Even though large RVs have more space and amenities, they can be costly and inconvenient to move around with. These are reasons why pop-up campers are a top choice for many outdoor enthusiasts.
A pop-up camper is a trailer that collapses into a smaller and more portable RV. It features a canvas construction that folds out to offer seating and sleeping rooms. Pop-up campers are easy to tow and store.
They are an affordable option for adventurists who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a Class A motorhome. They are also an excellent choice for people who appreciate a minimalistic lifestyle.
As practical and convenient pop-up campers are, not all are built or designed equally. There are many brands out there that make quality pop-up campers.
Today, we will focus on one brand with an excellent reputation in this industry – Coleman pop-up campers.
A Brief History of Coleman Pop-up Campers
Amongst campers, Coleman has been a household name. They are referred to many as the best manufacturers of folding trailers. In some families, Coleman pop-up campers have been passed down for generations.
Even though Coleman discontinued their line of pop-up campers in 2011, this brand is one of the oldest in the industry. The Coleman company has a rich history.
The founder, W.C Coleman, used to make lanterns for outdoor use. His son Sheldon, in 1966, introduced Coleman folding trailers. Since then, the company has witnessed several ownership changes until this division was closed in 2011.
Though new models of the Coleman pop-up are no longer being produced. This brand is far from losing its glamor. Coleman pop-up trailers are lightweight, easy to store, and tow.
Though small, these trailers are packed with quality and valuable amenities such as fridges, sinks, beds, stoves, bathrooms, entertainment, and essential accessories.
Coleman Pop-Up Campers are Categorized Into 4 Series
Before we review the best Coleman pop-up camper models, it’s vital that you know that this version is divided into four series. There are some notable differences between the Coleman pop-up camper series that can help you narrow down your choices.
1. Highlander Series
This category contains the high-end versions of the Coleman pop-up campers. RV lovers that crave a home-like experience will find the highlander series a fantastic option.
The models in this series have a gross weight of 3500 to 4600 lbs. They are the biggest and feature more amenities, including a three-burner stove and a slide-out dinette. It’s fitted with king mattresses and a solid wall bathroom.
2. Evolution Series
These are the perfect pop-up campers to take on off-road adventures. They are heavy-duty, have a gross weight of 2300 to 3500 lbs, and feature ample space. The Evolution series also contains a bathroom and a big water tank.
3. Americana Series
This is the mid-range level for Coleman pop-up campers. It comes with a power-lift kit that makes setting up effortless. There is a mattress, outdoor shower, cabinet, and additional storage.
4. Destiny Series
It contains the smallest and most economical models in the Coleman lineup. This series has a maximum weight of 3000 lbs, and you only get standard amenities.
The Destiny Series is a suitable option for camping enthusiasts that want to combine comfort, quality, and affordability.
Best Coleman Pop-up Camper Models
Now that you know the history of Coleman pop-up models and the available series, it’s time to list the best campers from this brand. Please note that the pop-up camper line was stopped in 2011. All models listed below are available as used trailers.
- Coleman Avalon
Key features: Highlander Series, Measures 28″ 10″ When Open, 8 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 3,805 lbs
From an exterior view, the Avalon is pretty big and folds out extensively. It comes with a shower and ample storage space.
It also features a power lift kit that simplifies the set-up process. Inside there is a lot of seating room with a table in the middle.
- There are cabinets fitted under the sofa to offer extra storage. There is a sink that has enough side space for food preparation.
- On both foldable ends, you will find a big mattress that can comfortably sleep at least three adults.
- On the edge of these beds, there are more sofas. On the bigger sofa, you can convert it into a bed by folding the table and pulling out more cushions. Additional amenities include a fridge, oven, and a flush toilet.
You can’t compare the Avalon to a Class A motorhome. But as for pop-up campers, it’s one of a kind. It’s the perfect pop-up camper for a big family.
What’s Good about the Coleman Avalon?
There is a lot of space for seating and sleeping. It contains all the essential amenities one may need when RVing. According to most reviews, it’s the most luxurious pop-up camper made by Coleman.
Drawbacks
The enormous size of this trailer is both a blessing and a curse. It’s heavy. Therefore, you will need a powerful vehicle to tow the Coleman Avalon. Besides that, there isn’t any drawback.
- Coleman Saratoga
Key Features: Highlander Series, Measures 24″ 5″ When Open, 6 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 2,850 lbs
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that our top two best Coleman pop-up campers are from the highlander series.
Being the luxury version of Coleman campers, most people tend to gravitate towards these options.
