Fleetwood/Coleman low repairs

McCampers · Mar 22, 2008, 06:20 AM

Have you ever noticed that Fleetwoods or Colemans don't need alot of work. Less repairs means more camping time. Even the older models dont' need much upkeep. Just a thought. I see alot of stuff on here for Starcraft repairs and Jayco and Viking, but not much for Fleetwood/Colemans. I wonder why?

prncssgeek · Mar 22, 2008, 08:37 AM

Quote from: McCampersHave you ever noticed that Fleetwoods or Colemans don't need alot of work. Less repairs means more camping time. Even the older models dont' need much upkeep. Just a thought. I see alot of stuff on here for Starcraft repairs and Jayco and Viking, but not much for Fleetwood/Colemans. I wonder why?

I noticed that too. But I did notice that when a Coleman roof goes...it really goes!

McCampers · Mar 22, 2008, 12:19 PM

Thats when I would send them to the doctor. I'm not into that kind of fixer upper.

wayner · Mar 22, 2008, 06:16 PM

I hope you are right our Bayside needed some works on the brakes last year... the wire that went throught the axle went.. but that is pretty much it... fortunately I think we are after all the roof problems. So barring any leaks around that front compartment... I think we are golden... but after being on this forum for awhile I have an itch to do some mods...

Old Starcraft · Mar 22, 2008, 06:56 PM

Quote from: McCampersHave you ever noticed that Fleetwoods or Colemans don't need alot of work. Less repairs means more camping time. Even the older models dont' need much upkeep. Just a thought. I see alot of stuff on here for Starcraft repairs and Jayco and Viking, but not much for Fleetwood/Colemans. I wonder why?

One question about this..... How long has Coleman been making PU's, and what percentage of the oldest ones are still camping compared to other makes?

When looking for mine I've seen allot of 70's and newer Starcrafts, but the Colemans for sale seem to go back to the mid to late 80's.I do have to admit though it does appear that there is more discussions about other makes when it comes to repairs.

flyfisherman · Mar 23, 2008, 05:00 AM

Quote from: McCampersHave you ever noticed that Fleetwoods or Colemans don't need alot of work. Less repairs means more camping time. Even the older models dont' need much upkeep. Just a thought. I see alot of stuff on here for Starcraft repairs and Jayco and Viking, but not much for Fleetwood/Colemans. I wonder why?

Is that speculation on your part, wishful thinking or something based on experience and fact?

Since I've owned both a Coleman/Fleetwood and a Starcraft, I can tell you based on experience the Starcraft is way ahead by having the least upkeep and needed repair.

Fly

austinado16 · Mar 24, 2008, 09:43 AM

I was wondering if the "statistic" you've observed might be based on the older starcrafts still having a huge following, because they were such a nice camper back in the day, and they are now appealing to the crowd that; 1) likes the oldschool look 2) Doesn't have the money to step up to something newish 3) Are DIY'ers, so they're looking for the bargain that needs TLC......etc.

I know that's the catagory I fall into, and as such, there's always an amount of work to be done in order to bring "whatever" I've purchased back to life.

wayner · Mar 24, 2008, 09:49 AM

I think it's one of those bias things really. You know like I have a Ford and Chevs are always falling apart... or I have a Dodge so Fords suck and I have a little sticker of Calvin peeing on the Ford symbol.

I might be wrong... is brand loyalty not as strong or is it just as strong on pop-ups? I am so new to it that I really don't know...

McCampers · Mar 26, 2008, 05:33 PM

I have no facts. I espouse no facts. I know virtually nothing about campers. I own one and I don't have to work on it. It is a Fleetwood. I see alot of people talking about working on campers and it rarely seems to be Colemans or Fleetwoods. I know Colemans have been around since at least 87. I looked at one of them. I know Starcrafts have been around alot longer than that. I like some of the features in today's FLeetwoods like stainless steel cables and uprights, one piece roofs(no caulk seam). All metal box, frame etc. I like the old school stuff to look at, but it aint for me. I like to camp too much, and I don't like to tinker with my camper when I could be camping. I dig all you dudes that do though.

goforit75 · Mar 28, 2008, 02:09 AM

Is a Fleetwood really a true Coleman?

Rich

flyfisherman · Mar 28, 2008, 03:12 AM

Quote from: McCampersI have no facts. I espouse no facts. I know virtually nothing about campers. I own one and I don't have to work on it. It is a Fleetwood. I see alot of people talking about working on campers and it rarely seems to be Colemans or Fleetwoods. I know Colemans have been around since at least 87. I looked at one of them. I know Starcrafts have been around alot longer than that. I like some of the features in today's FLeetwoods like stainless steel cables and uprights, one piece roofs(no caulk seam). All metal box, frame etc. I like the old school stuff to look at, but it aint for me. I like to camp too much, and I don't like to tinker with my camper when I could be camping. I dig all you dudes that do though.

You obviously were not around during the time of the Fleetwood ABS roof debacle, which was really not all that long ago.

flyfisherman · Mar 28, 2008, 03:28 AM

Quote from: goforit75Is a Fleetwood really a true Coleman?

Rich

When first introduced, a Coleman was a true Coleman. However, Coleman's folding camper division was sold off to Fleetwood in 1989 with Coleman getting some royalties for the use of their name. But awhile back some disputes erupted
between them and a "divorce" ensued very soon after.

wavery · Mar 28, 2008, 10:31 AM

I think that most PU are "Created" equal, for the most part.

It has a lot more to do with how they are cared for then who put them together IMHO. Storage has a lot to do with it. I think that if you can find a PU that has been garage stored, you can't go too far wrong.

prncssgeek · Mar 28, 2008, 11:29 AM

Ok, let me add my two cents to the mix. I do believe it has to do more with how they are cared for then who made them. I have seen older Starcrafts that made me drool. And I've seen older Colemans that made me cry because of their condition. I don't care who made it, if you sit it in the woods for a couple of years and don't take care of it, it will start to fall apart. Or if you make mod's to it that aren't well thought out and executed in a safe/secure manner, it will have an impact on the condition of the camper.

IMHO, when anything is "mass produced" you will have a mix of good and bad.

I also have to wonder about price point too. Most of us, the more we pay for something the better we take care of it. Could the same be said how well old campers are taken care of?

And for whoever asked how long Coleman has been making campers, here's what I found out.

Coleman started in 1968.
Jayco started in 1968 (in a barn and two chicken house's). The first year their production was 132. (They are proud of this and have it in their company history, I thought it was cool.)
Viking started in the early 70's, I can't find an exact year.
Starcraft started in 1964.

Clearly, Starcraft has the edge when it comes to experience. But sometimes experience is not better.

That all being said, if I could put together the perfect camper...I would have a Viking roof, Starcraft box and probably a mix of interior of Jayco and Coleman.

McCampers · Mar 28, 2008, 06:57 PM

The question could be, is a coleman a true fleetwood? Fleetwood used the Coleman name under a licensing agreement for several years. The answer maybe found in the fact that Fleetwood was the only company to ever build Coleman campers. I wish they still had the Coleman name, I dig it for the old school appeal. It has that kind of 1950's Vermont feel to it. You know with the kaki and red and black plaid etc.

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Fleetwood/Coleman low repairs