Coleman are probably the top rated manufacturer of folding campers, camper trailers and pop up campers in North America. Whatever you want to call them, they are all very similar and are often used terms that mean basically the same thing. You have a vehicle and you tow the trailer behind it, it is that simple! The sizes and the specifications differ quite a bit, but they all serve the function of housing you on your travels. Coleman are the best selling folding camper manufacturer in the US for the past 10 years, and the reason they are so popular is because their products offer quality, innovation and ease of use. The prices are not cheap, but then you do pay for the best.

There are five ranges in the Coleman line up, and all of them give different levels of comfort and have varied specifications. There is something to suit every need you may have, and the prices are pretty varied as well, which is good if you are working to a set budget.

First up is the Evolution Series which has five campers in the range. The Coleman Cobalt has two large beds at the front and rear of the cabin. There is a kitchen area which contains a stainless steel sink, a two burner stove and a cutlery tray. Next to this there is a moulded counter top for preparing meals, and a portable dining table which can be placed between two seating areas. The beds come with two upholstered mattresses and there are privacy curtains for the bedrooms, and normal curtains for the camper windows.

In the interior there are 12v lights, and a patio light for seeing outside. Also inside are 110v outlets for appliances if you need them. The standard specification is a little bare, but you can add almost any sort of extra you can think of for an extra price of course. The actual trailer has a tubular steel chassis with bumpers and leaf suspension. The cabin has breathable sunbrella material and all the windows have a fine mesh screen. The floor is made of good quality wood and the whole thing is a nice place to be. A lot of care and attention goes into the design and construction of every coleman camper.

The Evolution E1 folding camper is next in the line up and has two beds, with one large double bed and a smaller single bed arrangement. Both sleeping quarters have privacy curtains fitted as standard. There are also two mattresses and and back support legs under the beds for a more comfortable nights sleep. The kitchen is a galley set up and has a deep bowl stainless sink with additional countertop. A double burner hob is included as well as a fridge. Next to the kitchen area we have two seating areas with a removable dining table. Two large storage areas will adequately store all your things. There is a furnace and a 12v water pump, along with the mains electric outlets and the intterior and exterior lights seen on the Cobalt. In addition you will also find indoor and outdoor speakers with stereo CD and an ipod connection.

You get the same chassis as with the Cobalt but in addition there are mud flaps and shock absorbers. The roof is made from fibreglass so it is more durable and solid in high winds. An outdoor step can be found and an exterior shower to wash dirty clothing and muddy boots. All in all the Coleman Evolution E1 offers a wide range of luxury comforts at a reasonable price.

The E2 is a step up in class and the standard features include two large double bed areas with privacy curtains and also privacy changing curtains for each bedroom. Back support legs are included along with quality mattresses. What the E2 has over the E1 is a cassette toilet and shower compartment. Two seating areas and a dining table give you room to eat your meals in comfort, and the kitchen area benefits from a cooker and 2 burner stove, fridge and two countertops for preparing food. These are the main upgrades that the E2 has over the E1, and it just means there is a higher comfort level, and more essential additions.

The Coleman E3 has all the above but it has a much larger cabin interior, with an extendable seating area and three large storage spaces that will fit almost eveything with ease. One of the bedrooms has a cargo deck below as well. An outdoor cooker is also included and you also have the toilet and shower facilities to boot. A very well made and high spec coleman trailer indeed.

The final cmaper is the E4 and this is the top of the Evolution range and has two full size double beds and a front deck area. There is a casual seating area with a dining table. The kitchen has a microwave oven along with a three burner stove and the cooker. A double sink makes a useful addition and all the countertops are seamless and very well made to create a kitchen area like your home.

The bathroom is a ceramic comode and shower, with a solid wall compartment for more privacy and comfort. This is luxury camping at it’s best and is extremely well laid out and the build quality is superb. You can see the attention to detail and the clever use of space in this trailer. One of the most popular Coleman campers around today and a big seller.

Ok, there are another 4 ranges to go through, so i think i will cover these in another post, this one is quite long enough now i think!

