In a world where prices are constantly climbing, finding genuinely affordable options can feel like striking gold. While the RV lifestyle often conjures images of luxury motorhomes and hefty price tags, there’s a corner of the market that caters to budget-conscious adventurers: Coleman Travel Trailers, specifically the Lantern LT series. For those dreaming of hitting the open road without breaking the bank, the Coleman Lantern LT emerges as a surprisingly accessible option, offering a fully-featured camper experience for less than the price of a basic new car. But what exactly do you get when you opt for such an economical RV? Let’s dive into the details and explore whether the Coleman Lantern LT travel trailer is the right choice for your travel aspirations.
RV shows often overwhelm attendees with colossal, high-end RVs, showcasing the industry’s lucrative top tier. While these luxurious coaches are impressive, they overshadow the needs of many who seek simpler, more affordable ways to explore. Thankfully, some manufacturers, like Dutchmen with their Coleman brand, recognize that not everyone can afford a six-figure palace on wheels. This is where the Coleman Lantern LT series comes into play, offering a budget-friendly entry point into the world of travel trailers. Among these affordable options, the Coleman Lantern LT stands out as one of the most budget-friendly, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to start your RV journey.
Unpacking the Coleman RV Legacy
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The Coleman name is synonymous with outdoor recreation, instantly bringing to mind images of camping lanterns, portable stoves, and trusty coolers. While primarily known for camping gear, Coleman’s foray into the RV world adds another dimension to their legacy. It’s important to understand that today’s Coleman travel trailers are manufactured by Dutchmen RV, a subsidiary of the RV industry giant, Thor Industries. This connection provides both heritage and modern manufacturing capabilities to the Coleman RV brand.
Dutchmen, established in 1988, initially focused on entry-level travel trailers and fifth wheels. Acquired by Thor in 1991, Dutchmen became the umbrella under which Coleman campers are produced. The Coleman brand’s origins trace back to the early 1900s and William Coffin Coleman, who began by selling gas lamps before innovating his own lamp design. The company expanded into camp stoves in the 1940s, coolers in the 1950s, and a wide array of camping equipment in the 1960s.
Coleman’s first venture into campers was in 1967 with pop-up tent trailers. By 1979, they became the leading seller of tent campers in the US. The Coleman camper brand experienced changes in ownership, being acquired by Fleetwood RV in 1989, which eventually phased out the Coleman branding. However, the name was resurrected in 2008, only to be discontinued again in 2011 for pop-up campers. Currently, while Newell Group sells Coleman camping products, Coleman-branded travel trailers are back in production under Thor’s Dutchmen, bringing the iconic outdoor brand back to the RV market.
Delving into the Lantern LT Series
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The Coleman Lantern LT series has been in production for several years, predating the recent pandemic, indicating its established presence in the budget RV segment. Interestingly, as production has continued, the pricing appears to have become even more competitive, making it an increasingly attractive option for those watching their wallets.
Coleman emphasizes that the Lantern line is engineered to maximize the camping experience while minimizing both cost and weight. The Lantern LT models typically come in at 21’ 5” in length. The 17B floorplan, featuring bunk beds, weighs in at a lightweight 2,985 pounds, while the 17R, which swaps bunks for open space, is slightly heavier at 3,013 pounds. These models share the same fundamental design, with cost-saving measures implemented throughout to achieve their remarkably low price point.
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The exterior of the Lantern LT immediately signals its no-frills approach. Notably absent are features like a power tongue jack and front stabilizer jacks, common in more expensive trailers. You also won’t find outdoor speakers, elaborate entry steps, or an outdoor kitchen. This design philosophy echoes the simpler travel trailers of the 1990s – prioritizing basic functionality over luxurious extras. The corrugated metal siding further contributes to this retro aesthetic while also being a cost-effective material choice. There are no slide-outs to increase interior space, keeping both weight and complexity down. The Lantern LT is essentially a straightforward, functional box designed for comfortable sleeping and basic camping needs.
