Bigfoot-Bigfoot RV Exposed: Leaks, Condensation, Jack Failures, Parts Delays & Warranty Fights
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Bigfoot-Bigfoot
Location: 5250 Highway 97A, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0, Canada
Contact Info:
• info@bigfootrv.com
• sales@bigfootrv.com
• Main 250-546-2155
• TollFree 800-659-3326
Official Report ID: 989
Introduction and Background
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Bigfoot Industries, based in British Columbia, Canada, is known for its molded fiberglass truck campers and travel trailers. The “Bigfoot-Bigfoot” model designation commonly refers to the brand’s two-piece fiberglass shell products across the 1500 and 2500 series (truck campers and travel trailers). Historically, Bigfoot has carried a reputation for rugged, four-season capability with better-than-average insulation and a premium price tag. Yet even among loyalists, significant, recurring concerns show up in owner forums, BBB complaints, YouTube testimonials, and broader consumer reviews—ranging from water intrusion and condensation management to parts delays, warranty friction, and safety-related component failures.
What follows is a consumer-focused, investigative look at those patterns—prioritizing documented complaints, safety recall context, and real-world service outcomes. While some owners report positive experiences, the emphasis here is on verified risk areas so shoppers can evaluate the true cost and reliability of owning a Bigfoot-Bigfoot.
Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Start Here)
- Facebook owner groups: Join multiple Bigfoot-focused communities to read real maintenance logs, repair threads, and trip-ending failures. Use this Google query to find active groups: Search Bigfoot-Bigfoot Facebook Groups. Don’t just join one; compare notes across several.
- YouTube owner reports: Scan video walk-throughs and repair diaries: YouTube search: Bigfoot Bigfoot Problems.
- Reddit forums: Community threads often expose chronic issues and fix attempts:
- BBB and Google search: Scan complaints for warranty handling and service response:
- Owner review sites and forums:
- Consumer complaint aggregators: PissedConsumer (open and search for Bigfoot Bigfoot manually).
Also consider independent reporting on RV quality and buyer strategies from creators like Liz Amazing—she’s cultivated an extensive library on what goes wrong and how to protect yourself. Start here and search her channel for the model you’re considering: Liz Amazing’s consumer protection videos.
Have you owned a Bigfoot-Bigfoot? Add your story in the comments.
Before You Buy: Get a Third-Party Inspection (Your Only Real Leverage)
Do not skip a private, third-party inspection—ideally, by a certified RV inspector who does not work for the selling dealer. This is your primary leverage point before signing. Once the dealer has your money, many buyers report being pushed down the priority list for repairs or warranty claims, sometimes for months, costing entire camping seasons.
- Hire an independent pro: Google search: RV Inspectors near me.
- Document everything: Have the inspector photograph and video any defects—especially moisture readings around windows, marker lights, roof penetrations, propane systems, and the electrical bay.
- Write contingencies into your purchase: Repairs discovered by the inspector are to be completed before delivery or the deal is off.
- Refuse delivery if unresolved: Several owners across forums report that accepting delivery “as-is” delayed corrective action and resulted in extended downtime.
For a deeper dive on buying tactics and common pitfalls, check out industry watchdog content like this: Watch how Liz Amazing exposes RV buying traps.
High-Frequency Owner Complaints and Risk Patterns
Water Intrusion: Windows, Marker Lights, and Roof Penetrations
(Serious Concern)
Despite the two-piece fiberglass shell—a Bigfoot hallmark that should reduce seam-related leaks—owners still report water intrusion at vulnerable points: window frames (especially front windows on truck campers), marker and clearance lights, roof vents, and aftermarket penetrations. Typical narratives include damp cabinetry under windows after rain, staining beneath marker lights, and moisture readings under roof fans.
- Owners advise resealing or upgrading gaskets within months of delivery, implying insufficient factory sealing or sealant compatibility issues.
- Truck camper users report specific vulnerability at the front window (if equipped), with some choosing to permanently seal or remove that window to eliminate recurring leaks.
Start your evidence trail here: YouTube search: Bigfoot Bigfoot Problems, Google: Bigfoot Bigfoot Water Leaks, Reddit threads referencing leaks, and owner reviews on RVInsider.
Condensation, Thermal Bridging, and Mold Risk
(Moderate Concern)
Four-season branding sets expectations high, yet owners describe heavy condensation on aluminum window frames, cold corners, and under-mattress surfaces—especially in shoulder seasons. Even with Bigfoot’s foam-core insulation, thermal bridging can cause pooling, mildew odors, and black spotting in hidden spaces.
- Common fixes include Reflectix window covers, venting routines, dehumidifiers, under-bed air channels, and insulating cold surfaces.
- Persistent condensation can damage wood cabinetry and pucker wall coverings.
