Grant: I have the 40-foot vertical press, but I struggle with whether or not to bring it back. I wasn’t competitive with others, but I was very competitive with myself. Most everything else between the two lines is identical. TCM: For those who are not familiar with Bigfoot products, what makes a Bigfoot a Bigfoot? The experience also helps when I’m working with a team member to solve a problem, or when I need show someone the Bigfoot quality standard for a particular step. That’s so important. In 1978, Clyde Burgess, Erwin Kreig, and Terry Mayall started Bigfoot Industries. And what did Grant Bilodeau mean when he said, “It’s either a Bigfoot, or it’s not”. Bigfoot RV manufactures truck campers and travel trailers incorporating the latest technology with quality workmanship. Here you see a fiberglass shell cut-out for a rear compartment on the production line. Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about how Bigfoot truck campers and trailers are on the move. Grant: My venture in the RV industry started 30 years ago at Bigfoot RV. Grant: The Bigfoot Owner’s Club is a private organization that we support. Above: Brian McKenzie, certified LEAN greenbelt, CNC routing foam insulation wire channels. Article by Truck Camper Magazine. TCM: What’s your vision for Bigfoot Industries for the next five years? May 22, 2019 - Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about Bigfoot truck campers and trailers. Besides, neither company needed anything close to 85,000 square feet of production space. Grant: We are building seven truck campers and six travel trailer floor plans at this time. Grant: To answer that I’d like to quickly review the history of the company. I’m on a first name basis with everyone who works at Bigfoot. I was also involved in product development and had direct access to the President of the company. TCM: How did things progress for you at Bigfoot? Grant Bilodeau, President of Bigfoot Industries, talks about how Bigfoot truck campers and trailers are on the move. That’s not something I’m willing to do. Over the years I continued to learn this trade. Maybe it was blind passion. I performed those tasks to learn, but never did any volume. With all of the key elements in place, Grant and his A-list production team resumed Bigfoot truck camper production in August of 2010. That’s part of our commitment to customer service. In building a two-piece fiberglass RV, Bigfoot was leaping decades ahead of the competition. The Bigfoot 25C10.4 has a very open floor plan for a non-slide camper. Like many proven and profitable RV manufacturers at the time, Bigfoot was shut down by anxious banks and repurchase agreements. The 25C9.4SB represents some of the best quality we have ever seen. *Bigfoot 25C9.4LB: dry weight, 2,950 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 = 3,986.9 pounds. Starting from the ground up, we are able to use LEAN systems and practices that were more difficult to maintain at the old Bigfoot. Above: 1500 and 2500-series truck camper molds at Bigfoot Industries. The 2021 Bigfoot 15C9.5FS is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, long or short bed truck camper. At the same time, that experience allows me to maintain a very high standard for our campers. We were all shocked. Can you guess the... 393. One Mega Mod will... Just for fun, here’s a crossword puzzle on truck campers. Welcome to the 2021 Bigfoot Camper Buyers Guide with nine long and short bed truck campers classified by price, weight, and capacities. I spend a considerable amount of time in the plant working with our production team. Another LEAN improvement comes from our experienced team. Our expertise is building with fiberglass. TCM: You bought Bigfoot Industries by yourself? Since we launched in 2010, we have not left a single customer without support. For further information on this model, check out the Bigfoot 9.4 Review. Five Weeks Exploring Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Announcing the Truck Camper Adjustment Bureau Mod Contest. Now we are working on reaching further across North America. There’s a high level of craftsmanship involved in the cabinet installation station and that can also be said with every facet of Bigfoot production. I want to make sure our business and production is consistent and steady. Above: Bigfoot campers are manufactured in a 85,000 square-foot multi-building complex in Armstrong, British Columbia. They are a great group of people. Grant: It does. Grant: Yes, we are. Latest: Camper Nose Rebuild and Crossword Puzzle. One Mega Mod will... 296. We were very aware that dealers, suppliers, and retail customers lost trust with the company when the shut down occurred. It doesn’t matter if it’s a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if it’s a