Great video. Very helpful. I have been looking at campers I'm a solo traveler and trying to make sure I have the right truck, what needs to be done to the truck sway bars and airbags it can be a bit overwhelming. These videos help a bunch keep them coming. 😊😊
Glad it was helpful! This is probably one of two units I've ever owned that I would feel good about living in long term. Meaning, it's solid, it's got room for all the stuff I could ever need to continue to pursue my backpacking, skiing and other outdoor pursuits. The one thing I'd change if I was a solo traveller is go with a slightly smaller unit (i.e. a 10' instead of 12) for a reduced overall weight. I'm always right on the edge with this one. Love everything else.
Thank you so much explaining about the slide and what happens if it wouldn't retract. Your video was very informative and highlighted things no one else has mentioned.
Huge thanks for tuning in and being part of the journey. I'm reading your comment from our campsite in Jackson Hole today where we're something like the 14th or 15th day of use with this unit. Loving it! Wanted to get three weeks of full use in before creating an episode about the interior. Stay tuned - it's coming soon.
thanks for the reply, Arctic Fox should be giving you a sales commission for all the units you'll sell as a result of these great videos@@howardkettner
Great review, the amount of storage on that thing is crazy. I opted for a fiberglass NL 9-6 a couple years ago, mainly because im in the coastal rain forest area and i wanted to keep the seams to a minimum. The main features i like are the 2 piece construction, kinda like a boat, and the heated basement storage, you can fit ski's and dome tents and the like, its huge. I only have 2-20lb LP tanks but they're still tough to manouvre, even with the sliding tray so I have a small 12 inch folding step just for that job.
Thank you for tuning in and being part of the conversation. I hear good things about the Northern Lite units. Like you, I love their two piece construction.
Howard,we love your ArcticFox videos. We’re trading in our 2023 AF 992 today for the 2024 AF 1150. Looking forward to the extra storage and roll over couch. Thanks for all the great insight!
Glad you like the videos. And all the very best for your new unit. We looked very seriously at the 992, but are super happy we went with the larger unit. For us - the space is perfect. Huge thanks again for tuning in . . .
Just interested, how do you stay under the 14,000 GVWR rating with all the gear and supplies you carry with that big AF1140? Just a side note, our 2024 1150 does NOT have a grab bar probably because the ladder is so close to the door. Maybe they heard your comments about carrying groceries up the steps! Safe travels. We are headed for Jasper and Lake Louise in August.
@@paulakenneson1933 Great question. Just barely stay under. (I scale it regularly). For any trip of substance, either the tow vehicle or the front compartment of the horse trailer are carrying heavy items. If you’ve not already been there, you will love Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. Great day and overnight hiking in all those areas.
The auto retract feature isn’t as useful as one might think. We had just such a surprise in the first six months of owning our Lance 1985. We’d rolled into the Nashville KOA on a hot June day. Sky was blue and the air was still. I deployed the awning and went inside to run a channel search on the TV. A squall came out of nowhere and destroyed our Carefree of Colorado awning. Apparently a common phenomenon at that campground. The funny thing was the awning retracted with broken arms on each end. 😂 Took six months, a Christmas miracle and $3,500 to fix.
I enjoy your videos on the AF1140. Please keep them coming. We have a ‘24 AF1150 on order. I will do as you did and request the grab handle be shipped loose and not mounted. How is the slide out awning working for you? Is this a dry bath? How far is the CG from the front? Good input on the Starlink vs factory mounted dish. Will appreciate your feedback. Please keep the TC videos coming! Thanks, Kevin
Huge thanks for your kind words and for being part of my journey. Congrats on the 1150 order!! You won't be disappointed. I had originally ordered an 1150, but there were production delays and needed the unit no later than August. Working on editing the next TC video - should be published end of next week, but some quick responses. - It's a dry bath unit (my wife is very particular about that). - Regarding the CG, I'm travelling right now so don't have my 4' level with me, but my best estimate is that the CG is is just slightly rearward (5" to 6") of the center of the rear axle on my F350 when loaded . . . It seems to work well, given that the fresh water tank sits forward in the unit, and the clothes closets pantry items are nearly all front of CG. - The slide-out awning has been problematic. It's going to need to be replaced. It needs a front guard to shield it from the wind. The awning does not/cannot fully retract, meaning the wind gets under about a 2" strip, and then within 3 or four hours it has tightened the awning on the roller, leaving 4 or 5 inches of awning - along the leading edge exposed to wind. The fabric is now starting to part company with the side of the camper and there are spots on the awning near the leading edge that have flexed so vigourously that tear lines are emerging. All this in under 6,000 miles of travel. In my upcoming video I identified 10 or so items that need attention on the unit after about 3 months. But - for the most part those items are very common to any RV. I still feel strongly that Arctic Fox is the best unit out there, and I'd purchase it all over again. Thanks again for reaching out. -
Thanks for the quick and thorough answer. I have ordered the awning but have heard others say the design is problematic. i am going to contact my dealer and delete the option. Thanks@@howardkettner
I think that is a really wise decision. When we heard from our dealer that the 1150 was again delayed, but there was an 1140 that we could get, it was already on the assembly line. The only things we were able to change were the door handle that we talked about, and we got the rearview camera (a terrific option is one is towing - which I nearly always am) and the 400 Watt Solar package. Note - I think I mentioned it in the video but I'm partial to 6-volt batteries, and if you go that route, the battery slide-out tray will not fit. Here's again with congrats on your soon-to-arrive 1150. I look forward to hearing your first impressions.
