Nortwood says no.

[rmoparman]

Called Northwood and told them in fall i will be ordering a 32m for delivery in Spring next year. I asked them if they could install disc brakes and the Mor ride 4000. They said they couldent. What gives? Think while being built they could do that for me there.

Thanks for imput.

Ron

[JTrac]

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.

[GHop]

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.

[djousma]

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.

[goducks10]

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.

[elkfarmer]

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.

[ford_truck_guy]

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

[eichacsj]

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

[IBcarguy]

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.

[RollandB]

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.

[stickdog]

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

[ScottG]

It is surprising they don't offer those options on thier higher-end or Silver Fox units.
Just ordered a 32A and would have jumped on the disc brakes.

[campinghut]

I think they also build there own frames and I would think to re-jig would not be worthwhile to them.

[ScottG]

They dont buy rolling frames, they build their own.
If it's not part of their normal assembly line work, I can see why it would be impossible. since they don't offer this as an option , they wont have the expertise either.
Even a quality builder NW cant do elaborate custom work and maintain profitabilty.

[Chris_Bryant]

They probably buy the rolling frames complete, with no facility to do that kind of work.

On edit- I see they build their own chassis, so they probably just don't want to do it- not set up for that kind of change.