What Ever Happened to the 2021 Arctic Fox Rubber Roof?

[@InvertedMike]

Once again you are helping us RV DIY owners in developing more confidence with finding solutions to our RV’s eventual problems. Your extra efforts with camera work and narration is very much appreciated. 👏🏻👍

[@markstench4470]

James you are a true Craftsman in your trade, what great pride in your work. You are always teaching, thank you for educating the masses.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Your work ethic never gets old. Kudos to you, Chad, and Miguel.

[@markwilson9196]

I like it, you didn't cut any corners, a rare thing today.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

Someone at Artic Fox is breathing a sigh of relief that they didn't have to do this.

[@kckettridge]

Someone at Artic Fox needs to be FIRED!

[@patrickjohnson7801]

@@kckettridge unfortunately it's the wave of the time's with the fakedemick and the B's that is going on with all companies that mfg that need labor ( skilled) you higher what you can get and hope thay stay.

[@ajax9948]

They'd just try to sell them a new model.

[@flatlander6928]

@@kckettridgeif it’s like Florida, they can’t get any laborers so the ones they have are just coasting, collecting an undeserved paycheck, knowing the company can’t get help. What happened to pride in your work ethic?

[@grammab9785]

The customer should be very happy. You made it better than the factory new was. Nice to see someone take such pride in their work.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@Billy97ify]

I can see that careful workmanship is everything in RV repair.

[@AZExpert]

If only it was in the manufacturing process

[@stanlow3235]

Your attention to detail on your work continues to amaze me on each project. I look forward to watching your videos for the creative techniques and solutions you come up to repair customers RVs. Fantastic to watch you work. You are an artist in your trade.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much!

[@philw7174]

Glad the factory agreed that the original build should not have been done like that. Hope they covered the cost of repair. Thanks for this video, well done. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Getting a claim paid is like dental work

[@jesusfoshage6373]

Love how you truthfully and sarcastically call out the manufacturers for their shoddy builds.!!! Also, like how you don't take shortcuts.... Go above and beyond to do it the RIGHT WAY.... LIKE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE.!!!

[@scottpowell6710]

AZ Expert great video ! We have an Artic Fox 25Y that was built prior to 2020 and we have had very few problems and nothing that I could not fix myself and I have heard many stories and have seen some issues for myself and we will never purchase any large capital item that was manufactured from second quarter of 2020 through 2022 because of problems just like this. I am very disappointed with AF that this has happened, but not surprised as all the RV manufactures suffered from bad quality and poor workmanship and my opinion of AF is not the same as it was when we purchased our AF 25Y. Because of issues like this we have delayed our purchased of a new RV until at least 2024. Using the incorrect screws in my opinion was just not right and some of the roof framing I hope was just a workmanship issue and corner cutting by the crews and this is not happening today. Very disappointed with Northwood MFG !

[@philthome1303]

That’s a tremendous amount of persistence and sticktoitiveness you demonstrated there.😊 not to mention the deep pool of experience you draw from. Outstanding! 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!! :)

[@darkcontrast8470]

My hero!! I know your pain all too well. Way to stay true to values and not cheap out like most.

[@cmh2111]

I hope someone at AF is being made aware of the poor quality. I for one would buy an AF after seeing this. Not only are you doing great repairs, you are enlightening the consumer to build quality.

[@AZExpert]

they are and contacted me. They were very nice and have already made changes to the process. Northwood is a good manufacturer

[@DLTJR1959]

I don't like rubber/TPO roofs. End of story. Period. I had to replace one on a 92 Prowler 5th wheel that was exactly 12 years old. The previous owner did not store the unit under cover. It lasted exactly 12 years. A local repair shop replaced with rolled aluminum one piece. Very pleased with the results. Did I mention that I don't like rubber roofs? Great job again James. I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail.

[@AZExpert]

I understand completely

[@flatlander6928]

Just want to say thanx for putting these videos out. I know it takes time to put these up, besides the repairs you are doing, and then explaining them along the way. After watching numerous videos of yours, I see the actual build and know what to expect while I’m working on my coach. My advice to an RV owner, if you can’t do maintenance on them don’t buy one. It’s a life style, happy trails!

[@luvndana]

We thoroughly Enjoy and appreciate your shares of these tasks... Your thorough explanations are educational and informative. TY sir..!

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that!

[@SkiddingF350]

I've seen many with ballooning roofs and was curious why... now I know. Thanks again.

