Bigfoot 17' model history

[Rusty B]

Hi, I'm interested in the 17' Bigfoot trailers and hoping to get some help understanding the evolution of this model so I know what I'm getting myself into. Does anyone know the answer to any of these questions?

why some 17 Bigfoots have a raised portion on the kitchen counter and some don't. What is this and what year did this occur/stop?
what year did they change the exterior color from tan to white?
what year did they start installing a swing-out grab handle to assist a person using the exterior stairs?
when did they offer insulation upgrades for the exterior or tanks?
when did Bigfoot stop making the 17 ft model?
what's the difference between the 17' and the 17.5 ?
what "options" were available?
is there a favorite year or series for the 17 footers?
thanks for your help, Rusty

[edward van ruyven]

I only have answer to your first question. The raised counter top is for the fridge vent.
In 1993 they added carpet on the ceiling.

[Tom Trostel]

There are two series of Bigfoot trailers that are sometimes called 17' models. The early series is the 1500 and was made from approximately 1979 to 1994. Those models official name always starts with "15", as in 15B17G. They are actually 16'8" long. The later series is the 2500 and their official name always starts with "25", as in 25B17.5G and they are more that 17' long. These are still being made. As with any model made over that length of time, there are numerous changes and updates and I've not found a list anywhere that I've looked. All models are insulated and have interior tanks and plumbing; however, later models have more insulation, dual pane windows, and heated tanks. Our 1980 15B17G is very simple compared to later models, but it's very light weight (2500 lbs.). A late model 17.5' may weigh 4500 lbs.
http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/m...980%20Bigfoot/

[Rusty B]

Originally Posted by edward van ruyven

I only have answer to your first question. The raised counter top is for the fridge vent.
In 1993 they added carpet on the ceiling.

Thanks for the reply Edward, do you know if some model years were built without the "bump" in the counter top? I think I might prefer that style if it's available.

[Rusty B]

Originally Posted by Tom Trostel

There are two series of Bigfoot trailers that are sometimes called 17' models. The early series is the 1500 and was made from approximately 1979 to 1994. Those models official name always starts with "15", as in 15B17G. They are actually 16'8" long. The later series is the 2500 and their official name always starts with "25", as in 25B17.5G and they are more that 17' long. These are still being made. As with any model made over that length of time, there are numerous changes and updates and I've not found a list anywhere that I've looked. All models are insulated and have interior tanks and plumbing; however, later models have more insulation, dual pane windows, and heated tanks. Our 1980 15B17G is very simple compared to later models, but it's very light weight (2500 lbs.). A late model 17.5' may weigh 4500 lbs.
1980 Bigfoot pictures by tomNjo - Photobucket

thanks for the pics and info Tom, your trailer looks sweet and I like the Gaucho model too. If the 17ft took a big jump in weight when it went from the 1500 to the 2500 series then I think I'd prefer the 1500 model (pre 94). I notice you don't have the "bump" in your kitchen counter either. Thanks for helping, I'm still hoping someone can answer some of the other questions in my original post. Cheers, Rusty

[Tom Trostel]

Our model has a very small refrigerator. My guess is that the bump in the counter was needed to fit a larger refrigerator in the same spot.