Before we had Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place because we continuously had new employees working on three production lines. We had the assets and team members in place, but we needed dealers and sold truck campers to move forward. I spend a considerable amount of time in the plant working with our production team. We work with an independent inspection company in Canada that inspects our production for the Canadian and US codes. Located at 4114 Crozier Rd., Armstrong, British Columbia, V0E 1B6, (250)-546 … Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about Bigfoot truck campers and trailers. How can this be possible? Another LEAN improvement comes from our experienced team. Will we see a Bigfoot motorhome again? I do not make sacrifices with quality. TCM: How did you go about getting the right people back to restart the production line? Some companies talk about the R-value of their roof, walls, and floors. TCM: You already stated that you’re building 2500-series products. As time went on, I was promoted to Production Manager in 1996 and then Plant Manager. It was quite an undertaking to redevelop each model. For further information on this model, check out the Bigfoot 9.4 Review. In addition I had other jobs working with animals and in farm settings. Are you also building 1500-series products? From about grade four’s summer vacation I helped my father. Just for fun, here’s a crossword puzzle on truck campers. *Bigfoot 25C9.4SB: dry weight, 2,980 pounds + 38 gallons fresh, 316.9 pounds + 6 gallon water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 20-pound full propane tanks, 40 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 4,016.9 pounds. Article from truckcampermagazine.com. My phrase is, “It’s either a Bigfoot, or it’s not.”  If I see something on the production line or on a unit that isn’t fitting to the Bigfoot name, that’s the phrase I use with the team. Three months later, we finalized the deal and I restarted Bigfoot Industries. Grant: After the shutdown, Bigfoot sat idle for a year. TCM: How did you get involved with Bigfoot after the shut down? That same two-shell fiberglass design is still state-of-the-art today. TCM: You bought Bigfoot Industries by yourself? If you own a Bigfoot, you can contact me directly. Maybe it was blind passion. It’s a part of me. For a free Bigfoot Camper brochure, click here. Previously, purchasing was handled mostly with a computer system that forecasted what was needed. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. As two-piece fiberglass units, Bigfoot truck campers are built from the inside out. With all of the key elements in place, Grant and his A-list production team resumed Bigfoot truck camper production in August of 2010. May 22, 2019 - Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about Bigfoot truck campers and trailers. The part of LEAN that I follow the most is continuous improvement. The biggest benefit you’re getting from that premium price is the durability. Apr 30, 2019 - We review a 2019 Bigfoot 25C9.4SB, a wet bath, short bed camper. Through a lifetime of four season, adventure fun, there’s a Bigfoot RV perfect for you. I was also involved in product development and had direct access to the President of the company. Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about the triumphant return of Bigfoot truck campers and trailers and exactly what makes a Bigfoot a Bigfoot. Grant: We are looking to design and develop new floor plans. At first we focused on western Canada and only produced a limited number of 2500-series products starting with truck campers. The MSRP of the 15C9.5FSLB is $33,344 USD and the 15c9.5FSSB is $32,880 USD. Warranties are in place out of necessity, but we are here for the long term to take care of our customers. Truck Camper Adventure is a free, online magazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Welcome to the third entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. Most everything else between the two lines is identical. There’s a real risk when you go to two production lines that you lose quality. Grant: My venture in the RV industry started 30 years ago at Bigfoot RV. There are many different skill sets in building an RV. There’s not much that goes into a Bigfoot that I haven’t personally worked on. .. Through a lifetime of four season, adventure fun, there’s a Bigfoot RV perfect for you. Grant: I was just talking to one of our dealers just before this interview. Northern Lite Mfg. Grant: Yes, Bigfoot RV is code compliant with both organizations. The 2021 Bigfoot 25C9.6SB is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, short bed truck camper with an MSRP of $42,233 USD. TCM: Other than sharing the costs of the property, are there any benefits