THE EVOLUTION
Darwin Would Be Proud
By Lazelle Jones

The Evolution E3 by Fleetwood RV is the next generation of the folding, towable camping trailer. It has the ability to haul a full-size ATV, and when toys are offloaded, the elements that make the RV lifestyle so appealing can be enjoyed immediately.

When folded, the E3 measures 21 feet nine inches. This includes an upfront 800-pound cargo deck with cargo tiedowns measuring 54 inches by 84 inches. The deck is dressed with an oil skid and water resistant surface. When set-up for camping, the E3 features a slide out dinette/sleeper along with front and rear platform beds that each measure 77 inches by 70 inches. Equipped with a gaucho, which is a sofa/ single bed combination, the Evolution will comfortably sleep up to seven.

RVX tested the mettle of this 4,400-pound GVWR utility folding camping trailer and made the following observations. Fleetwood has paid careful attention to all functional aspects. The aluminum cargo platform side rails are quickly released by pulling four pins. Once released, these rails are easily folded out for use as ramps to load or off-load toys. Once the cargo deck is empty, it takes about thirty minutes to have the unit totally set up for camping. Our first attempt was without the benefit of having done it before. With practice it should take considerably less time.

A hand crank lowers the corner scissors also known as the stabilizing jacks. By inserting a second hand crank through a hole in the rear bumper, the composite roof is quickly lifted. The dinette slide is manually extended as are both of the end platform beds. Hinged aluminum members swing-up to give shape to the fabric canopies above the beds and dinette and to hold it firmly in place. The entire galley, which is extended by a chain/cog type mechanism, folds up into place and is instantly ready for service. In addition, the galley area includes a deep porcelain sink, three-way refrigerator, two storage drawers, a cutlery tray and a two burner LP cook-top. The solid main entry door has a screen which can be stowed for travel against the interior roof and is simply lowered into place to complete the set-up. Large screen panels on three sides of both platform beds and the dinette can be zipped closed when privacy and/or shielding from the outside environment is needed. The fabric portions for the E3 are created from breathable Sunbrella 302 tenting material. The solid one-piece roof is a Filon structure that comes with full-length integrated roof rack tracks that facilitate the ease of cranking the roof up and down.

The kitchen dinette table has hinged legs allowing it to be moved outside whenever the mood should strike you. When used as sleeping quarters, the table top becomes a platform for the bed. The E3 also features a shower and a cassette-style toilet. Storage compartments are located below the gaucho sofa and on both sides of the unit, just forward of the rear platform bed.

The E3 is a single axle camping trailer that comes with 15-inch off-road tires mounted on alloy rims. The tubular steel frame features trailer wiring protection and the rear bumper and steel reinforcements are all powder coated. The wheel wells have been fabricated using steel and impact resistant wheel well fl ares. And if all that is not enough, both silver and yellow exterior paint schemes are available.

The Evolution comes with dual 20-pound LP tanks, a water heater and DC interior lighting. Tip-out combo fan/lights are available for use above the galley and slide-out dinette. Overall we found the Evolution E3 to be uncomplicated, livable and very versatile. www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers.com