Coleman's Hard-Sided Pop-Up Campers: Exploring The Options

does coleman make a hard sided pop up camper

Coleman was a well-known manufacturer of pop-up campers, which are also known as folding trailers. The company was founded in 1900 and began producing pop-up campers in 1966, with the first models hitting the market in 1967. Coleman's pop-up campers were popular due to their affordability, ease of towing, and quick setup. However, the company stopped producing pop-up campers in 2011, marking the end of a 44-year era. While Coleman no longer makes pop-up campers, there are still used models available on the market, and some enthusiasts have attempted to convert their canvas-sided pop-up campers to hard-sided ones.

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Coleman stopped making pop-up campers in 2011

Coleman's pop-up campers, or folding trailers, were first introduced in 1967 and quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts due to their affordability, ease of towing, and quick setup. By the mid-1970s, and through the 1980s and 1990s, Coleman pop-up campers were some of the most popular models on the market.

However, in the early 2000s, Coleman's RV division faced increasing competition and changing market dynamics. The company had sold its RV division to Fleetwood Enterprises in 1989 but continued to license the Coleman name for pop-up campers. Fleetwood sold the division to Blackstreet Capital Partners LLC, which was renamed FTCA (Folding Trailer Company Acquisition Inc.). From 2008 to 2011, FTCA Inc. manufactured Coleman pop-ups under a new trademark licensing agreement.

Ultimately, the 2008 financial crisis hit the RV industry hard, leading to decreased demand and financial struggles for RV manufacturers like Fleetwood. Additionally, there was a shift in consumer preferences towards larger RVs and more luxurious camping experiences, further impacting the pop-up camper market. As a result, FTCA Inc. announced it would cease operations in 2011, bringing an end to the production of Coleman-branded pop-up campers.

Today, the Coleman brand name still exists in the RV market, as Dutchmen RV produces a line of travel trailers under the Coleman brand. While these trailers are not the same as the iconic pop-up campers, they do feature pop-up elements and products reminiscent of the old models.

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Coleman pop-up campers are now considered collectibles

Coleman pop-up campers offer a range of features that cater to diverse camping needs. From the Grand Tour series to the Americana LE, each model boasts unique specifications. For instance, the 2010 Coleman Grand Tour Utah can sleep up to seven people and features a centre living room, microwave, and a three-burner stove. On the other hand, the 2010 Coleman Americana LE Cheyenne offers a more intimate setting for six people, with a centre kitchen, two-burner stove, and a king-size bed.

The popularity of Coleman pop-up campers has led to a thriving market for pre-owned models. Online platforms like RV Trader provide a comprehensive inventory of new and used Coleman campers, allowing buyers to compare prices, models, and specifications. This accessibility ensures that collectors can find the perfect Coleman pop-up camper to suit their requirements and embark on memorable camping adventures.

While some owners may be content with their Coleman campers as they are, others seek customisation options. For the adventurous, converting a pop-up camper into a hard-sided structure is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. This process involves removing the soft sides and replacing them with hinged or solid panels. However, it is important to approach such conversions with caution, as they can significantly impact weight distribution and wind loads.

Coleman pop-up campers have earned their place as collectibles, offering a blend of functionality, versatility, and community support. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, these campers provide a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences, surrounded by the comforts of home.

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The Coleman pop-up camper was introduced in 1967

In 1967, Coleman introduced a new model that took the camping scene by storm: the Coleman pop-up camper. This innovative trailer offered a unique blend of tent camping and the comforts of home, such as a kitchen and bathroom. With its affordable price, simple design, and ease of towing, it quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.

The Coleman Company, founded in 1900, had already established itself as a leading manufacturer of camping equipment, including lanterns, coolers, and camp stoves. The creation of the Folding Camper Division in 1966 marked their expansion into the production of recreational vehicles. The first pop-up models were introduced in 1967, with the CT series: CT-160, CT-161, CT-170, CT-171, CT-172, CT-180, and CT-190. These early models were a game-changer, offering affordability, ease of towing, and quick setup, all backed by a trusted brand in the camping industry.

The pop-up trailer was designed with a lightweight and long-lasting construction, making it accessible to a wide range of campers. Its compact size when contracted (6' 8" wide by 8' 9" long) meant that even relatively small vehicles could tow it. The quality and durability of the materials used ensured that the pop-up camper would last for many years. This combination of features appealed to both serious campers and hobbyists alike.

By 1979, Coleman had become the #1 folding trailer manufacturer in the country, with a range of models that continued to evolve to meet the changing needs and preferences of campers. The company's commitment to innovation and quality solidified its place in the market, and the Coleman pop-up camper remained a staple in the camping world for almost 50 years.

