Is Northwood ARCTIC FOX Losing Its High Quality Too? 

Just a friendly trade secret, when checking drains for leaks always fill the sink as much as possible then pull the plug. This causes the entire pipe to be as filled with water as possible whereas just running the tap does not introduce water to all of the pipe walls where a possible leak could be but not noticed until all the pipe walls are filled. Keep up the awesome informative videos!

I love my 2020 AF 22G however I found some things that really chap my hide. Sawdust, styrofoam, and wood pieces everywhere. I got a hint for you... Pull all of your ceiling speakers out and you will find tons of sawdust and probably wood scraps on the back side of the speaker cones. Pull your switch panel out and you will find a sawdust challenge for your vacuum cleaner. The same thing goes for behind and under kitchen drawers and behind the breaker box panel. You would think that they don't own a vacuum cleaner or broom in that Arctic Fox assembly plant. I figured out the speaker issue because my brand new speakers sounded blown out... no, they just needed to not have wood chips bouncing on them. Nice video! I'm going to double check my plumbing tomorrow. Thanks!

I’ve owned three AF’s over the last 20+ years. Each was purchased new and they all had issues; however, my most recent, a 2021 25R, which I’ve had for 18 months, was delivered with all sorts of poorly assembled parts. Three of the kitchen drawer slides were loose, one was completely torn upon real delivery. Upon closer inspection, they had used three different types and size screws for attaching the lose drawer slides. Found lunch trash and excess dirt and saw dust behind and under cabinets. Worse was loose electrical wires laying on top of the heating furnace. I literally spent a week going through a brand new trailer that had been manufactured only three months before I purchased. I had to tighten many loose screws and replace and many more that were already rusting. Once I got under the chassis, there was rust developing everywhere along the frame and axle’s... another day wasted sanding and painting with rust-oleum. I didn’t bother going back to the dealer because I purchased it in North Washington State and I live in Southern California where are the nearest dealers 80 miles away. Northwood is resting on their laurels and each year since the passing of Ron Nash, their production quality worsens and design falls behind competitors. For their high cost, why are they still using plywood instead of the more durable as Azdel.

Well I find it hard to believe Artic fox would only glue down the roof parameter 🤨. Sounds like typical dealer BS to me. Cheers 🍻

Thank you to the customer for letting you do the tour of the camper. The pipe needs to be turned at least a quarter turn when glued to make sure the glue is spread and no bubbles. factory probably just slid that fitting on last and did not turn it and did not have it glued right. Artic Fox glues the roof down they must have let that area dry to much by taking a break after starting or they skipped it. They need to go back after the people doing the job originally and docking their pay if they have warranty work related to the same person over and over. I hope Artic Fox get this corrected for him, the dealer will not want to repair it because it is just a loss to them doubt they get anything from the manufacture to fix it. Thanks for the video and stay safe and healthy.

Their roof is a total glue down. Been thru the factory tour watching this and I also own one. Mine was properly glued, no billow anywhere. And my plumbing leaked. Found at buyer's inspection and quickly repaired. Nice trailers overall.

Sounds like in the industry the dealers do not want to do warranty work. They seem to drag out the time until warranty runs out. 👍👍

Love your optimistic thinking. Northwood needs to make this right. Hope to hear they did...

This feels more like a dealer not wanting to do a warranty repair on a roof.

Always enjoy your video presentations James. This thing with the leaking drain makes me shake my head. I’ve done my own diy repairs involving pvc pipe and I’ve never had a leak. That it leaked shows poor workmanship. Made in America has to stand for something better. Same with the roof. I’m just an average dude but I can apply sufficient glue to hold something down, and I can see where more glue might be needed. I can see where a rock or whatever is sitting loose on the roof. If somebody steps on it it may puncture and leak. I can’t fathom that someone would shortcut a task like this passing along future misery to a buyer. It’s something I’ve never done in my life. It’s one of the reasons I follow your channel James. Watching you work is very interesting in and of itself. But my own personal need for quality is satisfied by the completeness and fullness of your efforts. I’ll applaud a high skill level and work ethic all day long.

