Bigfoot Truck Campers

Out West, there is an RV builder that’s been producing high-quality truck campers for over 45 years. Bigfoot RVs are known and recognized for offering a quality build along with a thoughtful design. The company says it does this with the utmost attention to detail. Of the Bigfoot owners I’ve talked to over the years, well, they’d agree with that statement.

Bigfoot RVs emerged from the vision of Terry Mayall, Clyde and Erwin, who had previously owned a fibreglass tub company. Their expertise in fibreglass led them to create RVs with minimal seams and strong construction, initially producing both travel trailers and truck campers. Today Bigfoot is again building travel trailers, but they are best known for their truck campers, and that’s what I am looking at today.

Bigfoot campers are built to withstand all-season use, which should provide a lifetime of adventure and fun. Bigfoot is a premium product (with a price to match) because they have always prioritized quality and durability, which is evident in its construction and material choices. That is inside and out, using a space-frame cabinetry system.

Bigfoot RV operates in Armstrong, BC, Canada

I recently looked over the sales stats for 2024 as compiled by the RV Dealers Association of Canada. It’s interesting to note that 2.1 million households in Canada own an RV. That is approximately 14% of all Canadian households. And, while many of you will attribute that number to the pandemic sales bubble, it’s even more interesting to note that this number is around 3% higher than in 2019.

That said, I was looking for the sales of truck campers, and what I found was surprising. Looking at all the 2024 sales of all types of RVs, the truck camper segment is the smallest – at around 0.5 percent of the whole pie.

That said, it begs the question – Who buys truck campers?

Truck campers are popular out West primarily because they appeal to horse owners who already have trucks and tow horse trailers behind them. I also know that fishers, hunters, ATVers, etc., all of whom often need to tow trailers like them. And, because they are mounted on 4WD trucks, they can tackle the rough roads of the backcountry. Like I said, this describes why they are popular out West. But what about the rest of the country?

The answer to that question comes in two parts. First, you own a truck as a daily driver – so the platform and engine are already available. Two, your adventures lean heavily towards the off-road and the off-grid, regardless of what part of the country you live in. And that brings us to the one overriding fact to remember. A truck camper on a 4×4 truck can get into places that a towed trailer cannot.

Now, getting the camper on and off the truck is as simple as using a TV remote. In fact, with the standard wireless electric jacks, the remote allows the user to position each leg individually or lift/lower all the legs at once. I’ve done it in the past and found I could lift, back under and drop the unit onto my truck in under five minutes.

So, we have looked at the why of a truck camper; now let’s look at why choose Bigfoot.

Well, it’s about the build quality. All RVs endure on-road stress on body, frame and running gear; however, a truck camper is bounced around in a very unique way, and it must be built to flex and also be rigid, not an easy equation to master. This is where 45 years of experience come in handy. Much of the rest of this answer can be found in the standard features list. See below to see what goes into each Bigfoot.

Bigfoot Truck Camper 1500 Series Standard Features (also available for 2500 and 3500 trucks)

Exterior:

• • • Lightweight Two-Piece Fibreglass Exterior Shell
    • 1” High Density EPS Insulation (R6)
    • Radius Corner Safety Glass Windows (c/w Screens) Folding Assist Handle
    • LED Exterior Clearance and Directional Lighting
    • Moulded Propane Tank Storage Compartment
    • Sewer Hose Storage Compartment
    • Radius Corner Compartment Doors
    • Cab Thru Window (Non-Tinted)
    • Radius Corner Entry Door
    • Rack & Ladder
    • Mechanical Powder-Coated Jacks
    • Step Bracket
    • Solar Reflective Thermal Pane Windows

Interior:

• • • Maxxair Fan
    • Washable Vinyl Wall Panelling
    • Marine Quality Fabric Headliner
    • Face Framed Double Screwed Cabinets
    • Spring Filled Foam Mattress (60″ x 74″)
    • 36″ Headroom in Bunk
    • Shirt Closet in Bunk Area
    • Day/Night Shades
    • Bedside Storage Cabinets
    • TV Shelf
    • Brushed Aluminum Blind in Galley
    • LED Lighting

Electrical:

• • • Electrical 120-VAC/30-Amp Service
    • 45-Amp DC Power Converter (c/w Battery Charger) Solar Panel Pre-Wire
    • Pre-Wire for Roof Air
    • Pre-Wire for Microwave
    • Power Fan in Bathroom
    • Battery Ready (c/w Battery Box)
    • Battery Disconnect (Electronic) Exterior Light

Safety:

• • • MVSS 302 Fire-Rated Automotive Fabric
    • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
    • Propane Detector
    • Fire Extinguisher
    • Escape Hatch

Plumbing:

• • • City Water Hookup
    • 12-Volt Demand Water Pump System
    • Porcelain Toilet Upgrade
    • Moulded Fibreglass Shower Enclosure
    • Water Heater By-Pass System
    • RV Anti-Freeze Pickup System
    • Electronic Ignition Hot Water Heater (6 Gallon)
    • Heated and Enclosed Holding & Fresh Water Tanks
    • Black Tank Rinse System

Kitchen and Appliances:

• • • Electronic Ignition 16,000 BTU Ducted Forced Air Furnace
    • Stainless Steel Oven (c/w 3 Burner Cooktop)
    • Stainless Steel Bi-Fold Range Cover
    • Fluorescent Light in Galley
    • 12-Volt Rangehood
    • Stereo AM/FM -CD Player (Satellite Ready)
    • Monitor Panel (See Level)
    • Stainless Steel Sink
    • Cutting Board
    • Hi-Rise Faucet
    • Dual 20 lb. Propane Tanks (c/w OPD Valves)
    • Auto Changeover (Propane Regulator)
    • 2-Way 6 cu. ft. Refrigerator

So, let’s just run over the whys once again.

1. 1. 1. Rough country access. Your truck has 4WD and rugged tires; it also has good ground clearance and a suspension that is built for off-road travel. If your truck can get in there, then so can your truck camper.
      2. The right truck camper does not impede your ability to tow a trailer. This is one of the reasons that these campers are popular with the horsey crowd, as they tow their animals to places and events where on-site accommodation is a definite benefit.
      3. With the right lift kit, the truck camper takes just a few minutes more to unload than the time required to uncouple a trailer.
      4. As with a travel trailer or fifth wheel, when you trade in your truck, you don’t have to change up your camper – it will fit and continue to serve on the new pickup you buy.

If this has piqued your interest, have a look at a Canadian-built Bigfoot.