Northwood Aligns With Alaska Dealer Valley RV
August 18, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment
La Grande, Ore.-based RV builder Northwood Manufacturing Inc. has added Palmer, Alaska, dealer Valley RV Center Inc. as the newest member of its expanding dealer network. Valley RV has been operating in the Anchorage market for 15 years.
Northwood COO Ward King, stated: “This is such a great fit for us and for Valley RV Center. Northwood enjoys a very strong market share in Canada due to our reputation for durable, all-weather construction. It makes sense that these product attributes make Northwood a perfect choice for the Alaskan RVer. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with this quality dealership.”
Wayne Boitz, owner of Valley RV Center, added, “Northwood products are very desirable but the dealers who carry them won’t part with them. We jumped at the opportunity to grab their new brands.”
Palmer will represent Northwood’s new Wolf Creek camper line as well as the Fox Mountain half-ton fifth-wheel line and the Snow River travel trailer and fifth-wheel products.
“Our new brands are already beginning to gain traction. We believe they will soon enjoy the same owner satisfaction and referral rate we enjoy with our established brands” said Northwood’s National Sales Director Donald Cochran.
Northwood produces the several towable brands including Nash, Arctic Fox, Arctic Fox truck campers and Desert Fox toy haulers. In addition, Northwood has launched new brands: Snow River, a step-up travel trailer and fifth-wheel line; Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Wolf Creek, a value oriented truck camper. You can contact Northwood Manufacturing via the following: Toll Free: 800-Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com; or visit the website: www.Northwoodmfg.com.
Northwood Partners With Nevada Dealer A1 RV
August 9, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment
La Grande, Ore.-based Northwood Manufacturing Inc. has added Sparks, Nev., dealer A1 RV to its expanding retail network.
“We are excited to be back in the Reno/Sparks market with A1 RV,” said Northwood COO Ward King. “They are commited to customer satisfaction and realize that it all starts with a quality product and a quality experience.”
Jami Heiskanen, owner/operator of A1 RV, was pleased with the opportunity. “We are grateful for our partnership with Northwood Manufacturing,” he said. “A1 RV chose to become a Northwood Dealer because we were looking for a lifelong partnership with a manufacturer that upholds our same beliefs. We believe that Northwood products are built to last, that the quality is unmatched and the people are integrity driven.”
Jim Jones, Northwood’s CEO, added, “We are thrilled about this response to our brands and our quality commitment.It is gratifying to have dealers and consumers seek our products as a result of our track record for building quality RV’s. Our reputation for quality is well known among the consumer public. It has been particularly rewarding this year to receive broad-based dealer recognition via RVDA’s Quality Circle Award.”
For additional information on Northwood call 800-Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); e-mail donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com; or visit the website at www.Northwoodmfg.com.
Northwood Claims Quality Pivotal in DSI Honor
August 4, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment
La Grande, Ore.-based Northwood Manufacturing Inc. attributes the company’s “commitment to quality” as being integral in its recent naming as a Quality Circle Award recipient. Inclusion for the award was based on results from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association’s (RVDA) annual Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI).
“Receiving the Quality Circle Award is an accomplishment we take great pride in,” said Northwood CEO Jim Jones. “It is very gratifying to be acknowledged by our dealers for our commitment to quality. We continually strive to build RVs that will withstand the rugged Northwest terrain and climate while at the same time serve as our customer’s comfortable and secure home away from home.”
Northwood, along with the other recipients, will be recognized on Oct. 5 as part of the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo at the Rio All-Suite Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Jones will be on hand to accept the award during the presentations held as part of the Celebrate Excellence: All-Industry Gala.
Northwood Manufacturing is a towable manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Northwood produces several brands including Nash, Arctic Fox, Arctic Fox truck campers and Desert Fox toy haulers. In addition, Northwood has launched new brands: Snow River, a step-up travel trailer and fifth-wheel line; Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Wolf Creek, a value oriented truck camper. You can contact Northwood Manufacturing via the following: toll free, 800-Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com; or visit the website at www.northwoodmfg.com/.
