saggys
WI
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Joined: 02/02/2008
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Is any less exterior maintenance needed on Bigfoots clamshell design?
Anyone have a 97 1500 series and if so how do you like it? There is one for sale locally that has my interest and I like the idea of no wood in the support structure as my Lance seems to be only a matter of time.
1999 F350 4WD CC SRW V-10, 4.30 Tow Package, HD Camper Package.
1999 Northstar TS1000, Torque Lift tie downs with Fastguns.
2006 Triton Frontier 17 with 60hp Merc 4 stroke tiller.
2003 Lance 1010.
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ifishsekiu
Kent Wa
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Joined: 04/25/2006
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Every camper needs caulking around the penetrations(windows vents etc). Other then that a good wax job once a year and your set. I love my 1500 BF and camp in extreme cold and heat all year. Poor design has been the downfall of some campers but they all need annual inspection of every potential leak point including lights.
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racedrvr
Chicago Burbs
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Joined: 08/23/2006
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Yep, What he said. I too have a 1500 Bigfoot and the maintenance required has been very low. Sealing of the marker lights and all the roof mounts and vents are pretty much all that needs to be inspected regularly. I have had zero issues with mine which is a 2004. The insulation of the fiberglass/foam filled structure also is a great feature. I have used it for hunting trips in very cold weather and the camper performed well.
Chevy Silverado LT EC 2500HD 4X4 Duramax/Allison. Airbags, Rancho 9000X, Torque Lift/Fastguns, Hellwig swaybar, Hypertech Hyperpac, Honda eu2000i
Bigfoot 15C 8.2
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saggys
WI
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Do these come prewired for electric jacks? Anyone know the tank capacities? The model I am looking at is a 1997. Thanks for any help!
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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My Bigfoot is a 1988 1500 series. Before I bought (in 2003) it, it was stored under an Oak tree for seven years that I know of. It had zero maintenance since new. I bought it from the original owner. It had about 1/2-inch of moss on one side and the top. There were no leaks.
I pressure washed the moss off, and waxed it. It had never been waxed before, according to the original owner. It is a satin finish, eggshell in color. It does shine a little when waxed, and is easier to wash. I used it for about two years, and then developed a window leak. I re-caulked that window only.
I have owned several TC's through the years, although none were felon. This clam shell is the only TC I have ever owned that I did not have to chase leaks. It has never been stored inside and it is 21 years old. My experience is that there is really no exterior maintenance. I was and wax just because I think it looks better.
Wayne
blog.rv.net - Your daily guide to the Open Road.
Reddog1 Photos
96 Dodge (DSL), 2500 (6200#)
88 Bigfoot @ 1500# per decal, Stable Lift (w/remote), 130 watts solar, 100 amp AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda Gen.
Toad: 91 Zuke
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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saggys wrote:Do these come prewired for electric jacks? Anyone know the tank capacities? The model I am looking at is a 1997. Thanks for any help! My 1988 had hydraulic jacks. I replaced them with a Stable-Lift, which also included tie-downs. It was not pre-wired for electric jacks, but then I doubt many had electric jacks in 1988.
I think info on the tank capacities will have to be provided by someone with the same year and model TC you are looking at. I may stand corrected, but I do not think any of the 1500 series had basements, therefore probably do not have large tanks. Perhaps someone with a 1500 with a basement will educate us if this is incorrect.
Wayne
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wabbitman
Horsham, PA
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The best thing about the clam shell design for me was no more rubber roof!
wabbitman
Chevy Silverado 3500 HD ext cab 4x4
Vortec 6.0L V8 gasser
6 Speed HD Auto Trans
Z85 Handling/Trailering Package
HD Locking Differential
Bigfoot Truck Camper 25c10.4 
Wife and Gary - Lab/Greyhound Mix
Days Camping in 2009 = 17
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saggys
WI
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Thanks for the replies. If I were to get the Bigfoot and it was not prewired for jacks I am thinking the Stablelift route also.
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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saggys wrote:Thanks for the replies. If I were to get the Bigfoot and it was not prewired for jacks I am thinking the Stablelift route also. I think when you consider the cost of elec jacks, and tie-downs, the Stable-Lift is competitive. It is not for everyone, but I have absolutely no regrets with mine.
Wayne
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stevenal
Newport, OR, USA
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saggys wrote:Is any less exterior maintenance needed on Bigfoots clamshell design?
I like the idea of no wood in the support structure as my Lance seems to be only a matter of time.
I think you may be misinformed. My 'foot has a wood frame under the glass.
'99 Bigfoot 1500
with low loss control on the Fantastic, Dino board on the Dometic.
Torklifts and Fastguns
'04 F350 V10 Crew SRW SB 4X4 6 speed
with tow hook replacement, dual rate charging, Line-X, Timbrens.
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