Once you have one, you will have the ability to go away any time you choose, and depending on the size of the camper, you can take the whole family along as well. Family holidays are expensive as we all know, but thousands of people are enjoying the benefits of camping, and have been doing so for years. They are more cost effective than anything i have seen, and the best part is that if you have looked after your camper trailer you can sell it on afterwards and get some return on your outlay. You win both ways.

Towing them is a lot easier than towing a caravan, you use less fuel and have less insurance premiums to boot. All of them are designed to be easy to put up and take back down again. Some can be done in under 10 minutes once you get the hang of it. It may take more time to erect them but there is something special about doing it yourself, and knowing you did it well. If you do run into problems there are always other people on hand at the camp site who will help you out. The communities are very friendly, and this is another advantage to owning folding camper tents.

Depending on how long your holiday is going to be, you can modify things to suit. A good example of this is an awning or cabin extension. Most suppliers will offer an awning when you buy, sometimes it comes as part of the package. Either way, they can be very useful if you have a large family and need some extra space to keep everyone happy. Some of these awnings can be in excess of 3 metres in length and width, and with this kind of extension you should have no problem in sleeping many people. Inner tents can be bought as well, so you can have separate sleeping quarters if needed. The one downside is that you will need to secure them to the ground, and this means pegging them to the ground, and this takes more time. This is why campers on weekend breaks will just use the folding camper cabin, and not bother with the awning, it saves a lot of time. For week long holidays the awning will be brought out, and so you just have to get on with it, the benefits will be obvious once you have put it up.

Many of the most modern camper trailers have specially treated fabrics that will not be susceptable to mildew or water staining. An even better solution is to have a hard top camper. These can be set up by turning the winding mechanism, or by pressing a button if it is power assisted. In no time at all you have a fully working home from home, with all the trappings and ease of use. This is another important point, the accessories you can add inside the cabin. The standard features become more numerous as you go up in price. The very highest spec models have virtually everything you will need anyway, such as cookers, fridges, toilets. multiple beds and storage drawers, satellite connections, mains electric, and so on. When you get to this kind of level, you are really talking about luxury camping, almost like being at home. The prices can be anything from £3000 up to £10000, but you will get years of use from them, and there is the sell on value to tak into account as well.

If you don’t fancy paying that much money, there is always the second hand route to look at. Used folding campers can be an even better way to save money. Having looked around the internet, there are hundreds of them out there from all kinds of different places. Even the independent retailers have a selection on their websites and at their sites. You need to fully aware of the pitfalls of buying used models, and you should always check for damage and wear on the most important parts. The cabin fabric is vital, and needs to be in workable condition, otherwise you may have rain water coming in when you least need it. The actual trailer is very important, so look for signs of deterioration on the chassis and wheels. Check the rear lights are working and the spare wheel is in place, along with the condition of the tyres.

Folding camper insurance is fairly cheap, and as with all things insurance related, there is a lot of competition from the companies to get your business. This means if you shop around you will get the best deal. Cheap is not always the best, so have a good look at the small print and make sure you know what you are covered for. The last thing you want is to make a claim and find it is not in the policy.

Going on holiday helps to reduce stress, and we all need a break sometimes. With a folding camper you are free to get away as much as you want. You have the freedom to choose when and where you go, and how often. There are so many places and sites around the country to visit, so make the most out of it and enjoy yourself.

The Dandy range starts with the Dandy which is the entry level folding camper. It is probably best used for short stays if you just use the main cabin area, but if you have an awning then you are more well equipped for longer holidays. It can sleep up to 4 people if you make use of the settee that can be made up to another double sized bed.

As the picture shows, it is very compact and is easy to both set up and tow. It only weighs 350kgs so it will be good on fuel for your towing vehicle. Inside there is a kitchen with a hob and grill. You will also find a sink unit for washing your pots and pans. There are 4 windows in total, two of which are double glazed. All these windows have stylish curtains and tie backs which go well with the interior upholstery. The flooring is wood effect and the roof is lined for that extra bit of style. Outside there is a storage area for your gas bottle and the spare wheel. The Dart is designed to be an easy camper to use, suitable for all kinds of conditions and giving good levels of comfort. It has been around for many years, and has sold very well.

The Dandy Designer is next in the line up, and is a step up in size and specification. In here you can sleep up to 5 people if needed. There is a permanent double bed and the large settee can be made into another double bed, and if needed, the central table can be converted into a single bed. This camper is ideal for small families and longer breaks.

