Bigfoot 11.5 - take #2
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โApr-01-2014 10:07 PM
We needed an off road capable RV with modern comforts that can haul a 18' trailer with 2 SxS's and do so on a budget.
We started with a Work & Play 38 5er and Dodge 3500 CC CTD- awesome hauler when in the desert but too big for the NW woods. Sold the W&P and got Bigfoot #1, an older 11.5. After getting it 90% done, someone made me an offer on the Dodge I could not pass up (it was a 5.9, 6spd, 4x4 CC), so it was sold. And with no truck, Bigfoot #1 was also sold after the rebuild and never getting used. Wife got a 13 Tundra, and while we did find TC's that would work, the idea of spending that kind of $ for something that will see woods use, just did not sit well. So we got an older Born Free and got it 90% redone - and actually used it this time. Did a good job of hauling but the E350 chassis was scary on logging roads and in the woods.
After lots of though and past experiance it was back to an older Bigfoot and a Crewcab 4x4.
And here the combo we started with:
Another lonely moss green 11.5 ignored in a backyard in the Portland area. It had some missing roof vents, dead fridge, and the typical old Bigfoot issues. But under all the moss and issues was a decent starting point, A/C, - had a title, and the price was right. After several hours to get it out of its hibernation spot; another done deal.
Truck is a 1990 Chevy V3500, Silverado, 7.4 TBI, th400, np205, 4x4 dually with a flatbed. All the power stuff worked, AC was cold, and over rather decent. Also included was a lift kit and sm465 conversion.
1990 Chevy V3500
1987 Bigfoot C11.5 - 4 sale
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โApr-03-2014 05:30 AM
That is quite the tow hitch , how is attached to the frame ?
'02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed
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โApr-02-2014 09:51 PM
bigfootford wrote:
So the bulge in the side, which I have seen before on other 1500 11.6's was just the screws coming detached from the inside wood rail?
Reddog1's had a bit of a bulge which was caused by a delam of the inside insulating foam...
Might be able to pick up a used fridge from a rv junk yard if you have one up there... We have a great one here in Sac...
You are correct - the rear bulge was from the rusty screws pulling out of the 3/8 plywood they used as a backer when the two halves were screwed together. Cure was to pull out the bad plywood an used some quality 1x2 wood. Also used a few 1/4-20 bolts and big washers. Had to do this on both sides and the rear to Bigfoot #2 and #1. Wound up drilling new screw holes between the existing screws and new screws along the entire side. Did add a reinforcement in the fridge bay and an aluminum plate on the outside to address the front bulge.
As for a fridge, still shopping CL and may step up to an Amish core. And that new Atwood helium fridge looks interesting for the $. Two areas that really need to work well are the fridge and AC to keep my wife comfy.
1990 Chevy V3500
1987 Bigfoot C11.5 - 4 sale
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โApr-02-2014 07:41 PM
bigfootford wrote:I don't think it is a result of foam/fiberglass delam. I think it is the result of the overhang. I can reduce the bulge by lifting the TC with the Jacks. I also believe the 1500 series 11.5 foot TC was discontinued due to the bulge. The 1500 series Bigfoot does not have a basement, which helps support a overhang.
So the bulge in the side, which I have seen before on other 1500 11.6's was just the screws coming detached from the inside wood rail?
Reddog1's had a bit of a bulge which was caused by a delam of the inside insulating foam.
2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda
Toad: 91 Zuke
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โApr-02-2014 04:42 PM
Reddog1's had a bit of a bulge which was caused by a delam of the inside insulating foam...
Might be able to pick up a used fridge from a rv junk yard if you have one up there... We have a great one here in Sac...
RV Dr. George:
http://rvdoctorgeorge.com/
Jim
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โApr-02-2014 04:13 PM
Do love them old Bf'ers..
Jim
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โApr-02-2014 11:39 AM
Sparky87k5 wrote:
Looking very nice, will be a stout rig to travel the back logging roads now.
X2
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โApr-02-2014 11:35 AM
I lived in it, in my workplace parking lot 4 nights/5 days per week for a little over 5 years. During that time, I made upgrades. The list is so long it would hijack this Thread, but include 12-volt system with AGM battery, Solar, Polar Cub A/C, Stable-Lift, all L.E.D.s and generator. I invested about $10,000 total. I say invested because the alternative would have been about $1000 per month for an apartment.
2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda
Toad: 91 Zuke
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โApr-02-2014 07:40 AM
2005 Eagle Cap 850 Camper
1993 Robalo 2440 twin '07 Merc Optimax 150's
1978 Glasply 28' with twin 310hp V8's
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โApr-02-2014 06:45 AM
Bigfoot was moved the barn, got it dried out, cleaned up. Did the mundane maintenance stuff - new poo vent covers, re sealed roof vents, covered fridge vent opening (not sure what I am gonna use for a fridge yet), Re-did the front jack mounts so they're not falling off. Also re drilled and re screwed the sides - typical older Bigfoot issues.
Prior owner cut the side cheeks for a narrower bed - and did not re glass. He did have the pieces, so with some aluminum, Sikaflex, and fat heat rivits, got them back together and sealed up.
Next part was to build a solid and stable flatbed platform. Pulled the flatbed off, shortened it, removed the headache rack, lowered the mounts 3". Since this is a dedicated hauler, decided to fabricate a frame mounted hitch extension into the flatbed.
After a lot of work the Bigfoot is now on the truck properly.
Next step is to finish fabricating the side frames and cargo doors.
1990 Chevy V3500
1987 Bigfoot C11.5 - 4 sale
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โApr-02-2014 04:11 AM
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โApr-02-2014 12:55 AM