kcowyo said:
Are the factory interior and features holding up to the trails so far? I know there was extensive work done to it, but is the factory build quality going to be up to the task?
Full time utilization to date: 60 days
Distance to date: >6,500 miles / 10,461 KM
Rough roads, gravel, dirt, dust, rock, rivers, etc: Lots
Temps: mid 30s F / 1.6 C to >110 F / 43.3 C
Elevation: sea level to >11k feet / 3,353 meters
Bigfoot structural failures / defects: zero (0)
Bigfoot component failures / defects: zero (0)
Bigfoot trim / decorative failures / defects: one (1) - rear step non-skid adhesive failing
We have experienced zero problems with the Bigfoot camper, its factory components, etc. I have inspected it carefully a couple of times and found no signs of structural stress, cracks, etc.
We made no reinforcement or strenthening modifications in the basic structure of the camper or its components. The only reinforcements that I made were in the 1x1" frame supporting the drawers.
Bigfoot camper and components maintenance to date has included:
- yesterday I tightened the Phillips screw that holds the bathroom vent handle on
The major modifications to the camper included:
- removing the stock house battery & compartment to create more storage space under the sink
- removing panel under stink and installation of a matching cabinet door for access to the new storage space
- creating a larger access opening for mounting of the camper interconnect panel in the lower driver's side
- creating access opening for mounting chassis interconnect panel in forward end of bottom
- adding Blue Sea Systems AC/DC distribution panel
- adding a panel to house system remote controls/monitors above forward seat of the dinette
- adding cooling fan in cabinet above the dinette
- adding halogen reading lamps to dinette
- adding electronics interface panel to dinette
- adding TV, DVD & wireless headphone bracket to berth
- adding Hella fans to berth
- adding LED courtesy night lights to cabin
- adding fire extinguisher & flashlight (torch) mounts to galley & berth areas
- adding transfer pump, 1 micron filter and UV sterilization array to galley
- adding stainless steel grill to stock LP genset compartment
- adding four solar panels to roof
- adding various antennas to roof
- adding vent covers to roof
- adding burglar bars over skylights
- adding nerf bar to leading edge of roof
- adding rub rails to sides
- adding tamper resistant screws to all exterior access doors
- adding and modifying plumbing, LP and wiring as required
As an aside, we've had zero failures or maintenance items with the Mitsubishi Fuso chassis.
We've had zero failures with the systems we added to the camper & chassis.
We've had one failure with the custom fabrication. The raw water tank was made conformally with the frame rails, which was a design error. It cracked a tank weld the first time we articulated the frame.
Otherwise, everything worked when we turned it on or energized the system.
Mileage to date is ~10.5 MPG / 4.464 KM/liter / 22.4 l/100KM. That's a mix of freeway, two lane paved, unpaved, unmaintained, flat and mountains, grades up to 16%.
So far, so good. Knock on wood, or my head, whichever is more convenient.