Northwood RVs are made by Northwood Manufacturing, an independent company founded in 1993 by Ron Nash in La Grande, Oregon.
Northwood is known for the iconic Arctic Fox and Nash towable brands, along with Desert Fox, Wolf Creek, and Fox Mountain.
Ron Nash also founded Outdoors RV in 2009, and both companies now operate under parent company Northwood Investments.
This guide covers who owns Northwood, where it is manufactured, Ron Nash’s founding legacy, and how it compares to sister company Outdoors RV.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Northwood Manufacturing?
Northwood Manufacturing operates under parent company Northwood Investments, with the company’s history shared on the Northwood Manufacturing official about page.
The company is not owned by Thor Industries, Forest River, or Winnebago Industries, the three companies that dominate most of the US RV market.
Northwood Investments also owns Outdoors RV, giving the parent company two related but separate RV manufacturers.
Craig Orton serves as CEO of Northwood Investments, overseeing both Northwood Manufacturing and Outdoors RV.
Where Are Northwood RVs Manufactured?
Northwood RVs are manufactured just outside La Grande, in Northeastern Oregon, amid the Blue Mountains.
This Oregon location sets Northwood apart from most major manufacturers, which concentrate production in Indiana.
Northwood employs close to 400 people, making it one of the largest private sector employers in the Grande Ronde Valley region.
This dedicated Oregon facility has produced RVs for more than 30 years under consistent quality standards.
What Is Ron Nash’s Founding Legacy?
Ron Nash broke away from the mainstream RV community and started Northwood Manufacturing in 1993.
Nash insisted on quality first, describing his RVs as always being the pretty ones in work boots.
In 2001, Nash brought in longtime friend Frank King, a 31 year Fleetwood veteran, to help lead the company.
Ron Nash passed away in August 2019, but his impact on both Northwood Manufacturing and the broader RV industry remains widely recognized.
How Does Northwood Compare to Outdoors RV?
Northwood and Outdoors RV are both owned by Northwood Investments, though they focus on different market segments.
Northwood produces its established Arctic Fox and Nash brands, known for high quality components and construction.
Outdoors RV focuses specifically on off road capable trailers, a specialty Nash developed starting in 2009.
Both brands share the same founding philosophy of quality first manufacturing under Northwood Investments.
Are Northwood RVs a Good Value?
Northwood RVs, particularly Arctic Fox, are widely respected for high quality components and durable construction.
Owner communities caution against confusing Arctic Fox with Arctic Wolf, which is an unrelated Forest River product.
Some owners note supply chain related quality inconsistencies in units built during the 2020 to 2022 pandemic years.
For buyers seeking an independent brand with more than 30 years of quality focused manufacturing, Northwood remains a strong choice.
Where Can You Buy a Northwood RV?
Northwood RVs are sold through a network of dealers, with strongest presence in the western United States.
Because the company is based in Oregon, availability tends to be strongest in the Pacific Northwest and surrounding regions.
Buyers outside this region should check dealer locator tools to find the nearest authorized Northwood dealer.
Shoppers comparing Northwood Investments brands may also want to read Who Makes Outdoors RVs and Who Makes Arctic Fox RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwood RV
Who owns Northwood Manufacturing?
Northwood Manufacturing operates under parent company Northwood Investments.
Who founded Northwood Manufacturing?
Ron Nash founded Northwood Manufacturing in 1993.
Is Northwood related to Outdoors RV?
Yes, both are owned by the same parent company, Northwood Investments.
Are Northwood RVs good quality?
Yes, Northwood RVs, particularly Arctic Fox and Nash, are widely respected for quality construction.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.