Bigfoot vs. Lance Campers

[dresslered]

The Happi-Jac spring loaded turnbuckles are what I am using (I originally had installed the Happi-Jacs so that I could go pick up my new camper). The big turnbuckles go up front and the smaller ones go in the rear. Tork-lift does make a spring loaded tie-down so be sure and specify the "non-spring loaded" version (nice thing is that they are cheaper). Mine are adjustable as well, but I have been told that they no longer make these. Apparently, they've got the proper angle figured out for the new Rams so it is no longer necessary to have this adjustment.



I really wouldn't be too concerned about loosing a warrantee on a Titan V! The way those things are built there really isn't much that could break. I would be more concerned about attaching to the rear "flimsy" Dodge bumper. But even if you do, at least you are still attached to the frame.



I forgot to mention one other benefit of the Bigfoot over the Lance: you can lower your spare tire without lifting off the camper first. There is one member who will quickly correct me here as he claims that he can still remove the spare with a lance so I will rephrase it to say that "you can easily access your spare without removing the Bigfoot camper. "

 

[RobG]

The Titan V is not bulletproof. I somehow managed to bend mine while on my trip to Colorado last year. I came home to discover the thing was bent to the left. You couldn't tell until the extension bar was in it, but it was.



Camping World replaced it under warranty, but I then returned that one for a refund, because by then, I had the new truck and was ordering the Torklift stuff.



That's why I still have a Titan V extension bar (not bent) sitting in my garage with nothing to do.



Rob

 

[dewdo]

I have the 11. 5 Arctic Fox with the large slide out. Been very happy with the camper except for the slide out system. Had it back to the dealer four times to correct the problem but I am still having problems with it. They mounted the motor too far from the gear box and the gear will not always engage. I am going to check with the factory tomorrow to see if I can get the entire assembly replaced.



My last pickup camper was a aluminum frame Western Wilderness and I found the area of the frame would sweat in real cold weather. The Arctic Fox has a wood frame and seems to be well insulated although I haven't had it in any real cold weather yet.



With the camper on I weighed it a couple weeks ago. I had a full water tank and it came to 12,960 with all essentials on board, including full propane bottles and a full fuel tank.



I average 12. 5 to 13. 0 MPG with camper on and ready for dry camping. I also have the 3. 5 KW generator, air conditioner, awnings on one side and the rear.

 

[RobG]

Dewdo:



Dang! That is one <I>heavy</I> camper!!! Holy cow. And I thought the bigger Lances were heavy.



I would be curious to know how the actual weight of the Bigfoot compares. BUT, since it's an aluminum frame, which I'm also not sold on (due to the sweating problem), and the fact that I'd have to change from the Torklifts back to the HappiJacks, it isn't something I'd consider at this point.



So maybe next time I'll check out the Alpenlite and Fleetwood campers, since it's extremely unlikely I'll have anything to do with Lance again... and what's worse, they're discontinuing the one I really wanted anyway (the 1140). Hmph.



I'm looking foward to seeing a manuf. come out with a camper using a carbon fiber/composite frame. Something that will flex a bit and not break (like wood), but is rigid and won't sweat (like aluminum). Give 'em a few years to perfect it, and it could become the new standard.



Rob

 

[dresslered]

Fully equipped Bigfoot weighs about the same. Ugh!



Not sure why you have to change back to the Happi-Jaks to consider the Bigfoot (or did I mis-understand something). Bigfoot recommends the Tork-lifts. These are what I use as well.



Also, the aluminum framing is an option in the Bigfoot. If you really like wood just don't add the option.

 

[ScooterH]

The Bigfoot campers have insulated aluminum frames which stops most or all condensation,( if I understand their sales pitch)

I have been looking at new campers every chance I get for 7 years. At present I have a Coachmen. I WILL NEVER have another camper with a wood frame.

Summerwind, built in Mt. sounds like a nice slidein. Hopefully I'll be able to see one this year on vacation. Leaving for Moab Ut. in 2 weeks for a little Jeepin.

Wish I'd had a Bigfoot last year in Moab. Temperatures in the 106 range. That extra insulation would have been nice. Our air conditioner in the Coachmen just couldn't keep up.

 

[RobG]

I seem to recall somebody saying earlier in this thread that the Bigfoots wouldn't allow the use of the Torklift tiedowns. Maybe I was mistaken.



My other issue with the Bigfoots is their lack of propane storage. Unless things have changed, their website still shows a single 20 lb (5 gal) tank, compared to the 2 x 30 lb. tanks in my Lance. If this has changed, then I'm 99% sold on the Bigfoot for next time...



I think I may have to venture over to our (semi-) local dealer to check 'em out.



Rob

 

[Powder Extreme]

The Bigfoot with the aluminum frame uses injected insulation, the frame is almost as well insulated as the rest of the camper, you won't see the sweating or cold spots. Bigfoot says you CAN NOT use the happi jac system with the aluminum frame units, they recommend the torklift system. Also dual 20lb propane tanks are an option. Granted it's not quite as much as some Lance's, but when you consider they are insulated almost twice as much, you aren't going to use near the fuel. Unless of course it is for cooking. Even the generator won't burn as much propane when running the a/c because the a/c unit is almost half the capacity as the Lance, again due to the insulation. I'm pretty sure I will be buying one in the next few weeks. The only downside I can see to the Bigfoot is the high profile creating more wind resistance, on the other hand the basement storage is pretty handy. I guess giving up a few mpg's is worth it.



