Nortwood says no.

When we ordered our Winslow from the now defunct Peterson Ind., disc brakes and 17.5 wheels were an option, which I never gave a second thought. I wouldn't be without them. It is kind of disappointing to hear that Northwoods does not offer them as an option, as they would be high on our list if and when we decide to make a change. I know you can get them after market but it would be nice not to have to go that way. Not related but the other thing about Northwoods that I would hope to see change is offering a residential fridge, which I do not think is an option at this time.

We have had to fifth wheels from Northwood with no problem. I love my Arctic Fox and would not give it up. Disc Brakes would be a good upgrade but Northwood is one of the best manufacture company and with that I would not go with another. Northwood manufacture their own frames. If I was you, I would not allow this to change your mind, Northwood is a great company and put out sound fifth wheels.

RollandB wrote:
In two months, Ron Russell will have his crew in my driveway installing disc brakes on my Arctic Fox 27-5L. I am willing to bet with the additional wiring and plumbing to have disc brakes, this is something even a builder like NW doesn't have workers trained for and are willing to take on that risk.

The statement is valid, it should be an option as I believe there are a lot of purchasers of their larger units that would pay to have them from the factory, but that may not be the case.

I had his guys do the conversion in my driveway last month. wow, what an improvement! $2750 installed for my Cardinal.

I think you could count on one hand and still have fingers left the number of MFG's that would install disk brakes on their trailers. Northwood is no different than 99% of other MFG's.

I had a list of questions for the rep. This was one of them. They consider the brake assemblies perfectly adequate for the intended use. With my current TV I have no problems stopping. The exhaust brake with 4:10 gears is phenomenal. With that being said I don't know if I would have got a factory disc brake system if they offered it. I plan on doing it. I will use better U.S.A bearings, races and seals. I can pick the coatings on the assemblies for better life expectancy and pick the best actuator. I can pick what I think is the best wheels and tire package. I will run the factory setup for a couple years then put what I take off on a farm trailer. Until then I am perfectly happy.

RollandB wrote:
In two months, Ron Russell will have his crew in my driveway installing disc brakes on my Arctic Fox 27-5L. I am willing to bet with the additional wiring and plumbing to have disc brakes, this is something even a builder like NW doesn't have workers trained for and are willing to take on that risk.

The statement is valid, it should be an option as I believe there are a lot of purchasers of their larger units that would pay to have them from the factory, but that may not be the case.

They do fantastic work, and his guys stand behind the product ! You will be very happy

True they do not buy rolling frames, but they do buy complete axles with brake assemblies installed.

Also, if they install it, they have to back it with their warranty. They may not have a warranty agreement in place with these companies or products and don't want to take on the exposure.
They also won't be very anxious to stop normal production for special installations. Not part of their production routine/schedule.

In two months, Ron Russell will have his crew in my driveway installing disc brakes on my Arctic Fox 27-5L. I am willing to bet with the additional wiring and plumbing to have disc brakes, this is something even a builder like NW doesn't have workers trained for and are willing to take on that risk.

The statement is valid, it should be an option as I believe there are a lot of purchasers of their larger units that would pay to have them from the factory, but that may not be the case.

Conversion kits $1800. < $2900,the high includes axles, plus labor, unless your a do-it-yourselfer.