DARE TO COMPARE
Catalina vs. Coleman Lantern
Alec’s Truck, Trailer, & RV is proud to sell the legendary Coachmen Catalina – one of the most popular travel trailers on the market.
Today we challenge you to DARE TO COMPARE our Catalina travel trailers vs. the competition’s Coleman Lantern, manufactured by Dutchmen.
We’ve worked hard to earn our reputation as one of the best RV dealers in South Florida. So it may come as no surprise that people ask us questions all the time. Which is the better travel trailer, Catalina or Coleman Lantern? Does Coachmen make a good RV? Does Dutchmen make a good RV? Is Coleman Lantern a good brand of camper? And is Catalina a good brand of camper?
For numerous reasons - including price and features - both of these product lines appeal to folks just getting into RVing. We’re here to show those first-time shoppers what the experienced campers already know – specifically, why the Catalina travel trailer is far superior to the similarly-priced Coleman Lantern.
FEATURE COMPARISON
Which is better, Catalina or Coleman Lantern?
Here is a comparison chart showing what features you will find on the Coachmen Catalina that you won’t find on the Coleman Lantern travel trailers.
SHOPPING CHECKLIST – CATALINA vs. COLEMAN LANTERN
Let’s look at a list of features the Catalina has – and the Coleman Lantern does not. If you’re going to look at a Coleman Lantern, ask the salesperson about these items.
Tinted Windows
- We’re in South Florida – you’re gonna want ’em
5/8 in. Tongue-in-Groove Plywood Floor Decking
- What do they have? Thinner plywood? OSB (oriented strand board)?
Electric Awning with Multicolor LED Strip and Remote
6 gal. Gas AND Electric DSI Water Heater
- Theirs is gas ONLY. Here’s a hint – when you’re plugged in at a campground, you want to switch over to electric for some FREE HEAT.
XL Exterior Swing-Arm Grab Handle
LIke this:
Not this: 
Screwed Cabinet Construction (vs. Stapled)
- Ask a cabinet maker which is more durable
39 in. TV with Swing Arm TV Bracket
Skylight Above Shower
- The skylight allows more headroom for tall people
Residential Pull-Down Faucet
U-Shaped Dinette with Easy Access Dinette Storage Doors
- Seats more than the traditional booth dinette
Standard Kitchen Sink Covers (2)
35,000 BTU Furnace
Overhead Master Bedroom Cabinets (vs. Shelf)
- Things stored in cabinets are less likely to fall during travel
Aluminum Fender Skirts (vs. No Fender Skirts)
- Fender skirts reduce the amount of costly damage that can be done if a tire blows out
Standard Aluminum Rims (vs. Optional)
- We’re also a truck accessory store – ask us why this is better
Plywood Dinette and Bed (vs. OSB)
Standard Spare Tire and Cover (vs. Option)
- Should a spare tire be optional? Would you buy a car without one?
YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCES
Next, let’s compare just one Catalina floorplan to its Coleman Lantern counterpart:
Here’s the Catalina 263BHSCK:
3D Tour
And here’s the Coleman Lantern LT 263BH:
3D Tour
Open up both of these 3-D tours. You can SEE the differences.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In shopping from one dealer to the next, you may find that Coachmen RVs are not as cheap as Coleman RVs.
Perhaps there’s a good reason for that.
But that’s because compared to Catalina, a lot of things are missing from the Coleman Lantern – like a built-in 39” TV with swing arm bracket. Likewise, their brand lacks some different amenities – such as tinted windows or aluminum rims – features our Catalina has.
Bottom line, Catalina is the best travel trailer for the money. Don’t make a buying mistake! DARE TO COMPARE!
And if you have any questions at all, contact us here at Alec’s Truck, Trailer & RV and one of our friendly professionals will help you find the RV that suits your needs, at the price that fits your budget. We pride ourselves on being the place to find the best RVs for sale in South Florida. And we service what we sell.