to having Rhinokore Composites and Bigfoot Industries in the same complex? In Canada, you have to build to Canada’s standards. It was started by Rick Allen, a Bigfoot motorhome owner, many years ago. During a visit about a year after Bigfoot’s re-launch, Grant explained that his focus was not on profits or production, but rather on building a stable and reliable business for his dealers and customers – one high quality Bigfoot at a time. He and I have worked together for a long time. Surprisingly the Capri is rated in your top ten. TCM: How were you able to resume production in the same 85,000 square-foot multi-building complex in Armstrong, British Columbia where Bigfoot was originally produced? The 2021 Bigfoot 25C9.6LB is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, long bed truck camper with an MSRP of $42,126 USD. TCM: Before we talk about Bigfoot, tell us how you got involved in the RV industry. Above: Production inventory warehoused at Bigfoot Industries. That required a lot of learning. Then I realize these opinions are Influenced by sponsors more than fact. TCM: How would you describe your approach to quality and quality control at Bigfoot Industries? Over time, Terry and Irwin knew with their design that they would have a great advantage to units built with seams and joints because they would eventually crack and allow water infiltration. Grant: Having been on the operational side of the company, I was able to create a list of the best people from each department. We currently have a strong west coast presence and are looking to build on that. Most of that now comes naturally to us. This press was used for 3000 and 4000-series products. Appliances are covered under their own respective warranties. To visit the Bigfoot website, go to BigfootRV.com. Look the same: Tallwater: Truck Camper Discussion: 8: 04-14-2005 08:14 AM Hint: What’s the one thing the 2500-series has always been missing? Having previously managed three lines at Bigfoot, there has to be a good reason to do it. But then they have an aluminum framing that literally conducts heat and cold and condensation directly into their units. 17ft Fiberglass trailer Sleeps six - two double beds and a pull down bunk bed Newly renovated and restored New pex plumbing through out. When the opportunity presented itself, I said, “Let’s just do it.”. It’s not unusual for me to help a customer on a Sunday afternoon. There is nothing about this rig that belongs in this setting, and yet there it is. TCM: Did you ever work with the molds and fiberglass? When we launch the 2500 slide-out, it will be built to last. 2016 Bigfoot RV Truck Campers 1500 Series 15C8.2FR Our 1500 series truck campers include the 8.2, 9.5FS and 9.5FR shortbox models and the 9.5FS and 9.5FR longbox models. That worked okay, but there was a lot of waste as the computer was never 100-percent in tune with production. Is he still involved with the company? Article from truckcampermagazine.com. That is going to happen. We are always improving. The auto body skills I learned working with my father became very handy later when I became a supervisor and was managing fiberglass repair staff. I challenge myself to be a better version of myself. I was just so committed to Bigfoot. I do the same with our company, team, and products. I was in that position right up the point when Bigfoot was shut down in 2008. With the kitchen and the dinette in the back, there is a beautiful panoramic view. *Bigfoot 15C9.5FR: dry weight, 2,245 pounds + 32 gallons fresh, 266.9 pounds + 6 gallon water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 20-pound full propane tanks, 40 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 3,231.9 pounds. We also have access to the original on site equipment. No other truck camper manufacturer that failed during the Great Recession made such a comeback. Welcome to the 2021 Bigfoot Camper Buyers Guide with nine long and short bed truck campers classified by price, weight, and capacities. The floors in our 2500-series are supported with an I-beam structure on the perimeter like a house. I’ve done pretty much everything else for production. In my previous position, I was deeply involved in product development. Given all the years of experience I have across the entire production process, I could build a Bigfoot. The dry weight with options is printed on a sheet and inserted into the information packet with every unit. I want to make sure what we produce will not be a burden to the customer or to us to support. From there, Grant negotiated space within the original Bigfoot facility and hired just enough of the best production people from the original company. That’s so important. Then, Grant makes a surprise announcement. Bigfoot trailer . *Bigfoot 15C8.2SB: dry weight, 2,061 pounds + 32 gallons fresh, 266.9 pounds + 6 gallon water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 20-pound full propane tanks, 40 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 3,047.9 pounds. 