Quality of new Arctic Fox TC

[FireGuard]

I finished the install of my Torklift 30k lb SuperHitch and rear tiedowns yesterday as well as the Timbrens on my 21 Ram 3500 DRW. Installed the front tiedowns last week.
I’ve used Happijack successfully for years on other trucks, but I’m very impressed with the Torklift hitch and tiedowns. These things are Beefy and Solid.
The directions were spot on and the install went very smoothly.
I had to remove the rear bumper to install the hitch. I almost went with the Happijack rear tiedowns that fasten to the bumper but so glad I didn’t.
The rear bumper on a 1ton DRW is almost all plastic and probably didn’t weigh 20 lbs.
I would have destroyed that on the first trip. Time for a Buckstop bumper.
Now, I able to seriously look for a new camper. Unfortunately, the supply isn’t like it used to me.
I want a 9-10’ single slide like a Lance 981 or AF990.
I’m going to look at a 2019 AF990 in like new condition tomorrow.
I’ve read some reviews complaining about delamination issues on AF truck campers.
I think this was on older models and the issue was addressed on the newer ones.
Anyone have a newer AF or know of any issues to be aware of?

[Bedlam]

No, mine is a 2018 delivered in 2017 and I have not seen any Host's with center markers up front. They do have the ones in the rear.

[jimh406]

Bedlam wrote:
If your camper does not have them, you truck should so you are legal based on width. Camper manufacturers targeting the SRW market need something in place to keep lighting in compliance but not those selling to the DRW owners.

Of course, my F450 has marker lights on the cab. Bedlam, does your newer Host have clearance lights. I just looked at Host website a while ago. The pictures I noticed didn’t have any.

[Bedlam]

If your camper does not have them, you truck should so you are legal based on width. Camper manufacturers targeting the SRW market need something in place to keep lighting in compliance but not those selling to the DRW owners.

[jimh406]

Interesting about the clearance lights leaking on so many brands. I’ve wondered lately why my Host and current Hosts don’t have front clearance lights, or are able to get by without them.

Since it seems to be cause of most front delaminations, or water seepage on Bigfoots, etc. I think it is worth the effort to proactively fill the large holes if you have a TC with front clearance lights, especially.

[JimK-NY]

Slymer wrote:
VERY good point. Especially on point considering the prices these units are going for. I am waiting for someone to develop a clear spray sealer that you can use annually around all your clearance lights, etc. Would be so much easier than replacing caulking.

You have hit on a one of my pet peeves. There are 3/4" diameter holes behind my clearance lights so wires and wire nuts could be pushed through. There was no attempt to seal the holes. Instead the entire fixture needs to have caulk around it. Nonsense. There should be a 1/8" hole with two wires that connect to a sealed fixture.

[d3500ram]

.... I am waiting for someone to develop a clear spray sealer ....

As seen on TV....

But wait, there's more...


(The above links are meant to be for amusement purposes only. No direct evidence or correlation to an actual clear spray sealer for the use on RV's to make them totally and entirely waterproof is express or intended. )

😉 :B

[Slymer]

VERY good point. Especially on point considering the prices these units are going for. I am waiting for someone to develop a clear spray sealer that you can use annually around all your clearance lights, etc. Would be so much easier than replacing caulking.

[JimK-NY]

deltabravo wrote:
Delam problems I've seen are all because people didn't keep them from leaking.......

Do you have to spend a great deal of time and effort making sure your car does not leak? Why is it that we accept this strange notion for RVs? They should be built so they do not leak and so they do not need constant inspections trying to avoid small, hidden leaks that create havoc.

[deltabravo]

Define "trouble closing the door".

Find where the problem is and see if you can fix it yourself.
It might be as easy as adjusting the striker plate on the door frame.

[Bedlam]

Make sure the camper is sitting level in the bed. If it is uneven on one corner, it may be twisting the frame. You can check this out by disconnecting the turnbuckles and raising the camper slightly off the bed. If the door now clears the opening, start looking what may be between the camper and truck that is causing it to twist.

[daily_double]

I purchased an 8 month old AF from an individual and on the way home I had trouble closing the entry door. I heard Boardman rv in Pueblo West Co was a big AF dealer so I stopped in to see if I could get it fixed. The salesman informed me "we don't work on what we don't sell".I intend to call Northwood to see if any of their dealers work on all AF T/Cs.

[deltabravo]

FireGuard wrote:
To nitpick something, they could have installed a low profile A/C and made a shorter TV antenna it it would have reduce the overall height by 6-8”.

Ultra low profile A/C is only about 4" shorter.
I've had one on order from a RV supply wholesaler since about May. No idea when that warehouse will get it. It's the same place that supplies RV dealers all over the country with parts and accessories.

Here's the one I installed on my 2010 AF 811

[greenno]

Totally agree on the TV antenna (aka mushroom) every time I go off road I'm just waiting for it to catch on a tree branch. 3 years so good so far...

[jimh406]

Photoposting isn’t that hard any more. Follow the instructions on the site that was made for posting pics. http://photoposting.is-great.net/?i=2