Planing on getting an Arctic Fox TC

They have the same disclaimer on the Wolf Creek product catalog. I think they are just CYA. SRW one ton is often the same truck as a DRW if you upgrade a few things. I can tell you from owning one (Arctic Fox) they are heavy beasts, especially on the passenger side with the full wall slide.



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Most of us in the Northwest regularly see different models on SRWs. The dry weight of a 8 ft model is under 2900 according to their website. I don’t know, but I think the Wolf Creeks are lighter. Also OP could have a DRW or maybe has a SRW 3500.

That image says advisable not recommended. Northwood also makes Wolf Creek.

Based on the words in their manuals, they clearly think you can use something other than a DRW. Or, they think DRW capacities are radically different.

Anyway, their 2015-2016 manual has the following words.

RECOMMENDED METHOD OF TRUCK SELECTION:
To estimate the total cargo load which will be placed on the truck add the following:
1. The weight of all passengers in the truck camper
2. The weight of supplies
3. The weight of tools and all other cargo
4. The weight of installed additional or optional truck camper equipment and appliances
5. The truck camper weight figure supplied by the manufacturer–be sure to add weight of options
The cargo weight rating for the truck must be equal to or greater than the total cargo load of the maximum combined loaded weight of the truck and camper.

This is from their catalog.



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jimh425 wrote:
No, Northwood doesn’t recommend DRWs for all of their truck campers. I’m thinking you heard that at your local truck dealer. :D

Starting in 2013 and right to today, in Arctic Fox TC literature there is a statement under Camper Safety Tips and it states, a dual wheel truck is recommended for ALL Arctic Fox campers.

I tried a TC but like to leave camp and explore without extra duties. Will you be happy? Space is another issue.

If you often stay in one location for days before moving, than I would stay with the TT. When I had a TT, my hookup time was just as short as time it takes to load a TC, so if you unload each time you stop, you aren't going to save any time. If you like to explore during the day and then finding a place to stay for the night than a TC may be better choice. We have a TC because the journey is more of the adventure than our destination.

In regards to the Artic Fox, they are well built but heavy. I have a Lance Lite 815 which weighs 2,400# wet and loaded. Originally carried it on a 2004 SRW Dodge 3500 diesel 4x4 and I was only a couple hundred pounds under GVWR. The lightest Artic Fox will push you over the GVWR by several hundred pounds. Even with my newer 2015 which has a 4,300# payload, I would still be right at my GVWR with an Artic Fox. Have to remember the payload rating is for carrying a heavy bulk like blocks or cement, not necessarily capable of carrying a high COG load such as a TC, especially a basement model.

No, Northwood doesn’t recommend DRWs for all of their truck campers. I’m thinking you heard that at your local truck dealer. :D

Arctic Fox campers are heavy and Northwood’s recommends dual wheeled trucks for their campers. Northstar TC’s are nice and made for SRW trucks.

I had a tc which was great for the rough country but after the fiver would never go back. So much more room and I can set up camp and leave it while exploring or beer runs. Arctic Fox is a well repected brand but watch your loaded weight, it can add up in a hurry.