7. The camper is not that appealing and has a squared rear door. They are a great group of people. My focus is not on making the lightest truck campers, but the strongest. We have a unique and secret selection of marine grade quality gel coat and resins. Bigfoot quality is consistent in all units, from the choice of high standard construction materials to the finest finishing touches. *Bigfoot 25C10.4: dry weight, 3,220 pounds + 39 gallons fresh, 325.3 pounds + 6 gallon water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 20-pound full propane tanks, 40 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 4,265.3 pounds. During that process, I earned my black belt in LEAN. Bigfoot pioneered the design. Bigfoot On The Move. Our fiberglass structures will do that. That’s part of our commitment to customer service. Bigfoot truck campers are designed to last and to be passed down to the next generation. Each member of our team has that level of passion within his/her skill set and brings his/her knowledge and experience to Bigfoot production everyday. *Bigfoot 25C9.6LB: dry weight, 2,930 pounds + 50 gallons fresh, 417 pounds + 6 gallon water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 20-pound full propane tanks, 40 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 4,067 pounds. I want to make sure our business and production is consistent and steady. For additional information, request a Bigfoot truck camper brochure. One Mega Mod will... 296. As I was driving, I heard the radio station announce the first new Bigfoot truck camper arriving to the local dealer. We continue to get stories of customers using the products in even colder temperatures than listed above. $ 10,500 . We wanted to come back with a high standard and did not want anything to come back for warranty. One Mega Mod will... Just for fun, here’s a crossword puzzle on truck campers. The 3000-series process is also more expensive for the consumer. .. I also have a copy of each unit’s file here at the factory. To contact Bigfoot Industries in Armstrong, British Columbia, call 250-546-2155. There is no wiggle room. The 25C9.4SB represents some of the best quality we have ever seen. LEAN focuses on keeping production areas and production lines organized, clean, and uncluttered. Bigfoot customers regularly report how impressed they are with the insulation of their Bigfoot. Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about how Bigfoot truck campers and trailers are on the move. The same 9½ foot short box camper as a 1500-series camper is about 2,500 pounds. I can also answer almost any question, or demonstrate what I’m talking about. TCM: Your extensive Bigfoot production line experience must give you deep insights into the needs of your team. The team I managed included the assembly line, cabinet stop, prefab, and upholstery. I don’t think I approached buying Bigfoot as a risk at the time. For example, you need a team in the fiberglass shop that specializes in and understands the art of working with fiberglass. $19,950. I performed those tasks to learn, but never did any volume. year month … That’s what makes Bigfoot products the best. I don’t have an answer as to when. Left to right: Doug Wurz, Quality Control, Rob Ferroux, Production Manager, and Grant Bilodeau, President. The 2021 Bigfoot 25C10.4 is a hard-side, non-slide, dry bath, long bed truck camper with an MSRP of $45,482 USD. Grant: After Bigfoot shut down, I helped another start up venture, Rhinokore Composites, manufacturing non-RV products in the former Bigfoot complex. New Bigfoot owners get a three-month membership with the purchase of their unit. TCM: Are you planning to develop any new truck camper floor plans, or continue to refine the models you offer? Many of our team members have twenty and even thirty years of experience at Bigfoot. The search volume is 1000 p/m. In turn we are able to use areas of the complex as we need them. The weigted average price for a used Bigfoot truck camper is $19,950. Grant: Our standard build 2500-series 9.4 short box out of the factory without a generator is right around 3,000 pounds. That effort provided opportunity for promotion. TRUCK CAMPERS 1500 SERIES Bigfoot RV’s represent the highest quality, from the though ul design and choice of high standard construc on materials to the finest finishing touches. Grant: It would have been crazy not to do it. Grant: The Bigfoot Owner’s Club is a private organization that we support. Apr 16, 2011 #2 2aroundtheworld said: When I told my friend that I bought a Bigfoot camper and a GMC truck, he sent me this picture of his neighbor's camper... Click to expand... A little bit of cleaning would make the camper look fine. Everything works, inside material has been recovered. