bgm1956 wrote:
wnjj wrote:
Maybe it’s the way you worded your response but to be clear, 3500 doesn’t automatically mean dually and it is a super important detail when it comes to truck campers.
Are there many used units to choose from out there? Chances are you’ll hear good and bad about all 3 models. Personally I’d choose whichever one is in the best shape if your choices are limited.
We tow with a 950 model camper but the trailer tongue has diamond plate which works for a step when connected. Also the door is offset to one side some which allows for a small step ladder (Little Jumbo) to sit nicely along side. I wouldn’t rule out a rear door automatically.
To be clear, my truck is a dually. I know about tire capacity and tow weight. I know I will be towards the upper end of the capacity of the truck. I've hauled enough hay and cattle to understand that. The pontoon boat is going to be an 18 ft. As far as availability, there are enough out there to choose from if you are patient. I appreciate your input.
bgm1956, welcome to the forum!
Please don't mind the antagonism and negativity. It seems to be a thing with some of the readership of this forum, but there's alot of good info to be had here as well.
And to confirm, as you are already aware, you have enough truck for pretty much any commercially made TC out there.
I can only speak from experience on Arctic Fox campers. Have had 2 of them now, from the same era you're considering. Had an 05 (first year aluminum frame, thought that was an important quality at the time) that we bought in 2013 and now an 03 (wood frame).
My observations are as such. I have yet to realize any advantages of the aluminum framed unit. The older one appears just as solid and not any heavier.
Age wise, I believe it's about 95% how well the camper was treated and how heavy of use it's seen and 5% age of the camper when determining reliability (at least for the AF campers). Both of ours have been virtually issue free. However both of them were only and are only used recreationally and don't have 2000 nights of use or similar.
Have had no issues with any of the major components in either one and have had the 03 since 2014. It does however get stored indoors when not in use and was stored under a carport for many years prior to us buying it.
The "features" of a newer AF appear to be virtually the same as the older ones. I don't see a marked improvement or newer equipment in the newer ones. Stove, fridge, water system, heater, etc are all the same or similar.
Advantages I like about the AF campers:
-Large capacity tanks and propane.
- Full wall slide = more room
- So far appear to be of very good quality
- Good use of space for storage space
- Full features (real oven, big fridge, etc)
- Ducted heat helps keep tanks from freezing
Disadvantages:
- Definitively on the heavy end , but it's not like I'm haulin it on MY back, the truck is, so not a concern for me.
- The wet bath in ours is too small (but it's a bathroom, which is better than no bathroom, so...)
Good luck shopping for them. The biggest things I'd look for in an older camper is one that is lightly used and has not been out in the weather constantly.