[@pauljordan756]

If I ever need repairs on my RV it may be worth driving from TN to AZ to you! I am very impressed with how you always take the "do it RIGHT" approach vs. any shortcuts. Great work! 👍

[@raduazdril9533]

I drove to James from central California and could not be happier with his work.

[@rockeyoliver7254]

Awesome work James! Your video’s like today’s is eye opening & concerning!😱 My 2022 Thor Hurricane 34J is being manufactured using TPO for their roof membranes. I surely hope that my motor coach isn’t going to be like this ‘21 Fox! Lastly, sure wish you were available here in Indiana before I take delivery to do the complete nut to bolt PDI on my unit like you did on the detailed ‘19 Tiffin rebuild series! Kudos again on that, and your vacation short video’s! Wish more RV Technicians were as detailed like yourself James. I trust, and appreciate you. Have a great weekend. Looking forward to seeing and learning more from you on your next video!

[@AZExpert]

thank you very much. I appreciate it

[@brianbiggs3484]

Thanks James this information made me check out my 2013 Arctic Fox basically the same thing with the hex head screws & different lengths 1” & 1 1/2 “ . The 1” weren’t grabbing into anything on the front cap . Replaced them all with longer Phillips pan head 👍👍🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️👍😁

[@carlstanoyevic3070]

Great video should have looked a little further thank you for all your information. What a great job your expertise and care for your customers and there equipment is impeccable. God Bless.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@badgerpa9]

Very nice video explaining this. I saw multiple 5th wheel rigs on the Interstate yesterday and more than one had some ballooning, all seemed to be in the front except one looked to be ballooning down the entire middle right past all 3 air conditioners it had on it. We saw over a hundred in the 12 hour period started trying to see if we would see every manufacture that we knew. Thanks for the video. Glad your trip was fun.

[@AZExpert]

I saw many on the road trip too, way too many

[@donoien3059]

I'm surprised this happened on an Arctic Fox. I just sold my 2003 Arctic Fox 5th wheel. It was trouble free. I was very impressed with it.

[@jjjpetersen]

Great video. A master in the RV industry at work. 👍

[@edwhitespeareftrvlife9815]

I have to say it, it is almost always a true enjoyment watching your channel & projects. I say almost only because the things you reveal are frustrating allot of the time. That stated, the way you go about your repairs are not only honorable. But truly, Understandable, and creative in a lot of ways. I toot my own horn as being handyman jack of several trades. and a do it yourselfer. 45-foot-high

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!! :)

[@RAINWOLFEN]

Good work, too bad it was not done right from the start. Keeps you in business and keeps the owners stressed if the product is good. This is why people worry about the quality of every RV. Too bad that the owner could not trust the dealer that sold the trailer to them. This should be an alert to Artic Fox as an issue for them and for their sales staff. Again, always good to watch you at work. It gets confusing however what sealants to use. I have a few more years to go before retirement and will be going with a Class A. Will definitely look for a good inspector that knows their stuff and proper inspection and sealants used.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

Thanks the video. I pealed paint off of a gulf stream coach years ago out at Apache Junction. But lately I have been doing some interior and exterior apartment and condo upgrades/repairs. Usually I do plumbing in Arizona, but after years of it and 300+ homes later, 40+ businesses, and a coue of government building jobs I still can't get paid enough to afford my own home and still afford to get to work and the other cost of living so I moved to a different state.

[@AZExpert]

We do have a high cost of living here now

[@jeffc6268]

You are very patient which makes for an excellent repair.

[@MsAdriano7777]

love your videos. Man, so much to learn. Wow!. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@Andrew-315zz]

Thanks for the great video. We appreciate you and others like you who care about doing a job the right way! Seems to be the exception these days and not the rule. Again, thank you.

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching! :)

[@chopwood2995]

Really regret roof rips, really regret roof rips, great tip if you regret roof rips. Slides off the tongue eh? Love your style, your humor, your skills! Ripping it!

[@CaptainCornBurner]

Another high-quality job completed I hope this repair wasn’t the first job you had to do after your vacation. It’s just amazing the quality control that is being done on all these new RVs regardless of manufacture.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@terrytinagero777]

Day ja voo....just like big red.....on the vent. Thx James, now I want to check mine

[@johnr5545]

Always enjoy your videos great job God bless

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mylynne1953]

We are considering a used Newell in the Phoenix area. Will be contacting you to do the pre purchase inspection.

