In the Market for a New TT

[Grizzly]

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?

My RV Consumer Group Guide rates most Desert Fox 5er 3 stars on a 0 to 5 star scale. A few are rated 3. 5 and 4 stars. On the other hand all Arctic Fox and Nash trailers are rated 4 stars. . My feeling is that if Northwood Mfg makes it, it's going to be good.



The only bad thing about Northwood Mfg is that they still equip all the trailers they make with China ST junk tires. As soon as we got our Arctic Fox 5er home, I had Discount Tire swap all 5, 16" China tires for Michelin XPS Rib LT, 16" tires. It wasn't cheap, but I believe it was well worth it.



If you give me the model number to the Desert Fox you're interested in, I will look it up and tell you what my guide has to say about it.

 

[odinjunior]

Thanks Grizzly. I need a bumper pull so it will be the 28KS. I'm gonna look for used. $39K is a bit out of my "retired" price range.

 

[HBarlow]

Hmmmm. It's none of my business but just reading the posts here I wonder if loading a 900# Gold Wing in a toy hauler is a good idea. I don't know how those trailers are configured. Can you load the motorcycle far enough forward to get it centered over the trailer axles?

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks Grizzly. I need a bumper pull so it will be the 28KS. I'm gonna look for used. $39K is a bit out of my "retired" price range.

On the 28KS, which is a bumper pull, Reliability and Value are rated excellent, however Highway Control is rated poor.



A 5th wheel will rate much better, but I'm sure you have good reasons for wanting a bumper pull. List price is about $13K less than you said, but that's without optional equipment. With the soft RV market, you should get it for 30% off of list price. I purchased my 08 Arctic Fox for 27% less then list and the RV market wasn't down in October of 07.



Good luck. george

 

[GCP]

Well, I picked up the new 25S in Pasco, WA. last Friday and brought her back home. I thought I would try and up load a couple of pictures of our newest family member:

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Thanks to everyone for your help and encouragement.

P. S. : MaxBrake and Equal-I-zer hitch work very well!

Cheers,

Gabe

 

[RVTRKN]

Congrats on your new purchase, however, I can not see the pics, maybe its my computer. Anyway, enjoy your A/F and keep us posted on your first trip.

 

[Cowboy]

I bought a used 07 bighorn 30' (3055 rl) 3 slideouts, fully loaded w/ all options, but have not used it yet, its still in vegas , and my ranch is in elko, nv. anyone have any experience with these 5vrs ?

 

[GCP]

Cowboy,

Congrats on your new 5ver! Go get it and start camping. We are gearing up for our first shakedown cruise. I can't wait.

Congrats on your new purchase, however, I can not see the pics, maybe its my computer. Anyway, enjoy your A/F and keep us posted on your first trip.

I'm still seeing the 2 pictures. Are they showing up for anyone else?

Thanks,

Gabe

 

[Grizzly]

Gabe, I see no pictures. Try again as I'm sure others, and myself, want to see them.



george

 

[GCP]

Take 2

Ok. Thanks Grizz. I'll try it again. Hopefully these show up now:



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and



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Let me know...



Gabe

 

[HBarlow]

Congratulations on your new trailer.

Is that a heavy soot deposit on the right rear of your Dodge?

You will regret that soot if you spend a few days on the highways towing your new trailer. You'll be very disappointed when your wife begins complaining about the soot on the furniture, drapes, carpet, bedding, etc. The soot will find its way through window and door seals into your shiny new trailer.

I don't see a sway control device on your hitch. A long trailer pulled at highway speeds is going to give you a workout without sway control from ordinary wind and the pressure effect created by trucks.

 

[GCP]

Congratulations on your new trailer.



Is that a heavy soot deposit on the right rear of your Dodge?



You will regret that soot if you spend a few days on the highways towing your new trailer. You'll be very disappointed when your wife begins complaining about the soot on the furniture, drapes, carpet, bedding, etc. The soot will find its way through window and door seals into your shiny new trailer.



I don't see a sway control device on your hitch. A long trailer pulled at highway speeds is going to give you a workout without sway control from ordinary wind and the pressure effect created by trucks.

Yep soot. I blew a lot out, under heavy throttle, on the trip picking up the trailer and it seemed to dwindle about half way back. I was under the impression that black smoke was fairly normal for these trucks. Have I been assuming incorrectly?



Thanks for your help,



Gabe

 

[Grizzly]

Gabe, very nice trailer. You did well.



The soot on the back of your truck is normal. I get the same amount on my truck.

 

[GCP]

Gabe, very nice trailer. You did well.



The soot on the back of your truck is normal. I get the same amount on my truck.

I thought it was normal. I'll just have to keep the TT clean. Grizzly, you are the primary inspiration behind my decision to start looking at Arctic Fox. All my research confirmed what you were saying on this forum. So, thanks.



Cheers,



Gabe

 

[RVTRKN]

Yes, I can see the pics now, and the soot looks normal, in fact it looks just like mine including the adjustable hitch, minus the tail lights from the 07 model (my 04. 5).

 

[AMink]

I don't see a sway control device on your hitch. A long trailer pulled at highway speeds is going to give you a workout without sway control from ordinary wind and the pressure effect created by trucks.

I think that brand of weight distribution hitch (I can't remember the name) incorporates sway control in the design. It eliminates the need for the pressure pad type of sway control.

 

[chazj]

Looks like he is using an Equal-i-zer Hitch?

 

[AMink]

Looks like he is using an Equal-i-zer Hitch?

That's the one! Couldn't remember the name.

 

[HBarlow]

I think that brand of weight distribution hitch (I can't remember the name) incorporates sway control in the design. It eliminates the need for the pressure pad type of sway control.

Does it have cams or friction pads at the back ends? Can't see them in the photo and don't recognize the hitch brand.

 

[AMink]

Does it have cams or friction pads at the back ends? Can't see them in the photo and don't recognize the hitch brand.

Equal-i-zer® Hitch - Product Info

I have never pulled using the product, but have read good things about them on RV sites. Not in the same league as a Hensley, but seems to be better than the traditional setup with bars and chains.



Personally, I think one of the best things you can do to help control sway in a bumper pull is have the longest tow vehicle wheel base possible. If nothing else, a sway event in the trailer takes longer to affect the truck, giving you that split second longer to correct.