The Designer has 5 windows, two of which are double glazed like the Dart. There is ample seating space and a larger table for meal times. Again, there are curtains all round and the roof and side walls are fully insulated for when the weather gets a bit colder, like in Autumn. The inside is very well built and the colours are fresh and stylish. Everything matches well in here, and the wood effect floor adds to the overall feel. The weight is 395kgs and can still be towed with a small car with ease. This is just one of the benefits of folding campers, they are nowhere near the hassle of towing caravans, and can be stored in the garage if you have one.

Next up is the Dandy Destiny, which can slep up to 6 people, so it is designed for larger families, or for bringing guests along with you. It has a great standard specification, and is one of the top campers avaiable today for the price. The main difference between the Destiny and the others is that is features a toilet and wash area, which looks great. The kitchen also has a fridge as well as the double hob, grill and sink/drainer unit. There is also plenty of storage space for cooking utensils and food.

As you can see, the inide is a nice place to, with lots of spacious seating and a large table in there. You will also find wardrobes and drawers for your clothes which are very well put together and go well with all the fittings and fixtures, not to mention the fabrics and curtains. You get a real sense of function and useability in this camper. There are 3 double glazed windows which can be opened for air circulation on warmer days. Good interior lighting is also standard in the Destiny. If you an awning or room extension then you will have the perfect little holiday home for all the family. A very popular choice for the money.

The final camper in the Dandy series is the Dimension, which is similar to the Destiny but does not have the onboard toilet and washing area. However, it has power assisted beds and side walls, so this makes it very easy to set up when you are in a hurry. These extra standard features just make your life that bit easier. The Dimension has the same luxury interior styling with all the trappings of a well made camper. It can sleep 6 people in comfort and you have loads of space inside to relax and enjoy yourself. If you want to camping in style then this is the right choice, and is the latest in the Dandy line up.

The Dandy range is both well made and practical. The fact that there are so many around after years of use is testament to their build quality and design. The used market has quite a few to choose from, some of which are well over 20 years old now. You may find you can pick up a bargain if you know what to look for.

Back to the Pennine range, and the entry model is the Pennine Fiesta folding camper. This is a four berth version and has the classic layout with the two double beds at either end of the camper. The bedrooms have privacy curtains and the mattresses can be dry packed. The kitchen area has a cooker, fridge and sink/drainer. Full electric hook up is available and a 12v water pump. There is plenty of storage space for cooking utensils and food. The interior is very well put together with stylish colour schemes.

The trailer has a fully galvanised chassis so it will last much longer than other models. It has auto reverse brakes, and a spare wheel. To erect the cabin you simply use the wind up mechanism, and to secure the corners there is also a wind down system that is easy to use. It is 4 metres long and 184cms wide, so it is easier to tow than the larger models. There is a carpet and vinyl floor as standard, and also lighting. This is the entry level camper, but it has lot’s of great features as standard and represents value for money. Prices start at about £7000 but the overall package is ideal for smaller families because it only sleeps 4 people. You could of course add an awning and inner tents to accommodate more people if you wish.

Next up is the Pennine Sterling folding camper, which is a 6 berth camper of real quality. This has the Penn Matic system for opening the camper, and benefits from gas stuts to make life easier when setting up. The fully equipped kitchen area also has excellent storage space for pots and pans and other stuff. Mains electric supply is included and a 3 way fridge.

The beds are comfortable and spacious with roof linings and curtains. The floor is carpeted and has a vinyl floor to boot. A large table can also be utilised for meal times and just relaxing. Two settees are at each side of the camper for seating, and you get cupboards for storage space. The interior is well thought out and very practical. The linings and upholstery are stylish and modern, and give a real quality feel all round. There are fully enclosed inner tents and a zip out canvas front. There is no pegging out involved unless you invest in an awning, which will cost you extra and is not a standard piece of equipment. The trailer length is just over 4 metres and the width is just over 2 metres. The prices are around £7400, but it is one of the most popular on the market.