Research similar reports: Google: Bigfoot Bigfoot Condensation Problems and forum threads via Good Sam Community.
Jack Systems on Truck Campers: Mechanical and Structural Risks
(Serious Concern)
Truck camper owners routinely flag jack maintenance and occasional failures as nerve-wracking and costly. Whether HappiJac or other brands are fitted, reports include binding, uneven lift, motor burnout, and fasteners loosening from the camper’s structure. A tipping or unstable camper is a serious risk to safety and property.
- Owners describe emergency bracing and off-truck storage issues when a jack fails mid-operation.
- Preventive measures include synchronized lifting, frequent lubrication, torque checks, and replacing suspect switches or control boards.
Verify patterns: YouTube visual examples and Reddit: r/RVLiving jack threads. If you’ve experienced jack problems, tell us what happened to you.
Electrical System Quirks: Charging, Wiring, and Breaker Issues
(Moderate Concern)
Bigfoot owners report frustrating 12V/120V gremlins: converter/charger noise or failure, chafed wiring near pass-throughs, loose ground points, and tripped breakers tied to air conditioning or microwave use. Some describe intermittent failures linked to corroded connections or poorly crimped terminals.
- Battery management systems can be undersized for modern lithium upgrades, causing charge profile mismatches and unexpected shutdowns.
- Owners sometimes discover sloppy wire runs behind panels—out of sight during a showroom walkthrough but evident in a third-party inspection.
Start here to validate: Google: Bigfoot Bigfoot Electrical Problems, RVInsider owner stories, and tech walkthroughs on YouTube.
Propane, CO/LP Detectors, and Furnace Performance
(Serious Concern)
Multiple owners across forums discuss frequent LP detector alarms, regulator failures, and furnace misfires in cold weather. Some alarms trace back to detector age or low voltage; others point to slow leaks or faulty regulators. Misdiagnosed issues create costly parts-chasing and unsafe conditions.
- Replace LP/CO detectors per manufacturer intervals (often 5–7 years) and test the regulator under load.
- Professional leak-down tests and manometer checks are essential, especially on used units.
Investigate similar cases: Google: Bigfoot Bigfoot Propane Problems and Good Sam propane threads. If this affected your family’s trip, share what went wrong.
After-Sale Support, Parts Delays, and Warranty Friction
(Serious Concern)
As a smaller manufacturer, Bigfoot’s parts and service pipeline can be slower, especially for U.S.-based owners. Consumers on BBB and forums describe weeks-to-months waiting for proprietary items (doors, windows, fiberglass components) and inconsistent communication across dealers. Buyers also cite warranty disputes over what’s considered “component supplier” responsibility versus “factory” responsibility, leaving them caught between Bigfoot and third-party vendors.
- Cross-border logistics may extend downtime—particularly for shell/gelcoat parts or custom doors/hatches.
- Dealers vary widely; choosing a strong service department before purchase is crucial.
Read complaints and timelines: BBB search: Bigfoot Bigfoot, Google: Warranty Complaints, and discussion threads on Reddit.
Weight, Towing, and Payload Mismatch
(Moderate Concern)
Bigfoot travel trailers and truck campers are often heavier than shoppers expect for their size. Owners report towing instability when paired with marginal-capacity tow vehicles, and truck campers exceeding real-world payload on 3/4-ton trucks. Incorrect or optimistic assumptions lead to tire overheating, suspension sag, and poor braking margins.
- Weigh the rig loaded for travel (CAT scale) and verify tire load ratings and inflation are appropriate for actual axle loads.
- Consider upgrading to a 1-ton truck for larger Bigfoot campers, including suspension enhancements where manufacturer-approved.
Evidence trail: Google: Bigfoot Bigfoot Weight Issues and towing sections within Good Sam forums. Have you battled payload issues? Share your payload numbers and fix.
Recalls, Safety Notices, and Component-Supplier Failures
Bigfoot units share many components with the wider RV industry, which has experienced multiple high-profile recalls across refrigerators, suspension parts, and entry steps. Always check your exact VIN and component model numbers:
- NHTSA recalls (U.S.): Use the federal database for any Bigfoot-related notices and for component-level recalls that affect your unit: NHTSA recall search: Bigfoot Bigfoot.
- Refrigerators (Norcold/Dometic): Historical recalls have involved fire risk. Confirm your fridge’s serial is clear, and install a thermal cutoff if required.
- Entry steps and ladders: Check for loose fasteners and recall bulletins on fold-out steps used across brands.
- Tires and axles: Verify no outstanding notices, and ensure tires aren’t near or past their date codes—many rigs sit, and age-out matters as much as tread depth.
For video summaries and owner experiences with recalls and safety checks, see creators who specialize in RV consumer protection like Liz Amazing’s RV safety explainers and cross-reference with the NHTSA VIN tool.
