As we decided on our arrival home earlier it was well time to upgrade our RV. Time, wear and tear, and costs finally clinched it. If you've ever owned an RV, you've inevitably kept track of the new technology and features of the industry as it evolves. We had Keystone Cougar, Sunnybrook, Arctic Fox, and Cedar Creek on our radar, but in the end, we decided we wanted Arctic Fox. Well built, well insulated, NOT ultra-light, and with the features (solar equipped, lithium-ion battery bank option, polar package insulated, slider awnings, tank heaters, and interior comfort) we wanted it wasn't even close.
Unfortunately, there are no dealers in Michigan, but I did find two in Wisconsin. I contacted them both and laid out our search plans, special order possibilities, and trade in options. After several sessions of texting/calling back and forth we worked out the costs, trade in, discount, and financing we ordered our RV through Kunes RV in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Finalized on May 22nd it would take several weeks to get it in. This gave us plenty of time to work out the details on our end. Kunes Rapids RV | Kunes RV | New & Used RV Dealer in Wisconsin
The Arctic Fox Model 28F is a 30'-foot-long bumper pull with a GVWR of 1100 lbs. The truck will handle this. Definitely not an Ultra Lite, it has many nice options, bells, and whistles. I've had my fill of ultra lite models. I am ready for the return to durability and craftmanship, regardless of weight. There is a single entry amidship with new, wide, steady stairs. Exterior features include 2 slides with awnings, slide through storage hatch as well as an extra hatch for storage as we opted out of the outside kitchen option. Electric hitch and individually motorized stabilizer feet, additional 2" receiver hitch in rear, 400w solar panels with lithium battery, load range E tires and suspension, and completely satellite ready. Fresh water tank is 58 gallons, grey is 40 gallons, and black is 35 gallons. The tank heaters are tied to the furnace so anytime the heat is on, so are the tank heaters. Common sense design and nice for cold weather. In fact, the entire undercarriage is 'polar packaged' and insulated. Heat on.......fireplace on........tank heaters on.
Interior features include a large 12 vdc LED Flat screen TV, island counter/sink with plenty of plugs, leather entertainment center seating with twin side by side recliners with center console cup holders and USB ports. An incredible feature of the TV is that it is on a rotatable platform that connects to a large mirror in the bedroom. The large screen TV can be rotated to be watched in either the living area or the bedroom with the same controls. So, the TV and/or the mirror can be available in either venue.
There are USB ports located throughout the interior. Plenty of storage including under counter trash can storage with access through top of counter. Microwave convection oven, faux fireplace and storage for cable and satellite TV ready. There is a Winegard Wireless 5g omni-dish on the roof that will give 'free TV' more receptibility as well as Wi-Fi coverage. The dinette is free standing with chairs. There is no bedroom slide out, so the double bed aligns straight online with storage near the head on all fronts. The bathroom is located in the rear with a full shower and plenty of linen/towel storage. The shower is a semi-circle garden pan shower with easy slide, non-binding doors. There is plenty of room.
Of course, there are many more interesting features and details, but this URL will supply and all information for this model. Northwood | Arctic Fox 28F (northwoodmfg.com)
I have to admit it took us over 2 weeks to unload EVERYTHING from our current unit as well as make repairs, and clean. You don't realize just how much you have on board. I am also sure it will take just as long to get the new 'Fox' ready.
The RV arrived at the dealer on June 6th and all the aftermarket stuff was placed on order. I ordered the additional slider awnings and a 12vdc/USB outlet on the rear of the sink island to accommodate our 45-quart Engel freezer. All the paperwork was ready to change hands and insurance was procured.
We made the 2-day trip to Waupaca, Wi to stage everything from our best friends' place. This did include a truck issue which was never foreseen yet dealt with. On day of delivery, we hauled our RV the short 36 miles to Wisconsin Rapids and did the deed.
Unfortunately, this story has a suspended 'Happy Ending". From the day we got it back to camp we have had Lithium-Ion Battery issues. First, the manufacturer installed the wrong converter controller, and it wouldn't correctly charge the battery. This took 3 days to troubleshoot. Once verified the factory did overnight a new controller to us. The problems don't end here. The battery began to charge, but would not exceed 20% of total, even with solar and 'shore power'. The system is plenty complicated and even with the extended warranty the techs were not trained to this level. The battery may very well have been damaged from the improper controller. The heart of this system, the lithium-ion battery is $3600. Say it isn't so. We were looking for validation and warranty coverage. Warranty is essential, but usually limited to dealership responsibility and their limitations. As for the intricate subsystems, these contractors will not come on site to you, so you are often forced to either leave your unit for (how long) or travel.
All the new units are designed and assembled in different locations by different companies. Arctic Fox is assembled in La Grande, OR, but the dual power solar array is designed/built in Elkhart, IN. We spent a week coordinating back and forth between the two with a final plan to return home, unpack, and make an appointment to take the unit to Elkhart (235 miles) for repair, all under warranty. Make no mistake, we love the unit and its features. We weren't expecting this type of factory faux pas, yet we are working our way through the pains.
NOTE: With the improved solar package on this RV model there is 400w solar and a 400AH Lithium Ion Battery. These are not compatible to connect to the lead acid battery bank currently in the truck, so I disassembled these and recycled. I will leave the 300W panel on my truck cap and wiring intact just in case.
To be continued....
"If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, it you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it."
Wanda Skyes
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