BIGFOOT Truck Campers

[Archive]

For some time my wife and I have been looking at truck campers. The reason we don't want a trailer is because we already tow a boat wnd we're not prepared to leave the boat behind when we go camping.

Anyway, most units we've seen have generated little more than a yawn from my wife. That is, until we went to the Bigfoot dealership. If it was up to her, we would have ordered one on the spot. What a turnaround!

Anyway, I'm familair with the monocoque design and all the other structural differences between Bigfoot and the more conventional units. Before ordering one, I wanted to ask anyone who owns one if they are happy with their camper because they are pricey!

Also, even though the camper isn't very heavy, I assume I should add the Firestone Air Lifts to keep the truck level.

Please give me the benefit of your experience and TIA for your input.

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'94 SLT 2WD, 5 Spd. , 3. 54, Synthetics, By-Pass, TST, Gauges, Scotty K&N, Horton, 4" Exhaust, Prime-Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit, Gutted Cat, Missing Ring, PIAA's, 255x85Rx16's and copious amounts of 12v Pride.

 

[Archive]

I'm looking for a slide-in camper right now as well. Haven't seen anything on the bigfoot campers - do you have a place I can get some info on them? Thanks in advance.

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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes chapter of the TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc, boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly ss nerf bars, front Draw-Tite receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's
http://my. voyager.net/stevest

 

[Archive]

What Ive heard about Bigfoot is that they are an excellent and high quality product.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner

 

[Archive]

I do not own a Bigfoot, I've heard good things about them, but, they are heavy and expensive. IMO, Lance makes good units and are widely available throughout the US. For comparison, visit www.lancecamper.com

RonL

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98 3500 QC 4X4

 

[Archive]

We purchases a Columbia River 8. 10 (made by Bigfoot) last summer. Aside from a "slight" problem with the grey water having to drain up-hill (!!!), we are very impressed. Have not yet done anything to beef up the suspension, but am looking at doing so this year.
Doug
91. 5 D250, 5 speed

[This message has been edited by Doug (edited 01-23-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

We've been looking at both TT's and slide-in campers, decided on a TT because it works better for us.

We did look at Bigfoot and it's an excellent product. Another unit you might consider is the Arctic Fox, mfg'd by Northwood in LaGrande, OR - only about 3. 5 hrs from you. Also in this higher-end/quality category is the Alpenlite line from Western RV in Yakima, WA.

We decided on an Arctic Fox TT, but had we bought a camper it would have been one of the three above.

Hope this helps,

Rob

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1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Front Bumper/Brush Guard, PIAA 90ProXT's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Per-Lux 550 rr mtd aux b/u lights, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors, Attwood 25Klb. rollover gooseneck hitch, Kelly Safari AWR LT255/85-16 tires, 2" Trailmaster leveling kit w/shocks, Muffler/Silencer Ring gone, Totem alum canopy, Mobil Delvac1 5W-40, and... cup smoothie

 

[Archive]

I've been reading the responses and I want to thank everyone who's answered. I'm taking everthing you've said into consideration.

Mike: Thanks for you comments.
Steve: I have some literature and would be happy to send it to you if you wish... just let me know. BTW, Bigfoot is made in Canada and is especially designed to handle temperature extremes, both hot and cold... which may be of interest to you. Believe it or not, they do not have a websight although the company has been around since the '70's. You can learn more about them at www.rosmanrv.com/wintwall.html .
Doc: I'm not sure if they'll be at the Silver Dome. Thanks for the literature offer.
FF106: Yes, they are expensive but they're not as heavy as the appear due to their monocoque construction. Their 9. 5' camper weighs 1750 lbs. dry.


[This message has been edited by EZ94 (edited 01-23-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

We lived in BC for a year and were really sold on a Bigfoot until we got back the the States and looked at Lance campers. Model for Model they cost about the same a BF, but the layout and creature comforts in top of the line Lance units are superior IMO. They are somewhat heavier, but not much. Check out Lance before you decide.

And definately get the airbags. They make a huge difference in how the rig handles in ruts, cross winds, etc. by putting more weight on the front axel.

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1999 Quad cab 2500, SB, SLT, 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 54, tow and camper package, Lance 820 camper, Lance cabover stabilizers, Rancho 9000s, Airlift airbags




[This message has been edited by Lee Weber (edited 01-27-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Anyone condsidering a large truck camper should take the factory tour of the Lance camper facility in Lancaster, CA if possible. It is a real education to see how they build these things and then you will also understand why Lance has a long reputation for a very high quality product. A Lance dealer that will give you the lowest possible, no-haggle price is Hill's RV in Yakima, WA (1-800-349-3131). They will go to extremes to give you the kind of deal that will make it compelling to drive up to Yakima to take delivery. Ask for Dwight, and tell him Jack referred you.




[This message has been edited by cjackg (edited 02-18-2000). ]

 

[rMetzger]

Ok, so I see that this thread is two years old, but I have a small slide-in that goes on my 1500. Gave it a pair of Sumo Springs to make more stable. Rides good. Sleeps nice.

here’s the question, though. Better to keep the big plastic factory bed protector, or remove that in favor of a spray-in or rolled-on liner?

 

[Topzide]

Remove and do a spray/roll on type. Seen to many beds rusted out under those drop in liners! The shifting and debris wears through the paint and grinds away at the metal. Heard people having good luck with the HF truck liner. Here's another choice that I've found and would consider is https://www.durabakcompany.com/. Many colors to choose from along with textured and smooth for on body as stone chip guards!

 

[Signal73]

Ok, so I see that this thread is two years old, but I have a small slide-in that goes on my 1500. Gave it a pair of Sumo Springs to make more stable. Rides good. Sleeps nice.

here’s the question, though. Better to keep the big plastic factory bed protector, or remove that in favor of a spray-in or rolled-on liner?

*22 years old

 

[Ozymandias]

Another vote for spray-in here. The way to go.

 

[rMetzger]

*22 years old

 

[Regcabguy]

I have a sprayed in liner plus the big rubber bedmat.

 

[rMetzger]

I have a sprayed in liner plus the big rubber bedmat.

I think that makes sense. Got linered today, and just ordered a Rough Country from Walmart.com

37lb and 3/8” thick. Shouldn’t blow around in the wind when I don’t have the camper on

 

[Regcabguy]

I think that makes sense. Got linered today, and just ordered a Rough Country from Walmart.com

37lb and 3/8” thick. Shouldn’t blow around in the wind when I don’t have the camper on

It won't. I've had one on all of my trucks for 40 yrs. Much easier on the knees loading/unloading things too.