Coachmen (Coleman?) Futura

[jawilson]

Working for a Coachmen dealer has some perks, and info about the new Futura -- formerly Coleman -- product line is one of them. After some of our guys got back from the Louisville show I was able to get the following information:

* There are 8 floorplans, ranging in size from 13' 8" to 19' 6" (those are traveling lengths). Fresh water capacity is either 16 or 23 gallons. Width on all the models is 7' 5", while the folded height is 54".

* They all have an enclosed,  miniature "trunk" on the back of the unit. It houses the spare tire and and has a little bit of storage space.

* Roofs are insulated and laminated aluminum with Filon (fiberglass) exteriors.

* The roof crank systems are all the new waste-high, direct drive type (without cables or pulleys).

* All the axles are now Torflex with the EasyLube axles.

* Cabinet doors are Thermofoiled (whatever that is).

* Floors are laminated and insulated, as are the bed ends. Beds are rated for 1000 pounds.

* All ceilings are 6' 8", and the bunk end openings are a 48" high.

* The front storage box is now on rails (most models). This enables you to pull it out and gain access even with the bed end deployed. The lid can also be flipped up to create a table.

The photo's I've seen make them appear to have that "Coleman look" to them, with the smooth sides and rounded corners. They also seem to sit kinda low to the ground, which I personally consider a drawback.

Well, that's all I know of at this point. If I get anything else I'll pass it on...

[tlhdoc]

Thanks for the information.  Any idea when they will have a web site and dealer list available?

[JonesFamilyJayco]

Sounds like a great product.  I am sorry that they have been so delayed in introducing the new line.  Maybe now that they are going with the Futura name, they can begin showing them on their web site.

[jawilson]

Thanks for the information.  Any idea when they will have a web site and dealer list available?

I haven't heard anything just yet, but my guess is that they need to get the info out soon. All the negative press surrounding this issue can't be good for business.

[copcarguy]

I hope they don't have any legal problems with THAT name too...  I think the "Futura" name is registered with Pep-Boys as their tire brand.  I know Ford has just had a problem with their new supercar's name and had to rename it the Ford GT instead of the GT-40.

[Adam]

I hope they don't have any legal problems with THAT name too...  I think the "Futura" name is registered with Pep-Boys as their tire brand.  I know Ford has just had a problem with their new supercar's name and had to rename it the Ford GT instead of the GT-40.

Rick, I don't think it should be a problem , they already own the registered name in the RV market.... Coachman has being selling a line of Futura trailers for some years now.


Jawilson, Do you only sell Coachman ? I'm from central jersey & nobody seems to own campers down here or sell them, we have one very nice Jayco dealer but he thinks everyone should pay sticker...be as it may some do ! But I wont I only pay sticker for Honda's LOL !

[jawilson]

Rick, I don't think it should be a problem , they already own the registered name in the RV market.... Coachman has being selling a line of Futura trailers for some years now.

Coachmen used to sell a trailer named the Futura -- they haven't been in production for a few years -- so I would think that name still "belongs" to them. We'll see if Pep Boys feels the same.  

Jawilson, Do you only sell Coachman ? I'm from central jersey & nobody seems to own campers down here or sell them, we have one very nice Jayco dealer but he thinks everyone should pay sticker...be as it may some do ! But I wont I only pay sticker for Honda's LOL !

For new units we are exclusively a Coachmen dealer. AAMOF, we're the oldest Coachmen dealer in the country -- nobody has been selling them longer then we have (getting close to 40 years now). Oddly enough, they don't sell the PU's. They claim it's too much service work and not enough profit. I've tried to change their minds, but they're adamant. Maybe the Futura will get them thinking...

[Adam]

I've tried to change their minds, but they're adamant. Maybe the Futura will get them thinking...[/QUOTE]


Good Luck !  I recently heard the same discussion from a Regional Sales mgr. of Fleetwood out of Sartoga, NY, that many dealers find fold downs a tough market with little or no profit...Fleetwoods strategy is to educatet dealers to market the pop-up market to first time buyers, then get the buyer to upgrade within 1yr from purchase,  I understand it works well for most dealers !