AF 811-Eagle Cap 850-Lance 855S.Lets hear it; which one would (did) you purchase and why?Which one did you look at/not purchase and why?Good/bad/ugly...lets go!Tx, Bill

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> EC850Lance 855S is ~ $7k > AF811These 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.

SB Single Slide Throw Down | Good Sam Community

39 Replies

billtex
Explorer II
Sep 30, 2013
Yes...after a LOT of research...we reached that conclusion. As far as slides go...EC and AF had the best SB in our opinion...
Glacier_D
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2013
Most excellent choice! Hope you enjoy and have many happy camping trips.

I have a 2nd gen EC and love it, the 3rd gens are built even better.
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2013
And the winner is;
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2013
jdcellarmod wrote:
That's OK....as far as the weight difference...let's say I am not convinced yet.
Folks that have scaled them locked/loaded are ~4000#.
That is no less than AF/EC.

Hi Bill,

I take it you visited Truck Camper Warehouse? Did you notice the listed weight on the wardrobe door? That is the weight of the camper as it sits. It does not include water, batteries, propane, A/C or your stuff. I am just trying to help. Hate to see you get overloaded on a 3/4 ton truck.

Jeff D.

Yes, I checked the numbers on the cabinet door...I figure if I can make the TC airtight and fill it with helium we will be fine!

Thanks for your concern...

B
jdcellarmod
Explorer
Sep 09, 2013
That's OK....as far as the weight difference...let's say I am not convinced yet.
Folks that have scaled them locked/loaded are ~4000#.
That is no less than AF/EC.

Hi Bill,

I take it you visited Truck Camper Warehouse? Did you notice the listed weight on the wardrobe door? That is the weight of the camper as it sits. It does not include water, batteries, propane, A/C or your stuff. I am just trying to help. Hate to see you get overloaded on a 3/4 ton truck.

Jeff D.
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2013
Bedlam wrote:
The AF has no roof escape hatch. The forward vent is for the Fantastic Fan and there is a fixed skylight behind it. The escape hatch is thought the left cab over window. I am another northerner that lives close to the 49th parallel and also appreciate being able block out the light in the cab over.

The kitchen has an opening window and stove top vent for exhausting cooking odors.

The bath has another powered vent and fixed skylight.

Do a search about issues with Heiki hatches and you will be happy not to have one.

This pic from Northwood website shows the location, definitely not over the bed where we like it;

I was somewhat concerned about the Heiki also...mixed reviews...I do understand the latest Gen (Gen III?) is a much improved design.
We have never had a Heiki...so time will tell.

Bill
kerry4951
Explorer
Sep 08, 2013
Bedlam wrote:
The AF has no roof escape hatch. The forward vent is for the Fantastic Fan and there is a fixed skylight behind it. The escape hatch is thought the left cab over window.

Exactly the point I was trying to make to the OP.
Bedlam
Moderator
Sep 08, 2013
The AF has no roof escape hatch. The forward vent is for the Fantastic Fan and there is a fixed skylight behind it. The escape hatch is thought the left cab over window. I am another northerner that lives close to the 49th parallel and also appreciate being able block out the light in the cab over.

The kitchen has an opening window and stove top vent for exhausting cooking odors.

The bath has another powered vent and fixed skylight.

Do a search about issues with Heiki hatches and you will be happy not to have one.
billtex
Explorer II
Sep 08, 2013
brholt wrote:
billtex wrote:
kerry4951 wrote:
billtex wrote:

The vent/escape hatch is NOT over the bed area... it is located more over the step area...did not like that at all.
Bill

In the past AF used one of the cabover side windows as the escape hatch area. They used Fantastic Fans. Never saw an AF with an escape hatch in the ceiling. Just watched a Youtube video on the 2014 AF 811 and they still show the cabover left side window as the escape area. Still using Fantastic ceiling fan (no Heiki)and solid skylight over the kitchen area.

Don't remember if it was Heiki or the other brand...but the hatch was clearly not over the bed...more like the step/hallway area...DW picked up on this right away.( Driver side window in over head is escape hatch also).
The small dinette was a bummer too...too bad...the rest of the AF811 is nice.

B

I have an 1150 and the Fantastic fan you are talking about is about where your feet are on the bed. That actually is a pretty good location because you can run the controls without having to climb up into the bed. Also when it is warm and you run it light is going to come in through it. By your feet it isn't too bad about letting light in. If it was by your head you would be getting up with the sun. Around here in summer that's before 5:00 am.

Yeah...it's one of those things; chocolate or vanilla?
We like the fan in the main area where it can vent cooking odors and is accessible during the day. Good for keeping the dog cool also if we are out and about and have to leave him (we DONT let the dog on the bed).
Having a hatch (without fan) over the bed makes for good star gazing also...or a poking your head out to take pics , etc
Anyway, the AF 811 is the only camper we saw that had the hatch in this location...we thought it awkward.

B
kerry4951
Explorer
Sep 08, 2013
billtex wrote:
kerry4951 wrote:
billtex wrote:

The vent/escape hatch is NOT over the bed area... it is located more over the step area...did not like that at all.
Bill

In the past AF used one of the cabover side windows as the escape hatch area. They used Fantastic Fans. Never saw an AF with an escape hatch in the ceiling. Just watched a Youtube video on the 2014 AF 811 and they still show the cabover left side window as the escape area. Still using Fantastic ceiling fan (no Heiki)and solid skylight over the kitchen area.

Don't remember if it was Heiki or the other brand...but the hatch was clearly not over the bed...more like the step/hallway area...DW picked up on this right away.( Driver side window in over head is escape hatch also).
The small dinette was a bummer too...too bad...the rest of the AF811 is nice.

B

AF used skylights in the area you are referring to but they did not open.