The Evolution Series comes in 3 models: the E3, E1 and the Cobalt.

The E3 is the largest at a GVWR of 4,400 and can carry 1370 lbs of cargo. It has a slide out dining area, cassette bathroom with shower.

The E1 is slightly smaller with a GVWR of 3,500 lbs and a carrying capacity of 1,095lbs. It does not have the slide or bath/shower option included with the E3.

The Cobalt is the smallest and more importantly the lightest of the Evolution Series at 2,300lbs. GVWR. However, even at that low GVWR it still has a 1,030lbs. carrying capacity which is ideal for tow vehicles with less power. The tradeoff with the Cobalt’s weight is less storage area.

2000 Coleman Bayside Popup Camper *Sleeps 6 Comfortably* No Reserve Nice Layout    US $3,050.00

Coleman Royale 1985    US $670.00

2010 Coleman Destiny Series YUMA Folding Pop Up Camper Trailer RV With AC    US $258.75

2003 Coleman Bayside Elite    US $6,998.00

2011 Coleman Sunvalley Pop-Up Trailer Very Clean w/Low Reserve    US $9,727.00

2009 Coleman pop-up camper    US $6,999.00

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Researching
Never go to even look at a camper without doing some research on the specific model or type of camper. The Internet can be a powerful tool and you should take advantage of it when it comes to researching a popup camper.
You also need to research the different makes, models and types of campers to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Each camper has it’s own unique functional purpose and features. The more educated you are to these options, the better the decision you will make.

Buying
Never, never ever pay the asking price and in my opinion never ever buy a new camper from a dealer.
If you pay the full asking price, you are reducing your equity in the event you want to sell the camper at a later date. If you buy a new camper, you will never get your full investment back. As soon as you pull it off the lot, it will lose 20% of it’s value and once it’s gone it goes downhill after that.

Again, remember your camper is both an investment in memories and equally an investment financially. The best scenario is to by a quality camper at the lowest price possible. That will give you the opportunity to recoup at least 90% of your investment down the road. Ideally, you want to recoup 100% or even make a profit on it, which I have in the past.

So, when you are buying never be afraid to low ball people in an effort to find their bottom price. Then, do not be impulsive. You have to have the ability to walk away. Remember, no folding camper is a one-of-a-kind. They are massed produced and if you look hard enough you will find another opportunity to buy.

Maintaining
Maintaining your folding camper is critical to both your pleasure and your investment. It’s important to keep your camper in a good environment. I personally store mine in my garage. If that is not an option, I recommend renting a covered storage place. Weather is hard on campers and all it takes is one unattended to leak and your entire camper could be ruined.

It’s important to evaluate the camper’s condition several times per year and always two weeks before you plan on using it. Pop it up and make sure everything is in working order and there are no surprises that made their way in since you last opened the camper.

As soon as you notice something is not working, repair it. Unchecked repairs often lead to more costly larger repairs down the road.

Make sure the plumbing system is working with no leaks, the tires have not rotted and are inflated properly and the AC still pumps out cold. Nothing worse than towing the popup to your destination just to find it in a condition that can’t be enjoyed.

Selling
First, you have to understand that the camper is not worth what you think it is. It is worth what someone will pay you for it. No matter what you paid or how emotionally attached to the camper you may be, it’s still only worth what someone will pay you for it.

That being said, you need to do some research and that starts with NADA, eBay motors and CraigsList.com. Research each of these sites to see what your model or comparable model is going for. Price accordingly, but plan on a negotiation. You should take the base you are willing to sell the camper and add at least 10-15% to that price. That way when the potential buyer starts trying to lowball you, you have some ground to work with.

Again, your camper is a multi-functional investment. You need to get pleasure out of it and hopefully make a sound financial decision. If you follow those four simple points I mention above, you’ll give yourself the best shot at making a wise decision that your family can enjoy and you can financially stand up to.

My personal favorite line of Coleman tent trailers is the Destiny Series.  The Destiny Series is likely one of my favorites because I personally own a Westlake model and love it.  They simply offer an outstanding configuration and full line of options.

The Destiny Series is where you get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing any quality. Destiny models comes in the Westlake, Yuma and Sedona.

The Limited Edition Westlake has all the creature comforts of home including ample seating/dining area, full kitchen options and 3 different configurations allowing for more storage, a cassette bathroom and or shower.

The layout of the Westlake has not changed in over ten years with the exception of flipping the location of the shower with the main storage area. Which, if I might add is exactly what was needed.

The GVWR of the Westlake is 3000 lbs and also boasts 2 just about king size beds for the pull outs.

