The floorplans look almost the same. They both seem nice inside to us. We used to own a Seneca, and were happy with it. We definitely want something on a Kodiak chassis (I'm big, I don't fit driver's seat of a Ford chassis).
I would choose the Bigfoot for two reasons:
1. Better insulation.
2. Better bath layout. Although both have split baths [and I don't like split baths] I don't like the way the Seneca bath is split, with the toilet by itself, then the shower and sink on one side.
In addition, I prefer the look of the Bigfoot and it is [i]probably[/i] a higher quality product.
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Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
Bagman, I like the Seneca's larger fuel tank. I'm surprised that the wheelbases are different; I thought they were built on the same chassis. I guess they can order that chassis in different lengths.
I certainly like the way our old Seneca drove. I test drove a Gulfstream Endura, and it white-knuckled me coming down a mountain. I couldn't see anything wrong, but I was scared. Our Seneca handled great, never an exciting moment. RV Consumer Group rates the handling of the 2004 Enduras---I think that's what I test drove---at 79 (out of 100). It rates the 2005 Seneca---Ours may have been a 2004, if Senecas go back that far, but 2005 is as far back as I have ratings for---at 91. So a ten point handling difference seems really significant. In our Seneca, we were never discomfited by passing semis, or downhills, or uphills. It handled well on the road, and was nimble in the campsites. (I infer that, with it's shorter wheelbase, the Bigfoot is even more nimble. Impressive.) For 2007---we may be getting a 2008, but we don't yet have ratings for those---the Seneca HD34SS rates 92. Bigfoot's 40MH35ST rates 77 and its 40MH35LX rates 85. So that seems to me a huge advantage to the Seneca.
Also, the extra half-inch or so of height in the Seneca means I will bump my head less often. (I haven't actually been in a Bigfoot 40MH35ST or 40MH35LX, but am assuming the inside height to be the same as that of the 40MH32 that I was in.)
On the other hand, if I'm going to give such credence to the RV Consumer Group handling rating, maybe I should also give credence to its use rating. We plan to fulltime. The Seneca only rates as a vationer (not more than two weeks occupancy at a time, and not more than 60 days a year), and the Bigfoot rates as a Fulltimer. What does that mean? Does it mean that RV Consumer Group finds the chairs/galley/shower/bed more comfortable in the Bigfoot? Or does it mean that the Seneca will begin to delaminate and fall apart if we continue generating moisture as fulltimers? If the former, I'm willing to totally overlook this rating. The Bigfoot I got to look at had a frankly unusable shower, and it was rated Snowbirder (up to six months occupancy at a time). But, if the latter, then we may need to get the Bigfoot and just drive slower.
crc
Not all who wander are lost.
Edited to change "Grayhawk Endura" to "Gulfstream Endura."
Bigfoot is built with excellent quality. I don't know if Jayco is the equal in quality--look for yourself including places like inside the cabinets behind draws, behind the electrical panel, etc.
I'm free of prostate cancer for 5 years now.
All men over age 50 should get an annual PSA blood test. Mine had a low reading, but the yearly jump was significant. The biopsy showed cancer just entering the aggressive stage. Dr. Hackenslash removed it.
[quote=mockturtle]I would choose the Bigfoot for two reasons:
1. Better insulation.
[/quote]
That's important.
[quote]2. Better bath layout. Although both have split baths [and I don't like split baths] I don't like the way the Seneca bath is split, with the toilet by itself, then the shower and sink on one side.
[/quote]
As far as I can tell from the floorplans I'm looking at, the Seneca HD34SS and the Bigfoot 40MH35 have identical bathroom layouts.
[quote]
In addition, I prefer the look of the Bigfoot and it is [i]probably[/i] a higher quality product.
[/quote]
Right. I have to suspect it. My wife says Seneca has occasional quality control horror stories here, but Bigfoot never does.
crc
Not all who wander are lost.
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A year and a half ago (and now 13,000 miles later) we went through the same decision, and opted for the Seneca 34SS. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Getting in and out of the cockpit from the LR is much easier for me (6'2") with the Seneca's recess in front of the Entertainment Center.
- Seneca offers Full Body Paint, Bigfoot does not.
- If you go with the LX model to have the nicer amenities, you are also stuck with the third wardrobe slide that adds unnecessary weight and looks very strange IMHO.
- We have found the Seneca's slide out pantry shelves to be more functional than having the larger refrigerator w/ water dispenser. (Many people opt for bottled water for safety reasons.)
- Jayco has many dealers nationwide, while Bigfoot only has a few, and none East of the Rockies that I am aware of.
- There is a big difference in price, and while Bigfoot may have the edge in quality, we have found Jayco to be very good. Also, unless you plan to do some heavy duty winter camping, the Seneca insulation is more than adequate.
Bottom line, while both are very nice coaches, the I feel the Seneca gives you the best bang for the buck. You can then take the money you save and buy extras for your new rig.
If you are interested, you can click on the link in my signature to see some of the Bigfoot like modifications we have made too our 34SS.
Good luck with whichever one you decide....they are both great rigs.
We checked out the Bigfoot. Like the floor plans. But when we checked it our in person the access to cockpit area was very limited even for a 5'9" person like me. Other than that we liked it.
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