Our Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th Wheel Tour
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- In this video we are going to give you a tour of our 2019 Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th Wheel and show you the changes we have made since owning it. We love our Arctic Fox and the solid Northwood Manufacturing construction. If you are an Arctic Fox owner, tell us what renovations you have done.
Learn more about why we chose the Arctic Fox www.chickeryst...
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Hello, we (wingingitfulltime) have had (2) AF 5th wheels (35-5Z and 29-5T) and we've chatted a few years ago regarding electrical install and how I used the gen wiring to install the Victron inverter ... You may remember.
Regarding the sliding battery trays I installed a battery box via industrial grade Velcro on the top tray and used it to hold all the various spray cans (paint, lubes, etc) and on lower tray I hard mounted a VIAIR air compressor and wired directly to junction blocks up inside the wall there. I also used some D loops to hang air hose inside the same area making airing up truck or trailer a breeze.
Go NAVY! (Ex Submariner lol)
I remember, Jeff. It was a great idea.
An air compressor in that space is an excellent idea. I may have to investigate that further. I was also considering some type of tool box, but the air compressor is better.
Hmm! RV'r abandons full time RV life and then offers a complete RV video tour. Is a for sale on the horizon?
Definitely not! We still get out as much as possible and this one is a keeper. 😀
Best part about Arctic Fox is the Big AF which also means Air Force. Thank you for sharing and have a great Air Force day!
You got it, Augie. That was a bonus that fit well with us. Thanks for watching and you have a great Air Force day as well.
Smart choice, you two! It looks like a real winner. Just wish it had a bit more hanging space.
Us girls love our wall-length sliding-door closets - but there's also expandable clothing rods!
What are the odds? I’ve got a Cyclone 3010. Not as large as yours was, but still big and on this trip I’m thinking of changing to something smaller like I used to have. I’ve always liked the Arctic Fox chassis because it’s a toyhauler frame and built for more rugged handling. This video is 3 yrs old. Do you still have your Arctic fox? Any regrets or updates? Thanks.,
We still have our Arctic Fox and are still happy with it. We are renting a small drivable soon to see how we might like that change, but not because we have any problems with the Fifth Wheel. Just for simplicity sake.
Have you added a hard wired surge protector? And have you considered disk brakes? I like the things you've done. I keep my tools in small storage on exterior door side and have two bins to keep fresh water supplies and second for sewer line items. I don't use the rear bumper. BTW, we use the pantry for a couple things you may want. A toaster and a coffee maker as well as for food storage. Video overlooked pointing out the good storage in the bathroom I believe. That's, of course, as you know, very handy. Our 27-5L is a 2015 model and doesn't have a few of the nice additions your has. Sometimes I have wished we had either a 15K AC in main room or also that second AC in bedroom. We did remove the original love seat recliner and put in a Lazy boy love seat recliner. I need that comfort! :-) I see your door to bedroom swings open away from bedroom. Ours is opposite. Either way, I mounted a teak handle to the stair wall for safety. I'm 83 and my balance isn't what it used to be. :-( The exterior stairs you have didn't work for us as we store in an area where we would not be able to get in to the RV. So we have the original steps and happy with them. Talked too much for know, so I stop here! Happy Camping.:-)
I love hearing about all the different modifications people have made to their campers. We have a portable Progressive EMS instead of the hardwired one. We haven’t thought about disc brakes because the current set up seems to be working fine. I love the heavy duty steps, but I have heard others have the same space limitations as you. We plan to change our recliners out soon for a pullout love seat bed for our grandson. The lack of second sleeping space is my only issue with it.
I wasn't expecting you to have that much space with the slide in. 👀
I was so surprised when we looked at it!
Nice Upgrades
Thanks!
We got rid of the table and chairs and put in a taller corner table with two bar stools.
Works great and seems a lot more practical. Makes a good work station. I'm towing a 4500 lb enclosed trailer with a 4 seat Honda Talon SXS, ( it has an aftermarket, very heavy duty hitch) in it with a long bed 3500 Ram SRW. 66 ft long and seems to tow just fine and also tracks great around corners because the tail swing helps steer it. I am using a W/D hitch on back trailer so there is no tongue weight bearing down on the back of the fifth wheel and am using an Anderson Ultimate Hitch and love it! No chucking and very smooth. Mine is a 2014 so it has the Fifth Airborne air ride hitch which helps. Going to do full solar install this spring as we are retiring at the end of the year and going full time for a while. Where did you get your fridge and how big, and $$ and brand? Is it rated as an rv fridge or not?
