In the Market for a New TT

[Grizzly]

I was looking at a TT Arctic Fox and a Nash TT. I believe it was a 27E model. I saw a sticker that said Libbert on the axle. Hopefully I'm wrong it was another trailer on their lot, but it shocked me to see that sticker on the axle which is why I remembered it so well. I also looked at the Nash 26Z2 while I was there.

Brad, I stand corrected. I just spoke to Ted, one of the factory reps for Northwood Mfg. He said that they do use Lippert axles on some of the Nash TT. He also said that Lippert are American made in Indiana. All Arctic Fox use Dexter axles. All frames for Nash and AF are made in their own plant.



If you wish, you can call him at 1 800-766-6274. Their reps are friendly and easy to talk too.



The bad news is that they are still using China ST tires. I've been unsuccessful in trying to convince them into using American made LT tires.

 

[AMink]

The bad news is that they are still using China ST tires. I've been unsuccessful in trying to convince them into using American made LT tires.

Griz, why do you suppose that is? ST tires are not cheap, at about $100 each for 225/75-15. If they were to buy LT tire from Michelin or BFG in 16" in quantity, they'd get a good price. I just don't understand the whole ST thing. I know that they have softer sidewalls so they ride better and can "scrub" in tight turns, but when they fail, they don't work so well!

 

[Grizzly]

Griz, why do you suppose that is? ST tires are not cheap, at about $100 each for 225/75-15. If they were to buy LT tire from Michelin or BFG in 16" in quantity, they'd get a good price. I just don't understand the whole ST thing. I know that they have softer sidewalls so they ride better and can "scrub" in tight turns, but when they fail, they don't work so well!

I think the RV manufactures use ST tires because they are cheaper for them and they must buy in huge quantities and must get them for almost nothing. They, RV manufactures, don't really care because they don't warrant tires or batteries anyway. If you get a blowout, you take it up with whatever dealer sells them, if you can find them.



As soon as I got my Arctic Fox 5er home from the dealer in Idaho by way of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico, I took the trailer to Discount Tire and had all 5 tires changed out to Michelin XPS Rib. I then sold the original 5 China tires on Craigslist for $300. 00. They still looked brand new and the guy was happy to get them so cheap. I did tell him that they were ST tires and won't last long.

 

[AMink]

I think the RV manufactures use ST tires because they are cheaper for them and they must buy in huge quantities and must get them for almost nothing. They, RV manufactures, don't really care because they don't warrant tires or batteries anyway. If you get a blowout, you take it up with whatever dealer sells them, if you can find them.

As soon as I got my Arctic Fox 5er home from the dealer in Idaho by way of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico, I took the trailer to Discount Tire and had all 5 tires changed out to Michelin XPS Rib. I then sold the original 5 China tires on Craigslist for $300. 00. They still looked brand new and the guy was happy to get them so cheap. I did tell him that they were ST tires and won't last long.

Did you have to upgrade your rims for the XPS's? Or could you find them in 15"?

EDIT: Never mind, I saw on the web site that you start with 16" rims.

 

[Grizzly]

Did you have to upgrade your rims for the XPS's? Or could you find them in 15"?



EDIT: Never mind, I saw on the web site that you start with 16" rims.

I did upgrade the wheels when I ordered the 5er. I upgraded to the polished aluminum instead the steel, which were already 16" for the 235/85 tire. Very little difference in $.

 

[HBarlow]

There is a big company that imports the tires and wheels and supplies mounted wheels and tires to the RV manufacturing industry, I forgot their name. They use mostly WillPop brand tires mounted on cheapo ChiComm steel spoked wheels. My guess is the trailer or frame manufacturers pay something like $25/wheel for mounted wheels and tires ready to bolt onto their new trailer frames.

Manufacturers dodge the quality issue because they don't deal directly with the tire failure issue so maintain their distance and deniability and can "truthfully" say they believe their tires provided good service and they are not aware of any problems.

Some of the lesser American brands are no better than WillPops. My HitchHiker was delivered new in '07 with Uniroyal Laredo 16" light truck tires. I blew one running 65 mph on I-40 between ABQ and Santa Rosa when the tires were eleven months and 16,000 miles old. When the tires were removed to install a set of Michelin XPS Ribs the next day the tire guys showed me another one was already separating tread from casing.

 

[BBeck]

I'll look at the code on Wednesday. So what are the recommendations for tire and wheel combo?. Since I don't travel a lot, would the GY Marathon 15" be ok on the existing rims? Looks like they are about $80 a piece and the 16" Michelin XPS Rib is about $225 a piece



Other options you would recommend?



Sorry for hijacking this thread!

 

[HBarlow]

I have a strong dislike and distrust of GY trailer tires but in 15" size they are, IMO, one of the better choices available.

I put a set of ordinary Michelin SUV tires on my last conventional travel trailer that used 15" rims. I put 60k miles including a trip to AK on them before I sold the trailer and they still looked good.

The "ideal solution" would be a set of 16" replacement wheels and a set of LT215/75 R16 LRD or LRE tires from Michelin or BF Goodrich but they'll cost you some money. They will fit most trailers that came with OEM 15" tires and wheels.

 

[Grizzly]

I'll look at the code on Wednesday. So what are the recommendations for tire and wheel combo?. Since I don't travel a lot, would the GY Marathon 15" be ok on the existing rims? Looks like they are about $80 a piece and the 16" Michelin XPS Rib is about $225 a piece



Other options you would recommend?



