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Does anyone know if there are any UK importers of Coleman/Fleetwood folding campers? I'm really taken by the style and quality but many in the UK are 80's models and I was looking to see whether the newer models that are available in the Sates are availble over here with UK conversion works done?

Hi,

There used to be an importer, CCC products based in Southampton, but the American models got so ridiculously big they became unsuitable for use in the UK so they stopped importing them, although they still service them.

I know, becuase we've got one we're selling on Ebay (1994 Cape Cod, no. 200102454006) which was originally imported by them and they are superb quality. Unfortunately other half has decided he wants to camp in the snow, and I'm only doing that in a caravan, no matter how well built the camper is! I'm going to be sorry to see it go...

Looks like they still import them. See here. I thought there was aplace in Wales that did them as well.

Julian

Looks like they still import them. See here. I thought there was aplace in Wales that did them as well.

Not according to the link given in general info they only service , dont import anymore for the reasons tallcamper gave , it is a shame though i am sure their would be a market for them

It is a shame - a couple came to look at it tonight and really liked it (sob, I don't want to see it go!) they couldn't understand why everybody seems to prefer the Conways and Pennines but I suppose people like what's familiar. It's a real talking point when we've camped in it.

I seem to recall that Fleetwood are making the same sort of campers in the US under their own name now; they look like they wouldn't be too big, but from what I understand from the Southampton importers people want full ovens etc. in them and the US campers don't go in for that.

http://www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers.com/model_detail.aspx?mid=32&sid=4

here is the link , must say i would buy a uk spec model if they were ever imported and changed to uk spec , the way the dollar is at the moment might be worth looking in to

As they are heavier than most of our caravans and too long for most garages, a lot of the advantages of folding campers don't apply.  The set-up video was interesting, it even showed the lady taking a break.  Theres honesty for you.

I thought the tow-hitch and steadies looked a bit crude for a vehicle of this weight and under the beds the boarding didn't look like plywood.

Brian

From what I recall, I believe the towhitch and steadies all had to be changed to meet UK specs. In fact, I think the whole of the A frame might have been changed! Another reason why CCC gave up importing them - by the time they'd changed the electrics, A frame, running gear, brakes etc. etc there wasn't an awful lot left of the original camper....

However, I've read on another forum here that someon's got a Coleman FC that's 25 years old and still good, so those that are still in good order in the UK might have a bit of life left in them yet.

I have a 1996 Coleman Seapine & I had to get it into UK spec cost me about £1800, only worth it if you really want it. The nose weight of this converted model is 95kg, it also increased the overall weight. Other things I had to sort out was not easy but used the US popup portal got lots of help I now know my camper even better now & have some ideas how to make it work for me. I will be changing some things as the americans do seem to camp differently.

The things I had to do were: buy an 1300kg axle with brakes/wheels & associated bits. A bradley & Knott hitch (weighed 26kgs). UK built 5kva stepdown transformer (weighed 26kg). 240v power sockets installed. Road lights conversion etc.

Did some work myself & some was given to professionals for welding, electrical etc.A lot of blood sweat & tears went into her but worth it.

Just recently took her on maiden trip to Adgestone IOW, really handled great, plenty of space & comfort, One bed was 6'-6" sq in size the other 4'-6" x 6'-6".