We got the fridge from Lowe's and I can't remember the price. It isn't rated as an RV refrigerator, nor are any of the residential refrigerators that are found in larger rigs. However, the fridge that broke on us three times was an RV fridge, so go figure.
It sounds like you are part time instead of full-time on the road now. Just curious as to why? We watch your videos in our considering full-time in the next few years as we retire, thanks.
Yes, we're part time now. After six years of full-time we bought a home base to be near our first grandchild. It's been three years now and I (Julie) still can't tear myself away from him longer than a few weeks. I'm sure we'll start taking longer and longer trips and may even do 1/2 time in the RV once he's a little older.
Instead of putting the camera on you maybe it would be nice if you showed around the spaces!
Sorry you didn’t like the video, but we filmed it that way with a purpose. You can go to Northwood’s website for a 360° tour of the RV and zoom to your heart’s content. We wanted to show specific areas and discuss pros and cons and what we learned about it after spending time in it.
Did you guys bring a small washer dryer combo when you lived full time in it?
No, we used the laundry facilities at the campgrounds.
We love this fifth wheel!
I just bought a new RV for 35K cash....MSRP 52K......new Ram 2500 for 42K.....basic truck w crank windows etc....whole thing 80 K and Freedom and no dept....Cash on the barrel....
Did you ever have the dreaded frame flex in the upper deck area ?
We haven't had an problems with the fifth wheel. We're not sure what that issue is.
I have a 2018 29-5T. I had enough room to move our 3 battleborn batteries and inverter (waiting for delivery) into the area by the hot water heater. This leaves the entire generator compartment empty for storage. I cut the battery trays out added a wooden floor and store my Anderson tubs, spare water hoses and leveling blocks in there. In the battery compartment, I R2 the OEM electrical connections with covered electrical panels. I have made over 150 upgrades to my RV. Slipper springs, shocks and disc brakes. Put slide out trays in the pantry. Added Thermostat controls to the electric fireplace and bedroom ac. Added a WEN generator (per your recommendation) via a cargo carrier on the rear hitch which is now hard wired to the transfer switch. Permanent install of Clear Source Ultra water filter system which allows me to fill the fresh water tank using filtered water. Bidet, soft starts, RVAir, SnapPads. Will be adding a 12v refrigerator soon. Motion sensor lights in closet, cabinets drawers etc. new speakers, 43” Samsung QLED tv. The battleborn batteries, generator, SnapPads all were purchased from your recommendations. I could go on but this is long enough.
In the video you didn’t mention the diamond plate on the front of the fifth wheel And large water, grey and black tanks. The frame of AF fifth wheels is arguably the best in the industry, and also the heaviest, which is rated for off road use. This brand also has very very few recalls. Oh we could go on. Thanks for your outstanding channel!
Wow, Terry! Those are some serious upgrades. I am curious about the slipper springs and how you installed the water filter.
You are correct about what we missed. All key features that we forgot. Thanks for adding those to the discussion.
We can’t wait to run into you on the road so we can see all these mods you have made. That is a great idea about where you put the batteries.
@@ChickerysTravels forgot SeeLevel ii Bluetooth tank Monitor(which increment in 4% levels and are always accurate), LevelMatePRO and Propane sensor. I won’t have another fifth wheel without disc brakes. The difference is phenomenal. The safety difference is worth it to me. The RV now stops the truck not the other way around. The braking is smooth and straight. Of course disc brakes are easier to maintain and grease can’t get on them. I discovered that there was grease all over the shoes on one of the drums when making the switch. Which meant those brakes weren’t working. I didn’t pull the RV 100’ without noticing the ride difference in my Ram 3500 SRW, which meant it was much better in the RV. The springs make an immediate and amazing difference. IMO the slipper springs are the best suspension upgrade only bettered by lipperts IS. Unfortunately they are very pricey but have a lifetime warranty and there is no rubber to break or where out.
