I'm looking to buy a truck camper to take to Tuktoyaktuck NWT next summer as well as bush camping / ATVing around here.
We have narrowed it down to either a Northern Lite 8-11 Classic or an Arctic Fox 811.
The obvious difference is the more room with the slide on the Arctic Fox.
What I'm looking for your opinions about craftsmanship, reliability and all round good product life, over time.
In got a 1 ton short box diesel so I not to worried about weight, and I know there are fewer models to chose from with the short box, but thats the cards I have been dealt.
Your opinions are much appreciated.
Soup.
2018 Northern Lite 8-11 EX Dry Bath
2017 Sierra SLE, 3500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Trans
Torklift Super Hitch 20K, 48" Super Truss, front and rear frame mounted tie downs
Fast Gun Long Range SS Turnbuckles, Fast Gun locks
Both are rated high, but from what you say your use will be, I would get the NL.
Mike
2012 Winnebago Impulse Silver 26QP
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
previously Snowbird Campers,
Triple E Motorhome and Fifth Wheel
2018 Eagle Cap 1163 triple slide, 400W solar, MPPT, on a 93 Dodge D350 Cummins, DTT 89 torque converter, big turbo, 3 extra main leafs, Rancho 9000s rear, Monroe gas magnums front, upper overloads removed, home made stableloads, bags.
2013 AF 996, 2013 Chevy 3500 CC,LWB,4X4, Duramax, DRW, 3.73 rear, Torklift Stableloads & Tie-downs,Fast Guns, Ride Rite Air Bags, Superhitch w/ 32" extension.Big Wigs, Front Timbrens, TST TPMS-507,CubbyCam, Trimetric. TM & SC 2030 150W + 100W suitcase
![[image]](http://s194.photobucket.com/user/jefe4x4/media/DV%20TC%202017/DSCN0972_zps1codkmbe.jpg.html)
![[image]](http://s194.photobucket.com/user/jefe4x4/media/DSCN0975_zpscfee7daa.jpg.html)
'01.5 Dodge 2500 4x4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, 241HD, 4.10's, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16's on 7.5" and 10" wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch '98 Lance Lite 165s, 8' 6" X-cab, 200w Solar
'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.
NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member
2012 F350 SRW Diesel. 2014 Arctic Fox 811. Torklift tiedowns, Fast Guns, and Stable Loads.
I'm looking for opionons on the two different brands that I listed in my post.
Thanks everyone for your replays.
Soup.
* This post was edited 05/16/17 11:39am by SideHillSoup *
Dale & Eileen
1998 Lance 945 Legend
2011 Ford F-350, dually, 4 X 4
2017 Ford F250 XL STX SCSB 6.2 gas with camper package, Torklift Tiedowns & Fast Guns, Airbags, payload 3,436
2017 Northern Lite 8'11"Q Sportsman with preferred options
It's heavy, but whatever, they all are unless you're sleeping in a glorified tent.
With a now 17 year old model and an 05 before it, I've had virtually zero issues with it.
Slides don't sag and sack out or whatever that other guy was alluding to. I can run 50 mi of forest roads and park it with the slide pointing up hill and it still opens fine.
They have all the amenities. Question is how many amenities you want to pack with you. If you're boondocking, big water tank(s) is nice.
Plan on finding some burly tires or go with 19.5s if you want bulletproof. And shore up the rear suspension and a big sway bar. Let er rip.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
Quote:
One thing not mentioned yet is the payload of your truck
One thing not mentioned yet is the payload of your truck
If the signature is still correct, and the rig is a 2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission,
I can tell you that truck will be way overloaded with any Arctic Fox.
My 811 with no gear in it puts me over the GVWR of my 2009 dually.
This was on my way home from the dealer after purchase. 2 batteries, 2 full propane tanks and about 2/3 tank of water.
![[image]](http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/dohdrz/AF811/IMG_2936.jpg)
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator
macdale4 wrote:
They (the slides) begin to sag after a year. They add a ton of weight to the camper. Just not worth it in my opinion.
They (the slides) begin to sag after a year. They add a ton of weight to the camper. Just not worth it in my opinion.
The slide doesn't sag in my 2010 AF811.
SideHillSoup wrote:
I have owned a truck camper in the past, heck I have owned just about every type of RV except a class A and a toy hauler. We already have an Open Range 318 but that's for paved road camping. What I need your help with is which one to buy?
I'm looking to buy a truck camper to take to Tuktoyaktuck NWT next summer as well as bush camping / ATVing around here.
We have narrowed it down to either a Northern Lite 8-11 Classic or an Arctic Fox 811.