Jerry

 

[dresslered]

The only sweating that I have ever seen in the Bigfoot is the escape hatch above the bed. Must be all that heavy breathin'.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Hmmmm, the lil lady and I might have to check ours out and see if we can duplicate the same sweating problem Do these things come with mood lighting?

 

[WyoJim]

Torklift tie downs

Just how expensive are these Torklift frame mounted front tie downs in dollars?

 

[Powder Extreme]

I was quoted 325 from torklift for the non spring models, I think the spring models are about 50 bucks more.



Jerry

 

[dresslered]

I paid $325 for the whole set a year ago (non-spring). I don't know whether or not you can buy just the fronts.

 

[dresslered]

Here's a picture of the rear frame-mounted Tork-lift. The extension is easily removed when it is not in use.

 

[dresslered]

and another... ...



Sorry the truck was so dirty but we just returned from a trip.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Bonding with your Lance Dealer!!

Originally posted by dresslered

I forgot to mention one other benefit of the Bigfoot over the Lance: you can lower your spare tire without lifting off the camper first. There is one member who will quickly correct me here as he claims that he can still remove the spare with a lance so I will rephrase it to say that "you can easily access your spare without removing the Bigfoot camper. "

Why, thank you David I've come over all humble What else can I add. . oh yes, it's a Rickson 19. 5 spare tire combination for good measure!!



You'll notice I've stayed lurking on the sidelines so far in this thread and was genuinely sorry to hear about Rob G. 's lousy aftersales service from his Lance distributor. I learned many years ago that good service and back up for any product is only as good as the retail outlet representing the manufacturer, going into bat for you the customer and keeping the pressure up.



It's even more important for guys like me who are on a different continent, 11,000+ miles away. I chose my Lance dealer because of the sterling aftersales service, a healthy recommendation from my friend who went from California upto Alaska for the Summer a few years ago and fall then backtracked to California and then carried onto Panama and beyond. He didn't stop until he got to the tip of South America in their summer and then came back to the lower 48 along the east coast. All in all a trip of just over 12 months. ( 95 3500 4x4, 12valve CTD & Lance 1030) Since then he's been to the backside of beyond in sub-zero conditions ( and returned to tell the tale - Way to go Roy!! )



FWIW, (RobG), please give Rhonda Morgan a call at Galaxy Campers in Ontario California (909) 988-4744. Better still, go and see her if you can. With greater LA in your rearview mirror, follow the I-10 Freeway and exit on Mountain, then turn right and then left on Holt. Galaxy Campers are about 150 yards up on the right. BTW, like Bob Geldof, she doesn't like (work) Mondays.



As David has already said in this particular thread and elsewhere on the TDR forums, camper tiedowns are an emotional issue. Mutual exclusivity with sidetubes is unfortunately a consideration or limitation depending upon your point of view. So far, I'm a happy camper with Happijacs but I'm going to do some serious snowboarding trips with my son in the French Pyrenees mountains at Christmas and then in the Austrian Tyrol later on in February, so the jury is still out for me.....

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

Originally posted by dresslered

Sorry the truck was so dirty but we just returned from a trip.

Cute pics David. You sure like sticking it to me huh? Just because I won't get rid of my WAAGs and you can't have them.



Sure wish I had crossed your path last time I was in California. This is a dirty truck?You make me feel ashamed.

 

[dresslered]

Ahhh! Mr. McIntyre finally took the bait! Glad to see that you're still lurking in the background. I think that your previous post just about summed it up; a product is only as good as the dealer/manufacturer is willing to back it up.



Like I have said in the past (maybe not so much under this topic), I think that the Lance is a superb camper. I even told you that I was within 48-hours of writing out a check for one until a non-TDR member contacted me and suggested a Bigfoot (Hi Larry)! However, everyone has their own particular priorities and tries to choose the brand that best suits them.



Now on to the next subject. When are you going to knock off those silly Waag's and send them to me so that you can get some decent tie-downs?



Second, did you ever get the tow hooks (they will fit the "Sport") for pulling out those Ferds stuck in the snow?



P. S. Usually I like to slap on a fresh coat of wax to the undercarriage before I take the pictures but you were rushing me!

 

[Powder Extreme]

Where at on the receiver hitch does the rear torklift mount? How big of a hole do you need to drill in it? Is there any chance of a clamp or the like?

 

[dresslered]

Grit your teeth and drill it Jerry! You'll feel better knowing that it is nice and secure.



It is too dark here for me to run out and take a picture, so I stole a picture off of the Torklift web site. Sorry, it is a Ford, but the general installation looks similar. You have to drill three holes on each side of the hitch (ouch), but I really don't think that this will void your waranttee. Why don't you call them and check? Here goes: