Tiny RV, HUGE Potential: The Coleman 13R - Your Blank Canvas for Camping!

Coleman 13R: The Budget-Friendly RV That's Ripe for Upgrades

Big Truck Big RV (BTRV) recently explored the Coleman 13R, a compact travel trailer that presents an interesting proposition: affordable RVing with massive potential for customization. This isn't your high-end rig with all the bells and whistles. Instead, it’s a blank canvas for those who want to get into RVing without a huge upfront investment, preferring to upgrade and personalize over time. It’s about smart choices, prioritizing needs, and building your dream camper piece by piece.

The Bare Bones Specs – A Solid Foundation

The Coleman 13R keeps it simple, which is actually a good thing for reliability and ease of towing. Key specs include a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3500 lbs and a dry weight of just 2460 lbs. The axle capacity exceeds the GVWR, offering a generous cargo capacity of 1040 lbs. BTRV highlights that it rides on 14-inch D load range tires, but suggests this as a prime candidate for an upgrade. These basic specs ensure most SUVs and trucks can tow it, while also leaving room for improvement.

BTRV emphasizes the potential for upgrades right from the start. He suggests envisioning the possibilities with a budget of, say, $2000-$4000 set aside for improvements. Think about adding an electric front tongue jack, larger propane tanks, or even a storage tray. Upgrading the wheels and tires, as he points out, is a significant visual upgrade that also improves performance. He specifically mentioned that if you "put an aluminum wheel with a nicer tire on here, it's truly going to make this thing stand out in a big way."

Interior – Functionality with Room to Improve

The interior of the Coleman 13R is basic but functional, perfect for a starting point. It features a nearly queen-size bed (with a cut corner), storage underneath, and a surprisingly cool electric fireplace. The inclusion of the fireplace, as BTRV notes, is unexpected in a trailer of this size and price point. The bathroom is simple, with a foot-flush toilet (another upgrade possibility!) and a stainless-steel basin sink. The overall feeling is that you can take this basic layout and make it your own with some clever modifications.

BTRV calls attention to the large window, which really opens up the space. He points out that opening it creates an indoor-outdoor feel, especially with the included bar area and stools. Other notable features include an induction cooktop (a pleasant surprise!), a small refrigerator (no freezer), drawers with ball-bearing rollers (a rarity at this price), and a compact microwave. The unit also has a wall-mounted air conditioner and fuse/breaker panel.

Upgrade Ideas – Making it Your Own

This RV is all about the possibilities, and BTRV provides a bunch of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. He suggests hanging a TV on the wall, adding a mirror, or even turning part of the space into a desk. Upgrading the PEX connections is another practical upgrade he suggests. He also emphasizes that even small upgrades can make a big difference in the longevity and usability of the RV. Think peel and stick backsplashes, upgraded hardware, and personalized storage solutions – the possibilities are endless!

He also contrasts this approach with buying a more expensive RV upfront. If you have, say, $15,000 to spend, he suggests considering whether it's better to buy a $15,000 RV with all the features already included, or a $10,000 RV and invest $5,000 in upgrades. The advantage of the former is that everything is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. However, the latter allows for greater personalization and control over the final product.

Reliability – Simple Means Less to Break

One of the unexpected benefits of the Coleman 13R is its potential reliability. BTRV argues that because it's so simple, there's less to go wrong. The lack of a slide-out is a major plus, as slide-outs are a common source of problems. Also, the lighter weight puts less stress on the components during towing. He observes, "The lack of a lot of amenities means less things to break, no slide out, and you don't have to worry about that."

Even if you don't do a ton of upgrades, the basic construction is solid. You're not dealing with fancy trim, expensive appliances, or complex systems. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize function and durability over luxury. It is easy to tow, and you won't be constantly worrying about breakdowns. It’s about getting out there and enjoying the RV life without the constant fear of something breaking.

Key Takeaways:

Affordable Entry: The Coleman 13R is a fantastic option for getting into RVing on a tight budget.
DIY Potential: It's a blank canvas that allows you to customize and upgrade to your liking over time.
Simplicity = Reliability: Fewer features mean fewer things to break, making it a potentially more reliable option than more complex RVs.
Upgrade Strategically: Prioritize upgrades based on your needs and budget, focusing on functionality and personalization.
Consider Long-Term Costs: Weigh the cost of the RV plus upgrades versus buying a more expensive model upfront.

Conclusion:

The Coleman 13R isn't for everyone. It's for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to create their perfect RV. It's for those who enjoy DIY projects and have a vision for what their ideal camper looks like. If that sounds like you, then the Coleman 13R could be the perfect starting point for your RV adventures. For a closer look and more in-depth analysis, be sure to watch Big Truck Big RV's full video review!