Forum Discussion

otrfun's avatar
otrfun
Explorer II
Jan 03, 2019

Artic Fox TC Empty/Dry Weight

We've been researching the weight specs for the 2019 Artic Fox 865 TC. I've read a number of weight threads on the AF TC's and it seems the general consensus is (at least for those who abide by the hard numbers) only a late-model dually will suffice for any of the Artic Fox TC's. This may be true. However, I'm still trying to make sense of Northwood's advertised empty/dry weights for the Artic Fox.

First, the empty/dry weight for the 865 is advertised as 2,641 lbs. (with no options) at the Northwood website. However, after a bit of research it appears this weight does not include the mandatory Fox Value Package which weighs 595 lbs. In reality, it seems the empty/dry weight of the 865 (with no "options") is actually 3.236 lbs.

Secondly, we also requested a pic of the black & white sticker (with the VIN, weight, etc.) off of two different 2019 865's, at two different dealerships, one with a generator, and one without. We found it very unusual that these two 865's, although optioned very differently, were both listed as weighing exactly the same, 2983 lbs.

Has anyone gotten past all these smoking mirrors . . . and actually CAT scaled their Artic Fox TC empty, right after purchase?
  • Northwood probably does give you the true empty weight, but that number is before factory required options you end up with.
  • brholt wrote:
    Truck Camper Magazine lists the dry weight at 3236 lbs . . .
    Ok, good to know my guess at the true empty/dry weight was right. Can't imagine the number of folks who took the website's empty/dry weight at face value and purchased one. Disappointing they're not more forthcoming about something that can potentially affect the safe operation of a vehicle. You cannot purchase an AF without the 595 lb. Fox Value Package, so it's very unfortunate they feel the need to advertise an empty/dry weight for a TC configuration that does not exist.
  • Arctic Fox is way off on their weights, but are correct when they say to use a dually to carry their campers.
  • I found mine was very close to numbers posted by truck camper mag back when I got it.
  • Truck Camper Magazine lists the dry weight at 3236 lbs and estimates the weight wet at 4,200 lbs. You can find there discussion here:

    Arctic Fox buyers guide

    There wet weight estimates have been pretty reasonable as a starting point.
  • To address your last comment about both campers weighing exactly the same, I don't believe AF weighs their campers at the end of the production line when they are finished and going out the door.
    You are also correct that the weights they list do not include everything the camper is going to come with when you guy it.
    I seriously doubt the 865 weighs 2641 lbs and would agree with you that this posted weight is before the mandatory options.
    My camper dry is right at 2750 lbs and fully wet is right at 3700 lbs. Northern Lite does weigh their campers before they leave the plant and that number is accurate and is what is put on the label.
    I like AF campers a lot but they are very, very heavy. I have a close friend who has one with a double slide and is a very nice camper. He carries it on a one ton Chevy crew cab dually long bed with the Duramax and is over 1000 lbs overweight.
    So, if you are going to buy an AF be sure you know what the dry weight is as you will put it in your truck. Then, add 1000 lbs to get an approximate wet weight. That is what your truck will need to be rated at in order to safely haul that camper.
    Good luck to you in your camper choice.