6 weeks in--2013 Lance 850
I moved into this camper from a 2004 Lance 1010, also bought new. I lived in it for a little over 10 years, and have lived in this one 6 weeks.
I kept my home for a year, to make sure the full-time lifestyle suited me, and sold it in 2005. I haven't regretted that decision.
Much of my assessment of the new 850 will be in comparison to the 10 year old 1010.
So, here goes:
Sliding bathroom door: Love it. Never in the way, and allows the bright-white room to increase sense of space, and contribute much light.
Furnace: Huge improvement. Truly ducted, well-distributed heat. Quiet. Also, given the basement setup, a warm floor when it is cold. I hate wearing shoes indoors.
Stove: Black beats white. The burners will simmer. Better grill. Oven won't go low as old one did, though. 300 minimum. I therefore use the nuke more for defrosting and warmups.
Sinks: Nice! I thought I would hate the big sink/little sink setup, but as one who has to watch his water consumption, it turns out I love it.
Ease of cleaning: Likely the biggest improvement of all. NO (as in none), hard to clean little places for filth to accumulate. Counter, floors, ceiling, everywhere, Lance has eliminated them. I suspect I have wives to thank for this.
Floor covering: This stuff looks like real tile! It has a nice grippy feel to bare feet, hides dirt--it is wonderful stuff.
Battery location: This might be controversial, and I am no expert, but I like the battery under the step. It is kept warm (batteries like that), the hole for a 2nd battery is already there, and I get a much-needed exterior storage compartment where the battery was on the 1010.
Upright LP tanks. Duh.
Detachable 120AC cord: I hated trying to stuff that grimy cord into that little box.
Windows, door, vents, air conditioner, skylights, all better.
Oh, and I really like that step-well at the door, necessitated by the basement.
Easy to sweep the floor into it, and wait for favorable winds before sweeping out the door.
The only thing I truly miss in the 1010 is the front window. I absolutely loved lying on my back and watching the moon and stars. It's a cave up there now.
The 14" shorter length is a trade-off. Better in some ways; worse in others.
All in all, I'm happy.
Joe
I kept my home for a year, to make sure the full-time lifestyle suited me, and sold it in 2005. I haven't regretted that decision.
Much of my assessment of the new 850 will be in comparison to the 10 year old 1010.
So, here goes:
Sliding bathroom door: Love it. Never in the way, and allows the bright-white room to increase sense of space, and contribute much light.
Furnace: Huge improvement. Truly ducted, well-distributed heat. Quiet. Also, given the basement setup, a warm floor when it is cold. I hate wearing shoes indoors.
Stove: Black beats white. The burners will simmer. Better grill. Oven won't go low as old one did, though. 300 minimum. I therefore use the nuke more for defrosting and warmups.
Sinks: Nice! I thought I would hate the big sink/little sink setup, but as one who has to watch his water consumption, it turns out I love it.
Ease of cleaning: Likely the biggest improvement of all. NO (as in none), hard to clean little places for filth to accumulate. Counter, floors, ceiling, everywhere, Lance has eliminated them. I suspect I have wives to thank for this.
Floor covering: This stuff looks like real tile! It has a nice grippy feel to bare feet, hides dirt--it is wonderful stuff.
Battery location: This might be controversial, and I am no expert, but I like the battery under the step. It is kept warm (batteries like that), the hole for a 2nd battery is already there, and I get a much-needed exterior storage compartment where the battery was on the 1010.
Upright LP tanks. Duh.
Detachable 120AC cord: I hated trying to stuff that grimy cord into that little box.
Windows, door, vents, air conditioner, skylights, all better.
Oh, and I really like that step-well at the door, necessitated by the basement.
Easy to sweep the floor into it, and wait for favorable winds before sweeping out the door.
The only thing I truly miss in the 1010 is the front window. I absolutely loved lying on my back and watching the moon and stars. It's a cave up there now.
The 14" shorter length is a trade-off. Better in some ways; worse in others.
All in all, I'm happy.
Joe
