Looking at a 1994 Lance Squire 3000 Camper

[OBSPowerstroke]

I've been shopping for truck campers off and on and came across what looks to be a really clean '94 Lance Squire 3000 camper on Craigslist. It's a long bed camper, but I'd be hauling it on my '96 F250 short bed. Based on the COG measurements and weight of 2,342 pounds loaded with 39 gallons of water and 40 pounds of propane, it looks like it would be a good match for the truck. The camper is 102" long and the truck bed is 82", which means the camper overhang off the bed would actually stick out less than if the tailgate was down.

I really enjoy my travel trailer and don't plan on selling it, but I am looking to have a truck camper that I can toss on for exploring forest service roads or quick weekend trips to the beach or mountains. I've considered new rigs and really like the Wolf Creek 850, but I want to see if I like the truck camping experience before jumping in with both feet, and it seems like this Lance would be a good starting point if it's as solid as advertised.

The truck would need tie downs installed, and I definitely want to do it right and go with Torklifts and FastGuns, yet the cost to just get the camper tied down in the truck is adding up fast. This is before I take into account any suspension work that I may end up needing after seeing how the camper rides. The outlay of cash wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't planning on a new '16 F350 short bed in the next six months or so, which would require me to outlay the cash for all of this stuff again.

Any suggestions in regards to keeping costs reasonable? Opinions on the camper itself? I'm hoping I can talk them down to at least $4,000 from their asking price of $4,750 since even though it looks very well maintained, it's a pretty old camper that can have some hidden issues.

Thanks much for any input!

[dakonthemountai]

Hi Josh,

I looked at the ad. ( I loved the 2 week time period with the battery 😉 ).. I'm not one to pooh pooh anyone's purchase, but I'll tell you this. Last year I sold my second owner 1995 Weekender 910 camper with the same features this Lance has. Looked to be in just as good as shape as this Lance, newer 6 cubic foot fridge, new AGM battery, new rubber roof and all LED lighting inside and out..freshly waxed and detailed for $3,800. That's not a rare price for something like this down here at least. Personally I also would try to negotiate a lower price if you really want it. Of course a camper this age is worth what you feel you want/can pay for it and though we want the most when we sell,... well, used is used and as you say "hidden issues" in a 1994 could be a deciding factor. Make sure you REALLY check it out before purchase of course, and best of luck!

Dak