- The Coleman Saratoga is a bit smaller than the Avalon. But it still offers comfort and luxury to campers. The floorplan is similar to that of the Avalon. There are beds on both ends. In the middle, there is a U-shaped dining area.
You get a sink and a stove with an oven.
In the Saratoga, there is an in-built music system. This may need to be updated because entertainment systems have significantly advanced. Coleman did an excellent job in the Saratoga by distributing storage spaces in various nifty locations.
What’s Good about the Coleman Saratoga?
First, it’s a highlander model that is shorter. That makes towing more effortless and convenient. Unlike the Avalon, one of the beds in the Saratoga has easier access. It’s not installed over sofas.
Drawbacks
One of the common complaints with the used models of the Saratoga is that the tow vehicle connection system isn’t functional. The good news is that this is fixable.
- Coleman E3
Key Features: Evolution Series, Measures 27″ 2″ When Open, 6 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 3,030 lbs
One of the things that we love about the E3 is the heavy-duty steel reinforced chassis that facilitates impeccable off-road performance.
Are you the type of camper who enjoys driving completely off-grid? This trailer will never let you down on rough terrains.
The Coleman E3 is a top competitor of the Saratoga, even though they are from different series. The advantage of the E3 is that it is powerful yet portable. At the front, there is a utility deck that can be used to carry a bike or quad for more outdoor adventure.
- Outside, there is a water heater that runs on propane and a grill. Two speakers to entertain you when making lunch or dinner in the wild. You will see an access panel for the bathroom that can be opened to empty waste.
- Before we get to the interior features, you should know that the E3 is supported by stabilizer jacks. Therefore, no matter how much you move, the trailer’s stability will not be affected.
Upon entry, you are met by a storm door. The floor plan is well utilized to make use of every corner. There are two beds, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and three sofas. The windows have zippers.
You can store food in the fridge and prepare it on the stove. Plus, there is a furnace to keep you warm on cold nights.
What’s Good about the Coleman E3?
There are a lot of things to like about the E3. First is the utility deck at the front, the wide range of amenities on board, and the ample space in the pop-up camper.
Drawbacks
The rear side of the E3 tends to sag when being towed. To ensure a better towing experience, this has to be modified.
- Coleman E1
Key Features: Evolution Series, Measures 21″ 8″ When Open, 6 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 2,405 lbs
Contrary to popular belief, the E1 isn’t the smallest in the Coleman evolution series.
That position belongs to Coleman Cobalt. However, if you are interested in a smaller pop-up camper from the Coleman evolution series, the E1 offers better value for money. Here is why.
Thanks to its rugged design, the E1 can easily power through muddy and rough roads. It comes standard with two propane tanks. The sidewalls are made of tent fabric which provides sufficient lighting during the daytime.
The kitchen is located at the center, and next to it is a dining area with bench seats. The beds are smaller and can fit 5 to 6 people. With the E1, you also get an oven and refrigerator.
What’s Good about the Coleman E1?
It’s smaller in size and easier to tow. At the same time, it is equipped with all essential amenities. It is more significant than most Coleman pop-up campers, such as those from the Destiny and Americana series.
Drawbacks
Being a powerful trailer, it can be tempting to take it deeper off-road. The problem is that it doesn’t have adequate ground clearance.
- Coleman Bayside Camping Trailer
Key Features: Americana Series, Measures 25″ 9″ When Open, 8 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 2,655 lbs
Moving on to another series of the Coleman pop-up camper, the Bayside camping trailer falls under the Americana series.
It’s a mid-range trailer that isn’t extraordinarily luxurious but comfortable enough to make your time on the road enjoyable.
This unit comes with an AC and heat strip for maximum temperature control. This comes in handy since it minimizes the use of propane. At the front, there is a storage room for extra camping gear. There is a water heater, tank, and spare tire.
The Bayside also has a three-burner stove, fridge, and two king-size beds. You and your family of five or six can sleep comfortably inside this trailer. There is also a slide-out dinette and a pantry.
When it gets dark, the LED light provides sufficient lighting.
What’s Good about the Coleman Bayside Camping Trailer?
What makes this trailer stand out is its practicality. On the Bayside, a family of six to eight can lead a comfortable lifestyle on the road and enjoy access to all essential amenities, including entertainment.
Drawbacks
Towing the Bayside with the fresh water tank full can cause swaying.
- Coleman Sun Valley
Key Features: Americana Series, Measures 25″ 2″ When Open, 7 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 2,175 lbs.
