Casita vs Bigfoot MPG

[Kjs]

I have no experience with either of these trailers and would like your opinions on what the difference in MPG would be in towing the two? Eventually, we want to go on a 6 month trip and I am torn between these two trailers as they both have their good points. Leaning towards the Bigfoot 17 due to its 4 season availability but cannot seem to stop debating the two. Thanks

[Ian G.]

MPG is so dependant of tow vehicle, driving style, terrain, and so many factors. The difference in fuel economy in towing either of these trailers would be so minimal that I would get the trailer that best fits your needs and likes.

[honda03842]

Nothing against the Bigfoot, but the four season ability would hardly be a factor in my vote unlesss it were free. Generally we try to avoid the winter situation. Even traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador in the spring as we are, the four season ability is simply not needed.

As to MPG, it's frontal area and shape that are the deciding factors. We have towed both a Scamp and a Casita for long distances and though the Casita weighed about 10% more thna the Scamp w could see little or no difference in miles per gallon.

On the other hand we towed a square stick built trailer about 10% lighter than our Scamp and had 10% less mpg. It seemed to us that shape and frontal area were dominating factors.

For most people on this site their mpgs are mostly defined by their choice of tow vehicle, driving habits and typical towing speeds and not the differences between 16 and 17 foot trailers.

In choosing your trailer I would lean towards the features I thought I liked and needed first, and push mpgs down the list.

We tow a 1991 Scamp 16 with a four cylinder Honda CRV and get about 22 mpg. Now we drive very conservatively and with a tow vehicle that is smaller than most on the site though many people get 20 mpg with small 4 cylinder vehicles like the Outback and Escape.

[Janb313]

I looked at both also (ended up with a Scamp). I recommend comparing the weight difference between the two to help you. The Bigfoot is wider and heavier which will affect mpg but might be worth the trade off. Depends somewhat on the year model of the Bigfoot as they got heavier in later years. Also check on the insulation as not all of the older ones are winterproof if I remember correctly.

[Donna D.]

True stories are being told! AND, it's all that and more... what do you pack to be "comfortable." It's not just size, it's weight as well. Check out the weights here: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...rld-43010.html

[Mike Magee]

It's hard to know for sure without knowing your tow vehicle. But like others said, frontal area/wind resistance is the big factor. When I went from the 17' Burro to my current 7' wide boxy trailer, it cost me 2 mpg. An 8' wide TT would make an even larger difference... and don't forget height, either.

[FTTRV]

One is shaped like a box and the other like a hot dog. I think the hot dog would win.

[Glenn Baglo]

If you camp, instead of driving, you find a major improvement in mileage.

[honda03842]

Glenn's comment is very true. On these long trips, 6 months in your case, mpg can be less important than for a short term or weekend camper. On our 11 month trip we averaged less than 100 miles a day including towing and exploring. Where a weekend camper going 300 miles from home can easily average 200 miles or more per day.

[deryk]

Pick the trailer you like and buy it. I never get the gas mileage on the vehicle sticker when I buy it...Im too fast on the gas pedal lol. If your looking to get better gas mileage then slow down to 55 and take your time going to your destination.

The more aerodynamic the shape the better your going do on gas. When I bought my ParkLiner I had no idea what I was going to average till I towed it. Coming from my home built gypsy vardo I averaged 13 and less the faster I traveled. My ParkLiner at 55mph I got 16.5mpg, at 65-70 I averaged 13.5 on the trip bringing it home. 60 did me fine keeps up with traffic.

Who woulda thought wider and taller and better gas mileage lol... aerodynamics!

[David and Nancy]

I have had a Scamp 16, Casita 17, 2 Bigfoot 21's and now a Bigfoot 25. I towed them all with a Ford F-150 with 5.4 liter engine. Mileage was identical between the Scamp and heavier Casita. I lost between 4-5 miles per gallon when going from the Casita to the Bigfoot 21. But when I went to the Bigfoot 25, there was no further change. The 25 and 21 have identical frontal configurations. This must be a greater factor than weight. As for the 4-season capability, only you can decide if you need it. I know I love it where I live. I can be in elk camp in single digits in November and still make full use of the plumbing.

[Kjs]

Thank you all for your replies. We would be a camper more than a driver during our trip so I think it is best to stay with my first choice of a Bigfoot. Can anyone tell me if they made a 4 season trailer prior to 2005? Also, what size tanks are in a 90's 17 G model?

[Mike Magee]

Deryk, thanks for posting pics. I had been imagining your vardo as much taller. Now I have persepective.

[FTTRV]

For best fuel economy make sure both the tow rig and trailer are washed and waxed or like many of us have done apply Red Max Floor polish or Poli-glow on the trailer. Making it clean and sleek with reduce air drag.
Chuck

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by David and Nancy

I have had a Scamp 16, Casita 17, 2 Bigfoot 21's and now a Bigfoot 25. I towed them all with a Ford F-150 with 5.4 liter engine. Mileage was identical between the Scamp and heavier Casita. I lost between 4-5 miles per gallon when going from the Casita to the Bigfoot 21. But when I went to the Bigfoot 25, there was no further change. The 25 and 21 have identical frontal configurations. This must be a greater factor than weight. As for the 4-season capability, only you can decide if you need it. I know I love it where I live. I can be in elk camp in single digits in November and still make full use of the plumbing.

If this isn't a perfect demonstration that trailer front surface area is the most critical factor, I don't know what is.

Bookmarking this page for future reference...thanks, David!

Francesca

[David and Nancy]

You are welcome, Francesca. We love our Bigfoot, but aerodynamic it is not. Too many flat surfaces. I can feel the wind grabbing it. Egg-shaped trailers just fly better. Bigfoots are basically square with slightly rounded corners.

[Cam A]

On your 4th rainy day, when you can stand with your arms outstretched and twirl without hitting anything; when you are admiring the view out of all those large windows; its just worth the mileage.

[Evergreengirl]

I second what David and Nancy and Cam A say! It may not be the sleekest egg out there, but oh, those windows and oh, all that room! For us, that's worth the slight loss in MPG.

[Francesca Knowles]

The Bigfoot's plenty sleek- not that much "squarer" than many of our rigs. It just has more frontal surface area than most fiberglass trailers, which is likely what causes the extra drag.

And I totally agree with those that appreciate the extra area- A space that two people can actually stand side by side in sounds like heaven to me!

Francesca

[deryk]

we all have to decide what we want in a trailer (sometimes its why people have more then 1) If your worried about the cost in fuel then get the casita, if your not concerned about lesser gas mileage then buy the bigfoot. I like that Im getting a little better gas mileage then my vardo so Im happy...but Im also single. If I was traipsing around with a few others I would want a little more room so I could have some privacy lol.