Feedback: AF 25W vs Lance 2285
I've been reading these forums for several years and am looking for some feedback. I think there's a lot of great feedback on this site. I'll give some background. I don't want a Ford v Chevy argument, just a discussion of merits.
My DW and I are starting to think about our next RV. We currently have a Sprinter 311, my kids are getting older and might not be making every trip with us, and they are liking the idea of staying in a tent at night (bunkhouse is getting cramped for 3 growing boys who like to fight and want their own space). Again, we're just looking right now. I'm looking at longer trips in retirement and want something I can stay in for maybe 2-3 weeks at a time.
We like to stay at state parks mostly (we live in WA state). We'll stay in some forest service camps, and some resorts. Usually we'll have power and fresh water. 50% of the time we'll have sewer. We plan on boondocking/dry camping about 10-20% of the time. We'll take many weekend and long weekend trips, and eventually a few 2-3 weeks a few times a year. I like to have larger holding tanks, I like my hot showers! I plan to have at least a small solar panel to recharge the batteries. We like to go into the shoulder seasons. We won't be in the snow, but might see some cooler/freezing temps. I want insulation and tank protection.
We like the rear kitchen floor plans just for space efficiency and getting windows on the "camp" side of the RV. We do not like when all the windows are on the "off side"/drivers side of the RV. We want both a couch (or two recliners) and a dinette. I want under 30'. Weight is a non-factor. Before the weight police start, I have a 3500 SRW Duramax. Nothing I'm looking at will come close to any limits.
What we like about the Lance is the smaller size, being able to fit into more spots. We like the larger tank sizes (45 vs 35), the larger dinette with drawer storage. I'm worried about the lower stance and I've read where others have had concerns about that as well.
What we like about the AF is the interior storage, the optional theater seat, the larger fridge, the larger bathroom, and seeming nicer trim. What we don't like about the AF are mostly small things, dinette storage, the smaller TV, and a few other things. I would also prefer something a little smaller to be able to fit into more campsites. The AF is larger in every dimension (6" wider, 2.5ft longer, 1' taller than the Lance). After towing the 35' sprinter, this isn't a difficulty thing, it's a I'm tired of having to very carefully pick every spot I want to park in thing.
It is my perception that the AF is built more solid and is better insulated.
Where I'm at is it's a size trade off and a better understanding of the construction/insulation of each to figure out which is better (or maybe they're equivalent). I tend to favor the AF, but like the Lance's smaller size and larger tanks.
What I'd like to hear is from people who have either, what they like/don't like; if the 2.5' length difference is going to matter (it adds a ton of space in the AF); if the stance of the Lance is concerning (it's very low to the ground), feedback on construction and insulation, and general quality of each. They both seem to have a good reputation and following. I want a very dependable, high quality, well insulated rig.
My DW and I are starting to think about our next RV. We currently have a Sprinter 311, my kids are getting older and might not be making every trip with us, and they are liking the idea of staying in a tent at night (bunkhouse is getting cramped for 3 growing boys who like to fight and want their own space). Again, we're just looking right now. I'm looking at longer trips in retirement and want something I can stay in for maybe 2-3 weeks at a time.
We like to stay at state parks mostly (we live in WA state). We'll stay in some forest service camps, and some resorts. Usually we'll have power and fresh water. 50% of the time we'll have sewer. We plan on boondocking/dry camping about 10-20% of the time. We'll take many weekend and long weekend trips, and eventually a few 2-3 weeks a few times a year. I like to have larger holding tanks, I like my hot showers! I plan to have at least a small solar panel to recharge the batteries. We like to go into the shoulder seasons. We won't be in the snow, but might see some cooler/freezing temps. I want insulation and tank protection.
We like the rear kitchen floor plans just for space efficiency and getting windows on the "camp" side of the RV. We do not like when all the windows are on the "off side"/drivers side of the RV. We want both a couch (or two recliners) and a dinette. I want under 30'. Weight is a non-factor. Before the weight police start, I have a 3500 SRW Duramax. Nothing I'm looking at will come close to any limits.
What we like about the Lance is the smaller size, being able to fit into more spots. We like the larger tank sizes (45 vs 35), the larger dinette with drawer storage. I'm worried about the lower stance and I've read where others have had concerns about that as well.
What we like about the AF is the interior storage, the optional theater seat, the larger fridge, the larger bathroom, and seeming nicer trim. What we don't like about the AF are mostly small things, dinette storage, the smaller TV, and a few other things. I would also prefer something a little smaller to be able to fit into more campsites. The AF is larger in every dimension (6" wider, 2.5ft longer, 1' taller than the Lance). After towing the 35' sprinter, this isn't a difficulty thing, it's a I'm tired of having to very carefully pick every spot I want to park in thing.
It is my perception that the AF is built more solid and is better insulated.
Where I'm at is it's a size trade off and a better understanding of the construction/insulation of each to figure out which is better (or maybe they're equivalent). I tend to favor the AF, but like the Lance's smaller size and larger tanks.
What I'd like to hear is from people who have either, what they like/don't like; if the 2.5' length difference is going to matter (it adds a ton of space in the AF); if the stance of the Lance is concerning (it's very low to the ground), feedback on construction and insulation, and general quality of each. They both seem to have a good reputation and following. I want a very dependable, high quality, well insulated rig.
