Check list for a new Lance Camper

I have a (lightly) used 855 non S whose bath vent frame-work had a mounting screw run completely through it's frame to the roof. Needless to say it leaked but the fix was easy. Triple check the roof.

Picked up my new Lance last year and here is the list of things I wish I would have checked before driving it off the lot.
Refrigerator LP function, took all of a year and about6 trips back to the dealer before they figured out a solution to this one, common problem that it would not relight after cycling on its own.
Check to make sure sound comes out of all 6 of the speakers mine had a bad connection on the back of the stereo and only 5 speakers worked.
Look to see that there is no gap in the overhang escape window where it sits in its frame.
The stove had some kind of malfunction that turned one of the burners into a flame thrower, service guy said it was a common problem but there was no way to detect it till it blew.
Finally, and most important of all, have them do a pressure test on the LP system. I noticed intermittent alarms from the explosive gas detector but in a new camper with all the odors from wood finishes, adhesives and trying to break in that heater I wasn’t to worried about them at first. The dealer service guys were never able to duplicate the problem and I never smelled gas. But I noticed when I turned the gas off at the tank the red/green gage would take about 15 min to go red, this indicated that I am loosing pressure in the lines, I found 2 leaks so far and it takes about 6 hrs for the pressure to bleed down now, I’m still trying to access all the connection inside the camper, but I still have a leak as indicated by the explosive gas detector going off when the conditions are just right. In my last camper I could turn off the gas and the lines would hold pressure for days.
I’m sure I’ll get all the little nagging problems worked out and it will be a good camper for years to come. So don’t get discouraged when you have to make a couple trips back for warranty work. Mines out of warranty now so I’m on my own.

The weight police are out in full force on this one.

There may be some tweaks to your ONE TON truck such as StableLoads to engage the overload springs sooner to reduce squat.

Make sure your tires are Load Range E or better.

Some folks think you need a freightliner to carry a little truckcamper saying a ton truck is overloaded is being to cautious.

An 855s should be fine on a SB 350. The 855s is a SB camper . How many shortbeds are there on the market to go bigger ?

Everyone mentioned what to do and what to check.

All I will add is what NOT to do and that is to try to level the camper when the side is "out" ...deployed . Putting the slide out should be done only when the rig is all level otherwise you can tweak and crack the slideout framework as well as split the filon siding.

Good luck with the new rig , Bob

twodownzero wrote:
I would weigh your truck first. I think you'll find that you don't have the capacity to install that camper without being way overloaded--probably well beyond an overloaded with which you'd be comfortable.

And why would you say this? The OP has a 1 ton and Lance says its 855s is designed for a 3/4 ton. Specs say its under 3100 #s. I have a spec rated 3700# Lance on a 350, no issues.

Congratulations on your new Lance 855S! It's and great camper and we've been enjoying ours immensely for almost two years and many, many nights of use. I hope you enjoy yours too! Post a picture upon arrival.

It looks like everyone has you covered on the checklists. I'll throw in one minor, unexpected item to inspect, that could turn into a disgusting mess if you don't. Before you dump your tanks for the first time, make sure the clamps on the ends of the sewer hose are tight. If they aren't snug, you'll have a big surprise when you pull the dump valve for the first time.

If you're getting gross images in your mind of why I might mention such a thing, you're probably on the right track.

1. Remove all the drawers and check that the screws holding the framing for said drawers are long enough so the drawers won't suddenly fall.
2. Make sure the wiring for the plug into your truck actually works so camper will charge while you drive down the road.
3. I think they now use molded countertops, but if not, check all the glued on edging.
4. Hook up satellite and cable TV to make sure wiring works. Neither of my connections worked and had to be rewired.
5. Check the brackets and screws on dinette table (again they may have upgraded this feature)
6. Check the bolts on the a/c. They drilled in the wrong place on the cover, drilled right next to it and left the space open for water to get in and rusted bolts.
7. Have batteries checked - they installed an old one in mine.
8. Try the remote and slide several times. They eventually replaced my remote.
9. Put a CD in the stereo and make sure it plays all the way through.
10. Ask about the drain on the A/C. In high humidity, mine drips inside the camper and others have said the same thing.

Once you take delivery, enjoy!!

Get up on the roof and check things out.

Welcome to Truck Camping!

From your previous post, I see you have a 1 ton short bed truck. I agree with twodownzero, in how important it is to weigh your truck, prior to picking up the camper. Then, of course, weigh with the camper. Don't wait until you get it all loaded as you might be interested later in how much your "stuff" all weighs.

pjay9 has a good start and I second everything he stated. Also, have the Dealer Rep show you how to start things, like lighting the oven, if you have it. Have them show you how and where the emerg shut offs for the slide are, review the breakers and fuses, check the date code on the batteries (sometimes you might be surprised how aged these batteries truly are). If you have an outside shower, have them show you how it works and check to see you have good pressure there. Check the blinds that they go up and down smoothly, as well as the windows. Look under the folding steps and make sure all the bolts are present to adequately support the steps and people (don't ask why I suggest this). If you have a generator included, run it and leave it running for 20 minutes or longer. Not just turn it on. If you have an A/C, have them run it both with the Generator and then with shore power. Also, have them show you the shore power cable pulled and plugged in and then returned. You should stuff it back/if it is not the new type attached to the outside. (Like stuffing a sleeping bag into a stuff bag, practice, especially when it is cold out).

Make sure the faucets work, especially the toilet, sink and shower pan, drain.

Be there when they load it on your camper. Try the jacks, lifting and down, so if you have any questions, you have them.

Then, don't forget to post some pics of your new Camper and truck.

b