Convince me to replace my Airstream

[Isab]

With another Airstream instead of a Bigfoot.

Right now am developing several problems needing expensive repairs. At a 14 year owner, with light use, i know have replaced most major systems on the trailer, and the heat pump twice, last time with a standard AC.
I love the look of the new Airstreams, and the floor plans, and cabinet space are much better now, but I live in hail country, and fear of the golf ball size stuff keeps me paranoid, and watching the weather everytime it is out of the garage.
I have been looking at the BigFoot trailers which seem to tick all the boxes, and looks like retail is maybe twenty to thirty percent cheaper?

Comments, concerns? Analysis?

[Wayne&Sam]

Aren't "all the major systems" basically the same on all travel trailers?

[SeeMore]

You learn useful information every day on this web site; I was not aware that the Bigfoot was hail proof.

[Mollysdad]

I never talk someone out of anything.
I bought an Airstream because it appealed to me.
I'm sure I could have saved thousands by buying a number of well made box trailers.
Let us know how you like it.

I never drive by a campground and think, "Oh look, there's a Terry."

[Sav'h Steve]

Everyone is concerned about hail storms and the damage it can do.

And I agree if you are in an area where hail is more prevalent, it's not worth worrying about all the time.

And *without a doubt* the fiberglass shell of the Bigfoot is a great advantage in hail prone areas. I suppose it would take golf size hail to damage it.

Bigfoot is a WELL KEPT SECRET (if you will) for a quality unit (I understand) and their 25RQ is the largest option and would be the only option for me.

The lack of different layouts in that size is disappointing. Leaks are confined to just the protrusions on the top (cause of 1 piece molded top).

And they are extremely well insulated -- very few approach this -- maybe Artic Fox.

I would think Bigfoot would 'weather the weather' better than Airstream. For example my A/S is kept under a roof for a reason.....

Search for Bigfoot on the A/S forums. You will find just a few because they (Bigfoot) is rarely seen or sold in most of the US. Up in your area they are more plentiful cause closer to where they are made. I almost NEVER see one in Southeast USA..

[AdamG01]

Don’t know what size trailer you are looking at, but you might also consider an Oliver Legacy II. I believe the Oliver to be one of the best built rv’s on the market today. Their only drawback is their smaller size, butbthat is subjective.

[guskmg]

At the age of your trailer you are experiecing the normal wear out time for most trailer components that are not Airstream produced. I have changed most of mine out also. Since Airstream doesn't make any more 35' slides, I can't get a new one. So I just keep improving what I've got. I would like ducted air though. Don't forget fiberglass detiorates with age and can be damaged by nidwestern hail storms.
guskmg

[Kilroy]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I never drive by a campground and think, "Oh look, there's a Terry."

I drive around campgrounds and say “look, there’s a Bigfoot”, or Escape, or Avion.

[Me. Bill]

You should look at the Escape 21; if you haven’t done so already. Fully loaded at $32,000. I had a Casita and fiberglass extreamly tough easy to clean and if necessary, repair.

[Bill M.]

I do not think you should buy another Airstream now. Either fix the Airstream you have now with the idea of keeping it long term or buy the Bigfoot. Then in a couple of years after it has shed value replace the Bigfoot with another Airstream.

[gandttimes]

We just came back from a 3 week trip in hail prone country and every time the thunder started hail was on my mind.
Our first trailer was a 17ft Bigfoot ( body measurement without tongue)
When we were looking to upgrade to our present 25fb, we strongly considered the Bigfoot

[gandttimes]

I meant to finish but the big finger sent it anyway[emoji53].
At the time we were looking, Bigfoot was in a bit of trouble and was not producing the 25.
There are several 25 floor plans and of course the dual pane windows and better insulation that make it worth looking at.
The only drawback for us was the lack of large windows which we still love in our Airstream.
As someone else mentioned. It depends on the type of camping you do. They would be second on my list if I were looking again.

[MickeyC]

Originally Posted by AdamG01

Don’t know what size trailer you are looking at, but you might also consider an Oliver Legacy II. I believe the Oliver to be one of the best built rv’s on the market today. Their only drawback is their smaller size, butbthat is subjective.

I second the Oliver Legacy II. My wife and I toured the plant a few weeks ago and we were real impressed. I was an AS die-hard until then. If I purchase another trailer it will be an Oliver Elite II for sure.

Good Luck
MC

[85MH325]

After twenty years of Airstream ownership, in '06 I bought an '06 Bigfoot 25RQ and had it for nine years. In nine years, I replaced the LP regulator, the bathroom fan with a Fantastic Fan, and had the roof through-hulls resealed (at 7 years.) That's it. In nine years. It was awesome. I'd still have it today had I not found my Born Free 32RQ motorhome.

Here's a thread I started about the first five years with the Bigfoot, and I believe I updated it when I sold it in 2015. If I ever go back to travel trailers, it'll likely be a Bigfoot again.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...5rq-80793.html

[Ravenquest]

We have had an Argosy, a Airstream and an Arctic Fox and have looked at Bigfoot.
Hail damage is only one thing to look at for replacing. Living in Wyo, I would think you would look at the insulation value of anything other than Airstream. Bigfoot is 4 season. For quality of construction I would chose a Bigfoot or Arctic Fox over Airstream any day.

[Picinisco]

Slide outs and 5th wheels

[MikeandCarol]

Fiberglass trailers will not dent like aluminum. We’ve been through several hail storms, both while driving and while camping and have zero damage. A Bigfoot will give you more space on the inside than an Oliver. Olivers are four season campers, all utilities run between the inner and outer hulls and heat is ducted between the hulls as well. High quality, well built. Mike

[upszeke]

Newer Airstreams are being delivered with lots of problems from shoddy workmanship. Just talk with someone that's bought a new one in the last 3 or 4 years. If I was buying new, I'd buy a four season Lance, very high quality and well built. I have a 1982 Excella, 27 foot and it will last as long as I do.

[ksteve06]

Originally Posted by upszeke

Newer Airstreams are being delivered with lots of problems from shoddy workmanship. Just talk with someone that's bought a new one in the last 3 or 4 years. If I was buying new, I'd buy a four season Lance, very high quality and well built. I have a 1982 Excella, 27 foot and it will last as long as I do.

I have a 2017 Classic 30 twin that we have had a year now and no major problems. Sure we have had a couple of loose or missing screws that we have fixed ourselves but no big deal. I am very very happy with our second airstream and wouldn’t buy another brand. I can also guarantee that all brands will have issues.

[Fair_Enough]

I darn sure saw a Bigfoot in a park in Brookings OR had to walk over and meet the folks and get a closer look. Oliver's yes, and maybe a Arctic Fox will be cause a second glance and a vintage AS, every time. Newer AS, not so much. Lance, nah. I do appreciate the accuracy of the fit and finish on the Lance, but not at those prices. If it was true 4 season I needed, there wouldn't be a AS under the cover. There is no single perfect travel trailer, but I think I'm going to like owning this one. Its a good starting point anyway.
WW