The Lance is still the best option so far. I briefly also considered buying a truck that could handle a decent (not especially heavy) slide-in camper. The investment there is really high though it is very convenient due to the compact footprint.
I can get totally loaded new Lance 1575s for around $27,000, new Retro 177SEs for around $18,000, and R-Pods for around $18,000. The Lance is still the most appealing to us. I am constantly looking at the pros and cons and considering the different options. The used Lances are really hard to find and go super fast when they pop up at decent prices.
I tend to be impulsive so am taking my time and thinking of all options, including the scenarios where we would go camping. I do mountain bike and road bike a lot, so I'd d that plus hiking trips and general traveling to see the country. It is rare that we would simply hang out at a campground all day.
