Advice on unique oppotunity

bobndot wrote:
Medium duty trucks are more expensive to maintain than E450's.

Research the mechanical end.
You will have to use shops as well as dealerships that are willing to accommodate you with large enough specialty bays and equipment. That can get pricey, especially while on the road in unfamiliar territory.

Parts: Due to overall parts shortages , I have no idea about the availability of parts for that year med duty truck.

The GM 5500 chassis is really not a whole lot more "medium duty" than an E450. Yes, the 5500 is bigger and heavier, but only incrementally so. Both use engines and transmissions also found in pickups and have hydraulic brakes. Either one may need a shop with larger bays, but the GM 5500 doesn't need a true heavy truck shop, like a Freightliner or the like.

I'd love to have one of those Duramax Topkick chassis Super Cs. The drive train is as solid as they come. The chassis is a standard MD truck chassis that is used under dump trucks, box trucks, flat bed trucks, etc. There should be no trouble finding mechanics to work on it if it even needs much.
Bigfoot makes a great camper. The combination you're looking at is about as good as it gets. The fact that you know it's history makes it that much better.

Medium duty trucks are more expensive to maintain than E450's.

Research the mechanical end.
You will have to use shops as well as dealerships that are willing to accommodate you with large enough specialty bays and equipment. That can get pricey, especially while on the road in unfamiliar territory.

Parts: Due to overall parts shortages , I have no idea about the availability of parts for that year med duty truck.

Super C makes a lot of sense, and you know it's called for- and good time to sell yours, coming into spring in a hot market.

clotus wrote:


I have the opportunity to switch over to a 2007 Bigfoot 32ST Super C on the Kodiak 5500 chassis with Duramax diesel. Owned by my in-law and meticulously maintained. Floorplan isn't to my preference, but not is not far off.

I have always wanted a Super C, but I am concerned that due to the age and Bigfoot not making motorhomes since 2008, I do not want to get into something older that requires more work with minimal support available.

Getting something you "want" with a known history and in great shape is a huge plus.
Regarding the chassis, I presume it's pre- tier IV emissions. The 05-07 LBZ Duramaxes are now kind of considered the "holy grail" of Duramax trucks. Had an 02 that was flawless (in a pickup).
Cool factor of a diesel and a Super C is off the charts if class Cs are your thing and you'd have more/efficient towing capacity.

Regarding the camper itself, generally campers are technological relics and also generally very similar for appliances or electronics.
Fit and finish aside, regardless of what brand you buy, youre likely getting the same "components." Having had a 2005, 2003 and now a 2017 camper, over the last 8 years or so, I don't see a measurable advantage to newer vs older for reliability.

And regarding value, yes, good time to capitalize on a sale and an even better time if you're getting a "deal" on the new one.
Subjectively, even once the market normalizes, or even if it gets bad, I feel a Bigfoot Duramax Super C will retain better value % than the million run of the mill class Cs and other high volume RVs.

clotus wrote:

I have always wanted a Super C,

I understand there are many factors in this decision, but what would you do? I am really on the fence on this one.

Thanks!

Part 1 says "do it."
Part 2 says, none of us can advise you on your budget, the cost to swap or other subjective "factors."

If you want to switch, switch! And enjoy the super C.

At this point I am not sure what "support" Bigfoot would offer anyway. Appliances are readily available as needed and structurally ,regular maintenance and repairs should take care of that.
Find a good Mobile RV mechanic vs brick and mortar and get the help you may need.
If it were me ( I repair my own stuff) I would go for it. Duramax is great, leave it stock. It goes fast enough and is strong enough.
When I read online about my Duramax the one's complaining have them chipped or performance mod. Also learn the proper maintenance of the diesel. Fuel filters, how to change, how to prime.
I use a fuel conditioner also. Diesel fuel has lost it "lubricity" I use Optilube XPD. Lucas is top line also.

If you can make the $$$ work go for the Bigfoot. In this market you should have no trouble getting top dollar for your Minnie Winnie. Keep us posted and remember without pictures it did not happen.

:B