modifying fiberglass?

Mine leaks from the rear access door if both locks are not fastened or if the foam seal is not in good shape.

Jim

I really do not know the going price for a TC in your area. I do know I would be hesitant in paying their asking price. Most have a little markup for haggling. My bet is they would pay for and install the A/C for their asking price. Certainly worth a try.

Did they say exactly what was leaking in the basement?

The asking price is 6700$

I called service and spoke to them about the unit to get a better idea of what was going on with the water leak. He said that it was in the 'basement' under the bathroom and they had to remove the tail light to get in there and fix it. He offered to removed the tail light if I come in so that I could examine the area. He said that there was no water damage, but that they flush all their units to check for leaks and that is when they found the leak.

I also asked about the roof because I didn't not think that fiberglass rooves needed sealing. He said that they sealed around the vents, etc. He asked me to call if I had any more questions. Perhaps I will call and ask for the report of the repairs to be sent over so I can read it more thoroughly.

I did ask them to send the unit here so that I can inspect it. Thank you for letting me know the AC price was high. I may leave that for summer anyway - don't think we'll be needing it anytime soon. Perhaps by summer we'll be feeling handy.

For the most part, I think the repairs are simply salesman BS. Some could be valid, but mostly BS in my opinion.

"Front Jacks were repaired,
What was broke?

fixed a major water leak,
Where, and what does he consider a major water leak?

toilet line fixed,
What needed repair?

water heater bypass valve fixed,
[COLOR=]What was broke?

marker lamp fixed,
Change a $1 light bulb?

plumbing vents,
What was wrong with them?

resealed the roof,
Where? There are no seams to leak

bathroom vent lid fixed,
What is a vent lid, and what needed repair?

moniter panel,
What was broken?

fixed furnace.
What needed to be repaired?

I also went and found out about how much the AC unit is with installation. It is $1,630 all installed.

Absolutely ridicules. Are they asking $1000 labor? Hard for me to imagine over 2 hours labor, and that is pushing it. Check out the link, and call Camping World for labor cost. I gotta say, I am absolutely miffed at a $1630 estimate.

Coleman-Mach Air Conditioners

I question the honesty of the salesman. Based on your post, I would believe nothing he said. Maybe I missed it, but what is the asking price? My bet is that it is way overpriced. I base that on the salesman speak on "... the repairs that were just completed per the salesman ...".

I would find it interesting as to his response to each of my questions in red.

Do not misunderstand, I am completely sold on the molded fiberglass TCs. I simply smell a rat in the salesman, and that to me suggest an overpriced TC.

Feel free to print this post and share it with the salesman and who ever quoted the $1,630 for the A/C. Do state, this is my opinion, and not the opinion of RV.NET.

Wayne

The camper is 20 years old. Even with units that are cared for, some of the systems will reach the end of their designed useful life span. If there is no lingering structural damage, I'd think you are in good shape with a renovated Bigfoot. But then again, anytime you buy used you should assume that there will be some work involved.

Having had all of those repairs done, I'm not sure whether it's a better deal, or just a really poorly care for model that will have more problems in the future?

Thanks, sounds like it won't be a big deal to put in AC.

Bigfoot model 15C682FR - I have been unable to find any owner's manual or brochure on this year/model. Would love to have a link to one if anyone knows where to find it.

Here are the repairs that were just completed per the salesman (they have their own shop):

"Front Jacks were repaired, fixed a major water leak, toilet line fixed, water heater bypass valve fixed, marker lamp fixed, plumbing vents, resealed the roof, bathroom vent lid fixed, moniter panel, fixed furnace. I also went and found out about how much the AC unit is with installation. It is $1,630 all installed.
As for the mattress, I would recomend getting a new one. This one is pretty worn out. It looks like its a full size one."

I wouldn't consider anything with water damage, but Tim thinks that since this is built on a boat frame, water shouldn't hurt it?

I would like to travel all over the country in this and part of the benefit of the truck/camper is you can park in a normal parking spot in the city and hop out to go to a museum or whatever. Do not want to roast the dogs however. Also some national parks do not allow dogs.

