Lance 855S

I really appreciate all the input and advise from all who have responded. I do plan to make the leap in the near future and based on the responses, I feel much better about the setup.
I have been so amazed about how Truck Campers are such a helpful bunch of folks, which is very refreshing with the way the world is today.
Again, thanks to all and believe me I am sure I will have many more questions as I move forward with this dream of mine.

Judithgap:
We have the same basic set-up you're looking at. We have a 2012 F350, diesel, crewcab, 4x4, with the camper package. We haven't made any suspension modifications to the truck.

With the addition of 2 children, we moved from an 820 into an 855S and couldn't be happier. Lance did a great job on the 855S. For a short bed camper, the four of us are quite comfortable. The sleeping accommodations are especially nice, because the kids beds can be put together in a couple minutes.

The camper feels comfortable on the truck and handles the load with confidence. In fact, during our most recent trip, we drove in significant winds for several hours and the truck probably handled better than most cars!:)

I think you would be happy with the package you're looking at and I would be happy to answer questions you may have.

Best of luck!

Judithgap wrote:
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

OK, here is our input.

We had a 2011 Lance 825. Good for the 2 of us but then a large dog joined our family.

We found a barely used 2012 855S, pretty well equipped.

We have it on a 2012 Chevy 2500. Airbags and "BigWig" swaybar plus 4 new tires rated at 3970# capacity each.

You have a good start with your 1 ton truck, but keep in mind that the 855S is heavy. Ready to roll down the road (30 gal water, 2 full propane tanks and minimal other stuff (clothes, misc plus kitchen gear, maybe about 200-250#), I think that we are near 3500#.

You need to know that most larger truck campers add considerable mass to your truck (not that this should scare you) but keep in mind that some folks will say "I don't even know that it is there". Don't listen to that.

Good luck with your RV search. Let us know how things work out.

John

Judith, you will not like the 855S...you should buy it and give it to us...we would like it more ;)




Good luck, best layout for SB on the market at this time...

B

I sent you a PM (Private Message) Judithgap. Check your inbox.(You should see a red indicator at the upper right corner of this page marked "1 message" or something like that if yo are unfamiliar with how to access your Private Messages.

This is what a dealer near Tampa sent me by email.
$40,017 MSRP from Lance
-$8,020 no trade discount
$31,997 difference before tax/lic/reg/ and $199 dealer fee
The sale price includes basic install with happy jacks and wiring.

Not sure if this includes options above the standard package but it does look high compared to what you paid.

I have a 2012 855S and really like it. I had a few electrical wiring problems; they wired it as a prototype 2013 and weren't very neat in doing so. Got that sorted out and now everything is fine.

So, what do you want to know?

I've posted a lot of mods and upgrades on my 855S over in the 'what did you do to your camper today?' forum.

Also, I paid $23,005 for it brand new including all taxes and any other charges. I have a PDF file of the contract even, as well as the 'build sheet' showing what is included with the camper; options and such. The build sheet says the MSRP on my camper was $28,914 but that did NOT include sales tax of 7.1% ($2,053) Total MSRP out the door; $30,967. My price was a hair more than 25% off the MSRP. However, I had the dealer throw in the Torklift frame tie downs and 2 Interstate batteries as well.

Welcome, I would love to have the 855S, but I don't have enough truck for one right now..I really like my 855 but the slide would be nice to have for sure..You will be in great shape with the F350..Good luck and happy camping!!