We're expecting delivery of an 1150 any day now. Seeing your walkthrough has made me think of a few questions. First, how long of a hitch extension did you end up getting? I had assumed that a 4' extension would be enough but seeing your fox landing all folded up makes me question that. Second, how are you getting the Starlink cable inside the unit? My thought was to rewire that satellite connection plug with an RJ45 plug and then from the inside, run a short cable to the router. I'm hoping there's an easier way! Third, how do you find your battery life with the 12v-only fridge? Nice job with the video. It wasn't nit-picky at all. A good honest review, just what I like!
Thanks for tuning in and being part of our journey! Congratulations on the 1150! How exciting! I initially had a 48" extension - but then went for a 42" I'm very aware that there is a ton of leverage added with every inch of extension - and while the 48" was fine, the 42" is just right. Your comments impressed me to do an episode in the future to better respond to the questions you ask - but in a nutshell, on the Starlink matter, I just ran the Starlink cable through a 7/8" hole in the front passenger side storage compartment which is where I store the unit when not in use, and then drilled one more hole under the dinette seat cushion on the side closest to the storage compartment and ran the wiring in to the modem which I have mounted with the Starlink wall mount bracket (about $25 available from Starlink) right near the dinette window. When I set Starlink up, I just take it out of the compartment, and I still have about 43' of cord available to me - more than enough. I took a round file and filed a 3/8" half-round into the lip of the compartment so that the cord can run without being cut or crushed if I lock the storage compartment door. Pretty redneck and not as elegant as your suggestion, but it works. hahaha. Thanks again for the conversation.
Nice job on the tour. I bought a 2022 Lance 1172. I like the interior layout. We e had some warranty issues. Shower tub surround cracked in 3 places. They asked how it happened. How should I know. We hadn’t even used it. Obviously it wasn’t installed properly. Fridge didn’t work on propane. Line was getting pinched when slide went out. Dealer put a hole in one of the slide out toppers. The camper is at the dealer now to get everything fixed. Not impressed.
Thanks for tuning in and being part of my journey! Sorry to hear of your issues with the Lance 1172. It's a camper that 'front stage' has such a wonderful design and layout, but which from my own personal experience has been plagued by poor attention to detail, execution and just shoddy workmanship. I was truly hoping that the issues that frustrated me with the 2013 unit that I owned (which had to be shipped back to the factory for 3 months to facilitate an entire side slide rebuild at one point - none of which was my fault) would have been rectified nearly 10 years later. Alas . . . Many thanks for taking the time to share.
Thanks for tuning in! Brand new camper. 4th day of the 'shakedown' trip - getting acquainted with all it's features etc., a lawn mower at a resort picked up a rock and hurled it 30 - 40' right through the window. The falling glass did $2,500 in damage to paint etc to the F350 driver's side doors. :(
That's CDN $ - and included $8k of extended warranty covering everything front to back , for the next 7 years. - including items like the application and warrantying of new roof sealant every two years. Had our last similarly equipped camper for 10 years and sold it for 60% of what I paid for it, while seeing the value of a host of other RV products drop 40% in a single year. Get what you pay for . . ., Thanks for tuning in . . .
Excellent video!
I enjoyed listening to every detail; you are very well spoken.
Thank you for this information about to watch part two.
Glad it was helpful!
Huge thanks for tuning in . . .
Great video. Very helpful.
I have been looking at campers I'm a solo traveler and trying to make sure I have the right truck, what needs to be done to the truck sway bars and airbags it can be a bit overwhelming. These videos help a bunch keep them coming.
😊😊
Glad it was helpful! This is probably one of two units I've ever owned that I would feel good about living in long term. Meaning, it's solid, it's got room for all the stuff I could ever need to continue to pursue my backpacking, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.
The one thing I'd change if I was a solo traveller is go with a slightly smaller unit (i.e. a 10' instead of 12) for a reduced overall weight.
