In this article, I’ll compare two of the biggest names in the RVing industry: Jayco vs Coleman. I’ll cover things like:
- General brand overviews
- Floorplan recommendations
- A rundown of the most unique options
- And lots more
If you’re currently thinking about buying or renting an RV from those manufacturers, you’re in the right place. Let’s see which one will be a better fit!
Jayco vs Coleman: General Overview
In this section, we’ll start by discussing some general attributes like reputation, price, quality, and RV types.
Brand Reputation
In terms of authenticity, Jayco easily excels. They’ve satisfied millions of campers since 1968. One of the best things about them is how they upgrade many of their RVs each year by adding all sorts of useful perks, which keeps them at the top of their game.
Coleman RVs, on the other hand, aren’t produced by Coleman itself. Dutchmen RVs has acquired the manufacturing rights of Coleman alongside other famous brands like Aerolite, Aspen Trail, Kodiak, Komfort, Razorback, Voltage, and more.
Unfortunately, many campers have recently encountered varying degrees of negative experiences with Dutchmen. Because they tend to sound pushy or salesy, customers often think that they’re being ripped off.
Quality and Price
As you might already know, judging the quality and price from a birds-eye view isn’t that easy. Both manufacturers have a wide range of RVs with different prices and quality.
But based on the majority of customer reviews, it seems like Jayco lies on the expensive side of the market, while Coleman trails at the average and below-average range. And of course, the price is a major determinant of the overall quality and durability.
If you want an RV for light, occasional use, Coleman should be your best bet. Their average amenities and moderate durability will hold up well as long as you’re willing to perform routine maintenance.
On the contrary, if you’re planning to use your RV for lengthy, frequent trips, you should opt for Jayco. Yes, you’ll pay more, but the additional features and higher durability will be a worthy investment.
RV Types
Jayco offers 5 RV types: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes of Class A & C. Coleman, on the contrary, produces travel trailers and toy haulers only.
If you want to know the differences between each RV, head to the next section where I’ll detail the most prominent differences.
Which One Is Better for Rental?
As stated earlier, both brands have broad collections of RVs. Choosing a suitable RV comes down to your personal preferences. In this section, I’ll recommend some of my top favorite choices based on their unique perks.
For People Favoring Lightweight Models
Lightweight RVs should be ideal for campers who don’t want to hassle with towing. They can ride quite well over hilly terrains, even when towed by intermediate towing vehicles.
Jayco
Jayco offers two fascinating models in the lightweight category: Hummingbird and Jay Feather Micro. Both models can be as light as 1,500 pounds. While some of the Jay Feather’s floorplans reach 4,500 pounds, the Hummingbird is capped at 3,000 pounds.
If you’re traveling with nobody but your significant other, you should consider the 10RK Hummingbird or the 12SRK Jay Feather trailers. Here’s a quick rundown of their top features:
The 10RK Hummingbird
- Full bed with the heavenly comfortable Teddy Bear mattress
- LED TV
- 2-way refrigerator
- Microwave
Here’s our comprehensive R Pod vs Hummingbird comparison.
12SRK Jay Feather
- Futon Sofa
- 120V Dometic cooler
- 17″ Blackstone griddle
Coleman
Just like Jayco, Coleman offers two lightweight models: Coleman Light and Coleman Light LX.
Single campers should consider the Coleman Light LX 1605FB. With 3,500 pounds, it weighs considerably more than its Jayco’s counterpart, yet it offers some extra amenities. Here are some of the perks included in this floorplan:
- Murphy Bed with Rest Easy mattress
- Sofa
- Dinette
- Rear bath
- Pass-through storage
For People Favoring Luxury
If towing isn’t an issue, you should opt for luxury RVs that have the same comfort and warmth of your home.
Jayco
Jay Flight Bungalow is, hands down, the most luxurious line of Jayco’s RVs. I particularly like the 40LOFT model because it has a large loft above the main bedroom. Here’s a list of its other features:
- Fireplace with 50” LED TV
- Kitchen island
- 80″ Serta mattress queen bed
- Residential refrigerator
- 20” awning
Coleman
Unlike Jayco, Coleman doesn’t have a dedicated line for elaborate RVs. However, the Lantern and Lantern LT lines have high-end floorplans that provide a fancy experience. Take the Coleman Lantern 337BH, for example. It has:
- Private bunkhouse
- U-shaped dinette
- Large pantry
- Kitchen island
- Outdoor kitchen
Related: Jayco vs Starcraft
What Makes Each Brand Unique?
Jayco is widely acclaimed for having some of the most unique features on the market.
For one, all of their travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels come with Goodyear’s Endurance tires. These tires are built to withstand the heaviest loads while maintaining top-notch speed and temperature control. The JaySMART safety lighting system and Magnum truss roof are other worthy perks that you’ll typically find in almost all Jayco’s RVs. Here’s our comprehensive Jayco review that dives deeper into the perks and products offered by this brand.
Coleman doesn’t follow the same unique approach. The thing that makes them stand out the most is the low price point, as stated earlier.
FAQs
What company makes Coleman RVs?
Dutchmen RVs is the current owner of the Coleman trademark. They produce only four lines: Lantern, Lantern LT, Light, and Light LX.
How Long Is Coleman’s Warranty?
Dutchmen covers all of its Coleman RVs with a 1-year warranty.
How Long Is Jayco’s Warranty?
Jayco offers a generous 2-year warranty for travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers, which equates to 24,000 miles for motorhomes.
Starting from 2020, all RVs are covered with an extra year of structural warranty that provides replacements and repairs for roofs, laminated walls, and floors.
The Final Word
After dissecting the duel between Jayco vs. Coleman, I can’t really choose an ultimate winner.
Jayco offers a broader range of luxurious features that seem to have high durability. The fact that their warranty extends for 3 years makes their lines much more valuable and trustworthy.
Coleman’s lower price point doesn’t necessarily suggest a lower quality. In fact, with consistent maintenance and light use, they’ll hold up pretty well.