A big truck doesn’t always need to tow a big trailer, although that’s usually the case. When you have a large truck with a serious tow rating, it can also work very well when towing a trailer that’s considerably lighter than the maximum weight the truck is designed to handle. That was the setup with our Ford F-350 6.0-liter diesel-powered crew cab and Northwood’s Arctic Fox model 27F 28-foot trailer.
The Arctic Fox test trailer weighed in at 8,180 pounds wet but empty, and the truck is rated to tow a 12,500-pound travel trailer; so, the 28-footer is obviously not a capacity load for this truck.
Northwood builds its units for serious campers and caters to backcountry users, as well as pavement pounders. The model 27F features an interesting floorplan with a mid-entry door and forward island-bed master bedroom with a curbside wardrobe slideout. The self-contained bath is aft, across the back of the unit, and the large streetside slideout houses the sofa bed and the dinette table opposite the curbside galley. Externally, the rig’s smooth fiberglass skin and end caps plus minimal graphics give it a clean, modern appearance.
As usual for Ford’s top-end pickups, the F-350 included a rasher of civilized touches, starting with a full complement of power goodies and electronic toys. Controls for these features are arrayed in a dash that’s contemporary, but familiar and fittingly designed for a macho-style truck. Even the 4WD transfer case is electronically controlled, so there’s no need to horse a shift lever when the extra traction is needed.
This was a near-perfect towing combination, as it wasn’t too large, had plenty of power, and lots of payload and cargo capacity. The truck rode and handled like a dream.
The Arctic Fox 27F and the Ford F-350 is a versatile combination. With a little imagination, the needs of many of today’s active RVers can probably be well-met by a towing combo like this.
Pick up the April 2004 issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and details on the F-350 Power Stroke & Arctic Fox 28′ — 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, nashtraveltrailers.com
