Community Forums

farmer2 · 06-30-2008, 03:04 PM

We're debating between Jayco & Bigfoot. We have reviewed RV consumer group ratings, researched each website, collected literature, etc. We'd like the advice of Jayco 34SS & Bigfoot 32ST owners.
Would you buy it again?
What do you really like?
What don't you like?
What else should we consider in deciding between the two?

THANKS!

farmer2 · 06-30-2008, 03:04 PM

We're debating between Jayco & Bigfoot. We have reviewed RV consumer group ratings, researched each website, collected literature, etc. We'd like the advice of Jayco 34SS & Bigfoot 32ST owners.
Would you buy it again?
What do you really like?
What don't you like?
What else should we consider in deciding between the two?

THANKS!

Gary RVRoamer · 06-30-2008, 06:12 PM

I haven't owned either, but when we look them over at shows I am always impressed with the Bigfoot. They build a sturdy rig. I like the all-weather design (and you can get arctic weather package as an upgrade) and the general attention to details.

FMCA Magazine did a review on the Bigfoot 4000 series last year - see Bigfoot 4000

Paulin · 06-30-2008, 08:39 PM

farmer 2,

For whatever reason we couldn't deliver our reply to your PM, so will post it here.

We very much like the Duramax diesel motor, the floor plan and full body paint. We are unhappy with the suspension and ride, even after spending about $4K on after market sway bars, track bars and Koni shocks. These are Chevy Kodiak chassis problems and not necessarily Jayco's. Also, Jayco has not done a quality job on fit, finish and assembly. We have had to replace many body panel screws and the motor home has been in the shop for warranty work for quite a few months for minor things that should have been caught before it left the factory. Honestly, we would think hard and long before buying one again, although we don't know what else is available at it's price point. We would recommend paying special attention the the ride and handling. Perhaps you could negotiate some suspension upgrades like the 19K rear springs and, at the very least, a wheel alignment.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask further questions if you like.

paulin

farmer2 · 07-01-2008, 05:37 PM

Thanks so much for your candid information. It was so helpful as we embark on this big adventure. We very much appreciate your help and being able to benefit from you knowledge.

Texas TC · 07-02-2008, 02:12 PM

There are volumes that have been written about the issues the Kodiak has when it comes to handling. Aftermarket upgrades are a definite requirement unless you like to drive with white knuckles around other high profile vehicles, in cross winds, and on rutted or grooved roads. After just a year of driving my Kodiak based coach, I went to a class 6 International chassis. Unfortunately, the only choices to get a class 6 or above are International and Freightliner. Before you buy, I would look at coaches on these platforms. I really enjoy driving mine now and never liked driving the Kodiak.

apackof2 · 07-02-2008, 04:20 PM

I don't own either but I would do a Bigfoot over the Jayco any day

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by farmer2:
We're debating between Jayco & Bigfoot. We have reviewed RV consumer group ratings, researched each website, collected literature, etc. We'd like the advice of Jayco 34SS & Bigfoot 32ST owners.
Would you buy it again?
What do you really like?
What don't you like?
What else should we consider in deciding between the two?

THANKS! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Shussking · 07-14-2008, 10:39 PM

We have the 2006Bigfoot 40MH32ST with Duramax Diesel. Purchased it used near Las Vegas and drove it back to Florida. Have used it for a three week "in and around" vacation in Florida. Had no problems with handling coming across the US (Jan 08). Drove 60-65 mph and got 10-11 Mpg. We're very happy with the Bigfoot - excellent quality and plan to do winter camping in Maine when we retire. We looked at the Jayco but it's not suitable for "hard-core" winter camping in my opinion. Not many dealers for the Bigfoot but I have had repairs done by local RV dealers in Florida. They called the factory for info and got good support. You pay more for the Bigfoot upfront but it's money well spent!

Peter Johnson