Thanks again. I had a hidden water leak that eventually caused mold. It's been repaired and all is well. Appreciate your videos

We had a problem with our new 2021 Northwood Nash roof. Northwood also makes Arctic Fox. On our first trip, we came very close to a tree branch so I hopped up to take a look. That's when I discovered the roof truss was protruding up under the rubber roof. The dealer balked at repairing the roof, so I called Northwood directly. Fortunately, Northwood stands by their product. We got our roof fixed.

I guess it happens from time to time. You always have to keep your eye out for leaks new and old RV's. Thanks for showing us the repair,

Thank you…. this is the first video showing 25W roadside access with side in! 👍I don’t understand why manufacturers, and dealers shy away from this topic. This is a major consideration for most serious shoppers.

Almost forgot, THANK YOU JAMES 😊

Enjoyed the video thanks for sharing. I have to agree with you that lose fabric on the roof does not look good at all and the dealer's lame explanation is shameful. Since its a potentially very expensive issue to fix I hope the owner gets it addressed while still under warrantee. Please keep us updated.

I have a 2020 Arctic Fox slide in truck camper had an issue was up by their manufacturing plant stopped by and they fixed everything as I waited. Was great customer service

with bubbles in wall paper, if small use hypodermic needle with adhesive, if big , razor blade to open bubble and glue it down. that roof reminded me of how we would fix the problem.

I repaired my old 1983 Foretravel and replaced most drain connections with screw clamp on rubber ones, sure makes future work easy and less than $100. I like to fill the sinks up to max the pull the stopper to check for leaks.

I have a 2020 25W (same model) and I believe the roof is fully glued down. Not perimeter. I agree that it is a major issue. I hope the owner is able to get Northwood to auth the repair. You didn't mention the lack of sealant on the roof fixtures??? Once I took delivery of mine, I thoroughly cleaned and added additional sealant to each fixture. Your roof repair videos scared me. Thanks for this video! Very informative.

No excuse for water leaks and a loose fiiting roof! Arctic Fox pride themselves on quaity and setting a higher standard than the rest of the industry. Great video James!

I'm impressed with the quality residential plumbing parts they used when building it. Too bad the assembly line moves so fast nowadays that the guys & gals doing the assembly can't do a proper job.

Ur videos are great!!! Nice to see someone that cares about doing things right! Rare to find anymore

Installed the toilet you recommended, it’s awesome, money well spent.

I have been working on campers for 10 years now, all the new roofs that I have to replace takes the strength of god to pull the roofing off to replace it. To have manufacturers only glue the perimeter would not only save my back, but a whole lot of time! You know that salesman is telling the customer a whole bunch of crap and should be fired, but hes probably the employee of the year. This is why I tell people to hire an inspector before you sign!

Nothing like having water leaks in a new trailer

I agree with your assessment on the roof - that seems like a roof replacement waiting to happen...

We lokked at a lot of trailers. We looked at Lance 1995 and thought wow that's a lot of money. After all looking, we ended up with a Venture Sonic. For the price we paid, it was half the price of Lance. No big issues yet. Its hard to chose an RV but you only hope it was built ok. I cant believe this one is $45,000, we paid $21,000 and it works for us.

Sharpie make a silver metallic marking pen - it would work AWESOME for your ABS pipe marker! Check them out next time you go shopping. I use one a lot at work.

That’s a nice trailer, hope the manufacturer takes care of the roof.

Another excellent video!

Watching this made me think twice about hooking the water to the refrigerator..oh the thought of winterizing or a leak.. That's a nice setup

It seems hiring an independent RV Inspector before buying a brand new rig will become the norm. I live near La Grande, Oregon where Northwood (Arctic Fox) and Outdoors RV (ORV) are manufactured. There's a Keystone factory where I live. In my former line of work I've talked to a mix of past and current employees of all three. It seems there are known QC issues, general apathy that runs from the top down, and a "It's just a job until something better comes up," attitude.