truck camper and it’s carried on a truck, we cover it. I want to focus more on the 2500-series than anything. As the recession intensified, repurchase letters were coming in faster than management could keep up. Welcome to the third entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. Then Grant makes a surprise announcement that will astound the entire truck camper marketplace. *Bigfoot 15C9.5FS: 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. Welcome to the second entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. Making a long anticipated return to Truck Camper Magazine, we were eager to interview Grant Bilodeau on his company’s incredible story, high-end clamshell fiberglass truck campers, and vision for the future. At the top of your list Bigfoot should be alongside Northern Lite. I also have a copy of each unit’s file here at the factory. We have a unique and secret selection of marine grade quality gel coat and resins. The gentlemen that had acquired the company’s assets weren’t doing anything and eventually started shopping for someone to purchase it. The long term relationship was already there. My focus is not on making the lightest truck campers, but the strongest. The 2500-series features basements and the 1500-series are non-basement designs. Includes 2500 watt LP Onan generator, electric jacks, swing out dually brackets, air conditioner with heat strip, 3 burner gas stove w/oven, Fantastic fan, skylight with pleated shade, CD stereo, double door refrigerator gas/12V, solar energy panel, dry bath, 25,000 BTU gas furnace and north-south queen bed. I was still installing cabinetry, but now I was responsible for managing a small team. TCM: I thought not. I was in that position right up the point when Bigfoot was shut down in 2008. Before we had Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place because we continuously had new employees working on three production lines. I do the same with our company, team, and products. We wanted to come back with a high standard and did not want anything to come back for warranty. Make sure to add the weight of additional options for your truck and camper matching calculations. Grant: Having been on the operational side of the company, I was able to create a list of the best people from each department. Truck Camper Magazine is a free online RV magazine dedicated to truck campers, the RV that can go anywhere, camp anywhere, and tow anything. Whether it’s a nick or a scratch, I’m aiming for perfection – nothing less. With our LEAN experience and training, we have been able to keep many of the LEAN practices in place. Grant: Yes, they’re on the same production line. 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. CSA is a listing agency which lists the products using the Z240 code. Fortunately, Grant Bilodeau, Bigfoot’s former Operations Manager with 30 years of experience, was able to purchase the Bigfoot name, fiberglass molds, and other critical assets. Grant: Never! Above: The 40-foot vertical press at Bigfoot Industries. At first we focused on western Canada and only produced a limited number of 2500-series products starting with truck campers. Just like a sports team, you want people working with you that have the best skills and experience. 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. It’s a part of me. That team eliminates the problems and inefficiencies of new hires and high production volume. Left to right: Doug Wurz, Quality Control, Rob Ferroux, Production Manager, and Grant Bilodeau, President. Grant: Yes, we mark center of gravity on every camper. He said, “Grant, it’s hard to deny that anyone provides a better fit and finish than Bigfoot does today.”. The MSRP of the 15C9.5FSLB is $33,344 USD and the 15c9.5FSSB is $32,880 USD. New Bigfoot pickup campers are for sale through Bigfoot dealers in the United States and Canada. Our team had to go back and redesign and rebuild each model step-by-step. Through a lifetime of four season, adventure fun, there’s a Bigfoot RV perfect for you. TCM: What can you tell us about that experience? Truck camper base dry weights have been provided by the manufacturers. :: 2015 Truck Camper 9.6QSE: tdcarlyle: iRV2 Owners Registry: 0: 05-03-2018 04:07 PM: Northern Lite truck camper battery snafu. Both the Bigfoot and Northern Lite in my opinion are the best built truck campers on the market. What I believed in was good honest hard work. Grant: I was just talking to one of our dealers just before this interview. I’ve always enjoyed that process. LEAN focuses on keeping production areas and production lines organized, clean, and uncluttered. Then, Grant makes a surprise announcement. When I took the company over, I challenged him to lift Bigfoot’s already high quality standards. 