Questions from a newcomer.

[Namlehse]

First would be Host Mamoth vs Lance 1172. I guess I should being by saying that I know a decent bit about both, however I never seem to be able to find a direct comparison of the two. I've been reading here for a while, which helped my wife and I a lot with our push on deciding which TC is correct for us. With that said, we're stuck now.

We recently listed our 5th wheel for sale (2015 Grand Design Solitude 365DEN), sold the TV (2015 Ram 3500 Laramie MegaCab), bought a new TV (2017 Ram 3500 Crew-Long Bed Tradesman), and started traveling to look at different TCs.

One thing I really liked about Grand Design, is that I had to have very little interaction with the Dealer. If something broke they would send me the part to fix the issue within a few days. I was wondering if either Host or Lance have anything like this? I have a Lance Dealer an hour and a half from me, however the nearest Host Dealer is over 9 hours away.

I've read about a few issues with the 1172, including slide issues that seem to have been fixed within the last few model years, and under powered Atwood jacks that aren't really build for the weight.

On the flip side, I read Host doesn't have the greatest factory support. Host also has a staggering price tag. When building and quoting lines, I was dumbfounded to be offered a $1,500 discount off of MSRP as "Their Cost". Do truck campers have the same crazy high markups that you see on Travel Trailers and 5th wheels (30-40%)?

These are the big questions that have been burning a hole in my head.

Thanks!

[SugarHillCTD]

Looking at the floorplans of both and the interior pictures, the one thing that stands out is the lack of work surface in the Lance kitchen.

Even with the flip up extensions, it looks like we have more kitchen prep area in our shortbed, wet bath Eagle Cap.

That would be an instant no-go for us.

[thedavidzoo]

Since you mentioned the "Northern Lite (Our No-Slide option)", have you taken a look at Northstar 12' STC? Large inside and insane amount of storage for a no-slide.
Might be hard to come by in your area though.

[notsobigjoe]

I am a member of LOA and I can tell you that Lance is anything but easy to deal with. Yes they come through in the end but at great expense and effort. As far as their campers are concerned I and many others love them. As far as the Aluminum over wood I would have to say that's a tie. Problems with both. Loa's site is as a complete conglomeration of lance owners as you will find. Friendly and helpful as well as knowledgeable and good humor. I recommend you take a look. I love the Host but know nothing about it.

[DOITHARD]

Namlehse wrote:

DOITHARD wrote:
To be honest, I liked the Mammoth better but didn't want to pay $58k vs $45k for the Lance 1172...well, I would have but the boss didnt. I think, the finishes of the Mammoth are much higher end.

That's the same reason we're leaning towards the Lance. The host is nice, but so is the Lance. I really like the amenities of the Host, however it seems to also have a decent bit of unused space due to the three slides. I like the rear storage of the side entry, it still amazes me how much stuff we pulled out of our 5th wheel. Most of which we never used.

We're looking for a TC due to short periods of travel. We want to go places, with little planning. That's really hard to do with our 5th wheel. It's hard to find parks it would fit in, on top of being able to get into them without reserving a spot six months in advance. I also found myself spending half a day planning fuel stops and my route before ever leaving home. Not something I'm going to miss.

I'm hoping I can find a dealer more near Bend that will have better pricing, if nothing else on shipping rates. At that point we may seriously go with the Host.

We downsized from a 41'FW toyhauler and the wife is pretty happy...also bought a trailer for the toys. I love the TC's versatility as stated by prior members. And if I need more space the additional guests can sleep in the trailer...eventually it will be equipped as a media room for the kids...folding couches, big flat screen, refrigerator, etc...its marked as Project #345.6...lol

Always had issues with state and national parks finding a spot.

Good luck with your decision.

[Namlehse]

DOITHARD wrote:
To be honest, I liked the Mammoth better but didn't want to pay $58k vs $45k for the Lance 1172...well, I would have but the boss didnt. I think, the finishes of the Mammoth are much higher end.

That's the same reason we're leaning towards the Lance. The host is nice, but so is the Lance. I really like the amenities of the Host, however it seems to also have a decent bit of unused space due to the three slides. I like the rear storage of the side entry, it still amazes me how much stuff we pulled out of our 5th wheel. Most of which we never used.

We're looking for a TC due to short periods of travel. We want to go places, with little planning. That's really hard to do with our 5th wheel. It's hard to find parks it would fit in, on top of being able to get into them without reserving a spot six months in advance. I also found myself spending half a day planning fuel stops and my route before ever leaving home. Not something I'm going to miss.

I'm hoping I can find a dealer more near Bend that will have better pricing, if nothing else on shipping rates. At that point we may seriously go with the Host.

[DOITHARD]

My experience with Lance Warranty has been stellar...had an issue with the remote control which the dealer could not fix and was recommended to visit the factory. They diagnosed and fixed the problem on the spot. Had another issue with front jacks. Made a video of the problem emailed to the dealer, they ordered new jacks got them installed problem solved.

To be honest, I liked the Mammoth better but didn't want to pay $58k vs $45k for the Lance 1172...well, I would have but the boss didnt. I think, the finishes of the Mammoth are much higher end.

[Namlehse]

Thanks for the replies. It was a huge downsize, our 5th wheel measuered in at just over 45' long, five slides and give or take 16,000 lbs (Was based on the 385TH Toy Hauler platform).

We drove to Princess Craft last weekend, spent a good five hour pouring over the host and a Northern Lite (Our No-Slide option). I haven't seen the Everest in person, however I was thinking it looked like a good fit. The Eagle Cap wasn't something we really liked, however we did like the Adventurer to an extent.

We also spent a good amount of time in the Lance (Going back tomorrow too) to see if it might be the one for us. It was the storage and the flow on both units that drove us to them.

[mike_kellie]

I can't speak in regards to dealer support, but factory support has been great. I was warned about a current design that was causing issues with the panel door to the bath. A call to Bend and I received the new radius rail and hardware plus matching wood trim I might need

[Bedlam]

If you like the Lance layout, also look at the Host Everest. I feel the Host has better fit and finish than the Lance plus the Lance is only a double slide and should be compared more to an Eagle Cap 1160 or the Adventurer 116DS.

With Chalet currently in hiatus, your triple choices are Eagle Cap's 1165 or one of three Host models.

I have two dealers near me that will work on my Host but I expect little repairs if it is like the Arctic Fox we just sold.

[gregchambers]

Google "Lance Owners of America" where you will find invaluable information from end users of Lance products including myself. Considered by many as one of the best sites for RV owners in general and it has several folks who bought something else like a fifth wheel which Lance no longer offers but hang around because the site is so much better than any site for their product/owners. It will cost you $35 to access all of the site's features but a lot of good information and opinions are available for free.

[work2much]

That's a lot of downsizing. Have you toured both units? I think both manufacturers have a good reputation and produce quality units.

I would spend some time in each visualizing how you would use them for cooking, sleeping, sitting etc. I know if i ever buy another TC it will have to have better seating options than just a dinette.

By coincidence we are looking at purchasing a Grand Design 5th wheel TT (in addition to keeping a TC)