BigFoot Weight

[Bob Miller]

I am looking at a 1989 17' Bigfoot w/gaucho floorplan. The seller is claiming 1875 lbs empty and about 230 on the tongue.
The "Real World Weights" thread shows two 17.5 Bigfoot rigs, one at 2600 lbs w/360 on the tongue, the other at 4040 lbs w/380 on the tongue.
IS the 17' different from the 17.5'?
Does anyone have the empty weights and/or additional weights for this fine rig?
If you have one, what are you pulling with?
Many Thanks
Bob Miller

[Daniel A.]

My 1991 weighs 2800 pounds loaded tongue weight is 300 pounds.
I have a 12 volt battery and two propane tanks on.
Fresh water tank full which is a 30 gallon tank.

Later units or newer picked up a great deal of weight not sure which year that started. Manufacturer weight for mine is also 1875 pounds empty the one your looking at is likely almost the same.

[Robin G]

Bob, the seller is probably going by the manufacture weight, that's before tanks, fridge, A/C etc..............


So I would go with the weights posted in the "real world weights" granted some of the poundage is from individual gear, but I can bet the trailer weighs more than the seller says. Good Luck!

[Evergreengirl]

We have a 1987 17' Bigfoot with the gaucho plan and it weighs about 2800-2900 lbs with about 300-350lbs tongue weight when we have it loaded with our gear ready to go camping. We usually run with our fresh water tank half full and our holding tanks empty. We try to travel as light as we can and put some heavy items in our tow vehicle, a Ford E150 van with a V8 engine.

[Michael Pupeza]

My Bigfoot 17CB Deluxe with all the addons and loaded for travel hits close to the maximum 3500 lbs - tongue weight unknown but estimated at 350-400 lbs.
I tow with a 2011 Toyota Sienna with no problems. I keep the tires at 50 psi and do have helper Air Bag 1000's on the rear coil springs of the Sienna. I don't know why the weight is so much more than the closet door specs, as I added the estimates of the pieces and came up short, but there it is. I do have all the bells and whistles - 2 #27 batts, awning, fridge with freezer, dual propane tanks, AC, etc.
I do travel with empty grey and black tanks but full fresh water.
Plan for the max and you won't get any surprises.
Mike .....>

[lonnyda]

I have the same trailer as Mike above and tow with a 2006 Honda Odyssey. I also have air bags and it tows fine. Would like something with greater towing capacity next year though. I have not weighed my trailer yet, but strongly suspect it is close to 3500 lb too and not the 1875 lb, the closet says as it would feel a lot lighter back there if it was.

[Bob Miller]

Thanks for all the replies.
It does sound like it will get a bit heavy for any tow vehicle I would want to match with it.
Thanks Again everyone
Bob

[pindraak]

You need a good V8 to tow one. My 5.3l Chevy Silverado does not like to go more than about 55 to 60 with it, unless it is perfectly level with no wind. Mountains often take me down to 40mph. I guess others can speak to smaller trailers and tow vehicles, but my guess is that any fiberglass 16 or 17 foot is going to be a bit on the edge, towing with a V6 if you are going to do any interstate highway or mountain driving. I kinda wish I had a one ton truck/van.

As renovated, my 1988 weighed a bit less than 2500 at the axle, and about 530 tongue weight. All loaded up and with water, it probably weighs about 3000 on the axle. I just replaced the old drop axle, which was bent, and the old 14 inch wheels/load range c tires, which were inadequate: $1500

[Tony Nowak]

I agree with Ken. We found a Ford 150 with tow package, 5.4L engine and 8000lb plus tow rating when we found a 2003 Bigfoot. It was 2850 lbs on delivery, and I'd guess 3500 lbs when camping. I should say we've never weighed it. We still lock out overdrive (4th), and only get 12-13 mpg while going 57-59 mph. Given that, it is a good choice for us given the amenities, bright interior, and floor space. Tony

[Pomfritz]

Tony,

That's what we tow our 89 BF with. On flats you can barely tell you are pulling anything. I'd like to weigh it once we load it up. How does one weigh tongue weight?

Gary