Sorry for hijacking this thread!

I don't believe Goodyear Marathons are as good as they were some years ago. Last I heard they are now made in China. I agree with Harvey, get a good SUV or 1/2 ton truck 15" American tire with Load Range D or better.

 

[Blu-meanie]

I changed to Greenball Tow-Master. Check them out. The trailer websites seem to like them, so that's what I bought.

Products

 

[AMink]

One more trip, one more tire

We were on our way back from a weekend camping trip. We stopped and I checked the tires. Sure enough, one tire had the telltale "balloon" on the tread. Changed it and went on our way. That makes two direct tire losses and one because it caught too much weight when the other let go this year. I got the tires last summer. Now I am thinking axle alignment, so I started searching Al-Ko torsion axles since that is what's on my trailer. Looks like there are issues with those axles manufactured in 03-04 had a bad run. I'm trying to find if mine are in that batch. Fun, fun, fun. #@$%! I check the tires every morning and during travel. That tire was fine when we left. The temperature was 80 and under, so I don't think road heat was a factor.



I guess the point of this post in this thread is to check on your axles when you buy a trailer and make sure there is no bad things that go with the axle.

 

[GCP]

Made My Purchase

Thanks for the suggestions. I found a new 2009 Arctic Fox 25S travel trailer in Washington that I have put a deposit on. I will be signing the papers this week and then picking up the trailer in a few weeks. I cant wait to hit the road with it. I'll post pictures of the trailer when I take delivery.



Thanks,



GCP

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks for the suggestions. I found a new 2009 Arctic Fox 25S travel trailer in Washington that I have put a deposit on. I will be signing the papers this week and then picking up the trailer in a few weeks. I cant wait to hit the road with it. I'll post pictures of the trailer when I take delivery.



Thanks,



GCP

Congratulations on your Arctic Fox purchase GPC. I trust you got a killer deal on it.



We ordered our 08 Fox from a dealer in Pinehurst, Idaho. We took everything we needed for a long vacation except food. We purchased food and other supplies in Spokane, Washington and when on through Washington, Oregon and California. We spent a few days with my brother in Grants Pass, Oregon. We had a great trip, which included Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada.



I hope you're planning the something simular.



george (Far North Valley)

 

[J D Moore]

Congratulations on your new Arctic Fox. The AF forum Northwood RV Owners Association will become as addictive as the TDR site.
Enjoy.
Jim

 

[GCP]

Congratulations on your Arctic Fox purchase GPC. I trust you got a killer deal on it.



We ordered our 08 Fox from a dealer in Pinehurst, Idaho. We took everything we needed for a long vacation except food. We purchased food and other supplies in Spokane, Washington and when on through Washington, Oregon and California. We spent a few days with my brother in Grants Pass, Oregon. We had a great trip, which included Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada.



I hope you're planning the something simular.



george (Far North Valley)

Thanks Grizz. A heck of a deal indeed! Your posts on the TDR played a big part in my purchase of the Arctic Fox. Far North Valley, huh... I'm a little farther north in Bernalillo. Thanks neighbor!

Congratulations on your new Arctic Fox. The AF forum Northwood RV Owners Association will become as addictive as the TDR site.

Enjoy.

Jim

Thanks Jim for the link. I used those forums as an additional guide in my recent purchase.



I can't wait to take ownership!



Thanks everyone,



GCP

 

[RVTRKN]

Congratulations on your new Arctic Fox. The AF forum Northwood RV Owners Association will become as addictive as the TDR site.

Enjoy.

Jim

Just never comment on politics, there was a thread about the efficiency of RV heaters complaining the heater ran too long, draining his batteries, and the industry should make them more efficient. Well I responded by recommending to increase the battery capacity, that if EPA/Obama hears about it they will force all RV owners to change out the old furnace's to the new one's. (it is happening in California with DPF's on all Diesels by 2014) I got censored, so I canceled my membership after writing the head moderator. His response to me was weird, thought he was an Obama supporter after that, only left comments allowed.

 

[GCP]

I stay out of politics on the forums. All I want out of a forum is solid and reliable help regarding my Cummins and now my Arctic Fox. I just received my MaxBrake and will install it this weekend. I look forward to trying it out. I put the Mopar tow mirrors on last night to replace the sport mirrors that the truck already had. What a difference that has made.

Thanks,

GCP

 

[RVTRKN]

Congratulations on your purchase of your Arctic Fox, and you will find great info on your A/F on Northwoods site. I love mine and it is well built, I really like the extra capacity per GVWR. I couldn't stuff it with that much gear, however I plan on changing some things like installing granite counter tops and copper water lines for better water pressure, as well as some other upgrades.

 

[odinjunior]

I am just starting my search for a Toy Hauler. I will be hauling a 900 lb. Goldwing. I see that Northwood makes one called "Desert Fox". Does any one have any thoughts on that model?

 

[AABEN]

Well I can not tell you what to do. But all trailer tires are rated at 65 miles per hr. I had the Good years and blow out 4 in 4000 miles. I run at 75 miles like the posted speed. Good year said that they would not replace them for I had ran over the speed set for the tires. I now run LT tires and have over 30. 000 miles and they look good. So take it how ever you want to .