If there’s a hot product in the RV market, it’s the SURV. For 2006, Northwood Manufacturing introduces the Desert Fox 24 AS, which includes a forward bedroom while carrying a 10,400-pound gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) that places it within the towing capabilities of virtually all heavy-duty pickups, as well as more capable SUVs.
Even in a relatively modest 24-foot 3-inch body length, the 24 AS packs in all the comforts RV buyers have come to expect, including an enclosed bedroom, a good-sized bathroom with separate lavatory, a compact but well-equipped kitchen with a large refrigerator and a dinette/seating area in the center of the trailer — all arranged to include a large rear storage area as a focal point of the design.
Northwood uses 2 x 2-inch wood framing in the walls and the floor, with 1-inch structural plywood as flooring and commercial-grade vinyl as the floor cover. The exterior wall surface on this unit is optional Filon fiberglass with R-7 insulation, and R-18 insulation is found in the ceiling. The ramp door is very sturdy, with a 1-1/2-inch steel frame as its core.
The 24 AS has capacity for a substantial 78 gallons of freshwater, 14 gallons of LP-gas, 38 gallons of gray water and 35 gallons of black water. And it has the optional AC generator (4kW), fueled by the trailer’s on-board 35-gallon gasoline fuel station. Solar panels are optional for even more independence.
With all of the seating folded away, the storage bay is 9 x 8 feet — more than enough room to tie down our three motorcycles, a full-size backyard barbecue, a grand assortment of toys for the kids and a large folding table. The trailer’s entire rear wall/door is steel-reinforced, hinged at the bottom and spring-loaded so it can be easily dropped to form a loading ramp.
We found the 24 AS to be a worthy addition to the Desert Fox lineup, offering a functional, comfortable floorplan in a relatively maneuverable overall trailer length with a full line of options — a very effective package for camping with off-road equipment or any number of other activities that require a large cargo area.
Pick up the September 2006 issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and details on the Desert Fox 24 AS — then subscribe to Trailer Life, so you can stay informed on the latest tests, previews, tow vehicles, and technical and RV-lifestyle information.
Northwood Manufacturing Company, (541) 962-6274, northwoodmfg.com.
