Fifth Wheel Decisions - Arctic Fox vs. Dutchmen Infinity

[babysvt]

I apologize in advance for the lengthy post but my head is on information overload from all my research and I thought reaching out to everyone would be easier.

The husband and I are looking to replace our current fifth wheel (2011 Chaparrel Lite 28ft) with a newer, larger, four season unit. So far I have my eye on the Arctic Fox and Dutchmen Inifnity because we want to stay in the $65K or less price range. I have a hard time finding any negative comments about the Arctic Fox but find a ton on the Infinity. The only negative I have come up with on the Arctic Fox is that if you have a warranty issue it can sometimes be challenging to get it done if you are outside of the Pacific Northwest.

My biggest concern is the four season aspect of these two because we have a tropical bird that travels with us and we need to make sure he is warm when dry camping. Our current fifth wheel is not insulated at all and running the furnace seems to heat the upper bedroom and not the lower area of the fifth wheel where our bird's cage is. I have considered putting in 12v fans in the ceiling to push the air or install an inverter to run his heater but knowing that we will be upgrading to a four season sometime in the near future has caused me to put these things off for a bit. How well insulated are four season fifth wheels? I love the brochures telling me they are great for subzero temperatures and summer heat but what can I realistically expect from these? We plan on eventually going to the southwest and exploring in the winter months and then returning to Washington state in the spring, summer and fall. In the spring and fall we do get cold temperatures below freezing.

Also, if anyone has advice on the quality between the two that would be great. We want a fifth wheel that will last us for a very long time with few issues. So far we have had two fifth wheels (Keystone and Coachmen) and have had minor issues with both. I know there are always little bugs to work out of a new fifth wheel and we are ready for that. I just don't want something that will be in the shop more than I get to use it.

My must have requirements for the fifth wheel are:

Under 40', king bed, w/d hookup, 12 cubic fridge, bypass on the outside control so I no longer have to crawl into the storage compartment to winterize and the husband likes having an island. Anything else would be frosting on the cake.

If you know of other options in my price range please let me know because I am currently researching everything I can.

Thanks so much!

[westie0506]

Have you purchased a 5th wheel yet?

[Kenc_AL]

TXiceman wrote:
Arctic Fox is heads above anything by Thor (Dutchman).

Ken

X2!!!

I will never again buy a Dutchman product. The quality is just not there. I have never owned an AF, but have 2 friends who currently do and they both rate the unit highly.

And regarding your bird - in cold weather in my unit; I turn on the ceiling fan to blow upward 24/7 at the slowest speed and it is amazing how it disperses the heat throughout. The extra air circulation eliminates the cold spots your furnace does not cover.

Also, seriously consider a heat pump for one of your units. I find in the 35 to 65 degree range it sure saves a lot of propane. And then below that the manufacturer has a control that shuts the heat pump down automatically and switches to furnace protecting your water systems.

[TXiceman]

Arctic Fox is heads above anything by Thor (Dutchman).

Ken

[goducks10]

imjustdave wrote:
Can people give examples of the quality in the AF? Has anyone actually seen documented proof that af is better 4 season?

Thanks

These guys willhttp://www.afnash.com/forum.php

[tahoemc]

I can't speak to AF, but as a Dutchmen Denali owner, I would suggest doing your homework and tread cautiously when looking at this manufacturer. We have had several issues with ours, severely lacking in quality and workmanship, and the Dutchmen/Keystone customer service and factory support is nearly non-existent IMHO opinion. WE are managing to get our issues resolved, so hopefully the unit will be improved to the point it should have been when we took delivery.

Google the Dutchmen owners group and you will see I'm not alone.

[imjustdave]

Can people give examples of the quality in the AF? Has anyone actually seen documented proof that af is better 4 season?

Thanks

[cdlaine]

We own the AF 5'ver in my sig. block. The wife loves it...
that trumps all "must have" lists. We would do the purchase
again if needed .... but not needed. As stated ... heavyweight
indeed... but that seems to equate to quality in the 5ver
industry. Good luck on your decision... my opinion is
biased, but we did vote with our hard earned dollars.

..on edit... I don't know about Dutchmen Infinity ...but
trust your instincts (after visiting both).... I think the
correct decision will present itself.

..based on what I have consistently read on this forum...
I already own what "my next fiver will be".

Charles

[Ron_Nielson]

Go here: Arctic Fox Owners Rally
They're having their yearly rally in La Grande Or June 17 -22. Tell Adam you'd like to come and see what Arctic Fox owners know only too well. Very nice group. Sociable to a fault. Walk around, stop by any trailer, ask questions, drink a beer or wine, have a great time. Very good dealer just a few miles away and only a couple of miles from the factory. There will be factory tours, both frame and structure.

[Willcamp4]

Of course, this is my opinion. I have looked around at many different brands. I have to qualify this by saying, I am a long term owner of an Alpenlite. It is a wonderful RV that has been virtually problem free. Unfortunately, they no longer make them, so I can't buy a new one. In looking at those brands available our list dwindled down to Arctic Fox and Montana. The Montana units were pretty, but the quality was not in the ballpark with the Arctic Fox. The Arctic Fox weighs more because they have heavier duty parts, from the frames on up. Everything about them seems better made than what I saw of the Dutchman products. I would not hesitate to buy an Arctic Fox.

[larry_barnhart]

We had a neighbor behind us in 2012/13 with the newest biggest Artic fox and it was the only model I think would be a 6 months rv for us if we were buying again but it is as said above a heavy rv. He had a couple of warranty items fixed so it won't be a problem. It over loaded his 3500 dodge srw but he did not care. He didn't come back this last winter but they really liked it. We live in Wenatchee and they are sold here for a couple of years. Have fun


chevman

[larry_barnhart]

We had a neighbor behind us in 2012/13 with the newest biggest Artic fox and it was the only model I think would be a 6 months rv for us if we were buying again but it is as said above a heavy rv. He had a couple of warranty items fixed so it won't be a problem. It over loaded his 3500 dodge srw but he did not care. He didn't come back this last winter but they really liked it. We live in Wenatchee and they are sold here for a couple of years. Have fun


chevman

[RVcrazy]

The 35 5 AF is heavy. Please be sure you have the capacity to tow it. Northwood is a reputable company that stands behind their products. Warranty work can be done away from home. There is NO contest between your top two choices. Go into an AF on a hot day. Then, go sit in the competition. Your question will be answered!

[knshook]

We purchased a Dutchmen product in 2013. Strongly advise you steer towards Arctic Fox. There really is no comparison in our opinion. We are considering taking that very same advise 🙂

[goducks10]

Northwood will authorize warranty work anywhere. You just have to call with your issue and they will work with you in finding an RV repair facility. We bought our Fox 300 miles away and Northwood sent us to a local RV repair shop since the nearest dealer was 50+ miles away.