Which camper would work better for me

I've owned both Fleetwood and Lance ... far as individual quality, Lance probably a bit better overall just based on interior materials. BUT: ...

What I found with the Fleetwood over eight years, the mechanical components were fine, never had a single problem with it. The biggest issue with Fleetwood - as others may concur -- was the water seals failing. SO, if you go with the Elkhorn check that out carefully. I liked my Angler, and only sold it because I wanted AC and Electric Jacks and bigger tanks ...

Although Fleetwood does not make TC's anymore (Last year 2003), the mechanical components are the same in most RVs'...

In my owner's opinion, I would by either one based on inspection and condition of the unit, rather than which manufacturer. Lance, of course, is still around so repair will be available a little more readily. But anyone that can repair a Lance can repair a Fleetwood. Also, look at the weight and you'll probably find the Lance heavier (not sure).

Basically, you can't go wrong with either one if the maintenance has been kept up and no water damage in interior. That would be my main worry, hidden water damage. And size of the tanks too don't know how big either one is for that year, but our Lance with 18g and 19g waste and 32g FW makes it superior to the Angler (8g and 9g waste), due to lots of time between dump tanks where we usually camp - good luck with your choice.

Yup. Condition, condition, condition, and price.

Both campers are so far out of warranty by now that it doesn't matter who made them. There's nothing you can't fix with standard off the shelf RV parts or even more generic materials.

Both will have comparable features, though with slightly different layouts. Maybe you'll like one floor plan better than the other?

Really it's probably a toss-up. Pick whichever one is the best deal. If the one that isn't in quite as nice of shape can be had real cheap, you can put some elbow grease into it. Or, choose the better one even though it is more expensive because you don't want to put any sweat equity into fixing it up...

I would consider the true weight of the two campers as well as their condition. A camper which is 400 lbs. heavier means that you can take 400 lbs. less gear, water, fuel, tongue weight with a trailer, etc.

Lance sticker weights are a starting point. My 845 has a sticker weight of 2700 lbs. but when I picked it up from a dealer and took it to a CAT scale the weight was nearly 3200 lbs. and with it loaded for a trip it is around 3700 lbs. total weight.

I've had friends with similar versions of each. Both were happy. Agree with earlier comment on actual condition of each. With your Dodge, highly recommend a fuel pressure gauge and a steering brace for the steering box. The steering brace should've been OE equipment.

Included link as an example. Multiple other vendors exist for this product.

Steering Brace

I have a 2003 Fleetwood Elkhorn 11x. It is larger but I would imagine similarly constructed. I'm quite please with it but it is not high end. Some of the plastic trim comes loose all the time and the bathroom door opening wasn't cut square. The corners aren't quite right.
Mechanically I haven't had anything really go wrong with it. Structurally there have been a few minor leaks that I have had to deal with but nothing major. I wouldn't be afraid to buy another one.
Lance is generally a good brand also. Unless there's a huge difference in features or tank sizes I think it will come down to the actual condition of the units and the price.

Both are basically the same camper with only minor differences so condition and price would be the main concern. Look at the seams on both and see the condition. If the seams/caulking is rough, odds are it hasn't been taken care of very well and may have rot.

Would imagine the Lance is aluminum siding over wood frame which would make it easier to repair if you needed to fix any lot. Only other issue I know with the Lance is the grey and black tanks are on the small size to squeeze them both under the shower. You can see the sizes and specs on the Lance by going to their website at lancecampers.com, click on support at the top of the page, then click on the brochure. Not always complete, but good idea.

But if you are talking about the nice aluminum framed always covered in the Sacramento area, it would be hard to beat from the pics I saw.

I have a 04 lance 835 and we like it very much.

at that age condition and care have more to do with it than brand. Find out as much as you can about each one thru questions and pictures and then you need to actually see and touch each one unless one was eliminated already.
Good luck.

Don't know much about truck campers but I do know the
Lance is the superior brand! they are known for quality product/construction. Im sure you will have more responses shortly. :-)