Arctic Fox 811 truck camper

[Callaghan]

Brooks alberta canada

[duramex]

well that is a ways. they build arctic fox not far from here i have had 3 different ones good for winter camping hope it all works out for you

[PrivatePilot]

Thread moved to RV forum from engine forum.

[duramex]

party poopper

[Callaghan]

Just wondering if there is anyone out there that has put a arctic fox 811 new or used on a 2011-2012 gmc or chev 3500 sb srw?

[jake111]

I put a Lance 835 on my 2004.5 3500 SRW. It's probably at least 500 lbs lighter than the AF (~2500lbs vs. ~3000lbs, I think). I also think I'm just about at my weight limits.

I didn't have to add any extra spring capacity, but rear sway bars are a MUST (I'm not up on the 2011 but I assume they haven't made them standard yet?). I also put in heavier duty front sway bars while I was at it.

With my camper loaded, it's not resting on the overload springs . . . maybe a half inch clearance left, so I've never felt I needed air bags. With your extra weight you might load it and then decide if you need air bags.

But be sure to have sway bars in the back, and maybe better shocks. I put the yellow/blue Bilsteins on mine but I could use something a little stiffer (still much better than stock).

[Envelopo]

You are in luck, I have a 2010 Arctic Fox 865 on our 11 3500 SRW CCSB LML 4WD. This camper is almost exactly the 811 except no slide and weighs within 400 lbs of the 811 (which we considered at the time but went with the non slide for our uses). Fully loaded and wet this camper weighs about 3800 lbs. The truck handles the AF outstandingly well! I also had this camper on our 05 LLY 2500 and I can say without a doubt the improvements in frame, front end, springs and brakes are very apparent. I am using the stock Michelin tires the truck came with and they do fine as long as they are properly inflated (I will be going to 285s though when these wear out). I am using tork lift tie downs, tork lift stable load over load helpers and recently installed a helwig big wig rear sway bar (which was very worthwhile). With the stable loads engaging the overloads early like they are designed to do, the truck sits level when loaded and I don't see the need for air bags, IMO the suspension works better without them. The stock shocks are working well so far but I will replace them with something better when I get about 30K on them. Set up this way and fully loaded the truck weighs just under 12000 lbs with my wife, me and our little dog. About 7400 of that is on the rear axle. The truck drives very well with the additions I mentioned, very little sway and of course power to spare. It runs straight and true on the interstate even with wind and semis and handles fine in the mountains and on gravel secondary roads. We average 12.5 mpg overall with the camper on. I have run this way for about 3000 miles so far and have no desire to pop for the ricksons or 19.5s. Overall this is just a great match up, the short box is more maneuverable for us and a good second rig when the camper is off. Plus we absolutely love our Arctic Fox, I would buy another one in a heart beat. I also tow a small trailer with an atv on occasion and don't even know its there (literally!). As you can see, I recommend this set up highly.

[Dmax affair]

Originally Posted by Envelopo

You are in luck, I have a 2010 Arctic Fox 865 on our 11 3500 SRW CCSB LML 4WD. This camper is almost exactly the 811 except no slide and weighs within 400 lbs of the 811 (which we considered at the time but went with the non slide for our uses). Fully loaded and wet this camper weighs about 3800 lbs. The truck handles the AF outstandingly well! I also had this camper on our 05 LLY 2500 and I can say without a doubt the improvements in frame, front end, springs and brakes are very apparent. I am using the stock Michelin tires the truck came with and they do fine as long as they are properly inflated (I will be going to 285s though when these wear out). I am using tork lift tie downs, tork lift stable load over load helpers and recently installed a helwig big wig rear sway bar (which was very worthwhile). With the stable loads engaging the overloads early like they are designed to do, the truck sits level when loaded and I don't see the need for air bags, IMO the suspension works better without them. The stock shocks are working well so far but I will replace them with something better when I get about 30K on them. Set up this way and fully loaded the truck weighs just under 12000 lbs with my wife, me and our little dog. About 7400 of that is on the rear axle. The truck drives very well with the additions I mentioned, very little sway and of course power to spare. It runs straight and true on the interstate even with wind and semis and handles fine in the mountains and on gravel secondary roads. We average 12.5 mpg overall with the camper on. I have run this way for about 3000 miles so far and have no desire to pop for the ricksons or 19.5s. Overall this is just a great match up, the short box is more maneuverable for us and a good second rig when the camper is off. Plus we absolutely love our Arctic Fox, I would buy another one in a heart beat. I also tow a small trailer with an atv on occasion and don't even know its there (literally!). As you can see, I recommend this set up highly.

Nice review! Do the stableloads touch the overload springs when there is no weight in the back of the truck?

Just wondering, what kind of mods did you do to the 05 to carry that camper? I just sold my 03 last night and placed an order for a 2012 3500 srw cc to haul my Bigfoot. Greg

[Envelopo]

Dmax affair, When I first put the stable loads on they were almost in contact with the overloads when unloaded and you could tell when you hit a larger bump. I trimmed them about 3/8 as allowed in the instructions. The have been perfect since.

I had air bags, xtra leaf, stable loads, upgraded sway bars front and rear, 285 tires, rear wheel spacers and bilstein hd shocks. Plus an edge attitude, exhaust and intake. Overall the truck did well enough hauling the camper with all the mods (it did end up riding a bit rough though). By comparison, my 11 with the few mods I did, does way better overall. I will stress though that the helwig rear sway bar was a big improvement. I think you will very happy with your purchase. In fact, one of the reasons I went with a new one was reading about and corresponding with Paul (above). In addition to the overall more robustness of the truck, I really like the exhaust brake, the quiet cab, the better ride, refined power and visibility from the truck. I did get 1 - 2 mpg better overall with my 05 and the DEF is a pain but really not that big of a deal. Overall I am glad I did it. Enjoy your new truck! How much does something like that cost you in AB these days anyway?

[Stevec537]

Hi
what dose everyone use for tie downs with the short box? I contacted trokift , they told me that they don't make tie downs for the 2011 / 2012 short box?
thanks