Bigfoot gaucho bed modification - Fiberglass RV
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Old 05-08-2016, 05:48 AM   #1
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Bigfoot gaucho bed modification

I have a Bigfoot 1992 17 foot gaucho model and the bed was to small,
I decided to change to have a larger bed without really changing anything
I enlarged the moving surface while leaving access to the toilet, put a thicker mattress.
In large cushions are blankets and pillow
Now I have a 50-inch bed in place of 42Click image for larger version

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Old 05-08-2016, 06:44 AM   #2
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That is a really elegant solution to a problem many have raised! Beautifully executed, too. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 05-08-2016, 09:03 AM   #3
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Oh, nicely done. We've given much thought as to how to improve the sleeping arrangements on our Bigfoot. In the end we decided to order a new Escape 19! We'll continue to use our Bigfoot with its original layout until our new trailer is ready (not until Jan. 2017), but I'm going to bookmark this post. When we sell our trailer this would be a good post to share with prospective buyers. Thanks.
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Old 05-08-2016, 09:48 AM   #4
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A very good idea and quality workmanship/
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Old 05-08-2016, 10:48 AM   #5
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Excellent mod. Makes me wish I had a Gaucho instead of Center Bath.
How about sharing how you configured the support.
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Old 05-08-2016, 11:04 AM   #6
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For the new mobil part , i cut new plywood with the 8 inch extention with a cut for opening the bathroom door
In close position , i make a wood frame to support the part with 2 legs
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Old 05-08-2016, 11:09 AM   #7
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Click image for larger version

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Old 05-08-2016, 11:13 AM   #8
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Thanks. Quite attractive as well as functional.

Walt
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Old 05-08-2016, 10:40 PM   #9
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Nice job on the bed modification, we have an 05 17.5 gaucho very similar to yours, my wife wanted to leave the bed out all the time.
My approach was to take down the bathroom door and replace it with a bi fold door made to match. Local cabinet door company made the same size door in 2 panels, I stained and used satin poly, added brass piano hinges on the back it folds out of the way while allowing full access, we have a maxx aire fan in the bathroom and needed a way to have the door open and out of the way when using the fan for ventilation. I am still thinking on a door latch as the original is too bulky and gets in the way. The photos were upright in my phone! I am not sure how to fix it.
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Old 05-08-2016, 11:16 PM   #10
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Fixed your photo.
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Old 05-09-2016, 01:33 AM   #11
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Bigfoot Gaucho Mod

We have a 2005 17.5G also and find the bed a bit narrow. To test a solution, I cut a piece of 1/2" plywood to 15"X 35" to fit the gaucho's end cushion. This goes next to the extended gaucho at the end away from the bathroom. I put a lip on the underside and use quick clamps to anchor it to the gaucho. It's supported by 2 "X's" made of square pieces of MDF notched in the middle to fit together. The thought was we would have a sturdy platform using an existing cushion and that could knock down flat for storage. Total cost is $0. In practice (1 night so far) it works well but does restrict bathroom access a bit. The bifold door idea has a huge appeal and would be a simple change. I'd even considered reworking the existing door.

I don't have photos but can take some if anyone wants to see.
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Old 05-16-2016, 10:22 PM   #12
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What a great way of doing it, and it also expands the (dog) seating area! Do you sleep with heads or feet at the narrow end? My husband and I just bought a 2008 17.5g, we don't even pick it up until next week, and this might make all the difference for us. We are moving to the Bigfoot from a 2005 Escape 17b, because we have five dogs and it was priced very well. Definitely something to think about after we've taken it out camping a few times!
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Old 05-17-2016, 01:47 AM   #13
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@Hillary, have you sold your escape yet?
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Old 05-17-2016, 04:09 AM   #14
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We sleep head in the wider, feet need less space than the shoulder
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Old 05-17-2016, 06:44 AM   #15
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Alan. Pictures would be welcome, thanks.

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Old 05-17-2016, 09:22 AM   #16
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We also sleep with feet toward the narrow end for the same reason.

Walt, I'll post photos later today.


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Old 05-17-2016, 01:51 PM   #17
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Heads up makes sense to me, but our feet get crowded with dogs so I was undecided

No the escape isn't sold yet, since we don't even have the BF home yet, but we have a close friend interested in it and every time I mention it anywhere I get asked so I expect it will go quickly!
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Old 05-25-2016, 04:34 AM   #18
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Modification test

After an output of 4 days, the change is marvelous. I had already put a foam on small bench but it was moving it was bulky. Now it's really a big comfortable bed with 6-inch foam.

And the day is when the bed is closed it is really a beautiful space to relax
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Old 05-25-2016, 12:34 PM   #19
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nice mods...both....

if I had a G I'd be tempted....great solutions both...because let's face it 41" ain't no "double" no matter what the brochure says.....LOL

but I noticed in the pictures.....something that used to get on my nerves and that I have dealt with....easily....and that's the shower curtain storage in the BF wet bath...

storing it by the toilet is obvious at first but it's all crumpled up at that end, is in the way of the toilet and when deployed never hangs straight....(sound familiar?)

I store it other end....after buying any old shower curtain cut it exactly in half (now you got another one for next time)....install two 1/4" screweyes (?) in the corner (not in the FG)... a length of 1/4" bungy cord....add a little suction cup....loosen the bathroom light and slip the end of the curtain behind it and tighten back up again.....

now the curtain will always lie flat against the bathroom wall (no more crumples, be out of the way from the toilet and hang perfectly straight when deployed)

very simple but a vast improvement over storing it opposite side....and you can trim the bottom of the curtain to fit the bulge created by the holding tank at the far end for a perfect fit...again so it always hangs STRAIGHT down

I love that wet bath.....I'm surprised they haven't come up with the same idea...a little larger for small apartments....sure is a snap to keep clean...

after preview...in the pictures....the wire coming out of the top of the light powers a computer fan in the hatch...(when the light is on so's the fan)...the white pipe near the floor is the rerouted heat duct that used to come out under the dinette seat....my door is turned upside down (so it opens the other way)....and I removed the door catch (hinges are spring loaded anyways)...a small bungy keeps the door secured for travel

happy trails F
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Old 05-31-2016, 05:47 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yvon Chayer View Post
For the new mobil part , i cut new plywood with the 8 inch extention with a cut for opening the bathroom door
In close position , i make a wood frame to support the part with 2 legs
Hello!
This looks like the solution to our problem! We just bought a 93 17 ft Bigfoot, after travelling in a Toyota Sunrader motorhome (fiberglass) for the last 8 years. I am 6'5" and love the height in the Bigfoot, but was concerned about the bed size. I love your idea, but don't quite have my head around how you did the carpentry. Would you be so kind as to post a picture of your handywork without the cushions on it. I think this will be my first project once I get this trailer home.
Thanks,
James
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