Forum Discussion

devildog1971's avatar
devildog1971
Explorer
Feb 23, 2019

comparing Northern Lite and Bigfoot 25c 10.4

Truck campers are expensive so that for me requires trying to pick the best for my money. I have narrowed it down to the aforementioned models. what are the pros and con between the Northern lite and Bigfoot?
  • I bought a new NL 10-2000. I would go with a BigFoot with thicker insulation which equates to less condensation problems.
  • While “cyber shopping”’ I’d come to the conclusion I wanted a Bigfoot 10.4. I was a longtime Bigfoot admirer.
    Here’s a bunch of things that sold me on the NL instead:
    The BF 10.4 fridge door doesn’t even open without hitting the bathroom.
    The Northern Lite has a bigger dinette, it actually makes into an over-six-foot useable bed. And it’s roomier as a dinette too. It’s got more headroom. While the big NL is called a “10-2” in reality it’s bigger than the BF 10.4, it’s actually over 11’. The generator compartment is sized to hold two Honda EU2000 or similar. That I REALLY like.
    The bed is larger.
    The interiors are Brazilian hardwood and look great.
    The Bigfoot has a huge bathroom for a camper but campers are small. Dividing it into separate spaces by putting that big bathroom in the center leaves you small living areas. The NL is more “open concept” and uses its space better. Funny thing is, in photos it seems the opposite is true but when I got in both campers side by side at Apache Camping Center in Everett, Wa, a dealer that sells both, the NL felt roomier. And the BF interior seemed so “blah”.
    The BF 10.4 has a slightly larger black tank, but the NL 10.2 has a significantly larger grey tank (40 gallons!) and the grey is the one I always fill up first.

    I’d take either of ‘em over anything else on the market, if you plan to keep it a long time.
    The BF has slightly thicker insulation, but it’s also heavier.
    The BF has a way-overkill huge furnace, but there seems to be no advantage because the one spec’ed in the NL has zero problem keeping the unit toasty.
    I suppose if you’re going to camp in really extreme cold the BF would have the edge.
    I do like the panoramic view out the back of the BF 10.4. And the skylight, although that’s another big hole in the roof.
  • I own a Northern Lite and I think it is really well built. Its great for cold weather camping and I like where the control valves for the gray and black tank are located also the water pump is in the same outside storage area. You can't go wrong with either camper both are well built.
  • Check the Northern Lite and Bigfoot Discussion Groups on Facebook for the real issues on these campers from real owners. You’ll see frost and condensation issues on the NLs along with other issues while not too much on the Bigfoot other than some comments on the short queen beds. Interesting reading.......
    And Thank You for your service!