In this Northwood fifth-wheel, small size doesn't necessarily mean small comfort
Jeff Johnston
Trailer Life, April 2008
The Arctic Fox 23 5A, a product of Northwood Manufacturing, is a good example of the trailers that provide RVing at its best without breaking the bank or calling for a significant tow-rig upgrade.
At an even 7,000 pounds wet but empty, many tow-rated half-ton trucks can haul the 23 5A. Its 10,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) means it can pack as much cargo as many SURVs, but it’s unlikely a user will fill that capacity given the trailer's overall size and storage capability.
A step inside reveals a somewhat snug area because you enter facing the enclosed streetside bath opposite the entry. The galley and its overhead cabinets are adjacent to the left, and the TV stand/cabinet is to the right. After a couple of steps rearward, the interior opens up due to the 44-inch-deep streetside slideout, which makes a big difference in elbowroom.
The galley details include a stainless-steel sink with one extra-large bowl and a tall waterspout. The dinette was comfortable, as the seats are sized for adults, and the table handles its duties with space to spare.
The rig's shower and enclosed bath, even with a slightly truncated space due to an angled front wall, made it easy to clean up after the days' activities. The toilet and sink area is big enough for an adult, although the space is abbreviated.
The master bed up front calls for a brief crawl in because the roof is fairly low. That's typical for fifth-wheel trailers in this size range, and it presented no access problems for us. Wardrobes at either side of the bed up front are the only hanging-clothes closets in the trailer, although we found some space in the TV stand near the entry door.
We enjoyed our time in the Arctic Fox 23 5A. We slept well, enjoyed its lounge space and had all we needed in kitchen and lavatory facilities. For lighter-weight trailer-hauling duty, a fiver like this is a terrific alternative to larger, less-maneuverable fifth-wheels.
Pick up the April 2008 issue of Trailer Life magazine for more info on Northwood's Arctic Fox 23 -- then subscribe to Trailer Life, so you can stay informed on the latest tests, previews, tow vehicles, and technical and RV-lifestyle information.