I'm always right on the edge with this one. Love everything else.
Thank you so much explaining about the slide and what happens if it wouldn't retract. Your video was very informative and highlighted things no one else has mentioned.
You're very welcome! If any additional questions, don't hesitate to ask . . .
Thanks for the very honest and sincere review, this makes a possible buyer of a camper well informed and giving this brand a total thumbs up.
Huge thanks for tuning in and being part of the journey.
I'm reading your comment from our campsite in Jackson Hole today where we're something like the 14th or 15th day of use with this unit. Loving it!
Wanted to get three weeks of full use in before creating an episode about the interior.
Stay tuned - it's coming soon.
thanks for the reply, Arctic Fox should be giving you a sales commission for all the units you'll sell as a result of these great videos@@howardkettner
Good video. Gratitude from another Canadian RV Traveller.
Huge thanks for tuning in! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review, the amount of storage on that thing is crazy. I opted for a fiberglass NL 9-6 a couple years ago, mainly because im in the coastal rain forest area and i wanted to keep the seams to a minimum. The main features i like are the 2 piece construction, kinda like a boat, and the heated basement storage, you can fit ski's and dome tents and the like, its huge. I only have 2-20lb LP tanks but they're still tough to manouvre, even with the sliding tray so I have a small 12 inch folding step just for that job.
Thank you for tuning in and being part of the conversation. I hear good things about the Northern Lite units. Like you, I love their two piece construction.
Howard,we love your ArcticFox videos. We’re trading in our 2023 AF 992 today for the 2024 AF 1150. Looking forward to the extra storage and roll over couch. Thanks for all the great insight!
Glad you like the videos. And all the very best for your new unit. We looked very seriously at the 992, but are super happy we went with the larger unit. For us - the space is perfect.
Huge thanks again for tuning in . . .
Just interested, how do you stay under the 14,000 GVWR rating with all the gear and supplies you carry with that big AF1140? Just a side note, our 2024 1150 does NOT have a grab bar probably because the ladder is so close to the door. Maybe they heard your comments about carrying groceries up the steps! Safe travels. We are headed for Jasper and Lake Louise in August.
@@paulakenneson1933 Great question. Just barely stay under. (I scale it regularly). For any trip of substance, either the tow vehicle or the front compartment of the horse trailer are carrying heavy items.
If you’ve not already been there, you will love Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. Great day and overnight hiking in all those areas.
Brilliant sir … Thank you so much !!!
Glad you enjoyed it. More to come this spring . . .
The auto retract feature isn’t as useful as one might think. We had just such a surprise in the first six months of owning our Lance 1985. We’d rolled into the Nashville KOA on a hot June day. Sky was blue and the air was still. I deployed the awning and went inside to run a channel search on the TV. A squall came out of nowhere and destroyed our Carefree of Colorado awning. Apparently a common phenomenon at that campground. The funny thing was the awning retracted with broken arms on each end. 😂 Took six months, a Christmas miracle and $3,500 to fix.
Oh wow! Great reinforcement to take care with the awnings. They do seem like they could very much turn into a sail.
Thanks for tuning in!
Nice review love Northwood
Thanks for tuning in. I could not be happier with this unit. Sounds like you've got a Northwood product.
I agree big money, you are initialed to by picky
Truth - once one drives it off the lot, one is kinda stuck with it for many years to come - at least in my case.
Thanks for tuning in!
I enjoy your videos on the AF1140. Please keep them coming. We have a ‘24 AF1150 on order. I will do as you did and request the grab handle be shipped loose and not mounted. How is the slide out awning working for you? Is this a dry bath? How far is the CG from the front? Good input on the Starlink vs factory mounted dish. Will appreciate your feedback. Please keep the TC videos coming! Thanks, Kevin
Huge thanks for your kind words and for being part of my journey.
Congrats on the 1150 order!! You won't be disappointed. I had originally ordered an 1150, but there were production delays and needed the unit no later than August.
Working on editing the next TC video - should be published end of next week, but some quick responses.
- It's a dry bath unit (my wife is very particular about that).
- Regarding the CG, I'm travelling right now so don't have my 4' level with me, but my best estimate is that the CG is is just slightly rearward (5" to 6") of the center of the rear axle on my F350 when loaded . . . It seems to work well, given that the fresh water tank sits forward in the unit, and the clothes closets pantry items are nearly all front of CG.
- The slide-out awning has been problematic. It's going to need to be replaced. It needs a front guard to shield it from the wind. The awning does not/cannot fully retract, meaning the wind gets under about a 2" strip, and then within 3 or four hours it has tightened the awning on the roller, leaving 4 or 5 inches of awning - along the leading edge exposed to wind. The fabric is now starting to part company with the side of the camper and there are spots on the awning near the leading edge that have flexed so vigourously that tear lines are emerging. All this in under 6,000 miles of travel.
