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jmacpolo's avatar
jmacpolo
Explorer
Jul 09, 2015

Lance trailer quality

We are torn between a Jayco X213 and a Lance 2285. I was leaning toward the Lance even though it is much more $$ but then I ran across several reviews that really bashed the quality of the Lance trailers. I always thought Lance were high quality trailers but now I am unsure. Does anyone own Lance, and what say you about their quality?

Thanks,
John

20 Replies

  • Just look at them and make up your own mind. Remember that all manufacturers use the same appliances, axles and other components so those will likely be equal among brands.

    We looked at both and went with the Jayco. Jayco is not perfect and neither is Lance. It's just a matter of what you want. Be aware that Lance has an almost cult following so sometimes you get opinions from Lance owners that are simply repeating the mantra.

    you gotta' look and decide for yourself.
  • We have been very happy with our 2015 Lance 1985. I've been all over and all through this thing and I was very impressed with the quality difference between this and other trailers we considered. My opinion (for what it's worth) it's head and shoulders above those we looked at (including Jayco).

    Having said that, I'll offer up two things. First, just like there are Chevy people and Ford people and each can be fiercely loyal and biased, trailer people are much the same. It's important to solicit the opinion of the loyalist because they'll know things about their favorite trailer make that non owners won't know or consider. So listen to all.

    The second thing is that your opinion will matter the most. These things are all more or less mass produced grabbing pre-cut, pre-assembled stuff off the shelf and put together. Listen to all, but the most important thing you can do is carry a flashlight and be prepared to crawl into every reachable nook and cranky. Both as you are shopping and before you take delivery. Be sure to satisfy yourself that all is right.
  • jmacpolo wrote:
    We are torn between a Jayco X213 and a Lance 2285. I was leaning toward the Lance even though it is much more $$ but then I ran across several reviews that really bashed the quality of the Lance trailers. I always thought Lance were high quality trailers but now I am unsure. Does anyone own Lance, and what say you about their quality?

    Thanks,
    John

    Keep in mind that it's usually the people that have problems that write a review. People that are happy with theirs just go on their way and enjoy their company. So, you're seeing a very concentrated and skewed amount of opinions. No TT out there has great quality, but Lance and Jayco are generally better than most.
  • Both make very good quality trailers from extensive research and shopping I have done.

    But there is no trailer that will be problem free. It doesn't matter how much you pay, or what brand is used/purchased.

    New units, just like new homes, seem to need a year to get issues worked out.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    If you can't make the factory tour, they have a hand full of tour videos on youtube. They are above average in the quality department.

    Link
  • We have a Lance & have been happy with the quality of the construction. We had also liked the Jayco White Hawk TTs as well.

    As someone suggested check both trailer carefully to see which you like better. There has been a few things which we didn't expect which we didn't like. Lance has been very good at sending some replacement/upgrade items to correct them without cost. We were a little disappointed with ours having plastic drawers under the kitchen sink. But other things we like as well allows us to not to worry about that.

    Suggestion: Look under the slide out, if it does not have the stainless steel slide "bands" (not sure of the correct term) the keep the slide rollers from harming the slide out, ask the dealer to get them installed. Lance will send the parts without charge.

    More on Lance Quality (an older post).
  • Take a very close look at one at a dealership. Look inside the cabinets, under the sink, check out the edges of contertops and the way the inside paneling is secured and constructed.
    Compare it to the other brand and you may be surprised what you find - either way.
  • You should go to Lance Owners of America and read up on Lance quality. I've had mine for a while and love it!