opinions please....on a old Lance
Me and my wife are considering buying a Lance Squire 8000 (10 foot, 9 inches). Today we sold our 1999 Fleetwood Angler. We have been truck camping for 2 1/2 years. The Lance that we are considering is...
Forum Discussion
Bob, I'll comment on three things. The unit itself, my related TC experience and what I would do ... if I was you.
1) The unit itself. I would take what travelnutz wrote under serious advisement ... he took the time to provide valuable, detailed, first hand observations and opinions based on his real life experience. IMHO these are better insights than a 100 camping armchair "opinions".
2) My related TC experience - we drive a 2001 F250 with the camper package. (top overload spring and rear anti-sway bar are the main suspension parts included with the camper package). Our Adventurer 90FWS weighs about the same as the Lance unit you looked at. We do not drive with any fluids in the tanks or unnecessary gear (BBQ's, chairs, heavy tools etc.) in the TC or truck. However, we do pull a 16' cargo trailer weighing approx. 3,000 pounds with 300 lbs. tongue weight with all of our extra gear. We put new Michelin LTX "E" rated tires on the truck and the TC/truck combo, driven with reasonable care at posted limits up to a maximum of 65 mph, has performed flawlessly. No white knuckle driving at all.
I still do not like the 3.5 inch squat caused by our TC which is why I am installing SuperSway stops in the next few weeks to engage the overload spring earlier. If that doesn't take at least half of the "squat" away, I will install an "add-a-leaf" helper spring. I know that will straighten things out for my goals and comfort level for our truck/camper combo. Your goals and comfort level may be different (more conservative).
Our previous 1992 Class C which we sold a few years back had a one piece aluminum roof and that was the most trouble free component of that rig. Maintain them and they will last a long, long time.
3) What I would do. If it were me (and given my experience from point #2), I would go back, remount the TC and take it for a test drive if they let me (i.e. dangerous without proper tie downs though and I would not do it) This will help you get a real world feel for the truck/camper combination.
I would measure the "before and after squat amount" caused by the TC. This should be done at the rear wheel. If it was within my comfort level to move forward, I would put forth an offer of $2,000 with the logic it will take at least another $1,000+ to equip this truck to carry this unit. If they do not go for it, I would leave my name and number and walk away. Nothing ventured ... nothing gained.
Remember, there is always another TC unit around the corner if you are patient enough. All the best with whatever you do. ~ BugJr ~
1) The unit itself. I would take what travelnutz wrote under serious advisement ... he took the time to provide valuable, detailed, first hand observations and opinions based on his real life experience. IMHO these are better insights than a 100 camping armchair "opinions".
2) My related TC experience - we drive a 2001 F250 with the camper package. (top overload spring and rear anti-sway bar are the main suspension parts included with the camper package). Our Adventurer 90FWS weighs about the same as the Lance unit you looked at. We do not drive with any fluids in the tanks or unnecessary gear (BBQ's, chairs, heavy tools etc.) in the TC or truck. However, we do pull a 16' cargo trailer weighing approx. 3,000 pounds with 300 lbs. tongue weight with all of our extra gear. We put new Michelin LTX "E" rated tires on the truck and the TC/truck combo, driven with reasonable care at posted limits up to a maximum of 65 mph, has performed flawlessly. No white knuckle driving at all.
I still do not like the 3.5 inch squat caused by our TC which is why I am installing SuperSway stops in the next few weeks to engage the overload spring earlier. If that doesn't take at least half of the "squat" away, I will install an "add-a-leaf" helper spring. I know that will straighten things out for my goals and comfort level for our truck/camper combo. Your goals and comfort level may be different (more conservative).
Our previous 1992 Class C which we sold a few years back had a one piece aluminum roof and that was the most trouble free component of that rig. Maintain them and they will last a long, long time.
3) What I would do. If it were me (and given my experience from point #2), I would go back, remount the TC and take it for a test drive if they let me (i.e. dangerous without proper tie downs though and I would not do it) This will help you get a real world feel for the truck/camper combination.
I would measure the "before and after squat amount" caused by the TC. This should be done at the rear wheel. If it was within my comfort level to move forward, I would put forth an offer of $2,000 with the logic it will take at least another $1,000+ to equip this truck to carry this unit. If they do not go for it, I would leave my name and number and walk away. Nothing ventured ... nothing gained.
Remember, there is always another TC unit around the corner if you are patient enough. All the best with whatever you do. ~ BugJr ~