[@timkane9707]

Superb video. Thanks. For good to fair weather during maintenance for sealants I've shifted from Proflex to Sika marine grade sealant on exterior wall applications (windows, doors, joints both laterally and horizontal applications. Longer tooling time and quicker curing.

[@AZExpert]

I really do not like proflex, but it is readily available and works good enough

[@georgecook1374]

I know this much if i ever had issues with my rv I would want you to be the one to repair as your detail for getting it repaired and repaired right would be well worth the cost and the trip to you. keep it up.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks George

[@philw7174]

Good job. Thanks for the video James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks, you too!

[@mykgrauss9872]

Arctic Fox should be responsible and I hope they compensated you and the new owners. Great job as always my friend!

[@AZExpert]

they have agreed to cover the repair

[@JeffinTD]

Overall it looked like they did decent sealing the roof, and the lack of adhesion looks like an error rather than how they intend to build them. Glad they covered it, and good job. I was expecting you to end up doing the whole thing.

[@OddsandSods26]

And as I watch farther, grind down the outside of the 1/4 sockets so they fit into the tiny vent holes. I've done that on various sockets as well. The sockets don't normally need that much support to torqueing.

[@AZExpert]

I have numerous sockets I have made too, the thin walls wear out. I just haven't had to make a new one in awhile

[@itchntohitch4143]

If the folks at Artic Fox see this they should do the right thing and pay for this and give the owner a little something to boot for the massive trouble they caused. Another stellar job by a master!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@windfall35]

Its a great example why what often appears to be a small item can be so costly...There's a tremendous amount of time and effort expended on something that should have been overbuilt in the factory when access was easy and a little bit more glue and longer/stainless Robertson screws would have cost very little...It also demonstrates how each step leads to a next, more involved step time and again. If I was confronted with this challenge I admit that I would probably have considered a seam over the bubble area, re-glued with eternabond or some form of liquid sealant on top....

[@robertfasnacht6047]

I really enjoy your videos. Alot of the issues you take on are out of my comfort zone but I'm learning alot. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

You are so welcome

[@KevinCoop1]

It’s a good thing you had excellent assistant!

[@ZX6Rblksheep]

Awesome job James and crew!!

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@cwshumate914]

I appreciate you sharing an update on this. I'm glad to see that you are doing the right thing since the dealer clearly isn't interested.

[@1hasbeen531]

Glad to see Northwood stepped up to the plate. Pretty sure I know which dealer, and obviously things have not improved since changing ownership.

[@frankietuned]

You sir are the MAN!!! As always thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge!!!

[@pauulmerucci9081]

You are the coolest cat, I would be losing my mind

[@AZExpert]

I cut out the swears in editing lol

[@tristiancorbett8896]

Great job as always good to see someone doing it right and proper

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@barbarapalmer1311]

I love to see people that actually still have a work ethic. So sad to see someone have to pay to have this done properly . When it wouldn’t have taken anything extra to do it the right way the first time. Sure do miss the days when everyone cared about their jobs.

[@AZExpert]

I wish more employers cared about their employees, maybe the employees would reciprocate

[@bobjohnson6241]

Great job, never figured why factory's do so bad of a job when they make a lot of money on campers and motor homes. Thanks for your experience

[@AZExpert]

some would say that's how they make the money the RV world is a strange industry unlike most

[@dongriffin3025]

Your videos are so awesome - I learn so much and again your an artist working on these things!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you so much!

[@corrtechit2901]

I have a 2019 keystone Outback that I need to do the exact same thing to. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!!

[@AZExpert]

Good luck!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I like those lath screws, hard to find them in 2" sharp points around here.

[@davischappell4664]

Try going to a hvac supplier and get what we call puckie buster that helps take the hex screws out

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@redcauthen771]

Question, which do you prefer Rubber or TPO ? Great show and tell, how many manufactures have call you about your “opinions” of there building style. 😊😊

[@OddsandSods26]

You need to grind down the end of the 1/4 hex sockets to remove the excess rounded part. Get a nice edge to fit the screws and they will work much better. I do that with all my smaller sized sockets. The extra little metal on the end of the socket prevents the smaller heads from fitting inside properly.

[@AZExpert]

thanks

[@ronmoore3987]

Thanks 4 that tip !

[@mjmohn]

Good job there and thanks for the video documentations. Stay safe.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks, will do!

[@backtoasimplelife]

New subscriber. The education you are providing is priceless! Thanks so much!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for subbing!