The 27 has the best kitchen and best floor plan. Just wish it had the drop frame and larger basement storage. That would be the ideal AF in my mind! Always compromises.
Kenny and I were considering having one of the propane sensor manufacturers on the podcast. I am really curious about the accuracy of the sensors. Do you find yours to be accurate?
We have always heard good things about disc brakes. I just haven't made the leap yet. Maybe I should move that closer to the top of the list along with the springs. Safety is everything with these things and a smoother ride is always a nice benefit.
I have found mine to be extremely accurate. love Your RV did an interesting update on his sensor (we have the same one) where his failed apparently because moisture on the board shorted the CPU. The manufacturer’s customer service was excellent and it appears they have modified the design after the issue. Only time will show if the mod fixes the issue. He coated his board with a water proof coating, and I did likewise after watching his video. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. My favorite update was the SeeLevel tank monitor update. It is always accurate. I can sit outside the RV and monitor the black water tank fill during the flushing process since it is Bluetooth. I dump it when it reaches 75% full. No guessing.
Too bad this model is discontinued
It still shows up on their website. northwoodmfg.com/5th-wheels/arctic-fox-grande-ronde-5th-wheels/ The first option is the 27-5L.
Nice rig!!!! I envy your kitchen!!! The space!
Thanks! The kitchen was my favorite part.
I love this entire kitchen layout.
That is what drew Julie to this model/floor plan. The windows in the kitchen are a nice feature that makes it seem more spacious.
@@ChickerysTravels I feel like the windows make it look and feel like a home.
That is a good point. We agree.
I love that sign …….I want one to remember my time spent at Eglin AFB
Hello! Thank you for your informative videos. We are searching for the just right "small" fifth wheel! From all of our research, the arctic fox seems to be the one that would fit our needs. However, we have yet to set foot in one because we can't find a unit within 5 hours of us. What is the quality of the drawers and cabinets? We have looked at countless other brands and the drawers and cabinet doors are simply flimsy and poorly built. Are these built to last?
Also, small detail but does the coat pull out closet actually hold bulkier coats?
Our plan is to do a lot of dry camping during various seasons hence our desire for a better insulated and better built camper. Does this camper keep you warm and cool without using excessive amounts of energy?
Thank you for your help! We hate to drive 13 hours one way to find a camper that is not what we thought it was.
We had brand of fifth wheel before and can that Arctic Fox cabinets and drawers are better built and very sturdy.
The pull out closet could probably hold two heavy coats. We keep several lightweight jackets and hoodies in ours.
We’ve found that it keeps us warm in the winter and cool in the summer without expending too much energy.
We still love ours!
We are thinking of upgrading to the AF 27, but I’m wondering if my F250 diesel can handle the extra weight of the Arctic Fox. Do you think a 1 ton is needed for the AF 27-L?
I don’t you’d a one ton. Here’s a video I made on how to make the determination. How Much Can a Truck Tow: Is Our Fifth Wheel Too Heavy?
ua-cam.com/video/JaNdB2vFPMk/v-deo.html
We have one on order. They are claiming mid August delivery, but due to a Ford dealer effin up my F350 order, I don't know when we'll be fetching the 27-5L. Have a mid Nov appt to have the Morryde IS installed with disc brakes. Really excited to get it and travel this fall and winter. Just need a production date on the truck :(
Bummer on the F350. It will be a nice truck when you get it though. Plenty of power for the 27-5L and with the disc brakes on the fifth wheel, you will have plenty of stopping power between the two as well. Enjoy and we hope to see you on the road!
Considering purchasing a 2020 27-5L
Sean how much would it cost me to duplicate your solar set up on it. Also is there a 12volt refrigerator option that would have worked?
I have all the costs of solar set up here: www.chickerystravels.com/diy-rv-solar-power/
I didn't really look into a 12-volt option, but I've heard Dometic has a good one. There is an Arctic Fox Owners Group on FB that you can join (even if you don't own one yet). The other owners in there are great at answering questions. There are probably some folks in there who went with a 12-volt fridge.
Really nice 👍🏻. I love 💕 it.
Thanks for watching!!
I also have LiFePo4 batteries & inv/char in gen space, & removed the battery slides, leaving the base frames on which I mounted shelves for storage. The aft edge has a cleat to keep anything from sliding into wiring (I left 2" space from end of shelf).
