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Motor31 · 04-18-2009, 10:14 AM

You have some tough requirements. Off hand I'd say you are a good candidate for an Arctic Fox 5th wheel by Nash. They do a good job of building a well insulated and structurally tough 5th wheel. Since you want a smaller unit they may fit the bill for you. I had a Nash 23' unit and it was comfortable down to the lower teens in winter IF you had lots of propane. It wasn't the more heavily insulated Arctic Fox and had only single pane windows.

The Nash products are smaller units and go up to about 30' or so. They may not have enough storage in the basement area for full time users so be careful to balance out your wants for compact with the ability to take and store the items you will need / want to take along.

You need to look over their web site to see if they have a floor plan you like. I am not sure if they have a washer drier option. If they have a tall closet plumbed for it I'd definitely go for the stackable units (Kenmore) as that is what we use. The drier is 110 volts and not as fast as a 220 unit but does get the job done faster than the splendides do.

If you are getting a smaller 5th wheel (under 16,000 lbs GVW) you are still going to be more comfortable towing with a 1 ton. Ford has the highest tow ratings but Dodge with the cummins engine gets the best mileage both towing and unhooked. Since you are looking at Alaska you might also want to look into 4 wheel drive and stay with the dual rear wheels. The 4x4 does lower your towing capacity a bit so be aware if the numbers are close for the trucks ability to be in spec for the size trailer you want.

I use a satellite internet system with the Hughesnet 7000 modem. This gives me internet access 24 / 7, BUT all satellite based systems are using satellites that are in orbit primarily for the lower 48. A straight hughes net tripod system may not be the best bet. You might be better off going with a datastorm autoseek system where you have a possible option to switch satellites when you go to Alaska. Go to www.datastormusers.com/ to get more info on this kind of system and to talk to folks who have traveled where you want to go.

Other than satellite your best bet is to use a phone based (cell) system and you'll need to talk to the company about coverage, including during the travel through Canada.

04-18-2009, 10:14 AM	#2
Motor31 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,130	You have some tough requirements. Off hand I'd say you are a good candidate for an Arctic Fox 5th wheel by Nash. They do a good job of building a well insulated and structurally tough 5th wheel. Since you want a smaller unit they may fit the bill for you. I had a Nash 23' unit and it was comfortable down to the lower teens in winter IF you had lots of propane. It wasn't the more heavily insulated Arctic Fox and had only single pane windows. The Nash products are smaller units and go up to about 30' or so. They may not have enough storage in the basement area for full time users so be careful to balance out your wants for compact with the ability to take and store the items you will need / want to take along. You need to look over their web site to see if they have a floor plan you like. I am not sure if they have a washer drier option. If they have a tall closet plumbed for it I'd definitely go for the stackable units (Kenmore) as that is what we use. The drier is 110 volts and not as fast as a 220 unit but does get the job done faster than the splendides do. If you are getting a smaller 5th wheel (under 16,000 lbs GVW) you are still going to be more comfortable towing with a 1 ton. Ford has the highest tow ratings but Dodge with the cummins engine gets the best mileage both towing and unhooked. Since you are looking at Alaska you might also want to look into 4 wheel drive and stay with the dual rear wheels. The 4x4 does lower your towing capacity a bit so be aware if the numbers are close for the trucks ability to be in spec for the size trailer you want. I use a satellite internet system with the Hughesnet 7000 modem. This gives me internet access 24 / 7, BUT all satellite based systems are using satellites that are in orbit primarily for the lower 48. A straight hughes net tripod system may not be the best bet. You might be better off going with a datastorm autoseek system where you have a possible option to switch satellites when you go to Alaska. Go to www.datastormusers.com/ to get more info on this kind of system and to talk to folks who have traveled where you want to go. Other than satellite your best bet is to use a phone based (cell) system and you'll need to talk to the company about coverage, including during the travel through Canada. __________________ Mike Nancy and the fuzzies Fulltiming since June 2004 Volvo 660 MH tow vehicle 2005 MS 38RL 2007 Saturn Ion "toad" 2010 Gold Wing "piggyback"