So here goes my second time of owning a Bigfoot 11.5 -
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.
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.
Been busy but here are progress some updates.
The side cargo area is all framed in, drop down doors frames fabricated and installed, stainless latches attached. The diamond plate skin did not arrive in time so had to run with out it for now. Before it first run in the mountains, stopped at Les Schwab Tire to have all the rubber valve stems replaced with metal, as they were slowly leaking.
The 7.4 moves the truck and the trailer loaded with the Can Am in mountains just fine. But the TH400 could sure use an extra gear between 2&3 along with an Overdrive. Even so it averaged 9mpg.
The LH side has room for all the camping stuff, chairs, BBQ, cooler fits in there as well.
RH side has a tool box built in, rack for the N2 tank, and room for all the pit boxes and spare parts.
Stopped outside of Sisters to camp. Hit several inches of snow going back over the pass the next morning - good thing for 4x4, it was a bit interesting...
It is a very comfortable and stable set up. So far no leaks, stayed warm overnight.
But do have a list of upgrades and fixes to do.
The side cargo area is all framed in, drop down doors frames fabricated and installed, stainless latches attached. The diamond plate skin did not arrive in time so had to run with out it for now. Before it first run in the mountains, stopped at Les Schwab Tire to have all the rubber valve stems replaced with metal, as they were slowly leaking.
The 7.4 moves the truck and the trailer loaded with the Can Am in mountains just fine. But the TH400 could sure use an extra gear between 2&3 along with an Overdrive. Even so it averaged 9mpg.
The LH side has room for all the camping stuff, chairs, BBQ, cooler fits in there as well.
RH side has a tool box built in, rack for the N2 tank, and room for all the pit boxes and spare parts.
Stopped outside of Sisters to camp. Hit several inches of snow going back over the pass the next morning - good thing for 4x4, it was a bit interesting...
It is a very comfortable and stable set up. So far no leaks, stayed warm overnight.
But do have a list of upgrades and fixes to do.
Reddog1 wrote:
Did you have to gut the TC to put the 1x2 in place? Do you have photos?
... I had the coil replaced in mine in 2005. I went with a local rebuild. It has worked without flow since then. I considered a new/newer fridge, but in talking to the guy, he suggested I stay with what I had. No $100 Dinosaur board to go bad, manual propane, 120v and 12v. Minimal things to go wrong and no parasitic load on the TC battery. I believe he was correct. The fridge is not automatic, and I know how to turn the knob on the controls.
Wayne
Sorry, no photos.
Was able to get decent access to all the rear bulge areas with out gutting. RH side was easy, did have to remove the cabinet trim. The LH side was a pain, lots of contortions but was able to get new boards in there. Found out later with the water heater out is much simpler. Was able to replace 90% of the bad side wood. A prior owner installed aluminum plates and inner reinforcements for the rear jacks.
Agree with you on the older manual fridges; simple is always better, especially off road. After last weekends dead battery fiasco due to a portable cooler, decided to go with a manual one.
ticki2 wrote:
Blue Coyote
That is quite the tow hitch , how is attached to the frame ?
Rear hitch extensions are tied to the flat bed main rails (2x3x.188), and tuck under the truck frame rails. Nothing is welded to the truck frame rails - all connections to the truck are bolted. Here is a photo during mock up. This was the best option, as this truck had a service body at one time and the rear rails had been shortened.
