Considering a used Lance, questions...
I'm considering purchasing a 2004 Lance Lite 915, but I had some questions that I got the typical "I'm trying to sell you this camper" answers, but I was hoping to get some outside perspective from yo...
Forum Discussion
Yeah, what everyone else has said.
1) My 2003 Lance 1030 did not have AC when I bought it used in 2006. I had the dealer install it. Hindsight, I could have done it just as easily.
2) Mine was pre-wired with speakers installed. I cut an opening to fit and installed a single-DIN sized DVD player. It sounded funny. Taking the speakers out, I realized they had pre-wired two of them backwards.
3) Same thing, pre-wired for a generator, had the dealer install. It handled the AC until I got a bad batch of propane which gummed up the lines (and carb). It works okay now for the AC, but it will die after about 15 minutes in high heat with a heavy load.
4) Yeah, check the sealant. I re-caulk every year. Every year I find cracks. This is for a camper which is stored in a heated shop when not in use. If it has not been maintained it may have had water intrusion. Check that very carefully.
Check for water intrusion on:
- The skirts
- The front window/marker lights
- The entry door
Take a screwdriver with you. Pull a few screws out. Rusty screws = water is/was present.
In 2007, my then 4-year old camper was full of dry rot in the skirts. See my story in the TC University on this forum. Don't let that scare you if you are handy and can do the repair work. But if you uncover it, you can use it as a negotiating tactic to your favor. I didn't, and the dealer (Curtis Trailers, Portland OR) stuck me with it (along with an extended warranty that didn't cover water damage). The sales rep refused to return my calls...but that is old history.
Good Luck!
-Eric
1) My 2003 Lance 1030 did not have AC when I bought it used in 2006. I had the dealer install it. Hindsight, I could have done it just as easily.
2) Mine was pre-wired with speakers installed. I cut an opening to fit and installed a single-DIN sized DVD player. It sounded funny. Taking the speakers out, I realized they had pre-wired two of them backwards.
3) Same thing, pre-wired for a generator, had the dealer install. It handled the AC until I got a bad batch of propane which gummed up the lines (and carb). It works okay now for the AC, but it will die after about 15 minutes in high heat with a heavy load.
4) Yeah, check the sealant. I re-caulk every year. Every year I find cracks. This is for a camper which is stored in a heated shop when not in use. If it has not been maintained it may have had water intrusion. Check that very carefully.
Check for water intrusion on:
- The skirts
- The front window/marker lights
- The entry door
Take a screwdriver with you. Pull a few screws out. Rusty screws = water is/was present.
In 2007, my then 4-year old camper was full of dry rot in the skirts. See my story in the TC University on this forum. Don't let that scare you if you are handy and can do the repair work. But if you uncover it, you can use it as a negotiating tactic to your favor. I didn't, and the dealer (Curtis Trailers, Portland OR) stuck me with it (along with an extended warranty that didn't cover water damage). The sales rep refused to return my calls...but that is old history.
Good Luck!
-Eric
