Popular Customizations / Upgrades / Modifications for the Coleman Lantern 17B

The Coleman Lantern 17B is a great deal all around for a travel trailer – it’s relatively small and light, making it easy to pull, and the price point is definitely lower than many of the other campers on the market. With that being said, the trailer comes with pretty a pretty basic set up, making it perfect to customize and add what you want to make it your own and comfortable for your family.

*As far as storage and decor, click here to see the measurements of all the spaces and products we have found that fit the spaces and maximize storage capability. If you are just picking up your new camper, be sure to view this list of new camper essentials for all the hoses, connections, etc that you need to get started with your camper.*

Below are some of the most popular customizations, upgrades, and modifications for the Coleman Lantern 17B. I’ll include the ones we have done, but will also include the ones that are on our to do list!

(Disclosure:  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 

EXTERIOR

• KEYLESS LOCK – This was our first project as one of our keys broke immediately, and apparently the keys that come with the trailer are not necessarily specific to just your camper! This one has been great – RVLock Key Fob and RH Compact Keyless Entry Keypad OR here is an all metal one – Rv Keyless Entry Door Lock | 2021 RV Lock Keyless Entry | 100% Metal Rv Door Lock w/ 2 Fobs and Backlit Keypad
• STABILIZER JACKS – The camper comes with two stabilizers, but as anyone who has the trailer can tell you, they are not the best at stabilizing. We are installing these two, and will possibly purchase two more to install – LIBRA Set of 2 Bigfoot 5000 lb 24″ RV Trailer Stabilizer Leveling Scissor Jacks w/Handle & Dual Power Drill Sockets & Hardware
• ELECTRIC TONGUE JACK – the Lantern 17B Facebook group seems to be a fan of the Harbor Freight 3500lb Electric Trailer Jack, although it is out of stock near me. This Lippert 285318 3500LB Power Tongue Jack Black is more expensive on Amazon but will be what we try. This is on our to do list!
• FRICTION HINGES – I can’t wait to do this one! The door holder piece broke off within days of owning the camper. Ordering these – Lippert 2020102629 Friction Hinge Kit for LCI Entry Doors – Black
• TWO STEP ENTRY – I’ve seen many people replace the entry step with two steps – Lippert 432682 RV Double Entry Step 24″ Manual Radius
• BACK UP CAMERA – This may cut down the cursing a few percentage points – AMTIFO A7 HD 1080P Digital Wireless Backup Camera with 7 Inch DVR Monitor 2021 and this Haloview Backup Camera Bracket Adapter
• ADD VENT FANS – the Vortex II fan comes highly recommended and this is on our to do list!
• REPLACE KITCHEN WINDOW – I’ve seen several Lantern owners on the FB group switch the window over the sink for a window that opens to increase air flow – ToughGrade Horizontal Sliding Black RV Window 24″ X 20″ X 1 1/2″ Includes Mounting Ring. You’ll also need butyl tape, which my husband (who builds teardrop campers) says to keep in the freezer for easier use.
• ANY EXTERIOR SEALING – my husband swears by this stuff – Sikaflex-221, Aluminum Gray, multi-purpose sealant/adhesive, polyurethane fast curing sealant

BATHROOM

• CAULK SHOWER – this is one of the first projects we did, as Coleman didn’t do the greatest job making sure the shower was well sealed. Easy DIY, all you need is a caulk gun, caulk, and painter’s tape. Before my husband caulked, he took the panel off and looked inside to make sure there were no leaks that needed to be dried before he caulked.

INTERIOR

• REPLACE QUEEN MATTRESS – No secret that the teddy bear mattresses that come with the camper are not very comfortable! We went with this Zinus 6″ Short Queen mattress and have been pretty happy!
• SOFTEN BUNK BEDS – I bought this queen sized foam mattress topper and cut it in half for the bunks
• EXTRA STORAGE NOOKS – There are two spaces (2021 model) that are covered up and easily popped out to create more storage – the panel on the left of the cabinet door above the dinette, and the panel below the two drawers below the stove. (I’ll get a pic next time I’m in the camper!) The panels (on ours, can’t speak for all) were just held on by some staples. Easily popped out with a little pressure, and I used the panels to create a “bottom” for the space under the drawers. These $6 baskets from Target fit perfect in these new storage spaces.
• STRUTS FOR THE CABINETS – Can’t wait to do this to our cabinets. Ordering these – Apexstone 45N/10lb 10 inch Gas Struts,Gas Springs,Gas Strut,Lift Support,Gas Shocks,Lid Stay,Lid Support
• ALTERNATIVE TO STRUTS FOR THE CABINETS – I’ve seen several people install these instead to keep the cabinets open – RVGUARD RV Door Holder or good ole Command Hooks
• STRUTS FOR THE UNDER QUEEN BED STORAGE – On our list but we don’t use that space much, if you do these help to access the space easier – Hatchlift Products RV Bedlift Kit – Queen – Standard Mattress