SB Single Slide Throw Down

We did come down to a final decision between the AF811 and the Lance 855S. We were certainly captivated by the full-wall slide on the AF and the open feeling it creates. But, before we make such large purchases, we try to take a step back, get away from the ether and weigh the pros & cons.

What turned us away from the AF, was not only the weight, but also that the mfg doesn't seem to care how much their rigs weigh. In contrast, Lance really seems to want to improve their product by looking for ways to shave weight where they can. They even keep their holding tanks at a reasonable level, which I appreciate (if it had a 100-gallon fresh tank, I would probably fill it to capacity!) Lance also continues to invest in their manufacturing process, looking for precision and efficiencies.

AF also turned us off with their "mandatory option" shenanigans. Honestly, it doesn't even make any sense and makes me question their integrity and marketing tactics.

The straw that broke the camels back, was the local dealer and the blatant lies they tried to feed us, not to mention their rude comments.

Finally, we were already Lance owners and found our camper to be of high quality and very reliable. This gave us confidence in making our second camper a Lance too.

Just a reminder - these are only opinions based on our evaluations. I believe both companies make a nice product. In fact, in general, I believe there are several quality truck camper manufacturers out there . . . especially in comparison to the questionable quality standards found in the trailer and 5th wheel markets.

AF has shaved weight - they used to use all oak cabinetry and ditched that I think for the 2010 model. That probably resulted in some cost savings too.

When I looked at AF, Lance and Eagle Cap, AF was the best price! This was before Lance redesigned their entire line-up, so the only Lance I was I think the 950 model.

I think it all boils down to what you like better in the end. I have personally looked at new lance af and ec. I have a 1ton SRW (not 12v) and im not a weight freak so idc about that. Personally I feel arctic fox has highest quality next eagle cap and lastly lance.

I always thought of Lance as a value brand...kind of the Chevy of truck campers...a good solid unit for the money. Not as fancy or as well optioned as some others, but well built...and priced accordingly.

Now we have not looked at new campers for a couple of years, and Lance historically was priced in the middle.
Looking at new campers recently, we were very surprised to find Lance priced higher than the "high end" brands (AF/EC)...which quite frankly are a little "fancier" and better optioned....for less $. Not that "fancy" is on our list (it's not)...but some of the standard features of EC and AF are expensive options on Lance in addition to the higher base prices.

I will say Lance has upgraded their materials lately (time will tell if this is a good thing) in an effort to remove weight...at least on paper the 855S is lighter than the AF811 and EC850. The scale will reveal if this is accurate or not.

The Lance855S is ~ $4k> EC850
Lance 855S is ~ $7k > AF811
These numbers were shocking.

Maybe it is just the unwillingness of the Lance dealer to negotiate?Don't know...but the above $ are from current dealer stock and are comparably equipped compares (no genny, A/C included, 4 season pkg, etc)

Notes;
* The above "sticker" pricing observed in New England area. We did not search outside of the North East.
* Lance has just redesigned their line, with many new materials/techniques.This does not mean the other brands do not offer similar technologies/materials.

Tx, B

There is no question that AF doesn't concern themselves with weight as much as others. They even indicate that in one of their videos by saying they will not sacrifice build quailty for the sake of reducing weight. I found that their build quailty reflects that philosophy. When I was looking 3 years ago to buy I narrowed the search down to my two closest dealers, Lance and AF. I became sold on the overall quality and fit and finish after looking at AF. Granted, you have to have the right size truck for all the AF units, but if you do you will not be disappointed. I never looked real close at the EC so I cant make any judgement on those. Had their been a closer dealer I sure would of considered it.

For me, it came down to what I liked best.

I looked at all three when I was shopping.

There was a Lance model (old style, not the redesigned model) that I liked for a few aspects of it. It didn't have a slide out.

There were a few aspects of the Eagle cap I liked too.

There were a few things I didn't like about the Lance and EC as well.

I liked the dinette layout of the AF and EC. The U-shaped dinettes that have been a design aspect in campers for many years, with a small table, just didn't work for me - I needed to use the table as a small desk area too.

