Bigfoot RVs definitely carried a high sticker price, and this was especially true as the Can$ increased against the US$ during 2007. The dealer in Sacramento had some trailers and motorhomes that were on the lot for a long time. Some lucky folks bought these at a substantial discount when they were eventually cleared out. However, I suspect that many new
Bigfoot RVs were purchased by folks who were willing to pay the price, at least until the credit crisis came along. We bought ours used for substantially less than the $24K price it carried in 2004, but granted it was 3 years old ($17,500). I consider it a fair price.
Bigfoot Industries closed down last Tuesday, Nov 18, exactly one week ago. It is a private company and very little information has leaked out. Knowing that the closing was precipitated by their bank, it is likely that, were it not for the credit crisis, Bigfoot might still be chugging along. The credit crisis is a big deal, and unfortunately we haven't seen the end of it yet.
Whether someone should go out and buy a Bigfoot now is a personal choice. There is no factory warranty, as the sales rep Beau stated in the article. It is my understanding that this is bankruptcy. Some of the dealers might offer something of a warranty and it is certainly something to ask about, if you are going to make a purchase. Most extended warranties pick up where the factory warranty ends, which could be a problem if there is no factory warranty in the first place. Ask before buying! Get assurances in writing! Keep in mind that the level of quality has been good, but there also have been some defects. Don't expect perfection! Production numbers are not high, as is true of other
fiberglass trailers. For example, the recall of 2003-2007 21 FB trailers was 80 units. Ballast
weight of 275# was added to the tongue to increase tongue
weight.
This advice is offered by someone who has shopped for about 3 years and owned since June 2007. We are replacing our stinky plastic toilet with one like our
Casita had, a Sealand Traveller Lite, model 111. Otherwise, no problems with the Bigfoot. :-)