[@montyhenson2664]

Since you have to roll back roof to re apply adhesive? My experience is to treat the underlying wood with penetrating epoxy resin so if or when the future leak occurs the wood on the roof will not absorb any water and the repair won't need to include rotten wood.

[@AZExpert]

there wasn't a leak or rot, just loose membrane

[@TheBandit7613]

Nice job. Almost looked tougher than a new roof. I see you're back home and back to work. Gotta keep bringing the money in.

[@Jeff_PNW]

Nicely done, James! 👍

[@AZExpert]

Many thanks!

[@jameslowmanjr6141]

I finish. You remind me of that Canadian homes construction worker that had his own show. That was showing the wrongs that the Home flippers were doing. You’re the homes guy of the RV world. 😂😂😂 this one video opens up so many cans of worms.

[@AZExpert]

I remember that show! Thanks!

[@jameslowmanjr6141]

@@AZExpert No your welcome. I Hop people high light this videos like this to others. So just because its new I WANT IT. Don’t sign until you get a Second independent inspection. If you can. Like I been saying in other comments. We build it to just last to the end of the warranty. Now the really sad part. This is supposed to be a high-end trailer. And it carries a sticker on it that says made in America this is what we got to look forward to. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@jamesderr1344]

You know what every builder I ever worked with says, "You can't see it from my house."

[@diconustra]

Makes me glad that my old camper had a seamless aluminum roof.

[@AZExpert]

I do like older campers

[@alowe338]

Wondering if this repair was covered by the factory

[@Yukonjackman1]

Major bummer but it will be done right this time , I would replace the whole thing then no go backs to fix later. A quality job done by quality people.

[@johnschmehl668]

You should feel good about it, you did a great job 👏.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you! 😊

[@cjc1103]

This just highlights lack of quality control by the RV manufacturers. Amazing amount of work to fix what would have been an extra 2 minutes by the manufacturer to make sure the membrane was glued down properly when it was installed.

[@briandoucette9643]

4 inspection they go through ! Manufacture and dealer ! before you get it. wow

[@AZExpert]

They use the term "Inspection" loosely

[@hjc5458]

I'm sorry I watched this video. Had I been the owner it would have been making a trip back to the factory. But as my old boss always said. If you can't take time to do it right the first time, how you gonna find the time to do it right the second time. I always thought Artic Fox was a top notch builder. In fact that would've been on my short list of builders. Another great video.

[@kckettridge]

Actually Artic Fox is one of the better towable builders but they all cut corners and cheap out. It's quantity over quality and has been for many years.

[@ronmoore3987]

That buyer now knows you can't trust even a new roof. Get a good folding ladder and for 2 or 300 bucks save thousands and keep a bad salesman's ass right in check

[@RussG]

Anyone who is interested in better understanding why RV manufacturers have a bad reputation would do well to watch this video and consider the technician's comments.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@brianfeeney1290]

After a job like that maybe hop back in the Tiffin for another 2 weeks keep up the great work

[@AZExpert]

That would be cool

[@DonniePhipps]

Good job as usual...such shame a brand new rv needs roof work.. Wish these companies would worry more about quality instead of quantity

[@AZExpert]

every RV needs a good shake down

[@mikeallensonntag]

Well from what I see artic fox does pretty good job with the exception of that glue holding the rubber. Honestly what can be taken away with most of the rv roofs you do is manufactures should really have quality assurance or supervisors on the floor over looking the process of the build of the rvs start to finish. If there is someone that stops these guys from making mistakes like this I think quality and warranty work would be reduced significantly.

[@shanedeveley731]

Another great job James!! So is this considered a factory warranty job?? So good to see how you take great pride in every job that you complete.

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

I gave up on pro flex, Lexel is awesome!!

[@robertburgess6100]

It's a shame that it wasn't done right in the first place. Good job fixing it.

[@hcrffi]

👍👍 Now, the roof is much much better than when it came out of the factory. Manufacturers way of cutting cost. Less glue, wood, screw, etc... Just enough to last through their warranty period. In this case, they miscalculated. Didn't last through warranty.

[@robjenkins5682]

Glue deck and sheet and let dry to the point of tackiness and then roll in. That's how we do on large commercial rubber roofs

[@GR-xl1lk]

What do think of the northwood desert fox 27fs

[@Chris_A_]

From watching this channel for the past few years, I have gained the knowledge that very few (less than a dozen) rv manufacturers produce a robust and quality product. I fear that I may need to build my own rv, from either a monocoque commercial bus, or raise the roof on a Thomas school bus 😐 There is the option to searching for non-slide Prevost based coach, or a Newell. As far as a trailer, it must be based on a commercial moving trailer or a retired race team trailer with lift. What would you do?