The obvious difference is the more room with the slide on the Arctic Fox.
What I'm looking for your opinions about craftsmanship, reliability and all round good product life, over time.
In got a 1 ton short box diesel so I not to worried about weight, and I know there are fewer models to chose from with the short box, but thats the cards I have been dealt.
Your opinions are much appreciated.
Soup.
I have owned a truck camper in the past, heck I have owned just about every type of RV except a class A and a toy hauler. We already have an Open Range 318 but that's for paved road camping. What I need your help with is which one to buy?
I'm looking to buy a truck camper to take to Tuktoyaktuck NWT next summer as well as bush camping / ATVing around here.
We have narrowed it down to either a Northern Lite 8-11 Classic or an Arctic Fox 811.
The obvious difference is the more room with the slide on the Arctic Fox.
What I'm looking for your opinions about craftsmanship, reliability and all round good product life, over time.
In got a 1 ton short box diesel so I not to worried about weight, and I know there are fewer models to chose from with the short box, but thats the cards I have been dealt.
Your opinions are much appreciated.
Soup.
If you spend most of the time outside and it is just you or you & your partner....Northern Lite.
Slides are really nice if you have kids and/or big dogs. And spend time in the camper when camping (with crud weather). But slides add weight, complexity, and more maintenance or things can happen....
2016 Dodge Ram 3500 CC Dually Cummins,Aisin,Laramie,4*4,4.10,14K
2017 Stealth WA2916 Toyhauler
2011 Arctic Fox 1150 Drybath
2017 Polaris 1000 XP Sportsman
2009 Polaris RZR w/fun parts
2014 Polaris 850 HO Scrambler
1977 K5 Blazer 1ton'd
2005 Pace Enclosed Toybox
deltabravo wrote:
If the signature is still correct, and the rig is a 2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission,
Quote:
One thing not mentioned yet is the payload of your truck
One thing not mentioned yet is the payload of your truck
If the signature is still correct, and the rig is a 2007 Sierra SLE, 2500 HD / 4x4 / Duramax with a 6 speed Allison Transmission,
Looks like I forgot to hit enter when I updated my signature. I bought a new 2017 Sierra SLE 3500 4x4 Duramax last month, my apploiges.
Soup
2018 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW Cummins HO, Aisin trans and 4:10 gears, 14,000 lb GVWR
2018 Arctic Fox 1140 Truck Camper & Honda EU2000
Troutguy wrote:
The slide doesn't sag and works perfectly. I'd buy another AF in a heartbeat.
The slide doesn't sag and works perfectly. I'd buy another AF in a heartbeat.
Ditto.
My 811 is my second Northwood RV. 1st was a Desert Fox 21SW. I sold the DF to downsize to truck camper.
Northern Lite is one of the most expensive and highly regarded TC's on the market. Would be my choice in your shoes if fits the budget, good luck.
2020 Outdoors RV 21RD
2015 F-150 FX4 5.0 3.73
Area13 wrote:
I know you say you're not worried about weight, but you should be IMO. Northern lite has a 1,000 lbs lighter wet weight. HUGE difference. 3500lbs vs 4500lbs. Will be night and day difference. (See Truck camper Magazines buyers guide)-http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/buyers-guide/hard-side/
Northern Lite is one of the most expensive and highly regarded TC's on the market. Would be my choice in your shoes if fits the budget, good luck.
I know you say you're not worried about weight, but you should be IMO. Northern lite has a 1,000 lbs lighter wet weight. HUGE difference. 3500lbs vs 4500lbs. Will be night and day difference. (See Truck camper Magazines buyers guide)-http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/buyers-guide/hard-side/
Northern Lite is one of the most expensive and highly regarded TC's on the market. Would be my choice in your shoes if fits the budget, good luck.
Of course there are considerations other than weight. A Palomino is lighter than a Northern Lite. A Four Wheel Camper lighter still. A tent tossed in the bed of the truck is really super light! One may take into account the intended usage of the camper (driving on pavement only, fire roads, real 4WD roads), available features, the "feel" of the camper, and truck size, when deciding on a camper. Airstream makes light, expensive, and highly regarded TTs, but that doesn't mean they meet everyone's needs.
2018 Ram 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4 Cummins Aisin Laramie Pearl White
2018 Landmark Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4
2014 NauticStar 21 ShallowBay 150HP Yamaha
2016 GoDevil 18X44 35HP Surface Drive
. Fully loaded for road trips including full 50 gal water and 6 gal h/w tank and Honda 2000 and 2 people my rig was 11,000 lbs scale weight. Had no issues at all.