The commitment to affordability is further highlighted as soon as you interact with the entry door. While many travel trailers utilize robust plastic arms to secure the door open, the Lantern LT employs a simpler, flimsier plastic arm. This component is so basic that even a moderate gust of wind can cause it to bend and detach, serving as a constant reminder of the areas where costs have been minimized.
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Stepping inside the Coleman Lantern LT, you might be surprised to discover a genuinely functional living space. Despite its budget-friendly nature, it includes essential amenities like a refrigerator, sink, microwave, stove, a complete bathroom, heater, and air conditioner. Sleeping arrangements are also generous. Both the 17B and 17R floorplans feature a main bed, and the dinette converts into an additional bed. The 17B model maximizes sleeping capacity by incorporating bunk beds, making it suitable for families or larger groups.
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The affordability of the Lantern LT is achieved through resourceful cost-cutting in various components. The air conditioner is a wall-mounted unit, and the heater is a simulated fireplace style. Neither unit features ductwork, meaning heating and cooling are localized to the immediate vicinity of the appliances. This setup is less efficient for whole-trailer climate control, and the Lantern LT is clearly not designed for extreme cold weather camping, such as a Chicago winter.
Further cost-saving measures are evident throughout the interior. The main bed consists of a thin mattress pad placed on a solid board, prioritizing basic functionality over premium comfort. Campers seeking a good night’s sleep will likely want to invest in a mattress topper or replacement. The kitchen sink is a single-basin plastic model, and notably, there is no sink in the bathroom. All washing and hygiene tasks are intended to be carried out in the kitchen sink. The stove is a compact two-burner unit, sufficient for basic meal preparation.
Despite the focus on affordability, the Lantern LT does include holding tanks for fresh water, grey water, and black water (waste). All three tanks have a capacity of 28 gallons each, providing reasonable capacity for shorter camping trips.
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The cost-conscious design extends to every aspect of the Lantern LT’s interior, from the cabinetry to the countertops. The dinette backrest is thin and lightly secured, suggesting that it’s not designed for heavy use or roughhousing, especially by children.
While the materials are basic, there’s evidence of careful assembly in the Lantern LT. No major installation flaws or factory-damaged parts were readily apparent. Even simple elements like properly installed light switches are noteworthy in this price segment, and Dutchmen appears to have paid attention to these basic assembly details. However, it’s crucial to reiterate that the interior components are undeniably inexpensive. In the automotive world, the Coleman Lantern LT would be akin to a Mitsubishi Mirage – functional and affordable, but not luxurious.
The construction of the Lantern LT is also straightforward and in line with standard, cost-effective RV building practices. It utilizes wood framing, lauan plywood walls, a rubberized roof, and fiberglass insulation. Like many travel trailers in this class, regular roof maintenance and resealing will be essential to prevent leaks over time. Water intrusion is a common challenge in RVs, and proactive maintenance is crucial, although it’s a battle that can be difficult to win long-term. On a positive note, the trailer frames are powder-coated, a feature that, while standard in many contexts, is a welcome sign of rust protection even in a budget-oriented RV.
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The water heater in the displayed model had its cover removed, a common practice for RVs at shows that have been winterized. A quick inspection revealed no obvious damage or issues with the water heater components.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Coleman Lantern LT starts at $13,995, but some dealerships are advertising them for as low as $13,000. Negotiation might even bring the price down further. It’s realistic to approach the Lantern LT as a starter trailer, not necessarily a long-term investment. The cost-saving measures are evident, but for those diligent with maintenance, several years of good use are certainly achievable. When its lifespan as a primary travel trailer concludes, it could even be repurposed as a hunting cabin or temporary accommodation. Ultimately, the Coleman Lantern LT fills a crucial gap in the market by offering genuinely affordable RVing opportunities.
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(Images: Author)
