When we first laid eyes on Neverland, it was clear that this camper had lived through a few seasons of adventure—and not always in the best conditions. The goal of any restoration project is to identify both the visible and hidden issues so that you can prioritize repairs and plan accordingly. Here’s how we went about assessing the damage on our 1998 Coleman Pop-Up.

1. Exterior and Frame Inspection

The first thing we did was give the exterior a thorough once-over. We checked for any signs of rust on the frame, dents in the metal siding, or cracks in the roof. While the frame appeared to be structurally sound, there were a few minor dents and scratches that we knew we’d need to address. The roof was, at first glance, in decent shape, having recently been painted with marine paint. The seals had also been recently replaced. Upon further inspection after a deep cleaning. The ABS roof was delaminated, and based on my research online, needed an overhaul! (More on the roof later.)

2. Canvas Condition

The canvas is always one of the most critical areas to inspect, especially in older pop-up campers. In Neverland‘s case, the canvas had some visible signs of age—faded patches, a couple of small tears, and areas where the waterproofing had deteriorated. We also noticed that some parts of the canvas had what looked like paint marks, which needed some TLC. We made sure to check the zippers and door seams as well, since those are often the first places to show wear.

3. Roof Lift System

One of the most important functional components of any pop-up camper is the roof lift system. The last thing you want is to find yourself stuck with a roof you can’t raise or lower! Thankfully, the lift system on Neverland was still operational, but we noticed some stiffness in the mechanism and a few signs of wear on the pulleys and cables. These required some lubrication and minor adjustments, but nothing too serious. We decided to give it a tune-up to ensure smooth operation during future camping trips.

4. Interior Damage

Inside, things were mostly functional, but you could tell that Neverland had been through a lot. The flooring had a few knicks, likely from pet paws, and the upholstery on the cushions was past its prime—dated and loose threads. The storage areas were still solid, but there were some loose hinges and loose drawers that needed attention. The stove and fridge were functional but outdated, and we quickly realized they wouldn’t be sufficient for long-term use, so we made a mental note to replace them a few years down the road.

5. Tires and Suspension

Finally, we checked the tires and suspension system. The tires were new, as well as the bearings and axel! Such a success! The suspension appeared to be in decent shape, and it towed like a dream! The last thing we want is to be dealing with an unexpected breakdown while out on the road, so we were glad to have spent a little bit more money on something with a new axel.

Conclusion

Overall, the damage to Neverland was manageable. There were a few areas that needed immediate attention, like the roof and canvas, but the camper’s frame and structure were in better shape than we anticipated. This gave us confidence that with a bit of elbow grease and careful planning, we could restore it to its former glory—and maybe even make it better than before.

Until next time, happy camping! 🌲

— The Team at Camping in Neverland