Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2025 Coachmen Catalina Trail Blazer 18TH. This is the smallest in the brand’s lineup of wood-framed, aluminum-skinned toy haulers. Yep, another toy hauler, and this one’s going to be a love it or leave it, in my opinion. For some it’s going to be great; for others it’ll absolutely be a “no way.”
From the road up with the Coachmen Catalina Trail Blazer 18TH
Like many of these more affordable trailers, this one rides on simple leaf springs and has imported tires. There is a single connection point for all your tank emptying needs, so that’s a positive.
But this is something I haven’t seen in a while—there is not an enclosed underbelly. Now, let’s be honest. Once things start cooling down a lot of campers just go right into wherever they’re going to spend the winter. I’m not so hot on enclosing the underbelly of a trailer as it’s just another step adding to the complexity of finding and repairing plumbing leaks and wiring issues.
Call me a skeptic.
So the fact that you can look up and see all the pieces that make this work isn’t bad in my book.
This also uses Norco’s huck bolted frame, which the company claims is stronger than Lippert’s welded frame.
While we’re outside, know that the kitchen of this rig is in the front—so that means no pass-through storage. But there is a storage compartment on either side of the trailer that’s not all that bad. Plus, there’s a second road-side storage located on top of the one you’d normally expect to find here.
This also has a load ramp that can double as a patio deck and comes with an enclosing fence. This is a big draw, for me, of toy haulers and why I keep bringing them up here.
What’s inside the Coachmen Catalina Trail Blazer 18TH
The layout of this trailer is definitely different. The main living space, which is also the cargo area, is where the bedroom is. Sort of. What you have is a 60” X 74” bed in the main space that can flip up to accommodate cargo. So if privacy is your thing, this is not your thing.
Further, that bed is hinged to the wall so someone’s sleeping against the wall—which doesn’t work for all campers.
There’s also a couch hinged to the wall that can be a couch (no kidding, right?) and also a bed.
On the camp side is a hinged table. Two bar stools are included.
This kind of arrangement makes it possible to bring some larger toys with you and still have a reasonably small trailer. But it’s a truly unusual configuration.
By now you’ve figured out that, since the bedroom is in the main cargo area, the kitchen’s up front. You’re right!
The L-shaped kitchen up front sports a two-burner propane cooktop and the smallest kitchen sink I have seen in a modern trailer. Also, know that that’s your only sink—there isn’t one in the bathroom. I don’t mind this personally but, for my wife, this is an absolute deal breaker.
Another thing to note: There are cabinets for storage above and below the counter and a nifty cabinet on the wall between the kitchen and bathroom. However, there are no drawers in this trailer at all. I know some of you aren’t going to care and others are going to keep shopping.
The bathroom is also a bit smaller owing to the prioritization of cargo space. There’s only a toilet and shower in here. Toy haulers often have taller ceilings to accommodate the toys. This one does at 6’ 6”, which means a wee bit more headroom in the shower.
If you do choose to sleep with the ramp door down, and I probably would, there is a thicker cover over the opening as well as a bug screen. Again, I see this as a camper you’ll likely use when the weather is nicer for a lot of reasons.
Conclusions about the Coachmen Catalina Trail Blazer 18TH
So, with such an unusual floor plan, who’s the customer for this? I can see this appealing to people who like adventure and might bring kayaks, motorcycles, bicycles, or those kinds of things as part of the adventure. Perhaps people for whom that is the reason to go traveling rather than other aspects of the RV lifestyle.
I can also see people wandering through an RV dealership and seeing this trailer, that really does have everything you need including that snazzy ramp/patio, and catching a price that really appeals to them. With an MSRP of about $32,000, I could see this trailer sitting on dealer lots at about $25,000, and that’s a price that’ll attract people’s attention.
This trailer would never fly in my household but, so what? There are active individuals for whom this might be the best thing since sliced bread. Add an affordable price, no slides and being small enough to get into just about any campground and that might be the right equation for some.
My thanks to Josh from Bish’s RV for the photos and video in this article.
MORE RECENT COACHMEN REVIEWS:
- Coachmen Catalina 18RDL—vacation rental, money-makin’ potential
- The Coachmen Remote 19R travel trailer is unique and nimble
- 2024 Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 292BHDS has a surprising feature
- Proposed Coachmen Catalina 283EPIC is – well – epic
More about these RV reviews
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
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As you said, Tony. NO WAY!
Thank you, Tony! Really creative floor plan!?! Downside is that whatever toys are taken, none (?) can be kept inside once setup due to bed. Still, really innovative use of floorspace in multiple ways. 🤔 Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
A drop-down, REAL queen bed looks like it would be possible in that garage. Then eliminate the sofa (use folding camp chairs when the bed is up), and the full width of that 13′ garage would be available for toys like my 1956 MGA. Plenty of CCC for it as it only weighs 1,800#. Car shows and tours nationwide would then be possible without having to drive a 70 y-o roadster with no cargo space and no AC for 1000s of miles.