New member

[lifermc]

Good morningn
New member of the board but long time RV enthusiast hailing from socal. Have a Lance truck camper but going back to travel trailers. Selling the camper and I hope to have a new Bigfoot in my possession end of March. That's as soon as the dealer can get it in stock. I know nothing of Fiberglass so will have many questions as time passes. 1st one, if taken care of what can we expect for the trailer life expectancy? Also I will be traveling alone so wonder if this 21footer will be large enough? Bed of my truck will carry supplies etc. Last, fuel MPG Improve from the higher Lance camper profile if driving habits remain the same? Thanks in advance as I draw upon the boards knowledge and experience.

David
Socal

[Thomas G.]

Welcome David. We have FG trailers being used by members of this site from the early 1970s. Mine is a spring chicken at only 28 years old.

[David Tilston]

If the trailer is big enough has more to do with you then the trailer. Norm and Ginny live in a 16' Scamp most of the year. They seem to find it big enough. Bigfoot trailers are excellent units. They are very spacious. I have seen early 80's models that are still in good shape. Just don't let the water get in. They do have wood furniture. My oldest Fibreglass trailer is 40 years old.

[lifermc]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Welcome David. We have FG trailers being used by members of this site from the early 1970s. Mine is a spring chicken at only 28 years old.

28 spring chicken? I should be that young again. That said I assume these fiberglass trailers hold up rather well? These new Bigfoots aren't cheap and would hope it will out last me at a young age of 63. Sounds as though you are happy with your trailer. Any advice you can give me on the trailer? Thanks.

David
Socal

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by lifermc

28 spring chicken? I should be that young again. That said I assume these fiberglass trailers hold up rather well? These new Bigfoots aren't cheap and would hope it will out last me at a young age of 63. Sounds as though you are happy with your trailer. Any advice you can give me on the trailer? Thanks.

David
Socal

Bigfoots are roomy, of high quality, expensive and heavy. Owners seem to love them.

The key to long life of a FG trailer is to not allow leaks. FG trailers are much better than trailers with seams, but leaks happen and water rots.

You should have plenty of room in this size trailer. Over time you learn what is really needed and what seemed like a good idea to carry.

Congratulations on your new adventure.

[lifermc]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Bigfoots are roomy, of high quality, expensive and heavy. Owners seem to love them.

The key to long life of a FG trailer is to not allow leaks. FG trailers are much better than trailers with seams, but leaks happen and water rots.

You should have plenty of room in this size trailer. Over time you learn what is really needed and what seemed like a good idea to carry.

Congratulations on your new adventure.

So with no 90 degree angles what is most prone to leak? I know about resealing campers, what do I need to be especially wary of, doors, windows? Any frame to these things other than chassis? Thanks.

David
Socal

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by lifermc

So with no 90 degree angles what is most prone to leak? I know about resealing campers, what do I need to be especially wary of, doors, windows? Any frame to these things other than chassis? Thanks.

David
Socal

The beauty of FG is no long running seams. However, any place where the body is cut, there is a potential for a leak. Examples are windows, vents, AC units, external light fixtures, etc.

I'm no Bigfoot expert, so I'll let someone else address the specifics of the frame and suspension

[calindor]

Welcome, David!

I'm sure you will love your bigfoot!

In my experience with fiberglass trailers, I've had leaks in windows and roof vents. Repair of these has included a simple cleaning out of the drains in the window tracks, removing and reinstalling the windows and installing new roof vents.

Other people have had trouble with rivets (usually on older trailers) as well as belly band leaks. Mind you, the belly band leak is really quite rare, so hardly worth mentioning.

My wife and I have owned a 17' Boler and a 19' foot Biggar and found them plenty big for the two of us plus our 100lb dog. We wouldn't go any bigger than that, but that is our personal preference. Some of the things you have to balance are how much room you need, your gas mileage getter lower the bigger you go and your storage limitations (where you will park in the off season). Other members can add much more!

Clayton

[lifermc]

Well no real off season here in San Diego but may start spending summers in Michigan and cold seasons in warmer climate. I believe in "simple living" so will be going with the 21 foot model as opposed to the 25. Children are grown and the lady and I are no longer together so 21 will do nicely. Anyway that's the only size the dealer has unless I wait till May. Thanks to all for the information.

