Not impressed with 2014 Arctic Fox (VIDEO INSIDE)

[skydiver31]

I just bought this Arctic Fox 2014 and pretty disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W4nWFTf7shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W4nWFTf7s

How many of you would overlook these kind of things and not worry about it? My biggest fear is that if they were this bad with the interior, what is going on inside those walls?

I need some advice on how to handle this.. I can't help but feel depressed about my purchase. This is supposed to be a BRAND NEW trailer and all of these things bug me. I worked HARD to be able to afford this, and I feel that the crew who assembled this just didn't care -- or were seriously stoned/drunk.

Again, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W4nWFTf7shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W4nWFTf7s

[rbpru]

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.

[Tennessee_Nomad]

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

[Candie4749]

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.

[gordfromborder]

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

[Ron3rd]

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.

[skydiver31]

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!

[westend]

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.

[skydiver31]

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. 😄

[dodge_guy]

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.

[wmoses]

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.

[Tequila]

Sure looks like you got a lemon. I bought a new TT this year from Northwood, and apart from some dealer issues, there appears to be no quality issues from the manufacturer. Some design complaints, most of which I have dealt with with mods, but the quality seems good.

[Lynnmor]

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.

[skydiver31]

goducks10 wrote:
Read about tis guys issues. He paid way more for his 5'er than you did for your TT. http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f200/2014-blue-ridge-3715bh-54393.html

Like I've said before the only thing 4 seasons about trailers is the heated and enclosed tanks. Manufacturers don't care how much heat you need to heat the inside of the unit. They can tout 4 seasons cause it has heated and enclosed tanks. R values don't even have to be all the great either. All that matters is that your tanks don't freeze.

You also got the attention of the http://www.afnash.com/showthread.php?13846-AF-getting-trashed-over-at-RV-net

You really need to address these issues with Northwood. Really does no one any good to drag this on. Lots and lots of trailers are built crapy. I'm not really sure what your point is about constantly bringing up issues that are common in the RV business. If you think you have the only trailer with shoddy workmanship then you're in for a rude awakening. All 3 trailers I've owned had things just like you're talking about. It ain't no big deal. They all look real good (or should) till you start taking panels off or removing drawers and start looking behind all the bling.

Actually, when a RV manufacturer claims R-14 walls and R-18 ceilings, then there should be a little more expected than heated/enclosed tanks. I don't expect to see a huge hole from the outside where I can stick my hand in and play the with "heated" insides. That just makes no sense.. Holes allow heat to escape and allow cold air/snow to come in. Simple as day.

Also, the point of all of this is to show people how important it is to fully inspect a trailer before they buy it. Like I have said before, I am not out to bash NW. I am doing something good for the community, and if this encourages RV makers to put more quality into their trailers then that won't hurt either.

[haste_maker]

I feel your pain I also brought a "NEW TRAILER A 2012 MODEL" from a "FOREST RIVER" dealer that was a piece of crap, and I was also "BANNED" from the "SIERRA" forum, because I posted the truth on that forum about this piece of junk..plus my warranty was canceled early due to me wanting to get my trailer repaired.