[@AZExpert]

I may someday reveal the RV I have.. :)

[@rhuaustin9004]

do you have a vidieo on replacing roof on your pop out .my pop out is a 2013 raptor toy hauler keystone..im learning by your videos..please respond if you can.

[@mykgrauss9872]

Why won't they listen to you James? You've proven this problem in your videos. I'd order mine without those vents in and do them myself. That bullcrap they can't do it right.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

Can you please give me your top 3-5 class A motorhomes as far as quality and longevity please. Used is preferable and my price range is probably between 40 and 100k. Thank you so much.

[@AZExpert]

I have several videos that address this. Really it's what works for YOU

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

@@AZExpert ok. I’ll search the videos.

[@tombeilman5579]

Murphy’s law anything that can go wrong will go wrong, never just one thing, as a side note when you countersink all the nails it doesn’t hold as well, factory

[@cindyr4462]

I need a replacement of my rubber roof on my 27’ wilderness travel trailer. Where are you located and what would be a ballpark cost. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

I'm not taking any new jobs currently but I appreciate the offer

[@anthonygallegos3891]

James not many like to show their work. You do a great service to RV owners. Do you have a recommendation on a book or material that RV owners should read on DIY inspections when looking to purchase a unit of coarse besides having a professional inspector opinion. Is there a certification the inspector should have when we look for someone? Your work and knowledge is greatly appreciated, thank you. Anthony New Mexico

[@AZExpert]

I don't think books can keep up. KZbin is a wealth of information

[@anthonygallegos3891]

@@AZExpert Thank you for responding so quickly. I have learned a lot from you. I'll continue to watch and learn. Thanks again

[@Georges3DPrinters]

At the AHR expo, Malco has a new bit coming out. Better then the "pookie buster" driver. Flip bit, plus teeth. Keep an eye out for it. Easy cleanout of the tip and will cut right though the sealant.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@Georges3DPrinters]

@@AZExpert thanks for the videos. Hope the comment makes more sense now. I didn't reread it and see that it changed AHR expo to airport expo. Anyway. Have a good day. I am a service tech. Let my roof inspection go by for a few years. Just checked roof before expo trip. Cuts from manufacturer in edpm. Also leaks at skylight. Looks like manufacturer overtightened cover and broke the plastic on three sides with screws, then covered with dicor. Roten corner now, soft roof that was a walk on. Fun times ahead, so I found your videos to help me "prepare" what I'm going to have to fix. Never done roof stuff before. Well, the Roten wood replacement anyway. So thanks for all the roofing stuff. It's helpful.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

It seems like that coach roof needs more paint on it also.

[@matthewstrzelecki4280]

Mike 2019 jayco pinnacle roof is loose like that looking at all the work that needs to be done I might just have that left alone I don't want them messing with it I don't have people out in Michigan that know how to do that type of work we don't have a James in my neighborhood

[@AZExpert]

Contact a local dealer, they may know someone

[@Tom-Fisherman]

You and your team, as always, do an excellent job with what you have! For those of us that watch your video's often...some may miss the Eternabond comment. :-0 Wow, how cheap! No stainless screws. Lance uses Stainless and or aluminum screws going into aluminum channel. Looks like Arctic Fox has some issues with their 2021 built units...I would be worried If I had one.

[@AZExpert]

Lance builds well too. I personally do not like stainless screws as they strip easy and tend to break more often

[@fredhill3565]

Would you recommend the Artic Fox?

[@cessnapilot8656]

I guess when you buy a new or used RV you should get a independent inspection done on it for your own peace of mind

[@AZExpert]

That's a great idea

[@TheGregWallace]

Why didn't you put caulk in the wholes of the final screw top seal as you screw that backup seal down?

[@AZExpert]

the front cap screws? The molding has a butyl tape that will seal them, sealant on the tape keeps the tape from sealing properly.

[@TheGregWallace]

@@AZExpert makes sense. Yes I was talking about the front cap screw. Are your talking about the screws on the side?

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Wow.. Factory agreed to pay for repair?

[@montyhenson2664]

Thanks for another good roof repair how to. Not my type of roof but I learn tips from each one you do.

[@AZExpert]

Glad to help