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Truck Camper-- Arctic Fox/Wolf Creek
- Thread starter yaktamer
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MORSNO
US Veteran
I own a 2014 WC850 short bed model (3,200lbs wet) that I carry on my 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD. What is your question/concern with the wet vs dry bath? Room? I'm 6'3" 250 and can stand in the bathroom with my head in the skylight area, and sit on the toilet without my knees touching the front wall. A dry bath, depending on the layout can have more room, but some actually are tighter for a big guy.
My dealer also carries the AF line of campers, but they were way to heavy for my single rear wheel truck, AF's honestly need a dual rear wheel truck for the 4,000lb+wet camper.
My dealer also carries the AF line of campers, but they were way to heavy for my single rear wheel truck, AF's honestly need a dual rear wheel truck for the 4,000lb+wet camper.
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Just curious as to whether folks prefer wet or dry and why. I know some folks feel like the wet bath often gives more room to move around. Just wondering if having to wipe down the wet bath is a hassle.
I'll need to buy a new truck either way, I've only got a half ton now. Leaning toward the Wolf Creek because I'm not sure I want a dually or a long bed. I may go full time when I retire, so the extra room in the AF might be nice, but it'll probably just be me and the dog.
I'll need to buy a new truck either way, I've only got a half ton now. Leaning toward the Wolf Creek because I'm not sure I want a dually or a long bed. I may go full time when I retire, so the extra room in the AF might be nice, but it'll probably just be me and the dog.
MORSNO
US Veteran
I'm running gas, no need for a diesel. Gas pickups have a larger payload due to the lighter weight of the engine, transmission, gallons of oil & DEF, etc. If you decide to full time with a slide be aware that there is substantial air leakage around the slide that is noticeable in cold weather. Many folks will tell you to get a 8' over a 6-1/2' box, I prefer the shortbox because the camper gets tons of extra storage space in the overhang area. The problem with a shortbox camper is that you are limited to a 2500 pickup, the 3500's are all long box except for a Dodge megacab dually. Lots of decisions...…..
Arctic Fox was bought out by Mallard a couple years ago. The quality has went down hill under Mallard management. We have a very large RV dealer in this area and they sell Lance campers, for a long time last year they had a 1 year old Arctic Fox camper right out front that had one side completely de-laminated. The Arctic Fox dealer in town would not repair it or even look to the manufacturer for a fix. Just said out of Warranty. This was a very powerful sales tool for the Lance dealer.
MORSNO is right the AF weigh a lot more than any other camper.
MORSNO is right the AF weigh a lot more than any other camper.
That's what I thought too, but Ford offers the single wheel F-350 with a shortbox. Hadn't thought about the slide being drafty. Something to consider.
First I've heard of this. I'm going to explore other brands as well (Lance, Eagle Cap). The local dealer only had one AF this morning, a nice 990, but they have a ton of Lance's, Eagle Caps and others.
MORSNO
US Veteran
Arctic Fox's are heavy, mainly due to the walls that are twice as thick 2" vs standard 1". Arctic Fox is still built by Northland who also builds the Wolf Creek line of campers, many of the same appliances, cabinets, LED lighting, Rieco Titan wireless power jacks, etc.
Lance is the largest truck camper manufacturer in the country and also the most popular, nothing wrong with them either. For me the Wolf Creek was just a nicer built camper.
Lance is the largest truck camper manufacturer in the country and also the most popular, nothing wrong with them either. For me the Wolf Creek was just a nicer built camper.
Doug M.
Member
You cannot go for too much capability in your truck when doing any kind of RV use, whether a truck camper or a 5th wheel. I've talked to a couple of our local troopers, and their own purchase decisions have been impacted by all of the wrecks they go to with people who went too light.
Gaffer
Member
25 years ago we hunted out of a PU camper in Montana in below zero weather. One of the problems we had was condensation at night while we slept and cooked. PU campers due to weight restrictions are not very cold weather proof so unless wintering in warm climes this needs to be contemplated.
We managed to keep warm via the propane heater but another problem was the battery would run down overnight and not supply enough voltage to operate the sail switch in the furnace to turn on the burner resulting in it blowing cold air for several hours in the early morning . Yet another consideration.
Camping in cold weather is not all its cracked up to be!
We managed to keep warm via the propane heater but another problem was the battery would run down overnight and not supply enough voltage to operate the sail switch in the furnace to turn on the burner resulting in it blowing cold air for several hours in the early morning . Yet another consideration.
Camping in cold weather is not all its cracked up to be!
paulh
Member
We bought an "El Dorado" camper back in early 90's. Put it on a 74 GMC 3/4 4x4. First stop was Susquehannock at Raystown lake in PA. Enjoyed that for many years more so after I added a 12V toilet. Even went to Ft. Wilderness for a week. Funny, kids road in the back, could hear the toilet going. And yes I know they should not be handing me a Bud thru the slider but we did. Anyway traded it all in for a house boat on that lake and then sold it. What a dumbass
Things have changed a lot since then. The higher end campers can be had with extra insulation (one reason Arctic Fox are so heavy) and heated holding tanks. Also can run the furnace off of a propane fired generator with no need to worry about the battery. Doubt I'll do much sub-zero camping in any event.
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Doug M.
Member
I'll admit I hate/fear propane and intend to go all diesel and electric on the RV, which can be helped with solar panels (more manufacturers are adding them, at least as options), oversized alternators and decent deep cycle batteries.
MORSNO
US Veteran
I run a pair of 6v deep cycle batteries and have never ran out of power. Big improvement over the standard 12v's with much more capacity. Solar is always nice, so far I've not found the need, but everyone has different needs.
MORSNO
US Veteran
That works! Just make sure you have good tires on your truck, an 865 is still in the 4,000lb arena. I think it's Toyo that makes a LT tire rated at just over 4,000 lbs, most are around 3,500lb and a few are closer to 3,000lb, the light load tires will overheat and blow out with a 4,000lb camper.
Truck Camper Magazine has what looks like a realistic wet weight calculation that's right at 4,000. I took another look at the Wolf Creek 840, but the additional storage in the AF, while not much, would be valuable if I full time. Plus I much prefer the dining layout in the 865. Thanks for your suggestions, they've been helpful.
