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Does anyone have imformation regarding the empty weight of a '94 Bigfoot 17.5? Thanks, Dale H
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Bigfoot did not make the 17.5 model until 2005, the older 1500 series Bigfoots were listed as a 17 foot even though the actual length was 16' 7". The dry
weight for a 2004 15B17CB was listed as 2615 lbs, and my 2000 17' model's dry weight is 2490 lbs. I expect a '94 would perhaps be listed at a slightly lower weight.
The weights of the 17 footers seems to have increased as the years passed, partially due to some options becoming standard in later versions, but more likely to more realistic numbers being quoted. In any case, the dry weight is almost meaningless as it doesn't take into account any options, no
propane in the tanks, no spare tire, possibly no
battery, no clothes or supplies etc. In fact, there is a itemized list of options that came with my
Bigfoot, and it totals an additional 240 lbs for a actual factory dry weight of 2730 lbs. This is probably fairly accurate, as the last time I weighed my unit on a scale in camping trim, the
axle weight was just slightly over 3500 lbs while connected to my tow rig. This indicates to me that the actual total weight of my Bigfoot is in the 3800-3900 lb range. It also is prompting me to replace the factory 3500lb
axle with one of a higher capacity.
I would expect most recent 17' Bigfoots would average around 3500 lbs total fully loaded and ready to roll. My unit is slightly heavier due to the addition of
air conditioning, stabilizer jacks and
solar panels as well as a few other modifications. Early versions with few options and lightly loaded could well be closer to 3000 lbs.
If you want to tow a 17 foot Bigfoot, or any trailer, I think you should look to the total maximum GVW of the unit as a guide to how capable a tow vehicle is required and forget any listed dry or empty weights. To be on the safe side, I would add 10 to 15% to the GVW and use this figure to decide what tow vehicle to use.
Steve.