The Pennine Pullman folding camper is next in the range and is a step up in price and luxury. This is a mid range sized camper that offers comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people. There is a king size bed and a double bed with privacy windows and matching curtains with tie backs for a more elegant look. The kitchen has all the appliances and storage space you would expect to have in such a high spec model.

Electric heating and a water pump add to the ammenities, and the bed mattresses are fully sprung for comfort. You have a large table and bigger seating areas for relaxing and winding down. This camper also has the Penn Matic opening system and gas struts. It also has the Penn Vent system in the kitchen and bedroom windows for better air circulation. It is larger than the Sterling, being 417cms long and 212cms wide. The price is around £8300 and is the market leader in this price range.

Finally we have the Pennine Pentium folding camper which is the top of the range, and as such it has the highest specification and is the most expensive. Expect to pay about £9000 for this, and whilst that may seem a lot money, it is a lot of camper for the price. Everything is beautifully made and the decor is classy and tasteful. The Pentium includes a toilet and washing basin as standard.

As you can see from the video, it is a very well made thing indeed. Adding the awning is a great way to get some shade and protection from the weather. The Pentium has ample storage space and seating with tables. The upholstery is all matched throughout, with the curtains and roof lining. There are wardrobes and shelves throughout for your belongings. This really is luxury camping at its best, and you will find many caravans that don’t have this kind of specification.

All in all, Penine folding campers offer quality and luxury for a realistic price. They are durable and simple to set up and take back down again. The Peninne name is going from strength to strength, and if you can’t afford a new one then there are many available on the second hand market. Just make sure you view them when they are fully set up to check for any wear and tear.

First up is the Conway Continental which is the entry level camper. This is a six berth model. There are two large double beds and the table can be made into another bed. Despite this being the budget model, there are many features that come as standard, such as the double hob and grill and a stainles steel wash basin for cooking and cleaning. The styling is very modern and uses light coloured woods and more neutral fabrics for a clean crisp look.

There are two seating areas on both sides with two settees and a centre table for eating. The floor has a vinyl finish and enhances the overall style very well. The main cabin has a roof lining, and the two bedrooms have inner tents. There is also plenty of storage space, with lockers and a cupboard. The main canopy is a fabric design made from excellent materials that are very durable and thouroughly tested.

To make it easier to lift the beds this folding camper comes with gas assisted struts instead of the usual winding system. The trailer is just over 2 metres when folded and just over 4 metres long. You also get a spare wheel too as standard. There are other optional extras such as an awning with an extension, which is a very useful add on to create extra space and shade. An outdoor storage cover and a cycle rack are also available. The price for this camper is around £5500, but for the money it is a solid perfomer and is a big seller.

Next up is the Conway Countryman folding camper and this is a step up from the Continental. It has a larger standard specification and is a bit more luxurious as well. It sleeps 4 people with two double beds which are slightly bigger in size than the beds on the Continental camper. The kitchen facilities include the double hob and stainless sink, but it also has a fridge and and the kitchen unit has a side shelf. You also get 12v water supply and 12v sockets. There is a built in gas bottle storage area as well.

The whole interior has been updated and colour coordinated. The mattresses, seats, inner linings and the upholstery all match very well to give some real style to this camper trailer. The curtains also match and there are privacy curtains for the bedroom windows with tie backs. The roof lining extends the whole length of the cabin for even more style. Another useful feature of the Countryman is that it is narrower at 184cms so it is easier to tow behind your vehicle. It also has auto reverse brakes on the trailer and new rear lights for safety.

The prices start at about £7000 and there is also the awning option and bike rack. It costs more than the entry model camper, but you do get a lot more for the money. A very popular choice indeed.

The Conway Cruiser is a 6 berth camper and has a double bed and a king size bed. It has all the features of the Countryman and then some. The Cruiser is part of the new Platinum range and is made from acrylic, which has very good heat rentention but is also fully waterproof. It also gives much more durability than the canvas models, so this is built to last for many years.

This camper is both longer and wider than the others, so there is more room inside. There is a wrap around seat arrangement which adds some real class and style to the interior. The upholstery is all matched and well made. Full kitchen faciliites are standard with the cooker and fridge, and you have full mains electric with 2 sockets. There are also 12v sockets. The kitchen unit is a very stylish design and you have hot water. The bedrooms are well kitted out, and the mattresses are fully sprung for more comfort.

