Nothwoods 5th Wheels

[Rogue_Eagle]

My wife and I are total RV newbies and we are about to buy our first RV. We are looking at Northwoods RV. What is the difference between the Arctic Fox and the Fox Mountain??

[Swamp_Man]

Rogue Eagle wrote:
Thank you. We are going to look at a Fox Mountain 2755BS that tops out at 31 1/2'. The Gross Wt for the trailer is just shy of 10,000 lbs.

My tow vehicle is a 2008 Ford F-250 6.4L diesel. Will this be too much trailer for my truck?

Thanks

No, I pull a 2007 AF 20-5T with our 2005 Ford F-250 with the 6.0 diesel.

[oldbeek]

I tow a 12000# gvw Alpenlite with a 2001 Dodge 2500, 50,000 miles. Your ford will more than do the job. Artic Fox is built well like the Alpenlite and I think it will serve you well.

[Highway_4x4]

You want to see how well the Northwood 5ers are made, go tour the factory up in Oregon. Much of their units are sold in Canada so they have to hold up in the cold. You want resale down the road, Go with an AF.

[Rogue_Eagle]

I am so thankful for a forum like this. As new RVers, we are overwhelmed with what you need to know and what to be cautious of. I know experience is the best teacher, but what a blessing to talk to those who have "been there, done that". Thank you for your comments.

Ben

[goducks10]

I own a Fox Mountain 235RLS. So far after 7 months, over 4000 miles and close to 50 nights, we've only had one warranty issue (leaky fresh water fitting). That happened during the 1st week we had it. Since then it's been flawless.
All loaded up it weighs between 85-9000lbs. Pin is between 17-1800lbs. I tow it with a 12 Ram 2500 CTD with 3.73's. Average 10.5 mpg. IMO it's a perfect match.

We switched out the booth dinette for free standing chairs and table. also eventually we will switch out the rear sofa for recliners. We could of ordered it with rear recliners but didn't like them. So we will find ones we like better.

Big difference between the AF and FM lines is weight. Aside from typical upgrades between the two, the AF line will need 1 ton truck after you get past the 27-5L model.

Another nice thing about Northwood MFG is they will authorize any repairs at an RV repair facility if you don't have a Northwood dealer near you. We had our water leak fixed by an RV repair facility since we are 50-75 miles away from the nearest dealer.

I see you're from Oregon, so are we. So those mpg #'s are typical of where you would be towing. Hard to get anywhere without climbing something:)

[Rogue_Eagle]

I am so glad there is a forum like this to get advise and suggestions. As a new RVer I am overwhelmed with what you need to know and be cautious of. I know that nothing beats experience but talking to people who have "already been there, done that" is a blessing. Thank you for your input.

Ben

[cdlaine]

Ben,

I own Artic Fox Silver Fox Edition fiver. We did tons of research
trying to locate the "perfect" fiver within our price range. It
does not exist. Compromises are based on priorities as with all
RV purchases. In the long run you will probably find that floorplan
trumps all....with functional storage being a close second.

The Artic Fox we purchased had the usual piddly issues on arrival,
most caught within the intial PDI. As the "warranty" is only 1 year,
I would suggest you time your purchase to the "best season" of use...
that way you uncover blems/malfunctions/issues not readily apparent
in the PDI. Some only "show" under real world use.

Overall, good quality "bones", good fit and finish, nice eye candy
appeal, comfortable. If we had a "do-over" the RV furniture is a
disappointment...have already pulled the hide-a-bed sofa and replaced
with a modern era futon (too much work, and not comfortable). The
swivel rocker recliners will be next...require downward dog yoga position
to close...on the third attempt.

Some "what were they thinking" moments... fuse box on the floor, with a
lid that opens up.... hope you keep your kitchen floor clean as your
face will need to spend some quality cheek time on the linoleum. The placement
of GFI plugs is great as are the plugs in general. Well thought out lighting
with leds'/spots/flour/bulb combo. Excellent cabinet work..but a 2 rung
step-stool necessary to reach higher altitudes. One touch
black/grey dump is a fan favorite as is the power creel on the 50 amp cord.
Slam latch doors are reassuring as are plenty of external/storage lighting.