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Coleman sold its RV division to Fleetwood Enterprises in 1989

Coleman sold its folding trailer business to Fleetwood Enterprises in 1989. At the time, the Coleman product line's retail price ranged from $2,000 to $10,000, and it accounted for more than 30% of the folding trailer market. The acquisition of Coleman's folding trailer business was a strategic move by Fleetwood Enterprises to expand its product portfolio and target a wider range of consumers.

The acquisition added Coleman-branded folding trailers to Fleetwood's existing line of recreational vehicles (RVs), which included motor homes, travel trailers, and truck campers. By bringing Coleman's folding trailers into its portfolio, Fleetwood Enterprises solidified its position as a leading manufacturer of RVs and strengthened its presence in the folding trailer market.

The history of Fleetwood Enterprises dates back to 1950 when John C. Crean founded the company as Coach Specialties Company in Southern California. Initially, the company manufactured window blinds for travel trailers. Over time, the company expanded into trailer manufacturing and, later, motor homes. The company's name was changed to Fleetwood Trailer Company in the 1950s, inspired by the Cadillac automobile line, and then to Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. in 1957.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Fleetwood Enterprises continued to grow and diversify its product offerings. They entered the recreational vehicle (RV) market by acquiring Terry Coach Industries and Terry Coach Manufacturing in 1964, and later acquired Pace-Arrow, a motor home manufacturer. By the 1970s, Fleetwood had become a well-known manufacturer of motor homes, travel trailers, and other RVs.

However, the late 1970s and early 1980s presented challenges for Fleetwood, with rising fuel costs and economic downturns impacting the RV market. The company was forced to close several production plants and lay off workers during this period. Despite these challenges, Fleetwood persevered and continued to be a significant player in the RV industry.

The acquisition of Coleman's folding trailer business in 1989 was part of Fleetwood's strategy to recover from these difficult years and strengthen its position in the RV market. By adding Coleman's folding trailers to its portfolio, Fleetwood Enterprises enhanced its product offerings and demonstrated its commitment to providing a diverse range of RV options for its customers.

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The Coleman Company was founded in 1900

The Coleman Company, founded in 1900 as the Hydro-Carbon Light Company, has a long and fascinating history that began with the creation of the first portable, gas-powered lantern. This lantern not only illuminated the first evening football game west of the Mississippi River but also played a crucial role in the 1905 Cooper vs. Fairmount football game, now known as Sterling College and Wichita State University.

The man behind this innovative company was William Coffin Coleman, a former schoolteacher and travelling typewriter salesman. It was during one of his sales trips to Brockton, Alabama, that he encountered a powerful gasoline-powered lamp in a drugstore window. This lamp's intense white light left a lasting impression on Coleman, who soon began selling similar lamps for the Irby-Gilliland Company. However, his initial sales attempts were met with challenges due to issues with lamp maintenance. Coleman quickly adapted by leasing the lamps and offering servicing, which proved to be a successful strategy.

As Coleman's business grew, he founded the Hydro-Carbon Light Company and later moved his headquarters to Wichita, Kansas. In 1902, he improved the design of the Efficient Lamp and began selling it as the Coleman Arc Lamp. Coleman's lamps gained recognition when they were used to light the 1905 night football game. By 1909, he had invented a portable table lamp with a gasoline tank, and in 1914, the company developed the Coleman gasoline lantern, which became a vital tool for American farmers during World War I.

Over the years, Coleman expanded its product line beyond lighting. They ventured into cooking stoves, domestic irons, and even sold pop-up travel trailers at one point. The company faced setbacks during the Great Depression but recovered and continued to innovate, especially in the field of camping and recreational products. Today, Coleman is known for a wide range of outdoor recreation products, including portable stoves, lanterns, coolers, sleeping bags, camp chairs, and shelters, solidifying its place as a trusted brand in the outdoor gear market.

Frequently asked questions

Coleman does not make hard-sided pop-up campers. They stopped making pop-up campers altogether in 2011.

It is technically possible to convert a pop-up camper to have hard sides, but it is not a simple process and may not be worth the time and expense. It would involve removing and replacing the soft sides with either hinged or solid panels.

The pros of converting a Coleman pop-up camper to have hard sides include potentially increasing the camper's durability and longevity. The cons include the significant time, effort, and expense required for the conversion, as well as the potential for increased weight, which could impact the towability of the camper.

Yes, instead of converting a Coleman pop-up camper to have hard sides, you could consider purchasing a hard-sided camper from another brand or exploring alternative options such as a box trailer or a teardrop trailer.

If you're considering buying a used Coleman pop-up camper, it's important to inspect the camper thoroughly for any age-related issues such as canvas deterioration, rust, water damage, and worn-out mechanisms. It's also worth noting that these campers may require significant restoration work, and there is no warranty coverage available from the manufacturer.

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