I bought a new BF 10.4 last year and put it on a 2016 GMC 3500 Duramax 4x4 dually. Lived in it for 3 mos. in AZ this spring and other than a couple of minor issues ( closet bottom I wanted modified and sometimes rain water leak at settee window ) I have no complaints with it. When I contacted Grant at BF in Armstrong regarding issues I had he jumped right on it and had production manager Rob call me back within 15 min. to set up a date to bring camper to factory. I was there 2 weeks ago and was treated really well by all folks I dealt with. Dropped camper off in the morning and went shopping & lunch at Vernon and they called my cell early afternoon to say camper was ready to go. ( Turned out intermittent window leak was caused from aluminum window frame drain holes being plugged with metal shavings from manufacture of window )....all in all a very positive experience with Bigfoot people.
PS..buddy went to Inuvik with his 2002 9.6 Bigfoot a few years ago and no issues. Over the years He has had it to PEI, to Florida, to Homer AK...lived in it dry camping AZ for 3 mos every spring for 10 years.....he has replaced his h/w heater, and had to service the Happijacs a few times but otherwise no other big issues. And no, I am not related to anyone at Bigfoot......just a satisfied owner!!
* This post was last edited 05/28/17 02:23am by Z-Peller *
Bill..
2017 Bigfoot 10.4 camper...2016 GMC 3500 4x4 Xcab Duramax Dually...
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
2021 Arctic Fox 1150
'15 F350 6.7 diesel dually long bed
Eagle Cap Owners
“The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity." -Yeats
Our first was a 2012 preowned NL 10-2 CDSE. Absolutely hated the Heki skylight. Not a fan of the Dometic windows either. Fragile. Prone to failure and causing a significant inconvenience during a trip. Nice unit and well made otherwise.
After two years we decided we would try a unit with a slide. Picked a 2016 AF 990. Like the slide but I can tell we picked up weight...for sure. I don't regret our purchase of a slide or the AF choice.
We have a dually and installed stable loads and air bags. Put air bags on after we bought the AF. It made a world of difference. It handles better now than it did with the lighter weight NL.
Would I by an AF if was not going with a slide? More than likely. We considered Adventurer, Eagle Cap, Lance, and Northstar. I would give a Northstar a serious consideration if I could get it without the Heki skylight. I could live with the dometic windows.
2016 AF 990
2013 Ram 3500 Dually, Crew Cab, 4x4 CTD
Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Torklift StableLoads & Fastguns
2014 Rubicon Unlimited
bighatnohorse wrote:
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
billyray50 wrote:
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
bighatnohorse wrote:
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
2022 Ford F150
Sold: 2016 Arctic Fox 990, 2018 Ram 3500, 2011 Open Range
Sold Forest River Forester 2401R Mercedes Benz. when campsites went from $90 to $190 per night.
rider997 wrote:
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
billyray50 wrote:
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
bighatnohorse wrote:
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
That's nice to be able to use TC with slide in with those models but cant do wet baths anymore. Dry bath is a must for me.
rider997 wrote:
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
billyray50 wrote:
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
bighatnohorse wrote:
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
Same thing for arctic fox 1150. Probably all arctic foxes.
Hemi Joel wrote:
Same thing for arctic fox 1150. Probably all arctic foxes.
rider997 wrote:
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
billyray50 wrote:
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
bighatnohorse wrote:
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Northern Lite.
Whichever camper, make sure that you can use it with the slide-in.
Just curious. Which brand of TC can you use with the slide in?
Not just brand, but specific model. The Arctic Fox 811 (for instance, since it's one of the topics of this thread) can be fully utilized with the slide in, with the exception of the small cabover step-up storage compartment and the long under-dinette storage area.
We don't run the slide out in heavy snow or bitter cold. Ingress/egress is a bit tight, but most average sized people can get in and out of the camper. The kitchen, bathroom, and refrigerator can all be fully accessed with the slide in.
The ability to use the camper with the slide in is also convenient in tight parking lots, for quick pit stops, and while "stealth" camping.
Same thing for arctic fox 1150. Probably all arctic foxes.
We can use our AF 990 with the slide in. I think all single slide AF's have the same space available with the slide closed.
We were able to use our AF 1140 with the slide in too. I should have kept that camper.
Getting caught in wind speeds of 70 mph while camped is no fun. Especially if you can't move about inside the camper.
2014 Lance 992
2014 Ram 3500 DRW Turbo diesel
Freep wrote:
Would someone post some pictures of the interior of an Arctic Fox with the slide in?
Would someone post some pictures of the interior of an Arctic Fox with the slide in?