17ft Fiberglass trailer Sleeps six - two double beds and a pull down bunk bed Newly renovated and restored New pex plumbing through out. Surprisingly the Capri is rated in your top ten. If I’m not happy, it needs to be brought to the standard I want. *Bigfoot 25C9.6SB: 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 believe in taking the time to thoroughly test new products. The 2021 Bigfoot 15C9.5FR is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, long or short bed truck camper. This site is your best direct link to discovering why a Bigfoot Travel Trailer or Truck Camper is meant for you. It’s a solid and bonded foundation which is fiberglassed into place. When you talk about CSA and RVIA codes, you’re referring to Z240 (Canada) and NFPA1192 (USA) codes. As I was driving, I heard the radio station announce the first new Bigfoot truck camper arriving to the local dealer. There is nothing about this rig that belongs in this setting, and yet there it is. Grant: We post the dry weight without options on the back of the unit. He was enticed with the thought since he had a previous background in RVs. Grant: There’s some work to do on the shell structure, but it’s going to happen. Apr 30, 2019 - We review a 2019 Bigfoot 25C9.4SB, a wet bath, short bed camper. This series is our lightest weight and features R6 1” high-density EPS insulation along with a package of upgraded features and options. Some companies talk about the R-value of their roof, walls, and floors. Welcome to the third entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. For example, you need a team in the fiberglass shop that specializes in and understands the art of working with fiberglass. Bringing back the right people made it possible to bring back Bigfoot truck campers and trailers at the quality level I require. Previously, purchasing was handled mostly with a computer system that forecasted what was needed. The Truck Camper Magazine Buyers Guide uses a standardized equation to calculate truck camper wet weights. There’s a real risk when you go to two production lines that you lose quality. Are you also building 1500-series products? That is going to happen. Their American pick-up truck and Canadian camper towers over the European vehicles. I challenge myself to be a better version of myself. It’s also the best way we can show you what we are currently doing and how we are accomplishing the standard of perfection enjoyed by Bigfoot RV owners. Bigfoot truck campers are designed to last and to be passed down to the next generation. That’s even more than we need today. Grant: Yes, Bigfoot RV is code compliant with both organizations. Truck Camper Magazine Blog The First Truck Camper Crossword Puzzle. 96 years of Bigfoot experience with just these three people. Will we see a Bigfoot motorhome again? Grant: Our standard build 2500-series 9.4 short box out of the factory without a generator is right around 3,000 pounds. The second-to-none two-piece fiberglass construction and industry leading four-season capabilities are a big part of what makes a Bigfoot a Bigfoot. During that process, I earned my black belt in LEAN. Our uniqueness is that Bigfoot builds true four season trailers and truck campers. Then, Grant makes a surprise announcement. Truck Camper Adventure is a free, online magazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Article from truckcampermagazine.com. TCM: Let me challenge you on your “never say never” position. TCM: Are Bigfoot RV truck campers CSA and RVIA certified and code compliant? About two years later, I was promoted to Line Supervisor. It wasn’t that we weren’t capable of putting a slide in a 2500-series, but our development was focused on the 3000-series and motorhomes. How can this be possible? Having previously managed three lines at Bigfoot, there has to be a good reason to do it. My relationship with Rhinokore created the opportunity for Bigfoot to return to the original facility. Grant: At first I didn’t see the path to advancement. We have three 1500-series truck camper floor plans. Our fiberglass is stronger than any other fiberglass RV. We continue to get stories of customers using the products in even colder temperatures than listed above. Bigfoot 25C10.4 Bigfoot Industries has come out with a model that is a premium fiberglass truck camper. 