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 something small and light seemed like a good option.Since the SO is deathly allergic to mold and she couldn't step foot in many of the "clean" and "immaculate" TC's we found on CL, we decided that a fiberglass clam shell was really the best bet. Neither Bigfoot nor Northern Lite make a 8' model anymore, so the next option for a LB truck is 9'6". Although the truck is a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW LB Cummins, I have been focusing on lighter (1500 and 2500 series). I may be towing a horse trailer at some point (~5500# max loaded w/ 825# max tongue weight) and was thinking that might be a lot easier with the shorter model. The 10'2" mandates a Titan or SuperHitch. The 9'6" has the possibility of a 18" class 5 stinger.Does the extra space on the 10'2" justify the extra length? There's plenty of storage in the 9'6", so is the 10'2" that much better? Seems like finding a used 9'6" is tough, so I assume that's the one everyone wants. If you've had one or the other, would you do it differently? Regrets/likes/etc? The 1500 series was nice, but there's simply not enough storage IMO, so I've decided to go with 2500.I have to make up my mind in the next dayish, so prompt input would be extremely appreciated!TL;DR - Is there a big difference between the 9'6" and 10'2" Bigfoot/Northern Lite TC's? I wanted 9'6" but have put a deposit on a 10'2" pending inspection due to limited availability of the smaller model. Will I hate the bigger unit for livability/towing/etc?

Be very careful with that Northern Lite 10-2. They have pulled quite a fast one on everyone if you order the 10'2 EX.It no longer is 10'2" long. It is a 10'11" camper. Look at the inside floor measurement they list on their site 131 inches. 10' 11" I also think you will find that the Bigfoot models have the RV Queen bed and it is only 74 or 75 inches long instead of 80 inches. Many people over 5'8" tall like the full length queen bed. Bigfoot is missing the mark here, but they don't seem to care.

The one I'm holding is a 2006 NL 10.2. I don't have the model number yet, but I'll try to get it today.

I just got a 2004 Northern Lite 10'2" and can not comment on the 9'6". But, I'd suggest you spend a little time in the unit to see how you two will like it. Sit down on the toilet and stand in the shower to see if there is enough room for you. I like the bigger bed and the rig is big enough for me, I'm 5'10" but for someone taller, they might hit their head on the AC. I'm not sure what has been changed since 2004 but suggest you take your time and make sure the floor plan and inside fits your lifestyle. As for the rig itself, I like it. No leaks and lightweight. The extra couple of feet is fine for me; I pull a bass boat behind my 3500 diesel. Good luck

I have the 10'2 EX and love it. I picked it for layout, not for length. We turn the table area into a TV-watching couch using wedge-pillows. The TV is at the bottom corner of the bed and we swing it out towards the table to view. That's what determined our setup.With that said, TC's are tight and the extra space is wonderful. We underestimated how tight the TC would be, but have gotten used to it. Our other RV is a 30' Bigfoot and it now feels like a castle on the inside!Good luck!Bill

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.

Bigfoot/Northern Lite TC size opinions | Good Sam Community

Tizi
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
We have a 2007 10.2 RR (rear dinette) and love it. Had a 2004 10.2 EX and liked it too. The 10.2 RR feels bigger than the 10.2 EX to us. Great rig.
Photomike
Explorer III
Mar 16, 2017
I had a 9'6" and loved it. Had lots of room for what it was. It was not a three room cabin in the mountains but it was livable for two people nicely. Storage was okay, I have a lot more usable storage in my class C for cupboards but the thing that I REALLY miss on the NL is the back seat of the truck for storage of things like lawn chairs, inflatable kayak, shooting blind, etc. Honestly how much garbage do you need to carry in the camper..... I can answer that as I filled up a good part of my garage when I sold the NL so yah the 9'6" must have had a lot of storage!

I went with the 9'6" at first was because it was so light. Lighter than a number of pop ups and I never noticed it on the back of the truck when driving. I thought of going with the 10 but was not interested in the extra weight for the little extra space.
HMS_Beagle
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
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.
pastorbillv
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2017
I have the 10'2 EX and love it. I picked it for layout, not for length. We turn the table area into a TV-watching couch using wedge-pillows. The TV is at the bottom corner of the bed and we swing it out towards the table to view. That's what determined our setup.

With that said, TC's are tight and the extra space is wonderful. We underestimated how tight the TC would be, but have gotten used to it. Our other RV is a 30' Bigfoot and it now feels like a castle on the inside!

Good luck!
Bill
guidry
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
I just got a 2004 Northern Lite 10'2" and can not comment on the 9'6". But, I'd suggest you spend a little time in the unit to see how you two will like it. Sit down on the toilet and stand in the shower to see if there is enough room for you. I like the bigger bed and the rig is big enough for me, I'm 5'10" but for someone taller, they might hit their head on the AC. I'm not sure what has been changed since 2004 but suggest you take your time and make sure the floor plan and inside fits your lifestyle. As for the rig itself, I like it. No leaks and lightweight. The extra couple of feet is fine for me; I pull a bass boat behind my 3500 diesel. Good luck
bkenobi
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
The one I'm holding is a 2006 NL 10.2. I don't have the model number yet, but I'll try to get it today.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Mar 16, 2017
Be very careful with that Northern Lite 10-2. They have pulled quite a fast one on everyone if you order the 10'2 EX.

It no longer is 10'2" long. It is a 10'11" camper. Look at the inside floor measurement they list on their site 131 inches. 10' 11"

I also think you will find that the Bigfoot models have the RV Queen bed and it is only 74 or 75 inches long instead of 80 inches. Many people over 5'8" tall like the full length queen bed. Bigfoot is missing the mark here, but they don't seem to care.

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Bigfoot/Northern Lite TC size opinions

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