my 97 is white....there a lot of BFs 17s in the town where I live....certainly before 88ish models were a tan color....I'm not sure if I ever saw a 90s (around when the 1500 badge appeared...when the rockguard got more "substantial" with supports/schocks INSIDE the guard) that was not white....
2500 series started in 2005 or so (different molds, insulation,
windows, heated tanks....and yes heavier)