Not impressed with 2014 Arctic Fox (VIDEO INSIDE)

Wow 12 pages so far.

I would be irritated to find some of these flaws in a new unit. However, you are not going to get old world craftsmanship when you pound out 25 units a day.

Some of the flaws I would have thought the dealer would correct before delivery, others I would have pointed out for repair before taking delivery.

I bought a used unit (always a gamble) so I took a hard look before I bought. Still in a year’s travel, I have had to repair some hidden things like drawer slides and loose plumbing connections. However I must also admit I put in my fair share of dings and scratches.

We enjoy our trailer and have had no major issues, when a problem comes up, we fix it.

I haven't researched or know anything about Artic Fox (Northwood mfg.) but 34 thousand seems a little steep for that unit. More expensive is not always better. JMO

We had some major issues with the slide out when we purchased our new Springdale but the dealer took care of that and everything we noted even after the walk thru and we were very happy with our camper we kept it for six years and had no problems. I would give the dealer a chance to make it right before stressing over it too much.

Hello Skydiver31,

I feel your displeasure with AF. We purchased a 27T ( factory order ) in January 2014 and took delivery in May when we returned from down south. ( we are retirees in Alberta, and before I get flamed, I will change my signature details ). I did a two hour PDI and had a list of 30 items that the dealer fixed prior to delivery. Since then we have added at least 50 more items!

We are experiencing similar issues that are just as frustrating. It's great AF puts greaseable fittings on the suspension, but after one of the zerk fittings fell out, I checked the others. One more ready to fall out and four extremely loose. Broken welds on the aluminum lower slide out frame that has been fixed with metal strapping and sheet metal screws that keep loosening, leaky shower door retraction mech., saggy recliner that has to go to an upholstery shop, hide a bed that couldn't be used because it couldn't be fully opened without contacting the kitchen cabinet, uneven and poorly installed sink, broken ground wire...........and on and on.

My dealer, Tee Pee Trade in Camrose has been great to deal with and AF has been authorizing most of the repairs in a timely manner, but our trailer has been in four times since delivery and goes back on Oct 17 for more service work. The final one before we head south.

Now am I being too picky? Maybe, but when we pay a premium for an RV that we expect to be better than average and end up with less than average, I am PO'd.

Like skydiver, I have taken to doing numerous fixes and improvements that should have been caught by AF or better design and or execution by them. I have completed mouse proofing. My latest project is as a result of the mouse proofing. While under the trailer, I noticed the coloplast ( plastic covering material ) was very saggy under the front holding tank ( grey water). When I pushed up on it, water started running out the " drain " hole in the plastic. I have removed the panel to expose both tanks and as suspected the fibreglass is soaked, turning black plus rusting the light weight steel frame cross members. I have added tank supports and am putting in 1" styrofoam rig in insulation. After I replace the coloplast all joints will be sealed with an asphalt type car undercoating spray.


Anyways, enough complaint for now.

Gord

dodge guy wrote:
I`m shocked at how poorly built this trailer is, and what`s worse are the people telling you that you are expecting too much! Granted some of that is cosmetic and easily fixable, but the other stuff is just poor quality. actually the whole trailer looks to be of poor quality (sorry!). I guess you are doing the right thing, fix what you can and then off it. which is too bad because AF used to be a reputable company! so much for that though.

The worst thing I had with my Forest River was the stereo. I went through 3 before I gave up and installed a car stereo in it`s place. it been pretty much problem free since then. one minor leak I fixed years ago.

And because It`s been so Good I`m going to be buying another FR product. A Georgetown class A with the bunk slide.

We've been very happy with our new FR trailer too, but another member here has an FR lemon. I've read about these issues with many well-known brands and it looks like they all put out clunkers from time to time, which is inexcusable IMO if the company has any semblance of quality control. I've often read over the years that Arctic Fox is a good unit so I'm surprised to see skydiver's problem, but I guess it's just a sign of the industry.

westend wrote:
Other areas to look at: Floor and walls adjacent to shower, vanity sink drains, floor near kitchen sink drain, area around electrical distribution and converter. Some of these trailers have a hole the size of a basketball just to install a 2" drain pipe.

I'll check all of those things out today, thanks!

Other areas to look at: Floor and walls adjacent to shower, vanity sink drains, floor near kitchen sink drain, area around electrical distribution and converter. Some of these trailers have a hole the size of a basketball just to install a 2" drain pipe.

dodge guy wrote:
I`m shocked at how poorly built this trailer is, and what`s worse are the people telling you that you are expecting too much! Granted some of that is cosmetic and easily fixable, but the other stuff is just poor quality. actually the whole trailer looks to be of poor quality (sorry!). I guess you are doing the right thing, fix what you can and then off it. which is too bad because AF used to be a reputable company! so much for that though.

The worst thing I had with my Forest River was the stereo. I went through 3 before I gave up and installed a car stereo in it`s place. it been pretty much problem free since then. one minor leak I fixed years ago.

And because It`s been so Good I`m going to be buying another FR product. A Georgetown class A with the bunk slide.

Speaking of stereos, mine didn't even work before I took it off the lot. That was one thing a technician at the dealership actually DID notice before I took it off the lot (thank god!). It was wired wrong and he had to fix it. I didn't mention it in this thread yet because it was such a minor problem that was instantly dealt with, however it goes to show you that they don't even do a quality control check at the factory on the basic items. All they would have had to do was press the power button to see if it made sound, and they didn't.

By the way, I still have not heard back from NW. I am probably on their **** list now, but that's something I guess I had to sacrifice. So far I don't regret it.. I'm happy that some people are viewing this as a reality check.

I'll be posting my "fix" tomorrow.. I will have the inside of the 110v compartment insulated as well as the door which gives access to it. Insulated door + air space + insulated backing = one badass R-value for that compartment. :D

I`m shocked at how poorly built this trailer is, and what`s worse are the people telling you that you are expecting too much! Granted some of that is cosmetic and easily fixable, but the other stuff is just poor quality. actually the whole trailer looks to be of poor quality (sorry!). I guess you are doing the right thing, fix what you can and then off it. which is too bad because AF used to be a reputable company! so much for that though.

The worst thing I had with my Forest River was the stereo. I went through 3 before I gave up and installed a car stereo in it`s place. it been pretty much problem free since then. one minor leak I fixed years ago.

And because It`s been so Good I`m going to be buying another FR product. A Georgetown class A with the bunk slide.

Lynnmor wrote:
Thank you, skydiver31, it is folks like you that will pull this sad industry out of the pits. Those that sit idly by and suggest that you accept this "stuff" are helping to pull it down.

Agreed. The more the customer base give the feedback and vote with their dollars eventually there will be change. How long before that "eventually" comes is another matter.