Great Show !

Looks like a great spot on the roof for another solar panel. Give him the estimate to fix it and when he gets the check suggest the solar panel and split the remainder of the money. Btw, imo there is no way that Artic Fox is floating rubber roofs and the dealer is a p.o.s. for insisting that a 4'x4' area with zero adhesive on a brand new TT is "normal". I think the answer to your question on the thumbnail is "yes".

Good DIY channel...thank you.

Must have been built on a Friday. Before a holiday. Guess the demand makes them crank them out and miss putting glue all the way around the fitting. You know that roof is wrong 😂 You know your going to do that roof too 😂 Nice job

Very nice video of the attic fox. My wife and I spend a lot of time watching the television, it looks like it’s rather small and I couldn’t really tell how well you can see it. Have you had any comments yet concerning this? Again, enjoyed the video!

The video maker is right. I defend Northwood, but the roofs ARE GLUED DOWN so they do not "Billow" and tear selves away from the roof and the various things like vents and A/C. Perimeter only glue? Bah-loney. My 2019 Desert Fox with same roof was noted for the EDGES to billow in the wind as I sat in a rest stop with a mild crosswind. When I disassembled that region of the roof, for a few feet, the glue (halfway to middle of RV approx) was weak, then very strong. I glued the interior part by putting a lot (400 bucks and they wouldn't let me buy less than four gallons) of the right stuff in and using a paint roller ATOP the rubber roof, moving the glue everywhere needed, then moving it outwards onto many loose rags. About 24 square feet were repaired. It stayed repaired. As much as I defend, and recommend, Northwood (Arctic Fox, Desert Fox) this is absolutely a real problem- if they wait too long the glue dries and does not stick, if humidity wrong, doesn't stick, if not enough glue, does not stick, and more. FWIW, firsthand experience.

I noticed tank tech RX treatment in the bathroom cabinet. I just got some and would value your opinion on that product for keeping the tanks clean and sensors working. Thanks for your great videos as always.

The flip down steps for the exterior bedroom door actually don't make sense. If you're traveling over the road I can see it being a pain because you would always have to flip the steps down outside or if you keep them flipped up then you're snagging on them when trying to walk around the bed. I saw that at an AF dealer lot and shook my head. Rather you'd see the flip down on the main entry and the fold out on the secondary door. That's a good hunk of coin to pay for one of those units to have those leaks like that and a shoddy bubbled roof. 🤦‍♂️ I was checking out your driver and thought I'd recommend my favorite work tool for remodeling... pick up the Milwaukee 12v 4in1 installation drill. You'd probably love it for working in those units! Best 200 bux I ever spent.

With so many people and so many components going into one of these coaches, they are bound to be a few problems. But the leak under the sink on the drain line was disturbing.That’s pipe fitting 101, once you’ve applied the glue, you twist it a quarter turn. It appears that somebody did not do the twist. 😁

I have a new grand design 200mk and stress over the rubber roof, it doesn't leak but it's not down tight everywhere. Not enough glue I think, other than that it had no issues upon delivery

People don't always understand that they will find stuff after staying in a camper for a few day that a QC person at the factory or a tech doing a PDI would never find. There is NO WAY a dealer would lie to a customer. Dude... you need a silver sharpie for that black ABS.

Quickest way to know if you have a leak is if your pump has to keep turning on to pressure your system when you're not using it...found one behind my shower wall at those fittings on a brand new trailer which could have destroyed alot of wood...

To be expected, it's a covid year RV but Northwood's had manufacturing issues for many years prior

Is there anything to do that could help the bubbling on the top from stretching up and ballooning up like that? Like screwing through it with large washers to press it down or injecting glue in through small holes to prevent it from stretching and getting worse? Like anything except tearing up the whole corner to glue it down al the way?

