Hi Laura,
Let me state out front that I have a BF 19
for sale, which may or may not meet your needs. But it is an awesome trailer that has served me very well for several years.
Having said that, definitely plan to go to the Oregon
rally. When viewing & asking owners about their trailers, consider the type of camping you will be doing in these trailers. Will you be going away for a week at a time or much longer? Are you fair weather campers or do you anticipate finding yourself in rainy Northern Pacific conditions?
Here are things you should considered:
Tow Vehicle Capacity
We have a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, which is built on a Silverado truck frame. We have just bought a BF 21. Prior to that purchase our Chevy service manager confirmed that it will safely tow a BF21, fully loaded for camping. So my first advice is to visit your Chevy service department to confirm how much
weight you can tow. They will be able to give you a computer printout.
Now, BF21s weigh more than the Escapes 19 or 21. My BF19 has a dry weight slightly under 2600 Lbs. The BF 17, weighs less. A BF21, built between 2000 & 2008, with A-C has a dry weight of 4200-4500 lbs. Trailer weight does affect gas milage and the size of any new TV you may consider purchasing. If your husband doesn’t mind bending over, Casitas & Scamps are very
light.
So, food for thought.
Trailer Recommendation
I agree that you should be looking at a Bigfoot or Escape (I don’t know enough about Olivers). These are exceptionally well built trailers that keep their value.
Bed Size
Regarding the beds, an Escape 19 has a Queen-size bed. Bigfoot & Escape 21s have double beds. Bigfoot 19s & 17s couples a Gaucho couch/bed & a dinette that convert into smallish, double bed. If you want to share the dinette bed in a BF 17 or 19, you need to love cuddling. Otherwise, you can sleep on separate beds. I do suggest you research length of the dinette bed to determine if you husband can comfortably fit. If you really want to satisfy your husband’s desires, look to a BF25 (weight may be an issue) or a Artic Fox (a well built stick trailer.)
Ceiling Height
Regarding you husband’s height, you need to go online to see cabin height for BF 17 & Escape trailers. But both have high cabin ceilings. Pay attention to headroom under the rooftop Air Conditioner. In my BF 19, the ceiling height is 6’10” &
6’3” under the AC. A BF 21 should also provide enough headroom for your husband. I do believe that cabin height effectively eliminates Scamps & Casitas from your wish list. This is not to say that they aren’t excellent, highly sought after campers.
Storage
This brings us to inside & outside cabin storage, where the Bigfoot rules supreme. I have 2 “basement” storage areas which allows me to access camping & hitch equipment I do not want stored in the cabin. I also have great storage in the main cabin. I have toured Escapes and storage (and price) is what steered me to the BF21.
Price
You have not mentioned your budget. For your first trailer ever,
consider previously owned. You are better off with a well built & maintained Fiberglass trailers than “stick” trailers. Accordingly, avoid a “project trailer”. Escape trailers are very expensive to get into. And if you think you will be replacing truck sooner than later, consider if you want to spend $30,000-plus on an Escape. Which leaves Bigfoots.
If you have the physical space to store it, seriously consider a previously owned BF21 or ... BF 19.
Please check out the ad for my trailer. It may very well meet your needs.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ass-89545.html
Best of luck.