When Coleman, the iconic brand of pop-up campers, ceased production in 2011, it left thousands of camper owners wondering where to find parts to maintain their beloved trailers. Amid this uncertainty, a small team led by visionaries Kelly and Craig, alongside parts expert Derek Smith, stepped up to fill the gap. With a bold vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to quality, they transformed a challenging situation into an opportunity to become the leading source for Coleman and Fleetwood pop-up camper parts. This blog dives into the story of how Coleman Pop-Up Parts became the industry’s go-to source, keeping the spirit of adventure alive for camper owners everywhere.
In March 2011, a seismic shift occurred in the camping world. Coleman, America’s premier line of pop-up campers, announced it was closing its doors. After more than 30 years in business, producing over 100 units daily, the iconic brand filed for bankruptcy. Within weeks, the entirety of the Coleman plant’s inventory was sold at auction. Recognizing a rare opportunity, Kelly and Craig, with incredible foresight, acquired a significant portion of that inventory.
Later that year, Derek Smith joined the team to manage the parts store and help distribute this newly acquired Coleman inventory. Back then, operations were straightforward yet humble: Excel sheets and phone orders were the primary tools. But even in those early days, something remarkable was happening—calls and emails started pouring in. Coleman had been the gold standard in pop-up campers for decades, and hundreds of thousands of owners still needed parts to keep their campers road-ready.
The demand wasn’t just local; it was nationwide. Another dealership, Ketelsen in Colorado, had also purchased inventory from the auction, and they too were experiencing the same surge in demand. The world of Coleman camper owners was reaching out, and the team knew they had something special.
A Pivotal Moment
Fast forward to 2012, when Derek found himself on a flight to Kentucky. As fate would have it, two Ketelsen employees were seated in front of him. Throughout the flight, they discussed the success of their newly launched Coleman webstore. While they didn’t know who he was or where he worked, their conversation struck a chord. It was then and there that Derek decided to build a webstore of his own.
Soon after, Coleman Pop-Up Parts was born. Since then, it has grown into the industry leader for Coleman and Fleetwood pop-up camper parts. The team not only sells parts but also manufactures them, buys out dealerships, and leverages their expertise to ensure these beloved campers remain functional for years to come.
A Community Effort
This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from Derek’s family, colleagues, and the wider camping community. Special thanks go to everyone who has contributed to this success:
- Parts Team: The frontline heroes, ensuring every order is processed with care.
- Reception and Sales: Handling countless Coleman inquiries with patience and expertise.
- Detail Team: Always coming to the rescue and generously sharing workspace.
- PDI and Service Departments: Providing knowledge, repairs, and video contributions that are invaluable.
- Front Office: Keeping the operation running smoothly, from paying bills to managing supplier relationships.
- Rentals and New Oxford Teams: Ensuring the dealership remains well-stocked and ready for any challenge.
- Shane and Matt: Accompanying Derek on nearly every buyout trip, making each one successful.
- Vikki: Ensuring the dealership always looks its best for visitors.
- Kelly and Craig: Providing encouragement and support that fosters creativity and drives the team to build a better customer experience.
By the Numbers
Thanks to the dedication of the team, Coleman Pop-Up Parts has achieved milestones that speak to their commitment:
- Orders Shipped to Date: 166,853
- Customer Reviews: 6,880, averaging 4.7 stars out of 5
- Daily Summer Orders: Over 100
- Recent Website Visitors (Last 90 Days): 158,724
- Returning Customer Rate: 46.6%
- Worldwide Shipping: Yes
- How-To Videos: Yes
- Google Ranking: #1
- Platform: Hosted by Shopify, ranked in the top 1% of their online stores
Moving Forward
The dealership is proud to be the only one still specializing in Coleman pop-up parts, carrying on a legacy that started decades ago. Whether customers are long-time camper owners or newcomers to the world of pop-ups, the team is dedicated to ensuring their campers stay road-ready and adventure-worthy.
To all customers and supporters, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for being an integral part of this journey. Your trust and loyalty have been the driving force behind our mission to keep Coleman and Fleetwood pop-up campers on the road for future generations to enjoy.
Every purchase, review, and recommendation has helped us grow into the thriving community we are today. From answering countless calls and emails to ensuring parts are shipped worldwide, every team member at Beckley’s RV has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of camper owners like you. Your adventures, stories, and enthusiasm inspire us to push boundaries and continuously improve our services.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer care. Together, we’ll continue to preserve the legacy of these iconic campers and ensure that the joy of exploring the open road remains accessible for years to come.
Thank you for making this all possible. Here’s to many more years of keeping these beloved campers popping up and fueling the spirit of adventure!