Thanks, Charles. That is a great idea with the cleat. Also, leaving the base frames is a great idea. Another great use of that space. Thanks again!
Why did you stop full time RVing?
We stopped temporarily because we had our first grandson and Julie wanted to be close for the first few years to help out with taking care of him and, really, spoil him. I am sure we will be back to full time in a few years.
@@ChickerysTravels I hear you. We have 5 so we certainly understand the spoiling part.😃😎
this was one of the ones that we consider vs the Imagine 2600RB. It's a good choice. Thanks for posting.
The Imagine is very popular and we have heard good things about it. Grand Design is a solid manufacturer. I don't think you would be disappointed with either one.
I have 2 questions. You said your 850 solar power lasts you up to 6 days. Is that running everything including AC? We will be boondocking and dry camping more than anything else.
With your vehicle, what kind of gas mileage do you get when pulling your rig?
We will be driving over 40k miles a year for work and living in our RV full time so for us mpg does matter. Still trying to decide if we are going with a smaller 5th wheel or a Class C motorhome. 🤔
Hi Bridget!
The thing that allows our solar power to last is the lithium batteries. We have (4) 100 amp hour batteries. If you have lead acid batteries, you have to watch them very closely to ensure they don't go below 50%. With our solar setup and lithium battery combination, we can boondock forever as long as there is enough sun to restore the batteries after a few days. Otherwise, we use our portable Wen generators. We have a video on why we prefer them over the large Onan generator we used to have ua-cam.com/video/3uWgzdvgq9o/v-deo.html.
Having said all that, we can only run the air conditioner for about an hour without being hooked up to the generator. That is the only really big power draw in our RV. Sean has a very in-depth article on our total power package on our website www.chickerystravels.com/diy-rv-solar-power/
Our dually truck gets 15mpg when towing our 29 1/2' fifth wheel.
Best of luck to you! If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at julie@chickerystravels.com
@@ChickerysTravels thank you! That's great information. I'm gonna go watch those other 2 videos now 😁
What a beautiful 5th wheel.. lots of space & love how you can get to everything in the kitchen you need to use when the slides are in. We are looking at upgrading with solar & lithium batteries.. thanks for the tour! Chasing RV Sunshine ☀️ Joel, Deb & 🐕 Maya
Definitely recommend lithium. It is so much better than lead acid for longevity, maintenance, and power.
@@ChickerysTravels we just don’t want to pay 💰 for them 😂.. but we know we have to do it
Like your RV. What brand of refrigerator did you install?
Thanks, Les. We installed a Haier brand refrigerator.
We purchased a 2021 27-5L and we absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing yours.
Thanks for watching, Frank. We hope you enjoy yours as much as we have enjoyed ours!
We just picked up our 29-5T. Over the top happy with it. Cannot wait to get on the road.
Congratulations! We are confident you will be happy in that choice.
The larger Arctic Fox fifth wheel trailers include washer and dryer hookups in the bedroom closet. Does anyone know if that location can accommodate a stackable set, have photos of them installed, or can comment about that? Thank you.
We purchased a Spledide washer/dryer combo for our 29 5 T. We changed out the closet doors though since it wouldn’t fit well without removing the closet door panel. Not sure about stackable?
@@Herk988 Thank you so very much for that info. Have you had the combo unit long enough to have developed an opinion yet? We are wannabes that are looking into all sorts of options with washer and dryer (or maybe a combo unit) as one of our must haves. Safe travels!
@@davelauraphillips8814 Yes, we purchased it right after the pandemic started as we didn’t want to risk being in laundromats. We absolutely love it, it takes about two hours to do each load but we can easily keep on top of laundry if we wash a load per day. It seems to work well.
I have a 2018 29-5T and you cannot use stacking washer dryer. The top of the closet is too narrow.
@@terryhaynes1596 Thank you Terry. That is what I suspected based on the limited photos and videos. Safe Travels!
Nice setup! I’m curious how often you need the generators to recharge your batteries.
edit. With your 40 pound propane tanks, do you drive to the propane dealer, do you have them come to you or do you unhook them and take them to a propane dealer? My back is asking the question. 😁
Hi Erin, We only need the generators if we're not getting any sun since we also have solar. If it is cloudy for a few days in a row, we'll run the generators for a couple of hours to recharge the batteries. Of course, these are lithium batteries, so we can fully discharge them. If you have lead acid, you'd need to recharge them more often because they should not go below a 50% charge.
