Arctic Fox 30U - looking for advice!

[Denbark]

Hi guys! New to the forum and the RV life.

I recently purchased an Arctic Fox 30U as my first RV for 8400 dollars. Besides some fiberglass stickers fading, some weatherstripping around the entrance doors and small holes in the canopy above the large slide it’s in great shape. Everything works aside from the electric option on the hot water.

- Did I get ripped off? I’ve done a lot of research and it seems these models are well built and desirable.
- Are there repair kits for the canopy above the slide? Does it matter?
- How hard are heating elements to change out in the hot water heater?
- What are some common issues with this brand/model I should be on the lookout for?
- Any mods You can suggest?



I travel for work so this will be my home away from home, hot summers and cold winters. I usually tow it with a company truck but I have a 08 Ram 3500 SRW for a personal truck. It’s a fairly heavy trailer compared to many I looked at, I was shocked the previous owner towed it with a 1/2 ton.

Looking forward to joining this community!

[Mstud21]

Denbark,

I own a 2008 30U. It is a tank, but it has been outside uncovered in the Arizona sun for 12 years and I am having a spray on roof applied and the rest of the unit is getting caulked and the windows are getting new seals. The electric water heater element is not difficult to replace, but it would be smart to pay attention to that switch and make sure it is always off until you want to use it. if it is accidently bumped into the on position, with no water in it, it will burn itself out very quickly, which is probably why yours is not working. If you find yourself in the Phoenix area during your travels give me a shout out! Oh, and here is a link to a water heater trouble shooting video. RV Water Heater Trouble Shooting

[roaminaround]

We sold a 2006 Nash (same company) last year. Got $9000 for it. It was slightly smaller than yours. We bought a new Rockwood. Sometimes we wish we still had our Nash for quality purposes. It was a tank and never gave us any problems. I did replace my water heater element. You need a special tool that any hardware store has and they will have a compatible replacement element as well. Took about 1/2 hour.

[deltabravo]

Blazing Zippers wrote:
AF units are pretty well made. You might really check the rubber roofing. After the years, the roof material might need considerable maint.

Here's a good video of maintenance

[Blazing_Zippers]

AF units are pretty well made. You might really check the rubber roofing. After the years, the roof material might need considerable maint.
As written previously, the other flaws are minor in nature. Enjoy..

[ScottG]

Unless it's crispy, for 2005 I don't think that's a bad deal at all.

[Camper8251]

Nice, I would pay close attention to that front window.
They tend to leak and god help you if you get rot up front in there.

[Denbark]

It’s a 2005, so far I’m really happy with it!

[Camper8251]

IMO AF Units are well made but like anything else there is maintenance required to keep it in peak condition.

What year is it?

I would check all the sealant and get on the roof to check up there as well. Make sure all systems are running and not leaking. Sanitize the fresh water tank as well, Check the tires and frame or any wear.

All the issues you noted are easy fixes if you are handy

[jdc1]

Just use some Eternabond tape on the slide topper until you decide you can afford to replace the fabric. My grandson and I replaced my slide topper material in less than two hours. It's a two person job. Use a lubricant when sliding it in. The water heater element is easy to remove and re-install. As for the price? Are you happy with it? You saw what was available near you. That's all that reeally matter.

[wanderingbob]

The slide canopy " topper " is to keep leaves and debris from collecting and hampering the seal when closing . It also creates shade for a cooler interior. Does it need patched , depends on whether the holes are a problem .