Lance 2375--price negotiation?

[coolmom42]

My travel partner and I are interested in a Lance 2375 trailer. I am in TN and he is in IL. We would be dealing with a dealer in Huntsville, AL, or in Hiawatha, IA as the closest 2 Lance dealers.

Both of these dealers have Lance 2375 trailers listed at $50K give or take $1500. The one in AL has only one. The dealer in IA has 3.

From reading on here, I know that generally 25-30% off MSRP is reasonable.

I'm concerned that the scarcity of Lance dealers in this part of the country, and the greater scarcity of the 2375, put us in a weak position to negotiate price. It's not like a Forest River product where there are tons of similar trailers and dealers to choose from.

Does anyone have any experience dealing with a situation like this? Any tips?

Excuse me for rambling, I'm kind of thinking out loud here.

[TurnThePage]

Well, I was interested in this trailer, and didn't want to see this thread wither just yet. Per gmw photos' link, I tried to join the Lance Owners Forum, but have been apparently turned away. Guess I'll never know how stout that huck bolt frame actually is. coolmom42, good luck with your choice. Would still love to hear about it if you get this model. In the meantime, I will concentrate my shopping efforts elsewhere.

[TurnThePage]

Ah, have to join to read.

[gmw_photos]

TurnThePage wrote:
gmw photos, are you specifically referring to Lance trailers and/or the 2375 model when speaking of sagging frames? I know other brands have had issues.

I was referring to Lance, check their forum that's where I read the discussion. Here is a rather lengthy discussion with numerous owners chiming in:

http://lanceowners.hoop.la/topic/frame-issues

[TurnThePage]

gmw photos, are you specifically referring to Lance trailers and/or the 2375 model when speaking of sagging frames? I know other brands have had issues.

[gmw_photos]

Their have been some reports of the huck-bolted frame sagging at the back end of the trailer. I've looked under a new Lance, and it appears to be really designed to be lightweight. Perhaps at the expense of strength ?

The likely reason for huck-bolting it together is not because it's engineered better, but because it's less expensive to do it this way on their typically low production numbers. Huck-bolting it is a very low skilled labor process. Welding requires a higher skill level of workforce as well as more expensive ( welders ) equipment.

Those trailers also use a composite ( foam sandwiched ) floor at least on some models too. For me that would be a deal breaker. OP, I'm not trying to diss the brand or trying to talk you out of it, just saying you might want to research everything about it to see if it really meets your criteria. One thing about the brand is they have a loyal following with lots of rallies and that's important to some folks that like to socialize.

[2012Coleman]

pfidahospud wrote:
I think 25-30% is a little ambitious with a trailer whose build/wait time is over a year. (High?) Quality Lance trailers are in high demand, and I wouldn't expect to get much more than 15-20% off MSRP. My best suggestion is to contact several different dealers and price shop.

Disagree. Your sitting in the chair in front of them, and they want to make a sale. I just made a deal at 30% off on an MSRP of over 55K on a new GD Reflection. Let them make the first offer, then just do the calculation on your phone while sitting there, give them the number and say "this is where I'm at". Be ready to walk - we were, and they knew it.

[rbpru]

As always the end use determines the type of TT you need. Most TTs are RVs intended for periodic use at a campground environment.

The father and more often you drift from this norm the more stress you can put on the TV and TT.

In AZ we found off-road could mean a nice sand road next to the beach of a quiet lake. Or, it could mean a rock strewn rutted trail up an ATV trail to a spectacular view.

There is no reason to pay for a four season TT if you hate going outside when it is cold. Likewise, if you often camp in harsher weather it can take a toll on TT not designed for such use.

Only you can decide which TT is most likely to fill your needs. Lance product do have a good reputation.

[FrankShore]

They huck-bolt their BAL frames. Many "top" companies weld their frames, leading to "junk" You might YouTube and look at the 2475 due to start production later this year, it has a king bed. You can attack a big bike carrier on the back on the modern version of the trailers.

[TurnThePage]

It sounds like Fishhunter, being in Alaska and all, may use the travel trailer in a more robust manner? I've drug my current trailer way off road and into some seriously remote areas. But I'm reaching a point where my adventures will mostly be on pavement. I'm assuming that might make a difference in how the frame and axles hold up?

[Fishhunter]

"Super light weight" is the problem. Dont remember if it had Lippert or Axis axels under it. Dexter is much better than the other two, I did hear that Dexter bought out Axis. Although they can be pulled with a light TV. For the money I would look at ORV or Arctic Fox.

[coolmom42]

Fishhunter wrote:
Owned a Lance 2285 for couple years. Frames on them are too light weight and the axels were junk. Hopefully they've gone to dexter axels and heavier frames, otherwise it was a decent TT.

This is what the Lance website says about axles:

"Heavy duty rubber torsion-bar suspension axles allow for independent articulation, providing a better towing experience off-road in addition to featuring EZ-lube bearings and self adjusting brakes for easy maintenance."

And regarding frames:

"Engineered super lightweight, powder coated, tempered steel custom chassis Huck bolt construction eliminates weak and rust-prone welds."

Don't know if those items are improvements or not.

[Fishhunter]

Owned a Lance 2285 for couple years. Frames on them are too light weight and the axels were junk. Hopefully they've gone to dexter axels and heavier frames, otherwise it was a decent TT.

[TurnThePage]

I applaud your choice! If I could buy right now, that exact model (with the lounge option) is #1 on my list, barely beating a certain Outdoors Titanium model. I will probably wait for a market down turn to get the better deal, since I have a 5-7 year window before retirement and serious RVing. Would love to hear how it turns out for you guys if/when. Good luck!

[coolmom42]

Bols2DawaLL wrote:
If you have facebook you can join Lance Travel Trailers . You can also join LOA , Lance Owners of America , you might get more answers there .

Good idea. Thanks.