Northwood Owners Rally Draws 150 People
June 29, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment
Northwood Manufacturing Inc. recently hosted its annual Northwood RV Owners Association (NROA) rally at the company’s home base in LaGrange, Ore., attracting 50 rigs and around 150 people.
According to a press release, “Northwood has always been a customer-intimate company – concerned for and involved with the retail customers who have put their trust in Northwood products and their reputation for lasting quality.” Northwood said that the company leadership remains accessible to the public at large, and to dealer partners and a loyal customer base.
The rally, which is organized each year by the NROA, included in-plant tours, allowing owner to see how the product is made. Northwood said it even assigns a team of technicians to visit the campground where the rally was held and help owners with product concerns.
Northwood also arranges for seminars from supplier resources, like Carefree, Suburban, and ALKO, to help the owners maintain and maximize what they currently own and how they might upgrade their current unit with the latest conveniences after market. One of this year’s seminars was “How to reseal your RV,” which demonstrated the how’s-and-why’s of sealant renewal.
Fun activities included a golf tournament, four-wheel riding, wine tasting and a potluck. There were also opportunities to learn how to quilt and how to western dance. An industrious group of ladies completed and presented two quilts: one each for owners Ron and Sherry Nash.
The rally culminated with a Northwood-hosted barbecue luncheon with Northwood staff and executives mingling with the owners. As a final token of thanks, the executives conducted a raffle in which every attending RV was assured of winning an RV-related prize.
All entrants were resubmitted for a grand prize, which was a 110/12-volt refrigerator or freezer. The prize give-a-way was conducted by Northwood executives, including CEO Jim Jones, Director of Purchasing and Marketing Lance Rinker, Director of Manufacturing Keith Williams, Director of Sales Donald Cochran and COO Ward King.
Cochran noted, “Northwood Manufacturing values this organization of fine people and the opportunity they present to keep communications open with the Northwood RV owner. These rallies offer a great insight into what is important to the customer.”
Northwood Manufacturing Inc. is a towable manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, producing lines under the brand names of Nash, Arctic Fox, Arctic Fox truck Campers and Desert Fox yoy haulers. Northwood has also launched several new brands, including: Fox Creek, a basic camping trailer; Snow River, a step-up travel trailer and fifth-wheel line; Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Wolf Creek, a value-oriented truck camper.
BC RV Sales Receives First Fox Creek Trailer
February 7, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment

Don MacDonald (second from right), owner of BC RV Sales in Chilliwack, British Columbia, accepts the keys for Northwood Manufacturing's first Fox Creek travel trailer from Northwood’s Canadian Sales Manager Brad Clark. Also on hand to commemorate the event were (from left) Keith Williams, Northwood director of manufacturing; Ward King, Northwood chief operations officer; and Lance Rinker, director of purchasing and marketing
Don MacDonald, owner of BC RV Sales in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, took delivery of the first Fox Creek travel trailer produced by Northwood Manufacturing Inc., La Grande, Ore.
Fox Creek is Northwood’s new product targeted specifically to the first time or value buyer, according to a news release. Fox Creek is a basic camping trailer. This product has everything required to have an enjoyable camping experience without all the bells and whistles and the cost associated with them.
Unlike most starter products in the industry today, Fox Creek features a hung fiberglass exterior. This decision is consistent with Northwood’s philosophy of providing durable products built to withstand an active lifestyle and a rugged environment.
“When combined with Northwood’s off-road chassis, the Fox Creek will be a better choice for consumers looking for affordable, lasting value,” the release stated.
Upon completion of the lineup, Fox Creek will offer six travel trailer models ranging in length from 17 feet to 27 feet. MSRPs will range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Located on the Vedder Canal in northwest Chilliwack, BC RV Sales has been servicing the needs of towable customers since they opened the doors in 2000. In part, the growth and success of BC RV Sales is attributable to the strategy of specializing in towable products. The recent expansion has increased the dealership size to 6 acres and they are putting the finishing touches on the recently renovated service bays and offices.
MacDonald, a full-line Northwood dealer, perceives the addition of Fox Creek (and the other new brands) as a way to maximize his sales volume while strengthening his relationship with Northwood.
