Community Forums

PrinceValium · 10-11-2016, 09:35 PM

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if any of you have the AF 35-5Z and how you like it? Also what are you using to tow it with? My wife and I have looked at them and she has just fallen in love with the floor plan. I will be needing to upgrade my current truck (F150) and was going to be looking at the 2017 F350 (11,500 GVWR) SRW which only has the option for 3.55 rear. From what I am seeing on paper this truck should have no issues towing this camper.

Thanks!

Rob

Arch Hoagland · 10-11-2016, 11:05 PM

That's an excellent brand. I've had a Nash and a friend had an Arctic Fox fifthwheel.

That F350 should handle very well.

Most people on here will tell you that if your wife likes the layout then you better buy it.

If momma ain't happy...nobody's happy!

JDT · 10-12-2016, 07:14 AM

We are not in the market as of now but I have looked at this model for a possible replacement down the road. I like the way they are built which is more important to me than a lot of glitz and glitter. They are not quite as heavy as what we have now. We did pull our Excel with a srw GMC 3500 but it was so close to the truck's capacity that I upgraded to the dually, which made a huge improvement in the ride.

You should be fine with the Ford F350 srw just looking at the weights on the Artic Fox website. Of course, you need to add some weight for good measure. Our hitch weight was shown to be 2600 pounds but is closer to 3100. We did add a Splendide combo washer/dryer which sits on the nose and didn't help matters.

I'm not sure if it is available but I don't remember seeing an option for a residential model fridge, which is a requirement for us. One other thing I would like to see is an option for disc brakes. I know this doesn't answer your question so excuse me for butting in.

PrinceValium · 10-12-2016, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

That's an excellent brand. I've had a Nash and a friend had an Arctic Fox fifthwheel.

That F350 should handle very well.

Most people on here will tell you that if your wife likes the layout then you better buy it.

If momma ain't happy...nobody's happy!

Yep I have to agree with you there when she is happy everyone is happy...lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

We are not in the market as of now but I have looked at this model for a possible replacement down the road. I like the way they are built which is more important to me than a lot of glitz and glitter. They are not quite as heavy as what we have now. We did pull our Excel with a srw GMC 3500 but it was so close to the truck's capacity that I upgraded to the dually, which made a huge improvement in the ride.

You should be fine with the Ford F350 srw just looking at the weights on the Artic Fox website. Of course, you need to add some weight for good measure. Our hitch weight was shown to be 2600 pounds but is closer to 3100. We did add a Splendide combo washer/dryer which sits on the nose and didn't help matters.

I'm not sure if it is available but I don't remember seeing an option for a residential model fridge, which is a requirement for us. One other thing I would like to see is an option for disc brakes. I know this doesn't answer your question so excuse me for butting in.

According to all the weights it does appear the SRW will have no issues towing that trailer...I just hear a lot that I should go DRW and the struggle I am having is I will be commuting in it daily and we will be camping maybe 5% of the time for now.

jtbuilds · 10-12-2016, 11:33 PM

According to all the weights it does appear the SRW will have no issues towing that trailer...I just hear a lot that I should go DRW and the struggle I am having is I will be commuting in it daily and we will be camping maybe 5% of the time for now.[/QUOTE]

Go with the DRW. AF are heavy well built trailers.

We have a 2016 F350 SRW. We max out the CVWR with our Cameo that has a tow weight of 14,560lbs. A 35-5Z will be at least 1,000lbs heavier.

PrinceValium · 10-12-2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbuilds

Go with the DRW. AF are heavy well built trailers.

We have a 2016 F350 SRW. We max out the CVWR with our Cameo that has a tow weight of 14,560lbs. A 35-5Z will be at least 1,000lbs heavier.

The GCWR of the 2017 F350 SRW is 28,700 lbs., yours is 23,500 lbs.

jtbuilds · 10-13-2016, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinceValium

The GCWR of the 2017 F350 SRW is 28,700 lbs., yours is 23,500 lbs.

WOW! I was looking for the 2017 tow numbers a few weeks back and nothing was published so I was pricing a 2017 F450 DRW assuming the 2017 would be similar to the 2016 numbers.

I'm missing something the CVWR had gone up 5000lbs but the GVWR (11,500lbs) has stayed the same? We are around 11,300lbs loaded.....Pin weight approx 2500lbs, wife, 2 kids, dog, 20gal extra fuel, 120lbs extra propane in the box but no water in the trailer.

With our axle (3.55??? & 20" wheels) ratio on 7-8% grades at 55mph the 6.7L has nothing more to give.

PrinceValium · 10-13-2016, 09:19 AM

Unfortunately the SRW you can only get 3.55 as the gearing and not any lower. I really don't understand this as I would want at least 3.73 or lower gearing. The only way to get the lower gearing according to the Ford website is to get the DRW.

road dogs · 10-13-2016, 09:43 AM

I hope this didn't turn into a Ford truck thread while I was composing this.... We have owned two Arctic Fox 5th wheels, a 2006 24 5N and currently a 2012 29 5T. They both have been solid rigs, although honestly, the quality seems to be dropping since Ron Nash is no longer involved in Northwood's operation. I noticed a lot of cosmetic issues and small, irritating things that the average owner could fix him/herself. I think they still have one of the strongest frames, since they build their own as opposed to using Lippert frames. I would join the Northwood RV Owners Forum Home - Northwood RV Owners Association Forum since you have some time to sort out your decision. Yes, "Happy wife, happy life..."

PrinceValium · 10-13-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road dogs

I hope this didn't turn into a Ford truck thread while I was composing this.... We have owned two Arctic Fox 5th wheels, a 2006 24 5N and currently a 2012 29 5T. They both have been solid rigs, although honestly, the quality seems to be dropping since Ron Nash is no longer involved in Northwood's operation. I noticed a lot of cosmetic issues and small, irritating things that the average owner could fix him/herself. I think they still have one of the strongest frames, since they build their own as opposed to using Lippert frames. I would join the Northwood RV Owners Forum Home - Northwood RV Owners Association Forum since you have some time to sort out your decision. Yes, "Happy wife, happy life..."

No I am not a brand loyal person...this thread is about how the 5er is...I just threw in the truck I was planning on towing with.

I did join that forum however I am not really getting responses from people that own the 5th wheel...so that is why I am here.

road dogs · 10-13-2016, 10:18 PM

Not many people have the 35 5Z, I think 3/4 of the AF owners pull a 27 5L so it's probable that not too many folks have your specific floor plan. I would imagine it has the same higher-than-industry build quality that Northwood is famous for. I sometimes lurk on other brand forums and most of them seem to have way more issues than NW.

PrinceValium · 10-14-2016, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road dogs

Not many people have the 35 5Z, I think 3/4 of the AF owners pull a 27 5L so it's probable that not too many folks have your specific floor plan. I would imagine it has the same higher-than-industry build quality that Northwood is famous for. I sometimes lurk on other brand forums and most of them seem to have way more issues than NW.

Ok thanks That helps some.....I know they look great and I do really like that 35-5Z. I will have to see how it all turns out.