In a world where prices are constantly climbing, finding affordable options can feel like a treasure hunt. While some everyday items like AriZona iced tea or a Costco hot dog remain surprisingly budget-friendly, the same can rarely be said for vehicles, especially recreational vehicles (RVs). With many RVs reaching six-figure price tags, the dream of hitting the open road in your own camper might seem out of reach for many. However, if you look closely, there are still gems of affordability to be found in the RV market. Enter the Coleman Travel Trailer, specifically the Lantern LT model, offering a surprisingly accessible entry point into the world of RVing, starting at just $13,000. This price point is even lower than America’s cheapest new car, the Nissan Versa, making it an intriguing option for budget-conscious adventurers. But with such a low price, what compromises are made, and is the Coleman travel trailer the right choice for you? Let’s dive deep into a comprehensive review.
RV shows often overwhelm visitors with massive, luxurious coaches, overshadowing more budget-friendly options. While these high-end RVs represent a significant market, some manufacturers are recognizing the demand for more affordable alternatives. For those not ready or able to invest in a rolling palace, trailers like the Coleman Lantern LT offer a pathway to RV ownership without breaking the bank. Among the most budget-friendly travel trailers available, the Coleman Lantern LT stands out with its remarkably low price. It’s a price tag that might even raise eyebrows, considering it can be cheaper than a basic economy car.
Coleman Travel Trailer: A Look at the Brand Heritage
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The name Coleman is synonymous with outdoor gear, evoking images of camping lanterns, stoves, and coolers. With a history stretching back to the early 1900s, Coleman built its reputation on providing reliable and accessible equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. While best known for its camping gear, Coleman’s venture into campers began in 1967 with pop-up tent trailers. By 1979, they had become the leading seller of tent campers in America. Though the Coleman branding on campers went through periods of dormancy and revival, today, Coleman travel trailers are produced by Dutchmen, a brand under the umbrella of the RV industry giant, Thor Industries.
Dutchmen, established in 1988, has long focused on building entry-level travel trailers and fifth wheels. Becoming part of Thor Industries in 1991 solidified their position in the RV market. This connection to Dutchmen and Thor Industries provides Coleman travel trailers with a foundation of manufacturing experience, even while maintaining their budget-friendly focus. The Lantern LT series represents Coleman’s commitment to offering affordable options, designed to make the RV lifestyle accessible to a wider audience.
Exploring the Coleman Lantern LT: Features and Design
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The Coleman Lantern LT series has been in production for several years, predating the pandemic, indicating its established presence in the budget RV market. As production continues, the pricing has become even more competitive, making it an increasingly attractive option for first-time RV buyers or those seeking a simple, no-frills travel trailer.
Coleman emphasizes that the Lantern line is engineered to maximize the camping experience while minimizing both cost and weight. The Lantern LT models, such as the 17B (with bunks) and 17R (with a more open layout), are both approximately 21’ 5” in length and weigh around 3,000 pounds. This relatively lightweight design makes them towable by a wider range of vehicles, further enhancing their accessibility. The focus on cost-cutting is evident in various aspects of the trailer’s design, starting with the exterior.
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Stepping up to the Coleman Lantern LT, the first thing you might notice is the absence of some common modern RV conveniences. It lacks a power tongue jack and front stabilizer jacks, features often found on higher-priced models. Similarly, outdoor amenities like speakers, elaborate entry steps, or an outdoor kitchen are not included. This minimalist approach gives the Lantern LT a somewhat retro feel, reminiscent of travel trailers from the 1990s. The design is straightforward: a simple box to sleep and live in, without slide-outs or extravagant features. The corrugated metal siding further contributes to this classic aesthetic.
The focus on affordability is further highlighted as you enter the trailer. While many travel trailers utilize sturdy plastic arms to secure the entry door, the Lantern LT employs a simpler, more basic plastic arm. Its flimsiness becomes apparent even with a slight wind gust, showcasing one of the many areas where costs are minimized.
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However, stepping inside the Coleman Lantern LT reveals a surprisingly complete living space, especially considering its price. It’s equipped with essential amenities including a refrigerator, sink, microwave, stove, a full bathroom, heater, and air conditioner. Sleeping arrangements are also generous. Both the 17B and 17R floor plans feature a main bed and a dinette that converts into an additional bed. The 17B model further increases sleeping capacity with the inclusion of bunk beds.
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To achieve this level of functionality at such a low price, Dutchmen has implemented several cost-saving measures throughout the Coleman Lantern LT. The air conditioning is provided by a wall-mounted unit, and heating comes from a simulated fireplace. Neither system utilizes ductwork, meaning heating and cooling are concentrated around the unit itself. This setup is adequate for moderate climates but might not be sufficient for extreme temperatures, such as a harsh Chicago winter.
Further cost-conscious choices are evident in the sleeping area. The main bed consists of a thin pad placed on a solid board, suggesting that comfort-seeking campers might want to invest in a mattress topper for improved sleep quality. The kitchen sink is a basic single-basin plastic model, and notably, there is no sink in the bathroom. All washing and hygiene tasks are intended to be handled in the kitchen sink. The stove is also a compact two-burner unit, suitable for simple meal preparations.
Despite these basic features, the Coleman Lantern LT does include holding tanks for fresh water, grey water, and black water, each with a capacity of 28 gallons. This provides essential functionality for camping without full hookups.
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The interior of the Coleman Lantern LT reflects its budget-oriented nature in every detail, from the cabinetry to the countertops. The dinette backrest is thin and lightly secured, indicating a need for gentle use, particularly if traveling with children. Durability is likely not the primary focus in these areas.
However, despite the use of inexpensive materials, there are indications of careful assembly. During inspection, no major installation flaws or factory-damaged parts were apparent. Even basic elements like properly installed light switches were noted as a positive aspect, highlighting a baseline level of quality control. In essence, the Coleman Lantern LT is positioned as the travel trailer equivalent of a Mitsubishi Mirage – functional and affordable, but not luxurious or high-end.
Construction-wise, the Lantern LT utilizes traditional RV building methods, including wood framing, lauan plywood walls, a rubberized roof, and fiberglass insulation. Like many travel trailers in this class, regular roof and seal maintenance will be crucial to prevent water leaks—a common challenge in RV ownership. However, surprisingly, the frame is powder-coated, a feature that is often omitted in budget trailers, suggesting attention to rust prevention in a critical area.
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At RV shows, like the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow, units may be winterized, with components like the water heater prepared for storage. A quick inspection of these systems in the Lantern LT revealed no immediately obvious issues.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Coleman Lantern LT is around $13,995, but dealerships may offer even lower prices, sometimes as low as $13,000. Negotiation could potentially bring the price down further, making it an incredibly affordable option. It’s important to have realistic expectations; the Coleman Lantern LT is not designed to be a long-term, luxury RV. However, for its price, it offers a functional and complete travel trailer experience that could last for several years with proper maintenance. When its lifespan as a primary travel trailer concludes, it could even be repurposed as a hunting cabin or a similar secondary structure. Ultimately, the Coleman Lantern LT fills a crucial gap in the market by providing genuinely affordable RVing opportunities.
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(Images: Author)