Northwood Manufacturing Inc. is a major towable manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Northwood produces the iconic northwest brands: Nash, Arctic Fox and Arctic Fox truck campers and Desert Fox toy haulers. In addition to the Fox Creek, Northwood has launched Snow River, a step-up travel trailer and fifth-wheel line; Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Wolf Creek, a value-oriented truck camper. You can contact Northwood Manufacturing via the following: 800-Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com; or visit the website www.northwoodmfg.com.
Northwood Tabs New National Sales Director
January 18, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment
Donald Cochran has been promoted to national sales director at Northwood Manufacturing Inc., La Grande, Ore.
Cochran has served as Northwood’s southwest regional sales director for the past year and before that spent 15 years with Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., according to a news release
Cochran’s experience as a manufacturer ranges from sales professional and sales management all the way through plant/regional and general manager.
Cochran will operate out of his remote office in Southern California.
Contact Cochran at (760) 415-7719, fax (760) 645-7115 or e-mail him at donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com.
First Wolf Creek Truck Camper is Delivered
January 18, 2011 by RV Business · Leave a Comment

Kevin Baker (left), owner of Apache Camping Center, in Portland, Ore., takes delivery of the first Wolf Creek truck camper produced by Northwood Manufacturing Inc., La Grande, Ore., from Northwood District Sales Manager Jim Baehmann. Baker was an instrumental force in Northwood's drive to expand its truck camper offering.
Apache Camping Center, a family operated RV dealership with stores in Portland, Ore., Everett, Wash., and Tacoma, Wash., recently took delivery of the first Wolf Creek truck camper built by Northwood Manufacturing Inc., La Grande, Ore.
Wolf Creek is one of four new brands recently launched by Northwood Manufacturing Inc. Wolf Creek is a series of non-slide truck campers that are better matched to lighter duty trucks, according to a news release.
The greatest similarity between Wolf Creek and Northwood’s Arctic Fox truck camper is the quality of the workmanship. Considerably lighter than Arctic Fox, Wolf Creek is not short on amenities. Wolf Creek campers feature welded aluminum frame construction with maximum insulation for four-season usage. It is even available with heated holding tanks. The camper is designed to accommodate two 5-gallon LPG tanks, two RV batteries and up to 36 gallons of fresh water. The 8 1/2-foot models (one configured for long bed trucks, the other for short bed trucks) carry MSRPs between $16,000 and $25,000 depending on equipment.
Kevin Baker oversees the three stores from the main dealership in Portland. Baker’s sister, Lisa Johnson, manages the Everett location, while Baker’s son, Kevin, manages the Tacoma location.
A prominent RV dealer in the Portland market, Apache Camping Center entered the RV industry in 1971 when Baker’s father moved to Portland. Apache has been a Northwood dealer since 1994 and is a top retailing dealer for Northwood. Representing the full line of Northwood products, the Apache team perceives the addition of Wolf Creek (and the other three new brands) as their best opportunity in increase market share in their markets.
Northwood is a towable manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Northwood produces the Nash and Arctic Fox truck campers and Desert Fox toy haulers. In addition to the Wolf Creek, Northwood has launched Fox Creek, a value oriented trailer line; Snow River, a step-up travel trailer and mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line.
For more information contact Northwood at (800) Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); e-mail: donald.cochran@northwoodmail.com; or visit the Northwood website, www.Northwoodmfg.com.
Northwood Mfg. Delivers 1st Snow River TT
December 21, 2010 by RV Business · 1 Comment

Officials gather at delivery of the first Snow River travel trailer built by Northwood Manufacturing Inc.
Tom Nelson, owner of Nelson’s RV’s Inc. in Boise, Idaho, took delivery of the first Snow River travel trailer produced by Northwood Manufacturing Inc., La Grande, Ore.
Present for the ceremony were Nelson who was accompanied by Office Manager Cynthia Nelson-Robinson and Nelson’s RV General Manager, Brent Thompson.
Susie Davidson with the Idaho Department of Commerce was there to recognize the event. On hand from Northwood Manufacturing Inc. were CEO Jim Jones; Director of Purchasing and Marketing Lance Rinker; Director of Manufacturing Keith Williams; and Northwood Sales Manager Jim Baehmann, according to a news release.
