Our new North American Overland Combo; GMC Sierra 4x4 + Bigfoot 2500

[Christian P.]

Well, to start this new section the right way, let me introduce you to my new Overland vehicle...

A 2005 Bigfoot Camper 2500 and a 1998 GMC Sierra 4x4 Turbo Diesel.

:wings:

This is obviously quite different than my previous vehicles and it is there to answer a different need - explore the vastness of North America, not the jungle of Africa...

I was looking for a camper with a bit more creature comfort as we plan to explore North America this summer.

We intend to drive from San Francisco to Alaska and then across to Quebec. As we will be working on the road, we need a bit more space and storage.

The camper will also be used as a temporary shelter while we are remodeling our new fixer in Tahoe and the truck will be used to haul construction materials.

Initially, I wanted the smaller 1500 model but this combo came on the market and the price was really too good to pass up.

No doubt that right now is a buyer's market...

It also comes all integrated with the right options so I can hit the road right away and I don't need to chase/purchase items left and right. I intend to take it to Overland Expo.

The camper is a one-owner in pristine condition. It has the winter package which was very important for us. It also has all the usual amenities such as a/c, heated tanks, shower, etc, etc

The Sierra has 113K and a newer engine installed about 20K ago. It also has a lot of options and came with air bags, rear tow hitch,brake controller, new tires, etc, etc.

I am sure I will have tons of questions over the next weeks so stay tuned!

 

[1leglance]

Ok we need interior pics and especially some pics after you get it setup for work on the road.
Also it would be good to hear some real world mpg numbers and updates at the 30, 90 & 180 day marks.

 

[Photomike]

Nice looking set-up. I LOVE the fiberglass for many reasons.

Have fun and yes, lets see inside pictures.

 

[Christian P.]

will post picture for sure.

We just picked up some nice 800 thread count Egyptian sheets for the bed today - sand color...this is a whole new level of overlanding luxury...

 

[OTR]

Looks good. When do you plan on doing the trip?

 

[Christian P.]

Looks good. When do you plan on doing the trip?

This summer, around June/July hopefully. There is always too many adventures and not enough time...

 

[brianjwilson]

Congrats, those bigfoot campers are niiiiice.

 

[BCHauler]

Fiberglass campers are the best choice here on the Wet Coast. Nice setup.

 

[lowenbrau]

Luxurious looking setup. I love Bigfoot campers.

Is that a 10.5' camper on a 2500 pickup?

You better watch your weight if you are going to travel through BC. CVSE does stop and weigh campers and send them home on a hook if they are overweight. A Sierra 2500 is good for about 3100 lbs and Bigfoot campers are 2400-2800 lbs dry. If you fill the tanks you are way over without even adding any passengers or luggage.

 

[Christian P.]

Luxurious looking setup. I love Bigfoot campers.

Is that a 10.5' camper on a 2500 pickup?

You better watch your weight if you are going to travel through BC. CVSE does stop and weigh campers and send them home on a hook if they are overweight. A Sierra 2500 is good for about 3100 lbs and Bigfoot campers are 2400-2800 lbs dry. If you fill the tanks you are way over without even adding any passengers or luggage.

Thanks for the tip - yes that is indeed about right. Overloading is always the problem with these campers. I will be working on this as soon as I get some more exact data.

 

[suntinez]

You are going to be SO comfy in that Bigfoot.

It was after many years of not camping that I reconnected with my best friend from college, and she had this exact setup. Bigfoot 2500 on a GMC turbo diesel, and we ran all over NW Washington in it. Great fun, total comfort. Then I went home and bought a big truck ...

Can't wait to see what you do with it, congrats!

 

[greg mgm]

OOOOOOO.....Nice camper! I love those Bigfoots. :victory:
I would have preferred a fiberglass camper but never found an affordable one.

 

[Ray Hyland]

Bigfoots are AWESOME! And made by craftsmen in Armstrong BC.

Congrats!

 

[Christian P.]

The combo is now parked in front of my house!

A few observations so far:

-it is so huge. I washed it today and it took me forever.

-so comfy inside. The camper is really just like a house - I think it even has more amenities than my house...it was again raining today and it is so nice to just start the heater and be all cosy...

-the truck seems to be in good shape. It may need a couple things but overall seems in great condition. They are no rust whatsoever, just a couple of minor dents on the bed. I will have a better idea by the time I get to Arizona...!

One of my first challenge is to find a way to carry my mountain bike properly somewhere.

 

[upcruiser]

Congrats, great setup. This is pretty close to what I have been contemplating in the near future for tooling around a lot of the places I want to see in NA while living out of the vehicle. Curious to see your bike solutions as that is a concern for me too as well as a canoe or perhaps a sea kayak. As much as I love my current setups I feel there is no comparison for a condo on wheels like that when living day in and day out in variable weather. Let's see some of those interior shots!