Arctic Fox Debuts Luxury Fifth Wheel

Northwood Manufacturing has staked its claim to the luxury fifth-wheel market with a substantial addition to its Arctic Fox line—the new 32-5S Silver Fox Special Edition, with new amenities, residential features, and visual appeal, all placing it a cut above previous models.

The standard-build package includes such high-end features as a big 27-inch flat panel TV, surround-sound, central vacuum system and a Filon Hi-Gloss Gelcoat exterior. But Northwood owner Ron Nash didn’t stop there. He upgraded the kitchen with solid-surface countertops, a convection microwave oven, an undermount stainless steel sink and matching raised-arch-panel refrigerator doors.

To complete the standard-build Special Edition interior package, Northwood has also included stylish finish details like brushed-nickel heat registers, hardwood air return grills, variable recessed ceiling lights, variable under-cabinet lighting and solid-core hardwood raised panel doors.

All of these special features add to the cost, but Arctic Fox has held the manufacturer’s suggested retail price to $52,613, making it very competitively priced with other luxury fifth wheels.

Northwood always boasts that its frames are uniquely heavy duty since, unlike most large manufacturers, it constructs its own chassis and makes them rugged enough to deal with rough roads, and even off-road conditions.

Structural quality and durability is important in the smaller details too. The Special Edition includes residential-quality, heavy-duty steel drawer slides, Alum-a-Guard slide toppers on all slideouts, Never Lube axles, and aluminum wheels. And like all Arctic Foxes, the 32-5S is a four-season coach, built to remain operational, even in extreme northern conditions.

Storage is always a big concern for RVers, and a quick count of interior drawers and cabinet doors in the 32-5S puts the total at 41 in all and, of course, there is under-bed storage too. It also has numerous exterior storage options and features a large pass-through storage area, complete with a large heavy-duty steel slide tray.

While the standard-build model is fully loaded, the Special Edition comes with additional options, including a mood-setting fireplace/heater feature. Other popular options include a second flat panel 20-inch TV in the bedroom, rear power stabilizer jacks, swivel rocker recliners, and Onan generators up to 5.5K. If you opt for the 5.5K generator system, you will also be adding a 50-amp electrical service. Other options include a hide-a-bed, barbeque grill, satellite dish with a self-locating feature, and thermal pane and storm windows.

For more information on the Arctic Fox 32-5S Silver Fox Special Edition, contact Northwood Manufacturing, P. O. Box 3359, La Grande, OR 97850. Phone (541) 962-6274 or visit www.northwoodmfg.com.

For a free DVD of all Northwood products, go to www.FreeNorthwoodVideo.com.

Domani Shows Curve Appeal

The new Domani by Carriage is a different kind of luxury fifth wheel. Its stylish design reflects the influences of European automakers and upscale boat builders, but unlike many full-size fifth wheels, the Domani doesn’t need to be hauled by a one-ton dually or something larger.

With an unloaded weight of about 9,300 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,500 pounds, this 30-foot fifth wheel can be towed by lighter vehicles.

The sleek exterior comes with 20-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in Goodyear low-profile tires. A full-body-paint option has all new body-defining graphics. As in all Carriage products this year, the Domani has frameless windows from Hehr to complete a modern and elegant look.

Inside, the interior décor avoids sharp angles in favor of gentle curves. Like the interior of a boat that must follow the hull’s shape, the Domani’s interior is finely contoured for eye-appeal. Custom-built cherry cabinets and Corian countertops are among the luxury features. Entertainment is handled by a 26-inch Samsung flat-screen TV in the living room and a 19-inch TV in the bedroom. A Polk Audio I-Sonic sound system includes a DVD/CD player and AM/FM radio and is compatible with iPods and MP3 players, XM and Sirius satellite radio, and HD radio.

The bed and bath are unique. By using a curved wall and setting the bed at an attractive angle, the Domani’s designers have managed to take full advantage of every inch of space, and made it easy to move around. The side bath is large, with lots of cabinet space. The curved glass shower doors slide open to reveal a huge shower stall.

Domani is the Italian word for tomorrow, and Carriage has carried that theme forward with a fresh design in a luxury package. The Domani, when well equipped, carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $86,504. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.carriageinc.com. The Domani can be seen at Valley RV, 315 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon, Washington. Phone (800) 525-9849 or visit www.valley-rv.com.