Snow River is one of four new brands recently launched by Northwood Manufacturing. Snow River is a step-up full line towable that offers travel trailers and mid-profile fifth wheels that will MSRP for $23,000 – $35,000. The four-season Snow River utilizes two option bundles to create a full-featured towable that includes a slideout, front fiberglass cap, aluminum wheels, power awning, LCD TV, DVD player, Winston Cherry cabinetry and many more amenities.
A prominent RV dealer in the Boise market, Nelson’s RV’s Inc. also operates a dealership in nearby Caldwell, Idaho. Nelson has been a Northwood dealer since 1995 and is a top retailing dealer for Northwood Manufacturing. Nelson, a full line Northwood dealer, perceives the addition of Snow River (and the other three new brands) as a way to increase his sales volume and strengthen his relationship with Northwood.
Northwood Manufacturing Inc. is a dominant towable manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Northwood produces the iconic Northwest brands Nash, Arctic Fox, Arctic Fox truck campers, and Desert Fox toy haulers. In addition to the Snow River, Northwood has launched Fox Creek, a value-oriented trailer line; Fox Mountain, a mid-profile fifth-wheel line; and Wolf Creek, a value-oriented truck camper.
For more information call (800) Ron-Nash (800-766-6274); ; or visit the website: www.Northwoodmfg.com
Northwood Mfg. Unveils 3 Lightweight Brands
November 19, 2010 by Bob Ashley · Leave a Comment
Northwestern U.S. towable builder Northwood Manufacturing Inc. has introduced three more affordable and lightweight towable brands — along with a truck camper for light-duty trucks — for the 2011 model year.
The new CampSite, Snow River and Fox Mountain towables and Wolf Creek truck camper were introduced to about 120 people attending an Oct. 12-15 open house at the company’s La Grande, Ore., headquarters.
”Our current brands are premium products and depending on the product, they are in the high-end of the price band,”said Sales Manager Jim Baehmann. ”That is acceptable because we’ve got value there for the discriminating market. But in terms of overall market, we’d prefer to participate in a lower part of the price band so we can participate in a larger portion of the market.”
The new brands are:
- The entry-level CampSite, a basic fiberglass camping trailer available in six 17- to 27-foot floorplans. MSRP: $15,000 to $23,000.
- Snow River, a new ”step-up” towable series with molded front caps and heated-and-enclosed tanks in eight travel trailer and four fifth-wheel floorplans. MSRP: $23,000 to $33,000.
- The all-season Fox Mountain, a laminated fiberglass mid-profile fifth-wheel available in three floorplans with GVWRS under 9,500 pounds designed for lighter-duty tow vehicles. Two more floorplans will be added by spring. MSRP: $33,00 to $45,000.
- A Wolf Creek welded-aluminum-and laminated fiberglass truck camper — also targeting lighter duty pickup trucks — currently available in two 8-foot floorplans with two additional layouts by spring. MSRP: $16,000 to 25,000.
Other brands in Northwood’s lineup include Arctic Fox travel trailers, fifth-wheels and truck campers, Nash travel trailers and Desert Fox sport utility trailers to which the company has made a series of upgrades for 2011.
Magazine Outlines Northwood Succession
August 5, 2010 by RV Business · Leave a Comment

Northwoods Manufacturing Co.'s Ward King (left) and Jim Jones. Photo courtesy of Truck Camper Magazine.
Truck Camper magazine has published an interview with Jim Jones, CEO, and Ward King, COO, of Northwood Manufacturing. Interview topics include the status of Northwood Manufacturing’s founder and president, Ron Nash, the leadership transition, Outdoors RV and the vision for Northwood Manufacturing moving forward. The article is available now on Truck Camper magazine’s website at www.truckcampermagazine.com.
Founded in 2007, Truck Camper magazine is a free online magazine with over 400 feature length articles including camper news, lifestyle stories and a buyers’ guide. With over 35,000 unique visitors and 185,000 pageviews a month, TC‘s mission is to grow the truck camper marketplace by promoting truck campers as the most versatile and efficient form of RV on Earth.
To read that story, click here.














