Truck campers have long been a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are now numerous manufacturers to choose from. One company that deserves our attention is Northwood Manufacturing, which has been active in the industry since 1993.
This time, I want to highlight their Arctic Fox lineup of truck-mounted homes, with the goal of helping you find your perfect camper. I chose this lineup because Northwood has managed to incorporate all the necessary features into a simple and straightforward unit.
The Arctic Fox lineup offers eight different variations to choose from, but I will focus on the largest model, the 1140 layout(s), to make things easier to understand. This model is not only the biggest, but also one of the most well-equipped versions from this manufacturer, providing a clear example of what is possible.
Now, let’s take a closer look at this fully welded machine with an aluminum frame construction. The corona-treated fiberglass walls with high-density foam block insulation are also worth noting. However, the real highlight of this lineup is its ability to expand the interior space with slideouts.
That’s right, what you transport on the road will not be the same as what your campsite will look like. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your home, you can simply press a button and watch your Arctic Fox camper come to life.
Now that your mobile half-shell is standing on its own four feet, let’s step inside and see what all the fuss is about. If you haven’t already, take a look at the images in the gallery to get a better sense of the space.
Imagine yourself getting ready in the morning in either a wet or dry bath, cooking breakfast in a fully equipped galley, and then enjoying your meals with the family at the modular dinette. You can even put the kids to sleep in the cab-over bed, just an arm’s length away.
These little moments will be enhanced by appliances and systems such as a 10 cu ft fridge, 22 in oven, three-burner cooktop, 6-gal water heater, and a 20K BTU furnace, among others. The camper is even generator-ready and comes with solar prep as standard. With features like satellite prep, porcelain toilets, and durable cabinetry, this truck camper can easily be called a truck home.
What I appreciate most about this camper is that Northwood designed the Arctic Fox with outdoor lovers in mind. It not only offers a well-equipped and comfortable interior, but also provides possibilities for outdoor adventures.
Imagine your vehicle parked at the edge of a forest, only accessible by rugged off-road capable vehicles. The stronger your truck and its suspension, the deeper into the wilderness you can explore. Truck campers provide the perfect solution for those who don’t want to leave a trailer behind when facing challenging terrains like riverbeds or rock gardens. There is no need to worry about towing a trailer. However, it is crucial to know how to handle the top-heavy nature of these vehicles or seek advice from experts.
Adding extra features to your unit will transform it into a fully equipped campsite. With an unfurled awning, the aroma of BBQ filling the air, and even e-bikes ready to be unloaded, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of a campsite. You’ll also find an outdoor shower and marine-grade exterior speakers playing your favorite tunes. If you have anything mounted on the roof or your 1140, don’t hesitate to climb up and retrieve it. The roof is designed to be walkable, giving you the freedom to make the most of your daydream.
Now, let’s address the burning question: how much does one of these campers cost? The price varies depending on several factors, such as your relationship with the local dealership and the specific features included. As a general guideline, a 2024 1140 model can be found on the market for approximately $50,000 (€46,300 based on current exchange rates). While this may be slightly higher than the average price for a truck-mounted home, the year-round living capabilities and the ability to keep your existing vehicle make it a worthy consideration for any outdoor enthusiast.
According to the Source autoevolution.com