Bigfoot Trailers got heavier? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-14-2007, 10:46 PM   #1
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In looking for a used trailer, I'm finding used Bigfoot 17's from the 1980's are 1875 lbs. dry weight. New Bigfoot 17's are 2800 lbs. dry weight.

What year did they get heavier, and what is adding all the additional weight?

Thanks,
Fran
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Old 07-15-2007, 05:48 PM   #2
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Every version seems to be heavier than the one it replaces... and not just at Bigfoot (but especially with them)

Some contributing factors:
  • increased body width
  • additional standard features
  • thicker body construction (e.g. thicker foam in 2500 series versus 1500 series)
  • additional body structure (at some point they gained a plywood roof panel), in some cases to accommodate a more squared shape
As the trailer body gets heavier and perhaps the maker allows for more cargo, the frame might get heavier to be strong enough. Certainly the axle capacities have gone up with time, so the axles (and wheels and tires) themselves are heavier.

By the way, I doubt any of those 1980's units really weigh as little as 1875 lb (although I could be wrong). That number is probably with no optional equipment (and just about every trailer has options), and even propane tanks and batteries were at one time considered "options". Another factor might be increasing honesty by the manufacturer - the numbers could go up without the trailers actually getting heavier!
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Old 07-15-2007, 05:54 PM   #3
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Our 1989 Bigfoot 17G weighed in at 2660#s loaded on the Oregon state scales.



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I agree Brian. I can tell you for sure Dee and I did not pack on 800 + lbs.
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Old 07-17-2007, 10:54 PM   #4
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Thanks all for the reply. Very informative.

Keith and Dee, do you know what your tongue weight is, or what Bigfoot claimed was the tongue weight for your '89? We have an '88 Toyota Landcruiser with 3500lb. tow limit and 300 lb tongue weight limit. Could it safely tow this oder model?


Thanks,
Fran
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Old 07-17-2007, 11:16 PM   #5
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Hi Francine, The factory says 230#s. I think they did not include 2 propane tanks and the battery. Ours unoffically done with a bath scale right around 300#s. Hope this helps. We really like this trailer! Keith


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Old 07-18-2007, 02:18 PM   #6
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Thanks, Keith and Dee. We are considering a Casita 16 SD and the Bigfoot 17, older and lighter model. I like the greater headroom in the BF and it looks wider, too.

What do you tow with?

Thanks,
Fran
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Old 07-18-2007, 02:31 PM   #7
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Fran,

My weights agree very well with Brian on my 1991 17' Bigfoot. We are normally around 3000# loaded (the trailer gives the 1875# weight) and our tongue weight is just under 300 lbs with two fill propane tanks and a extra large battery.

I tow with a Chevy Avalanche (5500 limit) and I can two at 75 mph and not know that the trailer is there. I only loose about 1 MPG while towing.

Good luck in your choice!

- Joe
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Old 07-18-2007, 03:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Keith and Dee, do you know what your tongue weight is, or what Bigfoot claimed was the tongue weight for your '89?
Please remember that a manufacturer is most likely to give you a weight they can stand behind, and that is likely to be the dry weight. That has about as much meaning in the real world as comparing the weight of an empty suitcase to what the airline will allow as a maximum -- What you put in it, liquids, food, clothing, appliances, bedding, cook stuf, etc., will have a large effect on the final weight. Manf's dry weights, including tongue weights, are just starting places.
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