Shopping for our next TC....Lance is our only experience

[meleavingsoon]

Hello everyone,

We sold our 5th wheel and are shopping for a TC and would like to expand our knowledge.

Several years ago we owned a 2000 Lance 11'6" model 11?? (can't remember model exactly) and loved it. No slides but that was ok...maybe this one we will look for a slideout.

We want this next one to be the 11'6" or similar....we have a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. Looking to buy used but not stuck on the Lance brand specific. Just hoping to hear from you guys as to manufacturers that build at least as nice of a product.

Also looking for any advice on sources for where to look...Ebay, CL, RVT, ???

Thanks!
Phil

[lincolnmatthews]

In my previous post I mentioned that we have been very happy so far with our Lance's (3) but after just reading on the Lance Forum I would be a little concerned about buying a new Lance. These poor folks have had nothing but problems with there new 995, (leaks, blown fuses, remote issues). And there selling dealer has basically told them to "get bent", so there getting some satisfaction from another dealer.
Seems like after Lance sold there's quality issues, its sad to see this happen.I know this can just be one off unit with issues but doesn't appear to be the case. Again we love our Lance, but apparently the quality has gone away. I would be looking for an excellent used one about 2 years old that has been stored indoors. Anyway good luck in your search, also I might add that its important to find a good dealer. We bought ours from Hills in Yakima and couldn't have been happier (they have an excellent rep)

[meleavingsoon]

trail-explorer wrote:
Is your truck a dually or single rear wheel?

That will play a big part in picking the right camper for your truck.

It is a dually with the cummins 5.9...I just have had the time yet to get the tie downs ordered and installed.

[meleavingsoon]

zcookiemonstar wrote:
I guess the one you wanted someone to pick up for you in Minnesota didn't work out.

Correct...I had worked out a deal with a man in MN to purchase his...he promised to hold it until I could find transportation...but another person drove up with $$$ in hand so he bailed on me.

[lincolnmatthews]

I ordered an 014 Lance 1050S we loved it but lost it to a shop fire. Soon found an 014 Lance 1081 wonderful floor plan! heavy but we have an older Dodge 1-ton dually so it hauls it fine. Other than the Schwintek slide mechanisms that has performed well so far, we love the Lance quality,finish etc. This is our 3rd Lance & would buy another, (although I can't say that I like there new floor plans)anyway good luck!

[trail-explorer]

Is your truck a dually or single rear wheel?

That will play a big part in picking the right camper for your truck.

[jimh406]

It all depends on the particular unit. I’d look at Host, S&S, Arctic Fox, Adventurer, Citation, Bigfoot, and Northern Lite.

Since you don’t have a truck, I’d probably look for a Class C.

[zcookiemonstar]

I guess the one you wanted someone to pick up for you in Minnesota didn't work out.

[SidecarFlip]

From my view, Lance isn't a bad date really. I had one a few years back and sold it. It gave my wife and I excellent service even though it was a tad heavy.

With the change in ownership, I have no idea if they are good or not so good but mine was an excellent TC.

Lots of good ones out there and some not so good.

If it was me, I'd look at various brands and floorplans and then decide what you want and what your wallet can bear.

[meleavingsoon]

Thanks guys...I will keep up the search.

[threeaces]

For what it's worth, I was a Lance owner.....soon to be Arctic Fox owner as I have an AF 811 on order. Both brands are nice but with my recent research Arctic Fox was a better overall deal. Quality camper for Northwest camping at a good price. Best value in my opinion.

Just keep an eye on the adds....Craiglist, RV Trader, etc. You will know when the right one pops up.

[Kayteg1]

Under 10k with slide will put you into early 2000's models.
This forum doesn't allow linking sale adds, but check RV trader for the camper who got huge discount. Be ready to travel some distance.
I've seen few campers and like Lance not only for good floorplan, but also for nice cabinets and perfect locks. Read some reviews that newer Lance has cheaper locks, so can't take anything for granted. If you can deal with the structural weak point, the $7000 Lance at this point is the best value IMHO.

[meleavingsoon]

Kayteg1 wrote:
What's your budget and how much remodeling you can consider?
I like Lance 1161 design and single slide makes it for us, but they had weak point under the slide.
Newer models offer basement, what is nice for the interior, but raise the total height and total weight.
Lot of variables to consider.
Have fun shopping around. Now seems is good time to shop for TC as one of the dealers dropped the price on used Lance by 50%

I found one of the #1161 models and do like the layout and side entrance door. As for a budget I think I would like to stay under $10k. Personally I don't mind doing some work to a good candidate. The first TC we purchased needed some water damage repaired, but I only paid $4,000 for it and it gave us the opportunity to experiment with one.

[lhenry8113]

Take a look at Northwood Mfg.--Arctic Fox. Been in business a long time making T.C.

http://northwoodmfg.com/

[Kayteg1]

What's your budget and how much remodeling you can consider?
I like Lance 1161 design and single slide makes it for us, but they had weak point under the slide.
Newer models offer basement, what is nice for the interior, but raise the total height and total weight.
Lot of variables to consider.
Have fun shopping around. Now seems is good time to shop for TC as one of the dealers dropped the price on used Lance by 50%