X2
* This post was edited 05/31/17 08:55pm by Hemi Joel *
Video: Arctic Fox 1150 slide in vs. slide out
.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
On Saturday we put money down to have a Northern Lite 8-11 built they way we want, pick it up the beginning of September. Great living this close to the manufacturer.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Soup.
jimh425 wrote:
Congrats, be sure to post pictures when you have it loaded!
Congrats, be sure to post pictures when you have it loaded!
Thanks, we are xcoted, like going back in time to the 70's when we first married.... I hope all the 70's stuff comes back not just the camper.....( grin).....
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
Now, anyone looking for a 2014 Open Range 5er?
Now it's time to change my signature and figure out why my truck won't change... which I sold the 207 one in April and have a 2017 now..... changed it three times and it keeps going back to 2007....
Soup.
Camper: 2005 Lance Lite 815
Truck: 2003 Dodge Ram Loramie 3500HD, CTD, DRW, Q/C, L/B, Draw-Tite Front Hitch
Boat: 1985 Alumacraft Trophy 175 - Evinrude 90 HP
2013 Northern Lite 10 cdse
2012 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 Cummins Crew Cab
Newmar Dutch Star 4018 (home)
Bruce
Retirement Date: JANUARY, 01,2018
2018 Chevy Duramax/Allison Dually
2018 Northern Lite 10-2EXCD SE
5 out of 4 People have Trouble with Fractions !!!
We didn't get the AC
We didn't get the Microwave.
We had the second Fantastic fan installed in the kitchen vent ( were A/C would go)
Ordered the green interior
Ordered the "U" shaped dinette ( figure this way we can put our legs up and relax when we watch TV or just relax after a hard day of ATVing. We also sat in the bench type dinette and with my 6' frame I couldn't get my legs comfy, so we hope this will work for us)
We got the Hot water tank that on elec and propane
We also will have the dealer install a 1/4 LP quick connect in the Propane tank compartment for our BBQ.
And had all the vents on the roof covered with MaxAir Vent covers.
I asked and I'm not sure who installed the Battiers but the dealer said it comes with 2 -6 volt no-maintenance batteries to store that 95 watt solar panel juice, which is perfect for that 12 volt TV and DVD /CD -am/fm stereo.
All them LED lights won't use much juice at all and I talked with a guy at Northern Light and he said the big compartment on the right side was designed to hold a 2000 watt Honda or Yamaha Generator...
the main reasons we did t buy a 2017 that were sitting on the lot were this
In the 2018 models they offered the U Shaped Dinette and the new Dry Bath. I know that Dry Bath will be tight fit, but the Mrs. has already stated that my shower at the outdoor shower location.
We are going to be driving to, Tukoyaktuk, NWT next summer up that 1000 km gavel road.... that shower may get cold fast!
Only place you can drive to the Arctic Ocean (Beaufort Sea) in North America.... should be fun.
I think that's it, my paper work is at home and I'm old and having a beer ( 11, I'm Canadian) and can't remember anymore things.... ( grin) so someone may chirp in and say something else that they have and I forgot but I think that's it.
Soup
* This post was last edited 06/30/17 05:49pm by SideHillSoup *
Thanks a lot of for the response back! Usually I ask questions when it's too late, so this time I'm trying, to get a feel of the different options available "before I Buy"!
Thanks Again Bruce
Phil
* This post was edited 07/01/17 05:50pm by PhilR *
I was at the site where they build them last week and I saw the scale and I think they do dry weight.... but I could be wrong.
I'm going back in a couple weeks to see my rig getting the two halves put together. ... I will I investagte more....on the scale they use, and if it is wet or dry.
Soup.
Cam, Heather and Mallory Aussie (Austalian Shepherd)
2011 F-250 PSD, traded on-
2014 RAM 3500 DRW
Curt 24K hitch
2015 Mobile Suites RSB3
2015 Eagle Cap 960 camper
camr wrote:
My advice, based solely on my own experience, would be if you have decided on getting a camper with a slide, avoid the Schwintek slide system like the bubonic plague. Ours has been an absolute nightmare, going in later this month for yet another repair. There is no backup provisions for the system other than if the motors become out of sync. If the system dies completely, there is no manual or crank backup to close the system other than a complicated didassembly of the motor drive system within the walls of the camper.
My advice, based solely on my own experience, would be if you have decided on getting a camper with a slide, avoid the Schwintek slide system like the bubonic plague. Ours has been an absolute nightmare, going in later this month for yet another repair. There is no backup provisions for the system other than if the motors become out of sync. If the system dies completely, there is no manual or crank backup to close the system other than a complicated didassembly of the motor drive system within the walls of the camper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSafAnjxIV4
Hope all goes well with your repair.
Soup.