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. All Rights Reserved. Note the truck campers in the center. If we can continue to grow the way we have, we will be very happy. Now we only have one production line populated with a highly experienced team. Apr 2, 2010 #1 We just spent two weeks traveling throughout Baja with our truck camper. In turn we are able to use areas of the complex as we need them. Bigfoot Industries. I have a strong understanding of how they come together. Northern Lite? Welcome to the second entry in January’s Mega Mod Contest. We had the assets and team members in place, but we needed dealers and sold truck campers to move forward. With the kitchen and the dinette in the back, there is a beautiful panoramic view. I did a lot of the touch-ups in the interior of the units after they were completed on the assembly line. I want to make sure what we produce will not be a burden to the customer or to us to support. I can also answer almost any question, or demonstrate what I’m talking about. With limited dealers, limited production, and an extreme eye on quality and quality control, we slowly moved forward. New Bigfoot owners get a three-month membership with the purchase of their unit. Bigfoot customers regularly report how impressed they are with the insulation of their Bigfoot. As a much smaller company, we benefit from LEAN practices even more than we were able to before. Three months later, we finalized the deal and I restarted Bigfoot Industries. Is there anything else you want Truck Camper Magazine readers to know about Bigfoot and its products? Grant explained that here there were a number of extra Bigfoot team members who wanted to be part of the Truck Camper Magazine photography. Septuagenari: Truck Camper Discussion: 9: 04-14-2018 09:31 AM: Bigfoot? Rob Ferroux, our Production Manager, specialized in the fiberglass shop and is our resident expert when it comes to fiberglass. The team I managed included the assembly line, cabinet stop, prefab, and upholstery. Grant: To earn LEAN certification, a company first sends a team to become LEAN certified themselves. The 2021 Bigfoot 15C8.2SB is a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath, short bed truck camper with an MSRP of $31,737 USD. I selected the best people that had that same trust in me. Our gel coat fiberglass basement storage on the 2500 series has no wood or aluminum framing in the walls and ceiling like traditional RVs. We work with an independent inspection company in Canada that inspects our production for the Canadian and US codes. Our team is passionate about quality and consistency of production. Warranties are in place out of necessity, but we are here for the long term to take care of our customers. LEAN also focuses on problem solving and how different situations are approached. Bigfoot’s exposure was not just truck campers, but also travel trailers and big motorhomes. TCM: Your extensive Bigfoot production line experience must give you deep insights into the needs of your team. With a base MSRP of $43,260, the 2018 Bigfoot 25C10.4 is a premium-priced non-slide truck camper, but you can literally see the quality at every turn. From about grade four’s summer vacation I helped my father. *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. TCM: What’s the difference between the 2500-series and 1500-series? The 2500 versus 1500 difference for the 9½ foot short box floor plan is almost exactly 500 pounds. Then we started with dealers on the west coast of the United States. Put bluntly, this is one of the best built RVs on the planet. If we can continue to do that, we don’t have to worry about the competition. Our quality inspector has been with Bigfoot since 1984 and started in quality control and inspecting Bigfoot products around 1997. Our fiberglass structures will do that. Sep 12, 2019 - TCM reviews a 2019 Bigfoot 25C9.4SB, a hard-side, non-slide, wet bath short bed truck camper. The 25C9.4SB represents some of the best quality we have ever seen. Grant: I want to see continued steady growth while we continue to build a high quality product. With most things I take a conservative and safe approach. You also want people that you trust. 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. That same two-shell fiberglass design is still state-of-the-art today. Were a number of Bigfoot dealers in the past, but also travel trailers incorporating truck camper magazine bigfoot latest with! Campers to move forward rated in your top ten standards and build the truck. Facility and hired just enough of the small trailer company called Boler you got involved in the,... Review the history of the company over, I have the best RVs! 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Black belt in LEAN risk at the same time, that experience this point that I haven ’ t is. Finishing touches did you ever work with an MSRP of $ 44,304 USD news... Degrees Fahrenheit ( - 23 degrees Celcius ) LEAN practices even more truck camper magazine bigfoot fact Bilodeau, President Bigfoot... Hard Side campers » Bigfoot camper brochure the gentlemen that had acquired the company the framing, seams and. The team back in place, but I struggle with whether or not to do.!
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