The lines to my galley sink randomly would leak after two years. Took a few tries to get them to stop leaking. Water leaks Ive had so far. Supply lines to both sinks, water heat and the galley sink drains. Ive since had to add a check valve to the water pump. When i would runnthe pump it would randomly kick on. When inwas on city water, the tank would fill

Definitely seems the case that currently manufacturers are pumping them out as fast as they can due to high demand and along the line some QC gets sacrificed. I got a brand new 2021 rv and everytime it rains more than a mist, there's water leaking from the roof in a stream (not just a little drip) - I'm still waiting on a warranty part to come in to fix it, and it's been 3 weeks since the repair shop ordered it, still hasn't arrived.

New houses or new rv’s all could have issues with components. No biggy, just repair the problem and enjoy the ride!

Actually a nice trailer, minus the quality control by Arctic Fox. Happy trails!

You look exhausted my friend.

Yikes on the roof. Their answer here impacts my choice to keep them on my list for a company to my our first rv from. Right they, they and ORV top my list....

We have had 4 Northwood RVs before the Class A we now have. Great products! But, with that being said, the roof should be glued down, that looks like a problem to me.

Jim what do yo think of 2016 thru 2018 Minnie Winnie I want to get twenty two foot owned a motor home and it’s like a boat ( break out another thousand) . Thanks for the video would love to hear what AF say’s about the roof.

With January 2021 RV shipments up 40% over January of 2020 (pre COVID shutdown), the quality is not going up. Plenty off brand new 2021 models coming off the line with quality issues.

I just watched a video touting Northwood as one of the 3 best rv manufacturers. If that is true, where is their quality control on that roof defect? That sticks out like a sore thumb. I think their quality people live on another planet.

Even Airstreams have defects when coming off the assembly line!

The stairs would be a no sale for me. Thats a terrible design. An all weather trailer and what ever crap weather you have like snow/rain you drag into the trailer all wet. Im sure sand and dirt as well.What are they thinking.

That is the way to do it!

I always buy too many plumbing parts and never know where the extras went later.

Looked like they went cheap on the glue or they didn't twist it when they put together. I would be really pist about the roof I have never seen or heard of a floating rubber roof. You always have little things with a new RV no matter how good of a PDI you do before water leaks always show up after tow it around for a while. Same with trim coming off.

Is there a reason rv plumbing uses the abs Instead of pvc? Or even cpvc?

Your title 'Northwood Arctic Fox' is what caught my attention. Why?? I have a 2019 25R. Long story shorter, I noticed the edge of my roof has done the same thing and on the same side as this 2021. Contacted dealer :::::: crickets..... He assured me, as he put it, "his word is his bond". He must be using the same adhesive Northwood is using. So, yes, I would be very interested in what you find out! Side note, why the luggage rack?? They have in my case a bathroom exhaust fan right in the middle of it, can't even install a maxaire vent cover because the rack is in the way. And on this 2021 a skylight. Totally useless rack with upwards of 28 additional roof penetrations due to mounting screws. Also?? You might want to check the dycor sealant around those posts, mine keeps blistering and I would push water out of those blisters. And I think I know why... But again, waiting on 'my word is my bond' dealer.😐

From what I understand, unlike car dealerships, some RV dealers are paid less by the manufacturer for warranty work than they are for customer paid work? Like there isn’t a margin doing warranty stuff?

Wow Scary for brand new RV. People don't care about the quality of there work anymore, There just at factory job to get a pay check. It's really a shame what our country has become. You buy something that's over priced to start with then drop a few more grand before it's usable.

Would that oven work in winnebago c class 31k?

quality issues persist in the rv industry

That appears to be a nice quality trailer with nice upgrades.

Not true what dealer is telling him. If it was then the other parts of the roof shouldn’t look and feel glued down! Tell him to take it to the manufacturer! Quick question can I roll a UV protectant on my rv roof?