There is plenty of storage space with wardrobes and lockers for security. A full size table and an occasional table give you more freedom to eat and relax. Interior lights come as standard, as well as a heater. All in all the Cruiser is a more luxurious way to enjoy your holiday in every way. The prices reflect the workmanship and the specification, and you can expect to pay around £9500. You get a whole lot for the price, and it is not far off being caravan standard, but without the costs involved with owning one.

The Conway Crusader folding camper is the most expensive from the range and also the most luxurious. This takes your camping experience to another level. The interior is second to none, and it is very well put together. Everything matches pefectly and it is a real nice place to be.

The kitchen area is just like being at home, with a fully integrated cooker, hob and grill. Sink and drainers, hot water with taps, large cupboard storage areas both above and beside the kitchen area which are all colour coordinated. There is a washing and toilet area for more comfort. The curtains are supported on rods and not just clipped into place. You get a water heater and a normal heater as well.

The prices start at £9900 depending on where you look. The highest spec in the Conway range and one of the best folding campers on the market for the price.

With so many campers available on the market, both new and second hand, there is bound to be something that fits both your needs and your budget. The prices start at reasonable rates, but you can spend many thousands of pounds for the very latest folding campers. These models are just like being at home, with all the luxury fittings and appliances, but all contained within a simple sized trailer. The main advantage is that most are very easy to erect once you get the hang of them, and in no time at all you can create your little home away from home.

Visiting new places and exploring the outdoors is another benefit. Meeting new people and seeing old friends is another benefit of camping, and most sites are very welcoming and friendly. Because they are easy to tow, you don’t need a large car or van, a small sized family car can easily do the job, which is a lot kinder on your wallet as well. Setting up camp is a time honoured ritual, and  one that can be enjoyed with a folding camper. Some can be set up in under 10 minutes, which is great if the weather is bad or the wind is getting up. If you compare this to setting up a 4 man tent or any sort of manual tent construction then it is a lot quicker and requires far less physical exertion on your part.

Once your set up you can relax and enjoy your holiday in comfort. Depending on how many people you have with you, or if you have a large family, then your going to require a larger berth camper, and more facilities to keep everyone happy. The top end campers really do cater for every eventuality, and you can sleep up to 8 people in the biggest models in comfort. Adding an awning will create an even bigger living space, or it can be used as a sunshade or storage area. Some of the larger awnings are in excess of 4 metres, and with this kind of extension, you can house many more people if you need to. This is great for unexpected guests, and the cost is fairly low too.

All kinds of windows and extra doors can be fitted to most folding campers. or you can fold them down to allow more air circulation inside on hot days. Fully fitted kitchens are standard in most of the newer models, and this includes things like sinks, drainers, fridges and cookers. Everything is included to help you make the most out of your camping experience. Some even have toilets and washing facilities. This is the level of comfort you would expect to find in a motorhome or caravan, but the cost is so much less, and they are much easier to maintain and servicing costs are nowhere near the kind of price you would pay for a caravan or especially a motorhome.

The used market is full of bargains if you can’t afford to buy new. Spending a bit of time to research the different camper makes is time well spent. There are many resources online such as owners clubs that can tell you what they are like to own and live with. These forums are also a great place to pick up handy tips and tricks to make life easier. You will also find all the technical details about every manufacturer and model, and what to look out for when buying second hand. You want to be sure you know what you are looking for before spending your hard earned cash.

Getting to know the workings of any folding camper is essential, and a good way to find this out is to practise at home before you set off on your travels. Practise setting up and taking down in your garden so it becomes second nature. This will help you when you get on site, so you can be set up in no time at all. After travelling all day it is nice to be able to have things sorted quickly and efficiently. You don’t want any undue problems and hassles that can cause arguments over the smallest things.

Take care of you camper and will take care of you. Clean it regularly, both inside and outside. Wipe down the fabric after each trip to keep it in tip top condition. If it gets wet this is even more important, you don’t want mildew setting in. Having said that, the most expensive models are mildew proof so this is not a problem.

All in all folding campers are a cost effective way to holiday in any part of the world. Simple to erect and easy to tow, they represent good value for the money and provide you with very good levels of comfort.