Forum Discussion

alstraub's avatar
alstraub
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014

New Lance 855S Owners

Picked up our new Lance 855S today from Scotts Recreation in Manchester Maine. Spent some time going over the unit there, but haven't really checked it out yet.

Drove it home north 3 hours and it's parked at our neighbors about 2 miles away. We can't drive into our place this time of year (we use snowmobiles).

The BIG thing I did notice was that the cabover really moves up and down on uneven road surfaces. It can actually reach a certain "harmonic" type undulation, which forced me to reduce speed to 60 in spots with poor surface (I95).

In town I hit a heave at about 30 and I swear the cabover hit the roof of the truck! I called the dealer from home and he's pricing shocks for the cabover....

I'll post more to this thread with some pics and my opinions on build quality etc.

The unit is beautiful and should be perfect for our 2012 F350 SB. Need to solve the bucking bronco problem......
Truck Campers
  • alstraub's avatar
    alstraub
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2014
    narcodog wrote:
    Make sure your tie downs are adjusted properly. I usually drive about a mile and recheck after loading.

    Next if you have not upgraded your shocks you will in all likelihood get some oscillation or some refer it as porpoising..

    Also check you tire pressure 80 in the rear, unless you have a dually and about 70 in the front, unless you have a diesel.

    I have 70K miles on my SHORT BED and I do not have any problems with oscillation at any speed or road types.

    The other thing if you slowed down to 60 maybe you driving faster than road conditions dictate.


    My tie downs were installed at the dealer. How do I adjust them "properly". I have the torklift mounts and fast guns.
  • run100's avatar
    run100
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    Congratulations on your new 855S. It is a very nice camper!

    We are also in a 2012 F350 with a Lance 855S. The cabover struts will greatly reduce the "bucking." We had them on our 820 and now with the 855S. As our dealer said, they won't stop the first bounce, but they will prevent the second one.
  • SugarHillCTD's avatar
    SugarHillCTD
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    Al,

    Nice unit- we are over the border in northern N.H. We have a 2012 855S

    I have noticed some of the same movement- especially on a certain road in the Catskill (NY) mountains. That particular road does it to any truck, SB, LB or box truck.

    One thing that I am changing this year is removing the 2 bed mats that the TC sits on. I did that because on NNBS GM trucks the tailgate opening is rounded at the lower corners and I needed the clearance for the bathroom "bump-out". I think that the rubber gives too much and contributes to the movement.

    Best of luck with your Lance.
    John
  • trail-explorer's avatar
    trail-explorer
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    Slowing down is a good thing when that bouncing happens. A lot of people drive like there's no camper on the truck when there is one, and don't take it easy.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Mar 11, 2014
    alstraub wrote:
    Buzzcut, I have AGM batteries. Totally on top of that. By the way, it was a dealer installation issue.

    Thanks!


    AGMs are the only way to fly:B
  • alstraub's avatar
    alstraub
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    Buzzcut, I have AGM batteries. Totally on top of that. By the way, it was a dealer installation issue.

    Thanks!
  • narcodog's avatar
    narcodog
    Explorer II
    Mar 11, 2014
    Make sure your tie downs are adjusted properly. I usually drive about a mile and recheck after loading.

    Next if you have not upgraded your shocks you will in all likelihood get some oscillation or some refer it as porpoising..

    Also check you tire pressure 80 in the rear, unless you have a dually and about 70 in the front, unless you have a diesel.

    I have 70K miles on my SHORT BED and I do not have any problems with oscillation at any speed or road types.

    The other thing if you slowed down to 60 maybe you driving faster than road conditions dictate.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,026 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 03, 2025