Bigfoot/Northern Lite TC size opinions
I originally wanted to get a 8' camper that would stop at the end of the bed (actually I wanted a popup, but the wife nixed that one). I'm not interested in towing or carrying around a hotel room, so...
Forum Discussion
I have owned both a Bigfoot 9.6 and a 10.4, both 2500 basement models. The reason I went to the 10.4 was the dry bath (separate shower stall). Also what I viewed as a slightly better arrangement for us. The 10.4 is in fact 11' long.
The 9.6 was lighter by about 700 lbs. The overhang from the camper was rarely noticeable (it was shorter than the tailgate folded down) and I could tow most anything with a short or no extension. The driving the truck was a little handier due to no significant overhang.
The 10.4 is heavier, and the overhang becomes more noticeable. You definitely need an extension to tow. The truck is not quite as handy to drive due to the weight and overhang. You notice it more parallel parking, or parking in the supermarket - I have to be more aware of the length. This may be specific to the floorplans I had, but the 10.4 has significantly more storage space than the 9.6 had. More outside compartments and a little more inside too.
I was happy with the 9.6 and might have kept it, the wet bath didn't bother me a great deal. The wife wanted a dry bath, and along with it we got the extra storage and the rear dinette. They are all a compromise, and it depends on what you value the most. If you were thinking 8', then going to an 11' is a fairly big step. You do quickly learn to deal with it.
The 9.6 was lighter by about 700 lbs. The overhang from the camper was rarely noticeable (it was shorter than the tailgate folded down) and I could tow most anything with a short or no extension. The driving the truck was a little handier due to no significant overhang.
The 10.4 is heavier, and the overhang becomes more noticeable. You definitely need an extension to tow. The truck is not quite as handy to drive due to the weight and overhang. You notice it more parallel parking, or parking in the supermarket - I have to be more aware of the length. This may be specific to the floorplans I had, but the 10.4 has significantly more storage space than the 9.6 had. More outside compartments and a little more inside too.
I was happy with the 9.6 and might have kept it, the wet bath didn't bother me a great deal. The wife wanted a dry bath, and along with it we got the extra storage and the rear dinette. They are all a compromise, and it depends on what you value the most. If you were thinking 8', then going to an 11' is a fairly big step. You do quickly learn to deal with it.