Workmanship and Materials: What Owners Say
Gelcoat, Sealants, and Exterior Aging
(Moderate Concern)
While the fiberglass shell is a Bigfoot advantage, owners report gelcoat chalking, hairline cracks (star crazing), and sealant shrinkage around penetrations over time. Seasonal UV, freeze-thaw cycles, and flex stress can accelerate cosmetic deterioration and leak risk.
- Periodic compounding and ceramic coatings help preserve the gelcoat but require cost and maintenance.
- Inspect for spider cracks near stress points (jacks, roof ladder anchors, awning mounts).
Review comparable cases: Google: Fiberglass Problems and RVInsider reports.
Interior Fit and Finish Variability
(Moderate Concern)
Owners report mixed quality control on cabinetry alignment, latch strength, drawer slides, and trim fit—especially on newer builds. While many Bigfoots feel solid, recurring owner comments cite doors opening during transit, trim separation, and squeaks/rattles from under-bed storage areas.
- Third-party inspectors often find failed staples, weak latches, and under-torqued hardware hidden behind panels.
- Upgrades (better latches, soft-close slides) are owner-driven costs rarely covered outside initial delivery punch-lists.
Validate on forums: Good Sam fit-and-finish threads and Reddit: r/rvs quality control.
Pricing, Options, and Value Retention
Premium Pricing Meets Mixed Outcomes
(Moderate Concern)
Bigfoot models command a premium, often justified by four-season claims and fiberglass durability. However, consumer narratives question value when factoring in warranty friction, parts wait times, and the need for owner-installed improvements (condensation mitigation, upgraded latches, electrical refinements). Owners also report limited negotiation room at dealers due to low inventory and steady demand.
- Some options are perceived as overpriced relative to aftermarket alternatives.
- Resale can be strong in certain regions, but condition depends on proactive maintenance (especially sealing and moisture control).
Cross-compare owner value judgments: Google: Value and Pricing Concerns, RVInsider, and YouTube owner breakdowns. Have a take on pricing reality? Share what you paid and why.
Service Experiences: Dealers vs. Factory
Long Queues, Slow Parts, and Communication Gaps
(Serious Concern)
Owners report extended downtime caused by dealer backlogs and factory parts lead times. Because Bigfoot is a smaller operation, proprietary fiberglass and trim pieces can take significantly longer to source than off-the-shelf items. When warranty eligibility is debated, the repair clock often stops entirely—leading to cancelled trips and storage fees.
- Some buyers note that dealer service prioritizes their own new-sales customers over traveling owners or used buyers.
- Escalation helps, but documentation is essential. Keep dated emails, work orders, and photos of issues from day one.
Check service narratives and formal complaints: BBB search: Bigfoot Bigfoot, Google: Dealer Service Complaints, and Good Sam service threads.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Consumer complaints and service breakdowns may expose manufacturers and dealers to legal consequences. Know your rights and the channels available:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (U.S.): Requires clear written warranties and prohibits unfair warranty limitations. If the manufacturer or dealer fails to fix covered defects within a reasonable number of attempts or time, you may have legal remedies including attorney’s fees. Document every interaction and delay.
- State consumer protection and implied warranties: Vary by state. Some states include RVs in lemon laws; others do not. Even without lemon coverage, unfair and deceptive acts and practices (UDAP) statutes can apply if promises were misleading.
- Transport Canada and provincial laws (Canada-based buyers): Warranty and sale-of-goods laws may provide implied conditions of merchantability and fitness. Keep detailed records, and consider provincial consumer protection agencies for mediation or enforcement.
- NHTSA safety complaints (U.S.): If you experience safety-related defects (steering, braking, fire risk, structural failure), file a complaint; multiple reports can trigger investigations. Use the recall/complaint portal: NHTSA recall search: Bigfoot Bigfoot.
- FTC (U.S.): The Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising claims and warranty practices. If you believe you were misled by four-season claims or durability promises not borne out by the product, consider reporting.
If you’re in a dispute, consult an attorney experienced in RV warranty and consumer law. Keep all repair invoices, correspondence, and inspection reports—strong evidence shapes outcomes.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Based on owner reports and patterns seen across the fiberglass RV segment, the most consequential risks for Bigfoot-Bigfoot buyers fall into two categories: safety hazards and financial exposure.
- Safety Hazards:
- LP gas leaks or regulator failures, combined with aged detectors, raise fire and poisoning risks.
- Electrical failures under load (AC, microwave) can cause breaker trips and overheating at poorly crimped connections.
- Jack malfunctions on truck campers risk tip-over or structural damage, especially during off-truck storage.
- Water intrusion can degrade structural wood members and increase mold exposure risk.
