Time to say goodbye to the TC life for us!

[rkortes]

Just sold our 2006 Arctic Fox 990 this past weekend. Seeing it drive away was one of those bittersweet experiences in life.

Bitter… because we had so many great nights and adventures traveling all over the Western United states with pretty unlimited access to a variety of beautiful campsites and locations.

Sweet…. Because I was done with many of the “negative” aspects of truck camper ownership over the past 7 years and we are ready for something…. well… different.

As any Rver knows, all rvs come with tradeoffs. Whether it be size, space, cost, ability to bring your toys, etc, I still yet to find the perfect solution. Although our truck camper was a viable solution to most of our rv needs, it did come with it’s share of negative issues as well:

*Weight- we carried our AF 990 on our 1 ton SRW for the last 7 years. Although it was MUCH better after the 19.5 wheel upgrade, there was always a sense of uneasiness when traveling with the thought of one of those rear wheels blowing out with a few thousand (plus) pounds sitting on a truck bed. I was never really comfortable with the whole loading/unloading process as well. Although I never really had a problem, it was always a bit scary. I HIGHLY recommend dually for anyone considering a 9 foot or longer camper… especially if it has a slide.

*Size- We chose to buy the TC because we could tow our boat and toys behind it. Well, we ended up selling our boat within a couple of years, but we did tow our dirt bikes and quads in an enclosed trailer which worked pretty well for us. Bottom line, I always felt a little cramped in our rig, even with a slide and, for the most part, just my wife and I traveling. I’m looking forward to more space.

*Cost- Face it, these things are expensive. I was able to get 15K out of our 2006 and will replace it with a 5th wheel toy hauler for around 20K. Other rv solutions just seem to be more bang for the hard earned buck.

This rv.net TC forum is, bar none, the best place to learn and gather information. I have truly enjoyed being a part of the TC family and will continue to monitor conversations and watch for exciting camping ideas. For the most part, I’ll be over on the toy hauler site from now on.

Special thanks to the mods over here for all they do.

Audios all!

[Wanderin_fool]

Congrats!!! I would have a toy hauler but the wife wont give up the boat. Wishing you two the best of times in the new rig you buy!!

[dakonthemountai]

Have fun with your new rig! There are no right or wrong decisions when it comes to owning an RV. Get what works for YOU! Just have fun! 🙂

Dak

[SpknTC]

rkortes wrote:
Just sold our 2006 Arctic Fox 990 this past weekend. Seeing it drive away was one of those bittersweet experiences in life.


This rv.net TC forum is, bar none, the best place to learn and gather information. I have truly enjoyed being a part of the TC family and will continue to monitor conversations and watch for exciting camping ideas. For the most part, I’ll be over on the toy hauler site from now on.

Special thanks to the mods over here for all they do.

Audios all!

Enjoy your new adventure! It all works out in the end. 🙂

[travelnutz]

Good reasons except for the "too many toys" comment. There's no such thing as tooooo many toys as you'll only live once.

We fortunately have plenty of room for lots and lots of toys and yup, we got'em! In the pole building (my toy barn as my wife calls it) and all around it too. Even on some of other other properties also. My neighbor jokes about it saying: He who dies with the most toys, wins! haha

[rkortes]

Hey There travelnutz.... I guess I may have made my post seem a bit more negative than it should have. Don't get me wrong, we had a ton of fun with our TC over the last 7 years. And, I'm pleased to report that our Arctic Fox camper never failed us in any way. If I had the room to store multiple rigs I may have just kept the TC, but that really does violate my "too many toys" rule.

I guess, more than anything, we're ready for a change! 🙂

[travelnutz]

rkortes,

Your rig with the trailer looks almost exactly like ours except for truck color, our's being an 11'4" Lance TC 3872 lbs dry, and our trailer is a vee nose 6' high inside white trailer 12' long before the vee area. We've had no stability, handling, scary, or fear of a blowout issues on our SRW GM CC D/A truck in the over 70,000 miles with the TC on it's gone. Tires are 265/75/16 "E" ATX Michelins and at 80 psi. Airbags 60-70 psi and Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks.

Sorry to hear you didn't have the fine experience we've had. My long time very trusted tire guy who does the city, county, sheriff, and state police etc trucks and vehicles advised me not to put 19.5 wheel/tires on so we didn't and have been very happy that we didn't. You experienced just what he said would likely be the results.

Yes, loading and unloading the big TC sure keeps you on your toes but we've not had any problem either. Had a TC always since 1965 so we're well seasoned in it. We also have a TT and a 12,800 lb 5th wheel. There's no ONE RV unit that's best for all travel, camping, comfort, scenarios and that's why we have several different types always.

Wishing you the best in what ever direction you go in an RV decision. It's still RVing and nothing can beat that!

BTW, a DRW truck would be the "best" for our TC rig also but we're happy with what we have now.

[rkortes]

Thanks Bon n Dot. I too have enjoyed reading your posts and chatting. The move to a TH should be an exciting. We've narrowed our search to looking for a clean Rage'n FA3005 for a good price.

[bobndot]

Good luck to you Roger, i always enjoyed chatting with you . Many of us cross paths down the road. I'll be looking for you on the road . Put some happijacks on that toyhauler so we know it's you.

Stay safe,
Bob n Dot

[Reddog1]

It is really great to have options. I am sure you will enjoy your toy hauler.

In my opinion, it is not only necessary the RV do what you want it to, but more importantly within your comfort level.

You are welcome back to the TC Forum, anytime you choose.

Wayne
Moderator