Camper search

[IMunro]

I have been looking for a slide in for my Y2K 2500 QC LB 2WD with camper/trailer package. I have been tending to the light models, in spite of the dealer's contention that I can carry up to a 9. 5 with slide-out. Having been monitoring this and other forums I am uncomfortable with carrying very much more than 2000#.



I am thinking about an older Bigfoot, 9. 5', that the owner claims is 1175# dry.

Does anyone have any info on this model, and any comments on the quality of this?... it is a 1989 model, and a good price.



The other question I have is has anyone put a shortbox camper on a longbed truck? I was outbid on a Northern Lite that turned out to be a shortbox version(The one question I forgot to ask!!). It was a very nice camper and I had the owner put it on my truck. The center of balance was right over the rear axle and it seemed to fit just fine. I was intriqued with the idea of having all that storage in front of the camper for the stuff that always seems to be underfoot. Even an auxilliary full tank could fit in with about 30-40 gallons.



What would be the downside of such a combination, other than it did look a little funny?!



I have found that people are very proud of their older campers. Is the depreciation on campers really that slow? i. e. A 1997 Northern lite, 9. 5', with virtually nothing in it other than standard, for $10,000. 00 Seems a little steep, and they wont budge on the price.



Thanks for your input,



Ian

 

[DPelletier]

I applaud your common sense. A 9. 5' camper with a slide is too heavy for a SRW truck. My Bigfoot 25C9. 5 weighs 3217 lbs fully loaded with 50 galls water and two 20lb propane tanks. This model lists at 2450 dry w/o options. I hauled this camper on my previous truck, a 2001. 5 2500 with camper package and it was OK, but significantly over GVWR. The dually handles much better.

As far as the campers go, the Bigfoot and NL hold thier value very well. I paid 14,300 for mine (Canadian, mind you) and it sells for about 25,000 new. Its a '97 and I bought it two years ago from an elderly couple. I would rather have a used BF or NL rather than a brand new lesser camper. I could have purchased a new basic camper for what my BF cost, and I've never regretted my decision.

My father in law had a '86 BF. The only advice I can give you is to make sure you check the plywood flooring in the floor and closet areas as it is possible for leaks to cause rot and it not be noticable from the outside due to the fiberglass construction.

Good luck



Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Sorry, I forgot;

I would likely stay away from a SB model as the center of gravity will likely be farther back which will affect handling. Further investigation would be warranted, at a minimum IMO.



Dave

 

[IMunro]

That's a good heads up on the plywood floors and closet bottoms. Thanks. Yes, I wondered about the "CG" right over the axle. Ideally, I would expect it to be somewhat forward so as to put some weight on the front axle. Is there an optimal distance? I suppose one could measure the distance at the fender before and after loadinng the camper? Not all campers locate the "CG". Does the Bigfoot?



Thanks again,



Ian