- Financial Exposure:
- Prolonged downtime due to parts and service delays translates into lost camping seasons and out-of-pocket costs for temporary lodging.
- Recurring sealing and condensation mitigation are ongoing owner costs not always anticipated at purchase.
- Warranty friction—when issues are split between factory and component supplier—often leaves owners paying diagnostic or labor costs they expected to be covered.
To quantify risk before you buy, invest in a professional inspection: find RV inspectors near you and authorize moisture mapping, propane pressure testing, electrical load testing, and detailed fastener torque checks.
If You Already Own a Bigfoot-Bigfoot and Have Problems
- Document everything: Time-stamped photos, videos, and written logs. Save receipts for materials and labor, even if small.
- Demand root-cause analysis: Not just a patch. For repeated leaks, insist on identifying the true water entry point(s) and replacing compromised materials.
- Request parts ETAs in writing: If parts exceed a set timeframe, ask for alternatives (loaner unit, temporary fixes, or parts from dealer stock).
- Escalate smartly: Dealer service manager → manufacturer service liaison → BBB complaint (BBB search) → state/provincial consumer protection → legal counsel.
- Report safety defects: Submit to NHTSA if in the U.S., or to Transport Canada if in Canada.
- Compare notes with owners: Search video diaries and repair walkthroughs: YouTube: Bigfoot Problems and RV owner communities listed above.
- Independent testing: If warranty responses are slow or dismissive, hire a third-party technician or inspector to generate a formal report and cost estimate. Find one via RV Inspectors near me.
What worked (or didn’t) for your repair? Help other shoppers with your lessons learned.
Owner Voices: Themes We See Repeated
- “We expected no leaks because of the fiberglass shell, but…” Multiple owners still found water under windows and around marker lights, causing stained wood and soft spots if left unattended. See: Google: Water Leaks.
- “Waited months for parts—missed our entire season.” Season-ruining delays appear in forum posts and BBB complaints. See: BBB search.
- “Condensation management is a constant fight.” Dehumidifiers, window insulation, and under-bed venting are common DIY solutions for four-season use. See: Good Sam threads.
- “Dealer said supplier issue, supplier said talk to the dealer.” Warranty ping-pong between factory and third-party components is a chronic sore spot. Start with: Google: Warranty Complaints.
- “The truck felt overloaded with the camper.” Payload shortfalls lead to tire and suspension issues without upgrades. See: Google: Weight Issues.
Want to add your experience to this dataset? Post your candid owner review.
Due Diligence Checklist for Shoppers
- Moisture: Meter test around windows, lights, roof fans, and cabover areas; inspect for staining or soft wood.
- Propane system: Demand a leak-down and regulator test; confirm LP/CO detector age.
- Electrical: Under load, run AC and microwave to check breaker behavior and voltage drop; inspect ground points and crimps.
- Structure: Inspect jack mounts, ladder/awning anchors, and stress points for cracking; torque-check fasteners.
- Weight: Verify as-delivered weight with options; confirm your tow vehicle or truck payload is sufficient with real margins.
- Service network: Identify the exact dealer or shop that will perform warranty work; review their Google ratings and ask current owners about turnaround times.
- Recalls: Run your VIN and component serials: NHTSA search.
- Independent inspection: Hire a pro before you sign: RV Inspectors near me.
For broader context on the RV industry and consumer strategies, consider searching within Liz Amazing’s channel for your exact model and component brands.
Balanced Notes: Improvements and Owner Praise
To be fair, many owners praise Bigfoot’s insulated shell, cold-weather livability, and relatively robust build compared with mass-market laminated RVs. The two-piece fiberglass design reduces seam count, and owners in northern climates often report fewer issues with structural rot when maintenance is done right. Some buyers cite years of trouble-free camping after proactive sealing and condensation management. That said, even loyalists acknowledge the need for vigilant upkeep and patience with parts and service—especially across the U.S.–Canada dynamic.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Bigfoot-Bigfoot?
Bigfoot’s core proposition—molded fiberglass, four-season comfort, and long-term durability—is compelling. But the weight of consumer experience reveals nontrivial risks: water intrusion at vulnerable points despite the fiberglass shell, persistent condensation challenges, jack and structural concerns on truck campers, electrical quirks, propane system alarms, and prolonged service/parts timelines. Premium pricing heightens expectations that aren’t always met, particularly when warranty friction or slow parts procurement sidelines the rig for months.
Given the documented patterns of leaks at penetrations, condensation management demands, jack-related risks, and service delays, we do not recommend the Bigfoot-Bigfoot for buyers who cannot tolerate extended downtime, perform proactive maintenance, or navigate warranty complexities. Shoppers should compare alternatives with stronger service networks, clearer warranty performance, and verified moisture management, and only proceed with a Bigfoot after a rigorous third-party inspection and ironclad delivery repairs.
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