In my upcoming video I identified 10 or so items that need attention on the unit after about 3 months. But - for the most part those items are very common to any RV. I still feel strongly that Arctic Fox is the best unit out there, and I'd purchase it all over again.
Thanks again for reaching out.
-
Thanks for the quick and thorough answer. I have ordered the awning but have heard others say the design is problematic. i am going to contact my dealer and delete the option. Thanks@@howardkettner
I think that is a really wise decision. When we heard from our dealer that the 1150 was again delayed, but there was an 1140 that we could get, it was already on the assembly line. The only things we were able to change were the door handle that we talked about, and we got the rearview camera (a terrific option is one is towing - which I nearly always am) and the 400 Watt Solar package.
Note - I think I mentioned it in the video but I'm partial to 6-volt batteries, and if you go that route, the battery slide-out tray will not fit.
Here's again with congrats on your soon-to-arrive 1150. I look forward to hearing your first impressions.
We're expecting delivery of an 1150 any day now. Seeing your walkthrough has made me think of a few questions. First, how long of a hitch extension did you end up getting? I had assumed that a 4' extension would be enough but seeing your fox landing all folded up makes me question that. Second, how are you getting the Starlink cable inside the unit? My thought was to rewire that satellite connection plug with an RJ45 plug and then from the inside, run a short cable to the router. I'm hoping there's an easier way! Third, how do you find your battery life with the 12v-only fridge?
Nice job with the video. It wasn't nit-picky at all. A good honest review, just what I like!
Thanks for tuning in and being part of our journey! Congratulations on the 1150! How exciting!
I initially had a 48" extension - but then went for a 42" I'm very aware that there is a ton of leverage added with every inch of extension - and while the 48" was fine, the 42" is just right.
Your comments impressed me to do an episode in the future to better respond to the questions you ask - but in a nutshell, on the Starlink matter, I just ran the Starlink cable through a 7/8" hole in the front passenger side storage compartment which is where I store the unit when not in use, and then drilled one more hole under the dinette seat cushion on the side closest to the storage compartment and ran the wiring in to the modem which I have mounted with the Starlink wall mount bracket (about $25 available from Starlink) right near the dinette window.
When I set Starlink up, I just take it out of the compartment, and I still have about 43' of cord available to me - more than enough.
I took a round file and filed a 3/8" half-round into the lip of the compartment so that the cord can run without being cut or crushed if I lock the storage compartment door.
Pretty redneck and not as elegant as your suggestion, but it works. hahaha.
Thanks again for the conversation.
Subscribed! Looking forward to your upcoming video and your feedback on the fridge. I hope I don’t end up missing the propane option.
Nice job on the tour. I bought a 2022 Lance 1172. I like the interior layout. We e had some warranty issues. Shower tub surround cracked in 3 places. They asked how it happened. How should I know. We hadn’t even used it. Obviously it wasn’t installed properly. Fridge didn’t work on propane. Line was getting pinched when slide went out. Dealer put a hole in one of the slide out toppers. The camper is at the dealer now to get everything fixed. Not impressed.
Thanks for tuning in and being part of my journey!
Sorry to hear of your issues with the Lance 1172. It's a camper that 'front stage' has such a wonderful design and layout, but which from my own personal experience has been plagued by poor attention to detail, execution and just shoddy workmanship.
I was truly hoping that the issues that frustrated me with the 2013 unit that I owned (which had to be shipped back to the factory for 3 months to facilitate an entire side slide rebuild at one point - none of which was my fault) would have been rectified nearly 10 years later. Alas . . .
Many thanks for taking the time to share.
Why is the window broken? Is that something you did or something arctic fox did?
Thanks for tuning in!
Brand new camper. 4th day of the 'shakedown' trip - getting acquainted with all it's features etc., a lawn mower at a resort picked up a rock and hurled it 30 - 40' right through the window. The falling glass did $2,500 in damage to paint etc to the F350 driver's side doors. :(
those 6v batteries are junk, get some lithium ones
Thanks for tuning in and commenting. Exactly what my son said also.
Lithium coming right up! :)
100grand for a truck bed camper!!????? wow they saw you coming!! for a 100 grand that camper better suck something as an option.
That's CDN $ - and included $8k of extended warranty covering everything front to back , for the next 7 years. - including items like the application and warrantying of new roof sealant every two years. Had our last similarly equipped camper for 10 years and sold it for 60% of what I paid for it, while seeing the value of a host of other RV products drop 40% in a single year.
Get what you pay for . . .,
Thanks for tuning in . . .