I know it sounds hard to believe, but the AF was the least expensive of the three.

I didn't care about weight since I had a dually, purchased a few months prior.

My previous RV as a Desert Fox toy hauler, so I was already familiar with the Northwood brand.

I had sort of picked out the AF811 months before selling the DF and previous truck. After I had purchased the dually and was ready to buy a camper, I took a good hard look at Lance and Eagle Cap. They are all nice campers, but the AF won again, due to:
1. Price
2. Appearance on the interior - it looks much less like an RV, and more like the decor in a nice house.
3. The full wall slide, rather than the slide being only the dinette.
4. Bathroom that was good sized and usable as a shower for the extended trips I take
5. DC and AC wiring was easily accessible so I could install a 2000 sine wave watt inverter. There was also a good place to install it.
6. Large propane bottles - same size as my DF had, 7 gallon, TWO of them.

The further you are from the factory that builds the RV, the more it's likely going to cost when compares to a dealer closer tot he factory, and I suppose there's less chance the dealer will deal, due to the transport costs of getting the unit to the dealer.

Just pick one "YOU BOTH LIKE and AGREE ON" and go with it !
I say this because i know that your DW, like my DW, loves her tc and loves to drive it.
therefore, if you pick the wrong one.....you'll be "dumbdedumbdumb" instead of "billtex". :S :B


It really does not matter which brand i owned or anyone else has owned. We have all had good and bad experiences with all of them.
Spend some hours at a dealership and sit in the models. Try it on like you would a new suit.
You'll be surprised how well it works if you make a list of all your regular carried stuff and see where your stuff will fit in the cupboards and compartments of the new camper.


Bob

bobndot wrote:
Just pick one "YOU BOTH LIKE and AGREE ON" and go with it !
I say this because i know that your DW, like my DW, loves her tc and loves to drive it.
therefore, if you pick the wrong one.....you'll be "dumbdedumbdumb" instead of "billtex". :S :B


It really does not matter which brand i owned or anyone else has owned. We have all had good and bad experiences with all of them.
Spend some hours at a dealership and sit in the models. Try it on like you would a new suit.
You'll be surprised how well it works if you make a list of all your regular carried stuff and see where your stuff will fit in the cupboards and compartments of the new camper.


Bob

Hi Bob, no doubt...happy wife...happy life.
I actually liked the Lance more than the Wife.
The Lance has the least storage of these 3...by a lot, and she noticed that real quick.

I really thought the Lance was it...until I looked at EC and AF (someone on the Lance forum actually encouraged us to compare...).
The EC and the AF are VERY similar in storage, build quality, options, etc.
The Lance...well...
Some of the Lance stuff is bizzare; no fold out handle at rear door...really?
What is with all these fixed skylights? What a waste, leak path for heat/cold/water. No need for these.
No basement access....really?
I mean a lot of this stuff was standard on the EC and AF.
We spent an entire afternoon in the Lance, and are pretty familiar with it. After seeing all of them...I can't help wonder how Lance hopes to compete on the price. You get a lot more with the EC and AF...and yes, AF was the least expensive!
I don't know, after looking at all 3 of these...it just seems the Lance was rushed. A little more thought in layout, etc would have made the 855S just as nice as the other 2.

Back in the day, Lance was $5k-$10k less expensive, and that was attractive.
Maybe it was the Lance dealer we visited...but I can't see how that pricing works.

B

Hi Bob,

I looked at the AF 811 and EC 850. Really loved the EC. Yes, both campers have additional storage that the lance does not have. The lance is 450 to 550 lbs lighter. The DW loved the EC also, but in the end weight does make a difference. We ordered our Lance and customized it to our liking. We left off the blue/gold graphics, added second door to the slide, no microwave (use cheap one), and deleated the oven. Putting in just the cooktop gave us additional storage underneath with a door. I have some ideas about putting storage underneath the camper via the right side wing. I like our Lance. Is it perfect, no, but what camper is?

Good luck with your decision, Jeff D

HI Bill,

Sorry I got the wrong first name.

Jeff D.