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aclay's avatar
aclay
Explorer
May 10, 2016

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.

6 Replies

  • No problems with ground clearance so far. We haven't taken it over any extreme roads yet, but have camped in some primitive NFS campgrounds.

    We looked at both the recliners and the fold down sofa, and liked the sofa better.
  • Since you like large holding tanks, be careful with what the brochure size is. Ours said it had a 60 gallon gray tank, but it turns out it was 2 30 gallon tanks with one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. The bathroom obv fills up much faster than the kitchen tank. That was prob the biggest disappointment I had with my trailer after purchase.
  • Thanks for the responses so far.

    2milesup, any issues with the lance ground clearance? That's one of my big concerns with that unit.
  • We bought our Lance 2285 last spring and are quite pleased with it. I have no experience with AF so I can't offer a comparison.

    Our TT came with a 160 watt solar panel from the factory and it keeps the battery charged well when dry camping, but we are usually pretty light on our power usage. The all-LED lights help too. We like the fact that every wall has at least one window, and the curved window up front makes for nice stargazing while you nod off to sleep. A couple of well-placed curtains make it possible to close off the bedroom from the rest of the trailer, in case one of you wants to sleep in and the other one doesn't. I like the light weight, but with your 3500 that won't be an issue for you.

    Some folks are leery of Lance's use of the Carefree power awning, but I haven't had any issues with it yet. The built-in line of LEDs in the awning make a nice atmosphere at night.

    All in all, if I buy another TT, it'll probably be another 2285.
  • "I'm looking at longer trips in retirement and want something I can stay in for maybe 2-3 weeks at a time."

    Our 2013 25W...Many things I don't like and many we love. Left Seattle early Nov and still on road (6 months?). Will make it home early June. In the NW we like our tiny class C. AF was for extended travel.

    Spent 1 month next to an older AF that has about 140,000 miles on it and still going strong, no problems. Most pleasant surprise for us is the outside storage "shed". I thought it would be handy but has proven to be really useful. Costco size...One case of paper towels and one case of toilet paper fits real good on top shelf.
    Have no fear, there will be things to fix even on one directly from factory. With us was a cabinet screws, and added a fence post sewer tube holder because the drain is just out of reach of the sewer drains at some parks. So I carry extra length of sewer hose. Drain is approx in between outside storage door and window if you are looking at a floor plan. Being it is a rear kitchen little bit more bouncing. Fridge racks have fallen twice in 6 months. I'm finding a way to shim them up just bit. I'm not sure if racks are not made to spec's or what. I don't like Marathon tires so replaced the totally new marathons with other tires and load range E. Tows like a charm with cheap hitch. Pulled fantastic fan from bedroom and put in kitchen. Then installed a fantastic with remote in bedroom. Nothing like being almost asleep and just mash a button. No longer does someone have to get up stand on bed to shut the fan off. (How's that for ultimate lazy?)

    Lots of little things we did't notice until later. (There are hose clamps on the water line. We were told to keep them tight and watched rv guy tighten them. We thought OK, they are tight now and every year we'll make sure they are tight. Wrong; tighten them twice a year or every 3,000 miles). Back to little things you don't notice until later. One hose clamp came loose and I found out that water pump is below the wooden floor level so when hose clamp leaked there was no problem. Water did get insulation wet around water tank, but no water damage to floor or wood.

    When we get back home I'm going to pull out the chairs/sofa and make a bench type seat that will also extend the kitchen counter and storage underneath and also make it into bunkbeds for grandkids. Even though the 25W is basically a "grown up model" I will have lots of sleeping room for grandkids and still good when just the 2 of us.

    I could write a lot more but best insight might be checking out http://www.nroa2003.com/forum/ Right now there is a posting of how many NW products people have owned. Many return buyers. And also posting about their summer get together. I'm sure they would welcome you. I think web site free for so long then 20 bucks a year.

    Overall AF is very good but have yet so see a perfect RV. Usually always I want to upgrade or change something. For example, thermostat is a hassle to reach. A water pump switch in bathroom would be great, so you don't have to open both doors. Back door to turn on pump, then use bathroom (front door) and then back to rear to pump switch off.

    AF dealers for the most part, not to many may complaints. The AF dealer in Sumner many seem to like. I won't go out on a branch and say AF is the best ever made. But will say we are overall pleased.
  • Tried to send you a private message but it wouldn't go through..

    We live in WA also.
    We just bought a new Arctic Fox 25Y. It is our 5th trailer so we have paid our dues on new trailers and have good idea what to look for and what will work for us.

    We have no personal experience with Lance:
    The Fox is by far the best quality unit we have owned. So far, I couldn't be happier with it.
    We went with the 25Y...just the 2 of us and the dog. We wanted a rear lounge floor plan and didn't want a rear kitchen model.

    You certainly have a truck that can handle most anything so that is good.

    If you want more info, details, etc. let us know. I can recommend a fantastic local dealer and even hook you up with the owner (not a salesman). Great guy and very easy to work with.
    (We are not connected with them at all, just had a great experience.)
    Anyway, good luck with you search.
    Dave (downtheroad)