The Westlake has a dining area for four in addition to a wrap around seating. Within the Destiny models,  the Westlake offers the most seating and by extension the most under seat storage.

The Yuma is very similar to the Westlake minus the shower/bathroom area. However, it does have a tremendous amount of storage. The Yuma does have one almost king size bed and the other is a full. It’s GVWR is 2,400 lbs.

The Yuma is a great cost saving option over the Westlake for those smaller families that do not need a Shower/bathroom option.  That’s were you gain storage benefits over the Westlake.

The Yuma does have a dining area that can seat 4, but that is all the seating it has available.

The Sedona is the last Destiny Model and the lightest at a GVWR of 2,200 lbs. The sacrifice you will be paying with the Sedona model is with storage space and seating. It has one small storage area near the larger bed and no couch area. The only seating is at the dining area. That being said, it is still an excellent camper for those wanting Coleman quality on a tight budget. It’s great for couples or families that may only have one child. Anything beyond that, I would look at a larger model.

2010 Coleman Destiny Series YUMA Folding Pop Up Camper Trailer RV With AC    US $258.75

So, what should you look for in a used Coleman camper?

First, you need to figure out a few technical details. Things like your tow vehicle. How much weight can your vehicle tow? Most folding tent trailers are lightweight, but some can get up to 4,500 unloaded. You need to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what you can tow.

Once you figure out your tow vehicle’s capacity, you can move on to your functional needs. You need to figure out what’s important to you in a folding camper.

How many will be sleeping?
Do you need air conditioning?
Do you need a heater?
What kind of kitchen setup do you need?
Do you need a refrigerator?
Do you need a bathroom?
Do you need a shower?

These questions form your needs checklist. Trust me, there is a used Coleman camper out there that can meet those needs.

Over the 30 years of production, Coleman has produced every configuration imaginable and has accumulated dozens of models to choose from.

Now, the next question is what should you be looking for when you find a used Coleman popup that meets your needs?

Evaluating the condition of the used tent trailer can be tricky. Here’s a simply checklist of things that you should be looking for.

What is the condition of the exterior. It should be in good shape with no damage to the body.

What is the shape of the roof? Are there any cracks or problems with the seems of it is not once piece construction.

Do all the lights work?
How are the tires?
Is the spare available?
Check the wiring harness to make sure it is in good shape.
Look under the popup camper and check the floor construction. It should be solid with no damage. Also check any wiring or plumbing lines.

Critical, make sure it can crank up and it can crank down.
Critical, check the canvas. Canvas is expensive to replace. You want to make sure it does not have any holes or mold.

Next move on to the interior.

How’s the floor? You want to make sure the floor all around is solid.
How is the interior canvas? Make sure it is hole and mold free.
Confirm that the AC, heater, hot water heater and plumbing are all functional.
Evaluate the overall condition of the interior and make sure it is satisfactory. Most Coleman owners take care of their campers, so rarely is it a problem, but you may find a few that went the other way.

Lastly, make sure the owner has a free and clear title in hand. You do not want to deal with a lost or “I’ll get you the title in a week” mess.

As for me, I purchased a 1998 Westlake 4 years ago and it was/is in pristine condition. We camp in it all the time and has been an asset for my family.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment below.

The Coleman Popup Camper has been a family name since Coleman started producing these industry leading folding campers in 1967. In 1967, Sheldon Coleman Sr. formed Coleman Trailers in the small mining town of Somerset, PA.

By 1979, Coleman Camping Trailers overtook the camper market as the number one manufacturer in North America. A position that Coleman still holds today.

Current models include the Highlander, Americana, Destiny and Evolution Series. My personal favorite is in the Destiny family. We have owned a Westlake model for over 4 years now and it has never failed us and has provided weeks of family enjoyment.

That’s probably what sets Coleman popup campers apart from the rest; the quality. Coleman has always been known since day one for their quality and craftsmanship. They simply know what works, they execute and it all comes together in a Coleman tent camper that you can depend on for decades.

In 1989, Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. purchased Coleman and grew the business even more over the next 14 years. Then in an odd change of events, decided to remove the Coleman brand from the campers and replace it exclusively with Fleetwood.

Same product, simply a different name. In my opinion that was a horrible decision and things finally changed in 2008. FTCA, Inc with the help of Blackstreet Capital reclaimed operations and restored the Coleman brand back it it’s glory.

Personally, I’m happy to see the Coleman popup camper back on the best campers ever produced and am excited to consider upgrading to a new Coleman model.
Since 2008, Coleman has proven their seriousness by expanding the model lines and making improvements to exiting lines. We are very excited to see what they come up with over then next few years and can’t wait for next year’s models to hit the showrooms.