Another point of positivity... based on where you live... proximity to
the Northwood factory would factor in to my decision.

Cannot address your tow vehicle... mine has no problem towing or
stopping our fiver. We are fans of winter desert camping / Ca. beach so
mountain peaks do not really play in to our RV plans at present.
Your usage may vary.

There are lots of good builders out there.... I think we chose well ...time will tell...
my goal, ten years of moderate use with just routine maintenance schedules and
I will be happy. Good luck in your choice.... funny , all the hours and hours of research...
and we really knew as soon as we stepped in to the unit.

Hope I don't seem like a "homer" (ie mine is best), take your time, step in to
lots of RV's , check out the user forums, and make sure your bride is happy
with the choice. Also consider 5 year gently used.

Charles

[wilber1]

Rogue Eagle wrote:
Thank you. We are going to look at a Fox Mountain 2755BS that tops out at 31 1/2'. The Gross Wt for the trailer is just shy of 10,000 lbs.

My tow vehicle is a 2008 Ford F-250 6.4L diesel. Will this be too much trailer for my truck?

Thanks

Don't know the specs for you truck but I would be surprised if it couldn't handle a 10K GVWR trailer.

[jmtandem]

My tow vehicle is a 2008 Ford F-250 6.4L diesel. Will this be too much trailer for my truck?

The issue is not power. It is pin weight. In addition to the pin weight add another 200 pounds or so for the hitch. Most three quarter ton trucks are rated to carry payload of around 2800 pounds. At 20 percent pin weight and two hundred pound hitch that mathematically works out to a fifth of around 13,000 gross and that does not include the family, dogs, tools, supplies, etc. that are also in the truck. However, you will find many that tow with a three quarter ton and have never had a problem. Northwood makes a 27 foot fifth wheel that likely would be a good fit for your truck. Much bigger and you might want a one ton truck. Never exceed the axle, wheel, and tire max ratings.

If you decide to go the travel trailer route, your truck will likely be more than enough as the tongue weight is less for a TT than a FW.

[jmtandem]

What other 5th wheel is comparable to the Arctic Fox line?

I am not sure what you are asking. The Keystone Montana fifth wheels are the best selling fifth wheels for several years now. And many other manufacturers make fifth wheels as well. Comparable??

[Rogue_Eagle]

What other 5th wheel is comparable to the Arctic Fox line?

[jmtandem]

Both are well make and as stated prior both are heavy for their size relative to other RV manufacturers similar products. Spend some quality time on the Northwoods web pages and you can learn about the differences. Nash was typically wood framed (not that that is bad) while Arctic Fox was aluminum if that matters to you. Look at the width of walls, the front and rear end caps or not, etc. Then you can decide. I find the weight issue to be a minimal consideration between similar size units and would go with the Arctic Fox if you find a coach that works for you. I have a TT with a front end cap and it really is important to me not just for looks but for deflecting flying objects like rocks and blowing sand in windy areas. It is a well worth option for me. Another consideration would be to determine if you are planning to spend lots of the year in the RV, or just be recreational weekend RVers. The Arctic Fox is made well enough to support full time living in it. Not every RV you look at is designed for full time useage. I have been looking at Arctic Fox products as I would like a more full time living RV. I don't think you can go wrong with a Northwood's product.

[Rogue_Eagle]

Thank you. We are going to look at a Fox Mountain 2755BS that tops out at 31 1/2'. The Gross Wt for the trailer is just shy of 10,000 lbs.

My tow vehicle is a 2008 Ford F-250 6.4L diesel. Will this be too much trailer for my truck?

Thanks

[n7bsn]

Donn purty much nailed it. The Fox Mountain line has replaced the Nash line as their "lower end" 5er.

Both are well made, Northwoods uses employee incentive to encourage employees to "build it right".

I noticed that Fox Mountain has switched from "RV Queen" to "Full Queen" recently, I've also noted they have "ramped up" the appointments to the Fox Mountain recently.

They actually have ramped up the appointments to the Arctic Fox since we bought ours, and that is just two model years.