For the propane, many of the campgrounds we stay at have a fill station and will often even come pick up and drop off the propane tanks. If we're boondocking or the campground doesn't have propane fill station, then we have to tote them somewhere to get a fill.
@@ChickerysTravels - Please forgive me… Your refrigerator, you just said electric. 110v or 12v? I assume since he said he had to install a 3 prong outlet that it’s 110v. Your solar and battery setup is sweet! I think I saw two 100 Amp hour batteries, so 200 amp hour capacity?
The fridge is 110.
We actually have 4 100 amp hour batteries and 860 watts of solar. It seems to work for us. We have boondocking for 6 days and only had to run the generator for 1-2 hours.
3:00 - Would be nice to have a generator in that old battery compartment for running the AC when away from power assuming the compartment would keep the exhaust out of the RV.
That is a good idea, Knut. I think it would be possible to leave a gap for exhaust.
He did say they had two portable gen’s that were stored in that space. In my old RV, which had a 6000w ONAN, the maintenance, propane use, and cost of replacement when it died, all serve to make their setup pure genius. You can buy a small generator for around a grand, and expand your solar and battery capacity to compensate. Keep in mind if you’re somewhere like Texas in the summer, it’s going to pay to stay at an RV Park.
Well done! Excellent setup! By far, my favorite 5th wheel and the one I would definitely buy. Still in a quandary if to go this route or motor and flat tow. Although in a holding pattern until the prices drop.
It is a tough decision on which one to pick. Maybe rent one of each and see what you think. I am with you on the prices though. They are a little high right now.
I've noticed in your videos you have talked about Arizona and Mesa. Are you guys from Arizona? Thanks
We’ve done quite a bit to our 29 5T. We bought it new in 2018. We also had issues with the Norcold refrigerator (long story) and hope to someday replace it with one like yours. We are in the process of remodeling the interior, we aren’t super thrilled with the dark cabinets and aren’t fans of the cornices so we removed them and are doing some customized window treatments. There’s a lot you can do to make changes that suit your own style. Ours is a work in progress but we are happy with the choices we’ve made to spruce up and update our rig.
Remodeling the interior is next on my agenda. I’ve already bought some fabric for window treatments. I agree the cornices are awful.
- Julie
That’s wonderful! Loved your choice of window treatments in the rug you had before, using shower curtains was a great idea and the no sew technique was great! Agree, cornices aren’t very stylish in these rigs but they can always be updated. Look forward to seeing how you remodel your AF.
Meant to say rig, not “rug”!
Thanks! I’m doing no sew again, but with flat sheets this time. We’ll see how it goes.
It really is an entire house.
You are right, John. We call it our rolling condo. We don't need much space to be happy, so the small footprint is comfortable for us.
What year is your unit?
2019
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY.
Love your rig. It must be much less stress towing and parking. You guys look so happy. I wasn't aware you weren't full timers anymore. We've decided ,when its time, that will have a home base also. It means we can go with a much smaller rig. Hoping the economy gets better when it becomes buying time. Lol. We have hope that it will. Thanks my friend for the tour. Keep being you. Your doing such a great job at it. Love and prayers.
Yeah, we like having the home base. It is definitely easier than our old Cyclone to tow and park. A lot less stressful backing in to a spot now. I remember some struggles when backing a Cyclone in to a spot.
Keep dreaming, as long as Biden is pulling his shenanigans the country will stay in a slow decline... mask and boosters for life anyone?
@@scottrobbins2093 I still have hope and my faith. I have none of the above for the mumble mouth in office now. Fingers crossed for the last man that had the office. He was gruff but he wasn't full of BS. Keep the faith patriot.
@@brunobarks6544 we are trying my wife and I to keep the faith! The problem is you cannot bypass prophecy which in a nutshell is One World Government tyranny. Right now we're fighting tyranny on many fronts but in the long run we'll be okay in the afterlife... My two cents, keep fighting and God bless!
@@scottrobbins2093 it will come like a thief in the night. No man shall know the time.