Perhaps it would be cool enough to leave them in camper with windows open, but I have no experience with it. I know you can buy thermometers that will beep your cell phone if it gets too hot inside.

ruthiebaby88 wrote:
Hello again,

I have found a 1995 Bigfoot that they are offering for 6700$

It does not have AC. I love the 2 piece molded fiberglass, but I am wondering if it is a good idea to make modifications like adding AC.

I had also thought about perhaps switching to a composting toilet in the future because I have heard they are great for boondocking.

Seems scary to cut into the fiberglass frame. Do people do that? If not, I will probably keep looking as I would like to be able to take my mom and her dogs on trips so having AC is a survival thing for the dogs if we are out during the day.

That composting toilet is an excellent idea. It only requires a single 120 watt light bulb for heat 24/7 & does a great job.

Why though, lock the dogs up in the RV with the A/C & Generator running while your out for a few hours? Dogs love the outdoors.

Have you decided on which generator to get yet? There is a lot of information on the Forum, just ask.

ruthiebaby88 wrote:
Hello again,

I have found a 1995 Bigfoot that they are offering for 6700$

It does not have AC. I love the 2 piece molded fiberglass, but I am wondering if it is a good idea to make modifications like adding AC.

I had also thought about perhaps switching to a composting toilet in the future because I have heard they are great for boondocking.

Seems scary to cut into the fiberglass frame. Do people do that? If not, I will probably keep looking as I would like to be able to take my mom and her dogs on trips so having AC is a survival thing for the dogs if we are out during the day.

AC fits like Reddog1 says...

I removed the front, over the bed 12"X12" vent and installed a 24X24 vent/hatch... Had to cut/fit..... Not a problem. Actually the metal frame of the hatch is stronger than the roof itself. The roof is very sturdy in that area.

Sounds like a hell of a deal!

If you go check it out...

Raise the mattress up and look at the wood for water stains... Windows do leak if not maintained... It will leak and be in the bed area. Also look on the sides and bottom of the bed side left and right storage cabinets.

Look inside the cabinets in the front left and right by the bed... on the bottom.. See if there is any indication that water has gotten into the wood.. If the front running lights leak the water will run along the seams of the foam on the walls, behind the wood overlay and end up in those corners. Pull the mattress up in the front and see if there is any indication of moisture there too.... Caused by the same reason, running lights.

Even if the windows have leaked or not if the windows have not been snugged down a few times with age they can begin to leak.... So if you get the camper you will need to spend a few hrs of love time removing the windows, cleaning the old Butyl Tape and installing fresh.

You will need to examine the type of battery charger/ converter if you get it... Let us know
which mfg and model and we will recommend which one to replace it with if needed.

OH, you did not say which model of BF it is.... 1500/2500/3500...

Good luck,

Jim

My Bigfoot is a 1988, and had no A/C from the factory. As stated, the A/C are designed to fit the 14-1/2"x14-1/2" standard roof vent. It is very common to have an A/C installed after the TC is purchased. I installed my A/C (about 2005), and the hardest part was getting it on the roof of the TC. At the time, Camping World wanted $100 for the install.

If the TC is pre-wired, which it probably is, look in the overhead cabinets on the side of the TC, there is a very good chance there is an electrical junction box. The box is probably on the side of the TC the converter/charger is on. You will see the Romex going in, but nothing coming out. If you have a ceiling vent, it will be inline with it. On my Bigfoot, they left a piece of foam insulation out just big enough for the Romex to go from the junction box to the vent opening.

It is simply a matter of removing the existing vent, fish the wire through to the junction box, install the A/C over the existing hole and complete the wiring.

My TC did not have an existing vent, so I had to cut the hole. I first located the junction box, then went across to the center of the roof. With a stud finder, I located the 14-1/2"x14-1/2" roof vent framing. The vent was framed with 2"x2"s, but the hole was not cut. Unfortunately, I have no photos.

Wayne