Quality of older Lance TC vs New

We had a 98 Lance 945 and totaled it out. Bought a new AF in 2014 and sold it a year and a half later and bought a 97 Lance 945. I don't know about new Lances but I doubt that they are any different than the AF.

There are some new changes over the past few years including the molded cap up front. As long as you get a model that’s been produced for a while, I bet a new one will be fine.

From what I understand, they had problems with structure holding up for the first slide models, but I haven’t heard of similar issues with newer models.

Still camping in my 1998 Lance 5000 bought new. Was 18K out the door then loaded. Everything still working with minor repairs through the years. (they're considered minor after you fix em) I'm saving for new one though with a slide out and a new duel rear wheel truck.

Saw three other Lances from the late 90s on my last trip to California redwoods. Still lots of old ones on the road. Nothing lasts forever! Roads here in Califonie on tough on everything.

The Dodge is simply amazing and will be tough to let go.

Kayteg1 wrote:

I think about 2005. thank you

My Las Vegas house was build in 1994 and owner/builder install about 40 phone jacks with huge switch board in it.
I was using cordless phones since 1986

That's funny. :)

specta wrote:
When did Lance start using aluminum framing?

I think about 2005.
Another weird thing I noticed, even 2003 models have cabinet for mounting kinescope TV and are wired for telephones.
Some people catch technology longer?
My Las Vegas house was build in 1994 and owner/builder install about 40 phone jacks with huge switch board in it.
I was using cordless phones since 1986

When did Lance start using aluminum framing?

I did own 2002 Lance 1161 and when I liked the cabinetry finish, the structure was design by kinder-grader IMHO.
It was 1st generation of slides, where single slide was supported by 3/4x 2" of wood. It was hardwood, but still not much for holding couple thousands pounds of load.
Additionally the main corner of the design had no bracket, only some flashing with lot of staples.
Final result was not only the main beam bending badly, but corner separation, what I observed on lot of those TC.
To even more amusement, the slide had steel support and front vertical corned had steel angle as well.
Yet having them about 2" close to each other, Lance engineers never connected steel with steel, leaving the strength to flashing.
Once I reinforced both, it did serve me well.
Unique camper with side entry had lot of advantages.

Though I have no real experience, I'd say the sweet spot is likely a few years after they went full aluminum frame after they had some experience in their bonding processes.

As always, condition and maintenance is key.

My Lance is 25 years old and I'm not about to buy a new one to find out if they are any better.

Sorry I can't help you. ;)

FYI: About Lance ...

Bought a 2008 in 2008, New - and still camp in it. Made at least eight or nine trips with it cross country, and lots of shorter trips. Had minor fixable issues occasionally, but it's done us well on all our travels. Last C/C trip was 2019 - planning one for 2021 if we can get out on the road.

I believe older campers were higher build quality than many are today. It's a little beat up from wear and tear on the outside because we off-road and boondock a bit, but inside still looks new and we maintain it well.