Coleman Dakota Hard Top Folding Camper
(Sleeping Capacity  5 persons)

Coleman Dakota Overview

The American Coleman range of Pop-Ups as they are known have been around for over 30 years. Our one is the smallest and most basic of the range at just 7' square packed, she was built in 1983 as a "Colonial". Opening out to a large double bed at one end, a single at the other and the dinette table drops down to make an extra double bed, in all she is a 5 berth. Imported into the UK by Coleman UK, the running gear, tow hitch and electrics were converted to UK specs and the unit was renamed the "Dakota".Other models of which there are many, include King & Queen size beds, showers, toilet, hot & cold water, air conditioning and on board heating.

"Cabin only" erection takes just 10 minutes from arriving on site to the first brew-up, packing down is just as fast. The British made PuPs from Conway commanded a much higher price than their American cousins, hence production of them has now ceased in favour of the cheaper "Canvas  Top" folding camper. The advantage the Dakota has over most units is the weatherproofing to the roof of the beds, with just the sides exposed to the elements and the Acrylic being extremely water repellent, packing down when raining not a problem. The beauty of her is that she has 12v, 240v electrics as well as gas, making her free of the need for an EHU.  When packed down you can still crawl inside to pack those extra goodies you just had to buy.

As you can see the awning is a strange shape and totally obscures the unit rising to 8 feet at the rear with the option to raise all sides making just a huge canopy.  Fitting the awning is a bit of a game for single handed erecting, due to its size,  it goes on before the top is fully raised making it slightly easier. A custom made sun canopy instead of the awning is preferable for weekend breaks.

Specifications

Roof - One inch thick insulated aluminium.
Roof Support System  - Stainless steel lift arms with 1/8” stainless steel aircraft specification cable.
Beds - Glide out with minimal effort, & feature full perimeter aluminium frames.

Floor -  For long life, the one piece floor is constructed of  ‘Structurewood’, and is covered with long lasting vinyl.
Canvas - Sunbrella 302 Acrylic with vinyl covered beds. This material can be touched or even lent on when wet without causing leaks. All panels have full length zipped ventilation panels with flyscreens.
Entrance Door - Easily fitted one piece full length door & frame assembly with flyscreens.
Water Supply - 12v water pump with either outside water supply or interior tank.
Electric system - Fitted with 240v mains with 12v Zig converter, UK 13amp/5amp sockets, twin interior lights.
Cooking - Two-burner hob unit with fold-over galley and permanently connected service pipes.
Dinette Table - A free standing table which can be used either inside or out.
Windows - Large, opening, clear vinyl windows allow more natural light inside the trailer, and feature fine mesh screening to keep the insects out.
Tyres -  Extra wide spreads the load on soft ground and adds stability when towing.
Heating - fixed catalytic gas heating

Pros and Cons

The Cost
These units are getting on in years and the cost will very much depend on the condition and how they have been looked after. We paid just £300 for the old girl 5 seasons ago and although she is not the prettiest looker on site, we have clocked up hundreds of smiles with her. You can still find the odd unit for sale in the UK.

The Verdict

In my opinion there are no downsides to her, Coleman got it right, as a basic "lets go camping for fun" trailer, she does the job remarkably well.

Information and Links
Check Out More About FC's & TT's

Looking for a second-hand  Folding Camper, try here  Free Ads Folding Campers

For further information on Conway Folding Campers visit  Coleman

Also check out Pop Up and Hard Top Campers

Reviewed by Bob for 365 Camping Caravanning

Reviewed 2008