equality of the Arctic Fox product line. Ours is a 2005 and it is in great shape.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    IMO AF's don't have the bling of some in the same price range. They do have very good quality and excellent factory support. We have a Fox Mountain 5'er, which is their more economy line. Will have had it for a year at the end of April. So far we've had two problems. One Northwoods fault and the other Shurflo. Northwood used a funky water fitting that wouldn't stay tight causing a very slow water leak. Northwood sent me replacement parts. But I still couldn't get the leak stopped. I called Northwood and since my closest dealer was 50+ miles away the sent me to an authorized RV repair shop near me.

    2nd issue that occurred just last week was the Shurflo water pump quit working. I called Northwood and they sent me new pump to install myself. Hard to beat that.

    There are other manufacturers that are just as willing to work with customers so Northwoods willingness to help isn't above the rest. But it's nice to know they're one of the ones that go above and beyond the norm.

    If we ever go back to another TT the 32A is on our short list. I like the fact that the tv can be viewed easier. It's a long way from the back of the TT to the tv in the 30U. The bath area is larger in the 30U so that's a plus. But the bed in the 30U is the short queen. BTDT, not good.
    The 29L actually has a really nice layout. Queen bed, big closet, large kitchen, large bathroom and good tv viewing.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    goducks10 wrote:
    IMO AF's don't have the bling of some in the same price range. They do however have very good quality and excellent factory support. We have a Fox Mountain 5'er, which is their more economy line. Will have had it for a year at the end of April. So far we've had two problems. One Northwoods fault and the other Shurflo. Northwood used a funky water fitting that wouldn't stay tight causing a very slow water leak. Northwood sent me replacement parts. But I still couldn't get the leak stopped. I called Northwood and since my closest dealer was 50+ miles away the sent me to an authorized RV repair shop near me. Northwood will send you to any authorized RV repair facility no matter where you are.

    2nd issue that occurred just last week was the Shurflo water pump quit working. I called Northwood and they sent me new pump to install myself. Hard to beat that.

    There are other manufacturers that are just as willing to work with customers so Northwoods willingness to help isn't above the rest. But it's nice to know they're one of the ones that go above and beyond the norm.

    If we ever go back to another TT the 32A is on our short list. I like the fact that the tv can be viewed easier. It's a long way from the back of the TT to the tv in the 30U. The bath area is larger in the 30U so that's a plus. But the bed in the 30U is the short queen. BTDT, not good.
    The 29L actually has a really nice layout. Queen bed, big closet, large kitchen, large bathroom and good tv viewing.
  • lhenry8113's avatar
    lhenry8113
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    We are on our 2nd Arctic Fox--the 1st was a 28 5D which isn't made anymore. Next an 07- 29 5T. Ordered it from the Factory in La Grande, Or. Probably have about 30,000 miles on it--2 large trips 1 to northern B.C.(Muncho Lake, Tetsa River, Toad river areas) 2nd to Florida. Each trip was about 2 months there and back. Have never really had any problems with the 5'vr itself--had some problems with add ons(fantastic fan, day/night shades, 4000 generator)--nothing major. Some of the items ordered are double pane windows, rear hitch receiver, 100 watt roof solar panel, sat. dome receiver, jack knife sofa converted to pull out bed, 2 12 volt outlets, battery off/on switch, day/night shades, rocker/recliner chairs, 2 exterior spkrs, etc. I did put on Good Year Wrangler Truck Tires.
    The people at Northwood are very customer oriented as well as is the Forum. If you go to their annual Rally in La Grande w/camper you can get a tour of the Factory as well as problems that might have developed with the RV. fixed or replaced quickly. Great folks to deal with. Lars
  • Steamguy's avatar
    Steamguy
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    As a former Fox owner, I can't speak highly enough about the construction quality. Some of the places we go, there are really rough roads, and always with the earlier TTs, we'd bend or break something inside. 14 years with the Fox and no complaints. This trailer did not sit at home; many, many miles on it, it rode behind 3 different TVs.

    Only problems I ever had with it was the loss of the outside shower door due to high winds, and lost the vent flapper for the range exhaust, same winds. We were going past the factory and stopped to get replacement parts, the guy comes back and hands them to me - no charge! He even helped install the outside shower door, showing me how to 'tune' it so I'd never lose another one. That's service.

    This fall, we traded our Fox for a Snow River, made by the same outfit: Northwood. I echo the suggestion you go to their Forum and ask all the questions you want. Lots of good, patient people there, a chance to get the opinions of people who own what you're considering.

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