Coleman has been known for years as a leading outdoor brand. What started with a lantern in the early 1900s grew to camp stoves and coolers in the 1940s and 50s. And finally in 1967, the first Coleman RV was born. Coleman got their start by offering up pop up trailers, but today they feature a full lineup of travel trailers. Coleman campers have been popular with those wanting something small and affordable. And while the smaller investment cost (compared with other brands) may seem appealing, are Coleman travel trailers good quality? Here’s what you should know before taking the plunge.
Understanding the different Coleman models
Before we dive into materials and craftsmanship, it’s important to consider the different travel trailer models as each offers something unique. You may also see the Dutchman brand thrown around when researching Coleman campers as Coleman is actually operated by Dutchman.
Coleman Rubicon
Coleman Rubicon travel trailers are some of the most lightweight on the market. There are a variety of floorplans that can sleep anywhere from 2-6 people. Most come ready for 4G LTE wifi and are towable by many vehicles. The length ranges from 20’7” (Coleman Rubicon 1608RB) up to 21’5” (Coleman Rubicon 1708BH). Rubicon is also the newest of the Coleman travel trailer lineup.
Coleman Light & Light LX
Of all Coleman brand travel trailers, the Coleman Light series has the most features. These campers can sleep up to 10 depending on the model (like the 2755BH, 2835BH, and 3215BH). And you’ll see features like a power tongue jack, separate bedroom, fireplace, oven, bathtub, outdoor kitchen, auto leveling, and full sized bunk beds. They consider these their premium features. And with that, these models tend to be more durable than other Coleman series. Lengths range from 22’9” to 36’10”. And weights range from 4,503 lbs. to 7,5582 lbs. So you’ll need to carefully consider your tow vehicle with this line
The Coleman Light LX series offers many of the premium features, but they tend to be more lightweight. Think in the neighborhood of 3,600 – 4,400 lbs.
Coleman Lantern & Lantern LT
This is the brand we personally owned. And similar to the Coleman Light series, the Coleman Lantern series has a more durable line plus an LT line for the more lightweight models. Coleman Lanterns sleep up to 12 (334BH). And include features like higher capacity holding tanks, upgraded furniture, pantry, outdoor kitchen, separate bedroom, outdoor shower, toy cargo space, dual sofas, and a larger fridge. What you get in features, you’ll account for in weight. These travel trailers run from 5,867 lbs. all the way up to 8,644 lbs. (and 37’11” at the largest length).
Check out our Coleman Lantern LT 17B review
On the other hand, Coleman Lantern LT travel trailers include things like bunk beds, pass through storage, USB outlets, power awnings, and backup camera ready. It’s a value oriented brand that seems to appeal particularly to young families just getting started camping. At least, that’s why we bought it.
Materials and Construction of Coleman travel trailers
The materials vary slightly depending on the model you chose, but Coleman tends to use many of the same materials in all their campers. Most campers use wood framing and aluminum siding with fiberglass insulation. These materials are what allow for the lighter weight. Campers with a more durable construction will generally make up for it in weight.
Are Coleman travel trailers high quality?
Coleman travel trailers are not the most durable, high quality camper brand. The materials used are intended to keep costs low for buyers. The tradeoff to affordability is sacrificing some of the sturdier materials. If you are a part-time camper, the quality will likely be sufficient to your needs. If you’re looking to do full-time or seasonal camping, you may find the construction to be lacking compared to other brands.
Is a Coleman travel trailer a good fit for you?
When it comes to RV life, Coleman excels at value. They create affordable camper models that some of the other camper brands just can’t match. After owning a Coleman camper ourselves and being part of the Coleman community, we’ve built up perspectives on the types of campers that often find Coleman a good fit.
A Coleman travel trailer may be for you if…
You are an RV newbie – these campers are perfect for those who are new to RV ownership. They tend to be entry level campers and many models are small for those just getting started. If you aren’t sure you’ll like RVing, why make a significantly larger investment? Coleman travel trailers come at lower prices so you can decide if you like RVing before you invest too much.
You are a family with young kids – many Coleman travel trailer models offer bunkhouses, which are perfect for families with young kids. They also offer smaller floor plans, which will allow you to decide how much your kids like RV life. You can always upgrade later, but this will give you the beds you need (and added comfort) at a lower price point. We have the Coleman Lantern LT 17B and it’s been perfect for a family of four with two young kids.
You are a grandparent and you want to bring the grandkids – circling back to the bunkhouse, grandparents who want their grandkids to tag along can purchase a model with bunks. And most of these models have fold out sofas and tables that turn into beds, so mom and dad can come too. You’ll also have a queen size bed and your pick of floorplan – all the way up to 40’. If you want the bunks, but also the space, you’ll have plenty of floorplans to choose from. No need to give up that outdoor kitchen or private bedroom.
You plan on traveling a lot – because Coleman offers many lightweight camper models, they tend to travel well. If you are remaining mostly stationary, this may not be a big deal. But if you want to do all the cross country trips, you’ll love the ease of towing a more lightweight travel trailer.
You don’t have a truck that can tow heavier campers – another point for Coleman in the lightweight department – if you don’t have a vehicle that can tow heavier models, you’ll want something light. Either that or you’ll need to purchase a new vehicle, which can significantly add to the cost.
Is Coleman a good brand to own?
As Coleman camper owners, we’ve had the opportunity to learn first hand how these RVs stack up. If you are contemplating a Coleman travel trailer purchase, here are some things that may tip the scales.
The camper is pretty basic
You’ll find some advanced features, but for the most part these campers are a beginner’s dream. You won’t have a lot of extras (unless you opt to add them). This may sound like a negative thing, but it actually makes getting acclimated to RV life a whole lot easier. That said, if you want more of the frills, you may want to look elsewhere or choose a more custom trim package.
The fees at Camping World add up
Did we mention you’ll probably end up at Camping World? If you buy used, you may go through an alternate dealer, but Camping World (or Gander RV) is where you’ll go for a new Coleman travel trailer. And the fees can add up. You may snag a super good price, but keep in mind, they add fees to their base price. So while you’re in the research phase, make sure to ask about all the additional fees to get the more accurate cost.
Always ask for the “Out the door price” before you continue the conversation.
Things will break in your first year
It’s not the glamorous side of RV ownership, but maintenance comes with the territory. In order to keep costs low for customers, Coleman travel trailers aren’t the highest quality on the market. But don’t immediately dismiss these campers because most of the things that broke for us were easily fixable. The front plate of the fireplace fell off, but nothing a couple screws won’t fix. A couple staples for the dinette came apart. Quick fixes. And the important thing to know is that these things happen will all brands. Sometimes much worse problems with significantly higher priced models. Which just goes to show, the individual camper inspection is more important than the brand.
The Coleman community is huge
One of the best parts to Coleman ownership is the community that comes along with it. Because these campers are so accessible, you’ll come across so many other Coleman owners. When we searched other camper models, it wasn’t as easy to find communities. This may be an asset because by joining a group with other Coleman travel trailer owners, you’ll have folks to reach out to for design ideas and troubleshooting. So so helpful!
The Verdict
As Coleman Camper owners ourselves, we have loved every minute. Sure, things break. And to answer our original question whether Coleman campers are good quality: they get the job done. And they get it done well. You may have to DIY some stuff of your own because these aren’t top of the line construction. But for most, the affordability is worth it. Especially if you are just getting in to camping, this is an excellent beginner brand. And a great place to start making some great camping memories.
