Lance or Arctic Fox

[eimac]

We had an accident and our beloved 2009 Lance was totaled. We really liked the Lance and looked to replace it with another Lance, but they don't make one with a floor plan that we felt compared to the older one - we want an Lance 1130 and they stopped making this model a few years ago. Used truck campers in Florida ( or the Southeast for that matter) are rare.

We have looked at the Arctic Fox 1140 and have decided that it would fit our needs ( kitchen counter space that is the deal breaker). We would prefer a used TC but may get a new one just because we are getting antsy and want to get ourselves back on the road. Saw a used Arctic Fox 1140 and it had obvious water damage that the former owner had tried to repair.

The question : is the Arctic Fox as well made as our older Lance? If we are going to put $40,000 into a new TC, we want to know that we are getting a premium product.

[GTO66]

I also live in florida and agree a good used TC is hard to find.I got lucky finding mine.The Tampa rv supershow is in January,but its always hit or miss on the TC display.I read another thread here in the TC section where a member is purchasing a chalet TC.The photos looked nice and the dealer was in new Hampshire no sale tax always a plus on a purchase that large. good luck.

[joe_b_]

I don't think you can go wrong with either of those brands. Find a floor plan you like and go for it. I agree with the OP in that Florida or the SE in general is a tough place to find a good used TC. Found our current one in Sarasota, and the previous one in Tennessee. We looked at a few in Colorado this past summer as they have a good selection of brands there.

[kerry4951]

Our AF 1140 is the best built RV we have owned, and this is our 4th RV.
Tons of storage and solid as a rock. The 8 cu ft fridge is a real plus, and the kitchen storage is unbelievable. If you have any specific questions about the AF 1140 feel free to PM me.

[billtex]

Here's another vote for Eagle Cap. Our research earlier this year led us to EC or AF. We ruled out Lance...

Seeing as you need a replacement...I wouldn't get tied to a certain brand...you should go into your search with an open mind and find the layout that works for you.

Good luck, Bill

[Boatycall]

In recent years I've had 3 TC's. AF 1140, 1150, and now an Eagle Cap. You just missed out, I sold my 2012 1150 for $29...

But-- Having owned 2 AFs and now an EC, Here's what I would say -

1140 - The "Storage monster". It had excellent storage inside and out. The storage room came of course in trade with floor space. Nice big storage outside for bbq, chairs, fold up table, etc. Floor width is limited to 5' due to being inside and under the bedrails of the truck.

1150 - MUCH less storage for outside stuff, but a more "open" feel to the inside. One drawback - can't get an 8 Cubic Ft fridge as an option. Floor width is limited to 5' due to being inside and under the bedrails of the truck.

My Current EC (See Sig) - Best of both worlds--floor is over the bedrails so it's 8' wide BEFORE the slides are pushed out, feels like a motorhome inside, and a massive basement storage. My only complaint - Happijacks. I hate 'em. The AF had Rieco's---excellent jacks. Weight rating is 25% less on these jacks, they're slow, and sound as if they're going to blow apart at any minute --- They're not, they just sound like it.

I've had my EC for all of six months, and then just this week I saw the new Host Mammoth.... I may be on the war path for my 4th TC in 3 years.

Overall quality of the AF's is great, make sure to stay on top of your caulking, but that's advice for any TC.

[Gripnriprod]

We're very happy with the quality of our 1140. It has held up well as we have travelled the Alaska Hiway five times with its heavily frost-heaved roadbed and subsequent structure testing and bone jarring effects. I can't give you any feedback comparing Lance to AF.

[deltabravo]

YES!!!!!!

AF's are superbly built.

I'm on my second Northwood RV, the first was a Desert Fox, which is their toy hauler. I sold it and downsized to a Arctic Fox 811 truck camper.

When I went camper shopping (which I started doing long before I sold my DF (Desert Fox) I went in with an open mind and looked at all the major brands available in the Pacific Northwest. THe Arctic Fox kept standing out among the others as far as the layout, the slideout, the decor of the interior and the price. The 811 was less expensive than a non-slide Lance.

I still have the AF 811 and can't envision selling it any time soon. If I did sell it, I'd replace it with another AF.