David
Socal

[Richard Hayes]

My Trillium 1300 is a '74, and it's still in way-better-than-passable shape. I have a few more years of life experience (that means I'm older) than you, and plan to keep using the 'Trill until my daughters have to flip a coin to see who gets it from my estate...lol...

Re the room - mine is 13', and it's way big enough for me and my dog - I'd be hard pressed to find enough stuff to fill up a 21 footer, even if I took all six of my guitars along. Mind you, I come from a long tenting/canoeing/sea kayaking background, so the 'Trill is solid luxury - imagine - warm and dry, a soft bed, place to cook and lights to read by, even a porta-pottie - how decadent can you get?

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Richard Hayes

.......
Re the room - mine is 13', and it's way big enough for me and my dog - I'd be hard pressed to find enough stuff to fill up a 21 footer, even if I took all six of my guitars along. Mind you, I come from a long tenting/canoeing/sea kayaking background, so the 'Trill is solid luxury - imagine - warm and dry, a soft bed, place to cook and lights to read by, even a porta-pottie - how decadent can you get?

I belong to the sister forum Early Retirement, and people show up regularly wondering if anyone could possibly retire on just $100,000 a year. Others think they are in heaven living on $25,000. So, it all depends on your expectations.

[lifermc]

I retired completly at 50. Looked around and said, "ok what now?" Got on the Harley and took a road trip. Got back 3 months later and said, "ok what now?" So I went back to work part time doing security at a casino. Miserable so I moved on to another job. 3 years ago I started traveling in an airstream then truck camper. Started working at 10 delivering news papers in Detroit. Learned a valuable lesson, I always had money in my pocket even if only $1.00 per week as a kid. At 60 I said to myself, "time to stop and relax." So I'm relaxing and soon to buy the Bigfoot. Thanks for all the info. Think these fiberglass trailers would float like a boat? Not about to find out at the cost of these things.

David
Socal

[Carol H]

Welcome David, like the others I think you will be very happy with your choose of Bigfoot. If you havent already seen Fiberglass-rv-4sale.com you might find a used one for sale down in your area if you dont want to wait for the dealer to bring you a new one.

[Donna D.]

Hi David, welcome to FiberglassRV

I think you're about ready to live a dream some of us would be envious of... well, at least I AM!

It's really not about the size of the trailer, but about what you have for expectations. Most of us consider the great out doors our livingroom. But, if you're the type to want to stay inside and watching TV... well then it's possible a 21' trailer of any brand/type will feel small.

When you get your trailer, set off to make a ton of memories!!

[lifermc]

Already planning my first trip to northern Michigan. Will be there for the summer and fall. Will leave early May.

David
Socal

[FTTRV]

I am a Bigfoot owner trailer #7 right now. If I were you I would buy a used 21ft and try it out camping before you plunk down $$$$$ for a new one. Used ones from 2000 to 2009 are all good trailers. Mine at present is a 2001 21ft Rear Bed. The wife likes this one. Good used well taken care are around for sale. Just thought i would give you my 2 cents worth.
Chuck

[lifermc]

Thanks for the info Chuck. Will be seeing thee 21 footer end of march then will decide and if it looks like the one I saw 5 years ago I'll be sold.

David
Socal

[lifermc]

Got the call, 21RB Bigfoot has arrived. Will start the 400 mile drive north to pick it up tomorrow abour 12 noon. Will then take several days getting back to socal. Will post pics if I can figure how to.

David
Socal

[Donna D.]

Safe travels David. I'm already looking forward to pictures

[lifermc]

On the road pulling my new 21RB Bigfoot. Have stopped for the night in a walmart located in Bakersfield, Ca. Only did about 250 miles today and timed it to avoid rush hour week day Los Angels traffic. When I get home this weekend I'll attempt to get pictures up. No weight distribution hitches and no sway bar. My dually Ram diesel does not even know its there. Keeping speed between 55 and 60 mph and average mpg is 16.7. The 3.42 rear end gears and stick shift work wonders. More to follow I'm sure.

David
Socal