Mix a rolling country road with beautiful weather and some favorite tunes with a great rig, and you have the ingredients for the perfect trip. Not only do the Cadillac Escalade and the Northwood Arctic Fox make a great looking duo, but both units exceeded our expectations as well.
Equipped with the high-revving 345-hp V-8, the Escalade pulled the Fox without effort. The standard all-wheel-drive transfer case split drive torque 40/60 front to back, keeping the 20-inch low-profile Goodyears firmly planted. With the tow/haul switch engaged, solid shifts were extracted from the four-speed automatic transmission.
We thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of Cadillac engineering while seated in a cabin that screams comfort and elegance. The standard leather-appointed seating features three heat settings and 14-way power-seat adjustments with memory settings. Large easy-to-read dash gauges kept tabs on vital engine operation with trip logistic information maintained by the “Driver Information Center.”
The Arctic Fox comes from the Northwood Manufacturing den, a northeastern Oregon company dedicated to the concept of building rugged, four-season, cross-country RVs.
The Arctic Fox 25R is a single-slide, rear-bath model with a forward open master suite that can be closed off with a bi-fold privacy slider. Plenty of daylight floods the interior thanks to large windows throughout, complemented by the standard kitchen-ceiling skylight with sliding shade.
The curbside galley is equipped to handle any meal. While some manufacturers have opted to use cook tops and microwave/convection units, Northwood supplies an extra large 22-inch oven/broiler and a microwave. Average countertop space is available for meal-prep, making the addition of a fold-up extension a needed and welcome feature.
A good night’s rest is second only to a good meal, and the bed didn’t disappoint. The 7-inch mattress is set atop a large storage pedestal. Additional wardrobe space flanks the headboard, with more overhead storage for smaller items.
We enjoyed our experience with the Arctic Fox, and appreciate Northwood’s attention to detail in design, construction and interior conveniences. This is a well-constructed, easy-living trailer worth your time for inspection.
Pick up the December 2005 issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and details on the Cadillac Escalade and the Northwood Arctic Fox — 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, (541) 962-6274, northwoodmfg.com.