Looks like Coleman is starting to take notice..

[GDmovingtoAlaska]

It seems like Coleman is starting to take notice of the popularity of smaller and more offroad capable trailers. There is no information on it at this time but the pics are interesting. http://www.colemantrailers.com/the-coleman-reg-camping-trailers-switchback

 

[Layonnn]

even has one behind a FJ.

Wonder how easily they would be to lift and put larger tires on as it sits pretty low to the ground.

 

[tommudd]

very cool, should not be too hard to lift although you can not tell what axle it has under it, can't wait for more details

 

[jerdog53]

Too big and too low to the ground, too bad they will never figure it out!

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Jerdog53,

I have to disagree with you. I think for what the vast majority would use their trailers for, it would work just fine. 90% of the camping crowd don't need an extreme off road capable trailer; Plus, we don't know if they will offer a tire size upgrade yet (Which I doubt). Still for, for a non-speciality company it's a pretty good thing.

Pete Wilson


It's for sure NOT an Adventure Trailer!

 

[Martyn]

Hey

Jerdog53,

I have to disagree with you. I think for what the vast majority would use their trailers for, it would work just fine. 90% of the camping crowd don't need an extreme off road capable trailer; Plus, we don't know if they will offer a tire size upgrade yet (Which I doubt). Still for, for a non-speciality company it's a pretty good thing.

Pete Wilson


It's for sure NOT an Adventure Trailer!

Pete

I'm in agreement with you that "90% of the camping crowd don't need an extreme off road capable trailer; "

However, it's not extreme off-roading that contributes to the failure of most trailers, it results in some body damage. The major issue for trailer going off the black top is corrugated dirt roads.

The high frequency vibration rattles everything loose, and stresses welds. It flexes chassis and tests suspension.

Lifting a trailer and adding larger tires does not make a road trailer an off-road trailer, it makes it a taller trailer with bigger tires. Trailer manufacturers who make off-road trailer tend to fall into this trap.

Off-roaders who manufacture trailers invest time and money in strong chassis and use applicable suspension components.

 

[Trail Monkey]

I heard a rumor that adventure trailers may be building a multi purpose style trailer like this but using their offroad chassis. that would be sweet..

guess well just have to wait and see..

 

[Bergger]

However, it's not extreme off-roading that contributes to the failure of most trailers, it results in some body damage. The major issue for trailer going off the black top is corrugated dirt roads.

The high frequency vibration rattles everything loose, and stresses welds. It flexes chassis and tests suspension.

This is very true. Prior to buying our Chaser we had a small coleman popup that i did a spring over lift on. It was very nice and the lift allowed us to get into some areas with out scraping the bumper and frame too much. But the wash board roads were hell on it. Screws and rivets were being pulled loose and things were coming apart inside. Ours also did not have shocks so I'm sure that added to the problem. I'm real curious to see what Colemans finished product looks like. If they build it with a strong frame and a decent suspension I"m sure it'll work fine for the majority of the customers. I also wonder if they are producing it themselves or outsourcing. I know Fleetwood used to manufacture all of Colemans trailers until they parted ways just a couple of years ago.

 

[tommudd]

I think we need to wait and see what they come out with before we say it will never make it down a gravel road, yes up to this point no one has built one like that, but just maybe someone screwed up and made a decent trailer.

Would I like to buy a Adventure Trailer from Martyn SURE I would and would wash and wax it everyday it wasn't out somewhere making me happy while off road, but with now maintaining a place here and one in Tanzania , trips back and forth and other everyday living costs I can not see it in my future, unless of course he makes me an East Coast dealer

This may not be the best but it may work for a while ( before it falls apart!!!!)

 

[rusty_tlc]

.....
Lifting a trailer and adding larger tires does not make a road trailer an off-road trailer, it makes it a taller trailer with bigger tires. Trailer manufacturers who make off-road trailer tend to fall into this trap.

Off-roaders who manufacture trailers invest time and money in strong chassis and use applicable suspension components.

This is what I found when I looked at the Baja and RT pop-ups. They are basically the standard trailer with a lift and a bigger price tag. I decided I would buy a standard pop-up and do the lift myself rather than pay for diamond plate and bright paint. With the money I saved I can beef up the frame and maybe upgrade to a better suspension.

 

[highlandercj-7]

FYI Fleetwood owns Coleman. They bought them out years ago. The Evolution Series is a nice unit especially for East Coast Folks. We usually park at the trail head then wheel and return to camp. We are not forchanate enough to have millions of aceres to wheel. So they do get it and produce a decent unit for there intended buyer.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Photo: Shawn Spence
RV Business
Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Coleman brand name returned to the Louisville Show with the introduction of the trend-setting Coleman Switchback, a 600-pound folding camping trailer from FTCA Inc. that in the travel mode can carry bikes, kayaks and other small gear. "The Switchback is our entrant into an emerging marketplace – a sport utility camping trailer that allows you to take your sports with you," said Dana Gehman, manager of product development and marketing for the Somerset, Pa., company which until May was owned by Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., and carried the Fleetwood brand name. The brightly colored Switchback is available in one 6-foot floorplan with two beds and a 3 foot by 5 foot metal wire front deck to store gear. The two foldout beds feature zippered privacy curtains and mesh ceilings with flaps over each bed that open to the sky. MSRP: around

 

[highlandercj-7]

yikes.. That's the first I heard that and they are in my back yard. I stand corrected.

 

[compactcamping]

Hmmm, looking like a lighter duty Jumping Jack Trailer. Does anyone have a link to a picture with the tent open?

** I found it, see my post "Article on the latest lightweight, basic tent trailers" for it and others **

 

[cell4soul]

I recently owned a Fleetwood E2 Pop-up, it was great for it's intended use. I would still own it if I didn't need the money at the time. Right before I sold it I was talking to the Fleetwood dealer; according to the dealer Coleman purchased the pop-up trailer division back from Fleetwood. I don't believe there will be Fleetwood Pop-ups in the very near future.