Coleman pop-ups are known to be durable. Even though you can’t get a 2022 model, the ones made from 2011 are still in good condition. There is an AC unit on the roof and two beds that can fit up to seven passengers.
There are several sofas, a refrigerator, a sink, an oven, and a dinette. Some models have smoke detectors on the ceiling to ensure safety. You also get tons of cargo room to ferry supplies.
What’s Good about the Coleman Sun Valley?
This pop-up camper offers 100% value for money. It is packed with the necessary amenities and ample sleeping room.
Drawbacks
Most models, especially the older ones, have sagging roofs. This problem is more rampant in roofs made using ABS. This is something you should pay close attention to if you are considering the Sun Valley.
- Coleman Westlake
Key Features: Destiny Series, Measures 24″ 10″ When Open, 7 Person Sleeping Capacity, GVWR 2,155 lbs.
If you have been eagerly waiting for the affordable models of the Coleman pop-up, well, here is our top pick of the Destiny series.
When you talk about the Destiny series, most people think the trailer is small and has limited amenities. But that is the exact opposite of the Coleman Westlake. It’s bigger than the E1 and Saratoga.
If your family loves camping and you are on the hunt for a good trailer on a budget, you should consider the Coleman Westlake. It’s made using a quality canvas.
The shower is located outside. That should give you a realistic camping experience. Inside, there are two queen beds. There is a foldable table and sofa. The Westlake has a massive sink and refrigerator for food storage.
What’s Good about the Coleman Westlake?
It’s a big pop-up camper model available at a friendly price. The Coleman also offers adequate luxury features such as an AC unit and entertainment system.
Drawbacks
There is also an indoor bath that is surrounded by curtains. This feature is a bit sub-standard, and it uses up kitchen space.
- Coleman Sedona
Key Features: Destiny Series, Measures 20″ 11″ When Open, 6 Person Sleeping capacity, GVWR 1,650 lbs.
The last Coleman pop-up camper on our list is the Sedona. It’s also the most affordable model in our lineup. Don’t let the terms small and inexpensive mislead you into thinking that the Sedona isn’t worth your money.
Due to its low weight, it’s the most effortless pop-up camper you can tow.
It is big enough to accommodate six people. With this trailer, you can take your family or friends out on a fun weekend road trip. It contains valuable amenities such as a sink, fridge, and stove.
What’s Good about the Coleman Sedona?
It’s affordable, easy to tow, and can accommodate many passengers.
Drawbacks
The cargo space is minimal. There have also been complaints that the pop-up mechanism breaks occasionally.
A Buyer’s Guide for Used Coleman Pop-up Camper Models
To emphasize what we mentioned earlier, Coleman stopped the production of pop-up campers in 2011.
Therefore, all models listed above are only available as used trailers. If you have settled your mind on one of the above Coleman pop-up camper models, here is a buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice.
Find out the market price of the Coleman pop-up camper
When listing features, we intentionally omitted the MSRP. The reason is that these campers are no longer in production. Therefore, the price depends on the year of manufacture and its condition.
Most Coleman pop-up campers are sold on an as-is basis. Look for the average market price when you settle on a particular trailer. This will ensure you don’t overpay.
Inquire about the previous owner
This is the only way you can know about the history of the camper. The owner can tell you how long they have used the trailer, the conditions it has been exposed to, and much more.
Ask about the mileage
Pop-up campers are just like cars. The mileage is a crucial purchase determining factor.
The longer the mileage, the more problems it will have. Go for Coleman campers with lower mileage.
Perform a thorough inspection
This is the most critical step in buying a used Coleman pop-up camper. If you are not an expert in such matters, ask your mechanic or a fellow RV enthusiast to tag along.
Inspecting a Coleman pop-up camper requires an analysis of the tanks, electrical systems, AC & heating, plumbing, and every amenity. Do not forget to climb up the roof and check the undercarriage.
Ask for a warranty
A warranty is mandatory, especially for used travel trailers whose records aren’t available. The warranty should cover repairs on problems that may occur after purchase.
Take it for a test drive
Before paying for a Coleman travel trailer, take it for a test drive. This will give you more insight into how it turns, rides, and parks.
Conclusion
Even after Coleman stopped the production of pop-up campers, their used models are still reliable and functional. The above are the 8 best Coleman pop-up campers on the market.
Whether you settle for the Highlander, Americana Evolution, or Destiny series, ensure you are exceptionally keen during the inspection. After purchase, take proper maintenance of your Coleman pop-up trailer if you want it to serve you for longer.