Looks the plumber at the factory was just about out of glue and scraping the can when he plumbed this trailer, all my connections are clearly heavily glued

It’s the new rubber membrane gravel roof so it’s just missing the gravel to hold it down like our building. 😂

The dealer he purchased that RV from is full of it.You and I both know and that worthless dealer knows that roof is not supposed to be like that.No such thing as a floating rubber roof.That dealer is just as full of it as the worthless dealer I purchased my RV from.They need to be shutdown and never allowed to sell another RV.Cant stand a lying worthless dealer.They give the industry a bad name.If I were the RV owner I would do what I did and never give them the satisfaction of ever touching my RV.They usually do half azz work and just spurt out lie after lie and excuse after excuse.Not worth the stress.

I think we are in a low quality time , many retired me included, my experience isn't shared now, Planes falling out the sky, leaking rv roofs cars............ yep strange times.

I use paper towels under where I thinks it's leaking, they show the smallest of leaks

Just as a friendly note, the no-hub coupling is required to be tightened to 60" lbs. This can be accomplished with a torque wrench specifically designed for this purpose. Not that you need another tool in your tool box.

You don't find it sad that a new rig has these issues?

No matter how much you spend on a "top level" coach, that price pales in comparison to the dealer you actually bought it from. Research your RV dealers and most importantly their service centers. Family RV in Ontario, CA has one of, if not the BEST service department we've experienced in our 30 yrs of RV'ing. Most likely because they ONLY service the coaches they sell. Not like a Giant RV that will service anything that comes through the door and you wait months for simple fixes. You cannot beat a 1 1/2 week average turn time on personalized service. Also, this is a dealer issue as much as it is Artic Fox. I think of AF and think top notch, but that roof job is straight BS. What kind of dealer thinks a flapping roof in the wind is standard protocol? Anything that moves, generates friction, which deteriorates more quickly over time. Absolute garbage BS service there.

Really sad,you know in your gut that roof is wrong. Salesman probably never called or read about roof. It's so!d,see you!!!!interesting to have follow-up if they talk to you??

Floating roof = a tarp roof, I don’t think it will hold for too long specially on a long trip

Wow god bless

The 80's called and they want their interiors back.

i found that fantastic vent fans have lost quality with time. the 20 year old ones are so much nicer than the cheap newer ones.

manufacturer said a certain amount of loose roof is acceptable!! right?

There's a whole lot of Northwood bashing going on here but even if you buy a Mercedes, Lexus, or BMW, very good chance you will need some warranty work done, and these RV's are like moving homes so good chance SOMETHING will go wrong. It's how they stand behind their products which counts. The dealer needs to take care of the problems ASAP no excuses and Northwood should pay for the repairs. It ain't rocket science. Yes I do understand that the demand has gone WAY up but that should give dealers more money to hire mechanics. Dealers should inspect the RV completely before it leaves the lot. Much easier to deal with the problems then.

i have found Northwood misses edges a lot even pre pandemic

👍🏽

Any type of a water leak in an RV is a huge concern!! Not sure why your sugar coating it. Needs a new roof as well.

I agree with you that the explanation doesn't match the roof. If they were only gluing the edges, why was part of the center glued? Then there's that area near the edge that wasn't glued. I call it BS.

It looks like the industries want you to keep bringing the trailers back for fixing it's a brand new trailer it should not have any issues for at least 5 to 10 years am I correct me amigo 🇺🇸🇵🇷😊🛠️

That water leak could ruin that camper

They are all getting cheaper and cheaper how they are made! Pretty poor statement on quality to have a little paper sticker on every switch!

For the price these things cost ($50k), you'd think they'd be better put together. Then again, I'm sure they are maximizing their margins....

Don’t return them keep the spare parts in a tote and just knock that off of the customers bill and you can rebuild a new customer whenever those parts are needed

They all make shit now Remove any floor vent and you will see the worse floor cuts and or vents Northwood cheapened up quality - good enough seems to be ok with them now

Yeah... about the roof. That's not right. His dealer is smoking something.

No QC anywhere anymore.

2020,2021, and 2022 have produced a massive amount of very low quality RVs. The industry has always been known for inferior materials, poor workmanship and no quality but the past few years have been unbelievably bad

I’m from the future You will repair the roof 😂 lol 😝

That roof was unsat, period.