1150 ARCTIC FOX?

[ADA6969]

Hi, Any body have a 3500 std cab RAM DRW with an newer 1150 Arctic fox?

How does it handle?

My 02 990 Dry bath is great on it. Just ordered 2021 1150 dry bath.

Thank you, Andy

[brholt]

Northwood is currently manufacturing 1150’s.

No experience with Dodge but our 2013 F350 handles our current 1150 nicely with only the addition of upper stable loads.

[bighatnohorse]

How it handles in comparison to your present camper will depend mostly on the "center of gravity" which will probably vary between the two campers.

If the center of gravity is behind the rear wheels then you will notice a "lightness" in the front steering wheels.

From Truck Camper Magazine:

Truck Camper Magazine 11/18/2019 wrote:
Center of Gravity 55.25? w/ AC and generator

[ADA6969]

They told me end of Sept. ordered it about 6 weeks ago. From what i can tell there is no 2021 1150 A/F out yet. Thanks for the info,
Andy

[Mote]

Looking at the modifications you've already made to your truck I don't think you'll have any issues.
Everyone has their own comfort level of how the truck handles with a load. With your experience in hauling a heavy camper you probably won't notice much difference.
How long of a wait is it for new camper these days ?

[ADA6969]

Thanks for the responses. I find it odd that there is 1/2 say it will be fine and the other 1/2 Say no. I have an 2002 990 M Dry bath now i tow a 7500 lb trailer if i dont set the cruise at 65 i will be doing 80 it handles so great. Hard to believe that a new 1150 dry bath is that much heaver then and old wood frame 990 M maybe 1k more???
Andy

[TriBeard]

Not exactly related, but I'd love to know what yours weighs when you get it and get a chance to have it weighed. We just got an 811 for my 2018 Ram SRW 3500 and I'm right at 9k on the rear axle just with that. The suspension (Airbags and lower stableloads) handles it fine, but I'm moving up to 19.5s to handle the weight from a tire perspective. I know these things are heavy, but the truck scaled at about 3500 on the rear axle unloaded, so not sure quite how I'm where I'm at and would love to see your weigh slip too. Maybe the 2021's have lead in the floors, idk lol.

[Hemi_Joel]

With that much weight, you will probably need to fine tune the rear suspension. I eneded up removing the secondary overloads, they made the ride unbearably ruff. Then I added air bags, and a couple more of the longer leafs in the spring pack. That worked out perfect with the 1150.

[gitpicker2009]

I have an AF1150 which started out on a Ram 3500. Even with stablil loads and adjustable shocks, it was a bit twitchy. Finally I bought a Sterling (dodge)4500 and without any mods it handles like a dream. Conclusion: You can make the 3500 work, with mods, but you'll be right at, or beyond the truck's comfort range in my opinion.

[BlackButte]

Andy,

I started with a 2007 990 wet bath on my 2007 Dodge 3500 dually with 4.10 rear, stock tires, BD exhaust brake and Firestone air bags. Never needed the airbags. The exhaust brake was the best addition I ever did for my truck. When the original shocks wore out I upgraded to Rancho 9000s

My 2017 AF 1150 wet bath required the addition of lower stableloads to address proposing and some of the sway. Adding the upper stableloads smoothed out the remaining handling issues. Shortly before purchasing the 2017 I did replace the rear leaf spring bushings. There's no problem hauling over interstate Rocky Mountain passes. However, the exhaust brake has recently stopped working and I do have to really take my time down twisty turns steep grades. Normal grades are not an issue to stop suddenly, even at 65-70 mph. The west side of Chinook Pass going down SR-410 in Washington was a bit concerning. The 10% grade down Slumgullion Pass without a decent place to pull over set my brakes to smoking and burned my brake fluid. I won't take that type Pass again until my exhaust brake issue is resolved.

Also, the center of gravity on the 1150 is much further towards the rear. I do notice a little handling diff when the black tank is full. Steering is not diminished but there is a diff feeling when all that weight gets behind the rear axle. This is also something you might want to consider if you plan to tow heavy. I did move my spare to the front bumper and haven't noticed the steering sensation this trip.

Hope this helps.

[ADA6969]

Good info, I am over GVW with the 990 now. Whole other topic right??

Thank you, Andy

[mountainkowboy]

Our 97 handled the 1140 without issue....although I was over GVW.

[KKELLER14K]

They are heavy and the dry bath is a bit tight, but you will like it. The slide makes it very roomy.. Check my profile.:) Consider ditching the graphics...it will make your ride a whole lot easier to maintain the exterior in the future. Trust me here.. decals come off and then there is sun fading. Then don't forget your a rolling billboard.