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. With the repurchase agreements manufacturers were forced to sign, Bigfoot had to buy back RVs from every Bigfoot dealer that shut down, most of this coming out of the United States. The 2500-series features basements and the 1500-series are non-basement designs. TCM: The original Bigfoot Industries had earned LEAN certification for its just-in-time inventory practices, elimination of unnecessary material waste, consistency of quality and quality control, and culture of continuous improvement. See more ideas about truck camper magazine, truck camper, camper. TCM: How did things proceed once you had the team back in place? TCM: How about the actual weight with options? Have you been able to maintain these practices as part of Bigfoot Industries today? TCM: For those who are not familiar with Bigfoot products, what makes a Bigfoot a Bigfoot? TCM: The Bigfoot Owner’s Club (BOCI) is still an active organization. That’s what we do. The 2021 Bigfoot 25C9.4LB is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, long bed truck camper with an MSRP of $42,305 USD. Nothing happens without a sale. Before we move on, there’s another important detail about molded fiberglass truck campers that warrants attention. The Truck Camper Magazine Buyers Guide uses a standardized equation to calculate truck camper wet weights. Just like a sports team, you want people working with you that have the best skills and experience. I now have a team member who worked with Bruce. Nobody outside of the company knew that we had completed our first unit. Bigfoot management saw that I was doing well with final finishing and moved me to cabinet installation. At the top of your list Bigfoot should be alongside Northern Lite. Founded in 2007, TCM is the RV community's number one source for news, reviews, guides, newbie advice, destination ideas, maintenance recommendations, modifications, and more. TCM: What’s your vision for Bigfoot Industries for the next five years? The 2500-series has 30,000 BTU furnaces and the 1500-series has 16,000 BTU furnaces. The Truck Camper Magazine Buyers Guide uses a standardized equation to calculate truck camper wet weights. TCM: Let me challenge you on your “never say never” position. On a cold day you can find the aluminum studs by running your hands on the inside walls to feel the cold as it transfers right through. All Rights Reserved. We cover all types of truck campers here at Truck Camper Adventure. CSA is a listing agency which lists the products using the Z240 code. Then Grant makes a surprise announcement that will astound the entire truck camper marketplace. Terry had fiberglass boat and mold building experience and wanted to build truck campers and travel trailers with minimal seams. See more ideas about bigfoot, truck camper magazine, truck camper. Starting with the manufacturers base dry weight, the equation adds the full fresh water weight, full hot water heater weight, full propane tank weight, battery weight, and 500 pounds for stuff. And what did Grant Bilodeau mean when he said, “It’s either a Bigfoot, or it’s not”. Make sure to add the weight of additional options for your truck and camper matching calculations. Not only is this dry bath as big as dry baths in some multi-slide truck campers, but those campers rarely, if ever, have a big window. Latest: Camper Nose Rebuild and Crossword Puzzle. When I took the company over, I challenged him to lift Bigfoot’s already high quality standards. TCM: We really appreciate you talking to us about Bigfoot Industries. Seven years after the successful return, Bigfoot Industries is ready to once again expand their horizons. Click here to request a free Bigfoot Camper brochure. With our LEAN experience and training, we have been able to keep many of the LEAN practices in place. In addition we use material from Rhinokore Composites in our floor, which is a unique honeycomb structural insulation. Above: The 40-foot vertical press at Bigfoot Industries. 2001 Bigfoot 25C10.6 fiberglass truck camper requires 8' bed truck. Grant: I have the 40-foot vertical press, but I struggle with whether or not to bring it back. Camper Mod Contest Entries Camper Sink Gets Canned. Camper base dry weights, specifications, capacities, and products and built actual truck camper with an inspection. Sold truck campers and travel trailers with minimal seams glass windows premium fiberglass truck campers the. The price tag has a big part of Bigfoot Industries and has a squared rear.. 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