The 5th wheel is gone

[Mote]

A couple years ago we started talking about taking a big trip out West to Yellowstone. We knew we didn't want to have to pull the 5th wheel out there as we wanted the mobility to pull into whatever we want to see on a moments notice. I starting reading this section of the forum and got intrigued by the idea of a truck camper. We searched the local ads and ran across the Lance 1030 last fall.
This year we used the 5th wheel a few times and the truck camper a couple of times.
Next year is the big trip out West so we decided why not just sell the 5th wheel now and then use the Lance for all our camping. It's normally just the wife and I with our 21 year old daughter going along sometimes. The 5th wheel sold today, the cash is the in bank and they pick it up tomorrow.
Wish us luck with our new adventure as we solely use the Lance and start the planning for the trip to Yellowstone next June.

[Mote]

billtex wrote:

trail-explorer wrote:

Mote wrote:

Wish us luck with our new adventure as we solely use the Lance and start the planning for the trip to Yellowstone next June.

Start planning it NOW, if you intend to camp at some of the campgrounds in the park that accept reservations. Reservations fill up fast.

Some folks despise camping in the park, others swear by it, for reduced travel times when doing sightseeing.

We book a few nights in the various CG's around the park. This allows you to spend time in each area and minimize driving. Staying in the park is awesome. Having the TC with us at all time allowed us to get out early or stay late and mot worry about having a place to crash at night. There is no boondocking in the park so having a campsite already reserved was convenient.

Due to my wife having limited vacation time we will only two weeks for the trip this time. On our way out there we'd like to see the Black Hills of SD, then drive the Beartooth high on the way to Cody, Spend one day in Cody then five to six nights in Yellowstone. I was thinking a couple nights at Fishing BRidge, then then the other nights in less crowded campgrounds.

[davidaf]

We full-time and travel in the FW. We have the camper for those small spots/quick runs or when we simply don't want to think about anything except low bridges. It's sure nice to have the big 5er when I do want to just relax indoors. They both have their positives and negatives but I wouldn't trade either for a hotel room or tent!

[kohldad]

I did about the same thing five years ago. Wife and I kept looking this year at FW and neither want to go back to that style.

Even with the FW We seldom made reservations except today weekends. Exception would be we may call a couple days ahead to make one for places like Yellowstone. But we avoid the big parks during peak season. Yellowstone peak season is from weekend before July 4th through August.

You already know you will like it but will probably enjoy it even more since not feeling guilty about the FW sitting unused.

Happy travels.

[Reddog1]

Mote wrote:
Good to see there is another 96'r out there.
My truck has the factory camper package so I have the upper overloads and rear sway bar. I've added stable loads and Bilstein shocks. Once I pull the 5th wheel rails out of the bed I'll be able to lower the Lance down 2". Any other suggestions ?

There are several things that will/may influence how you set-up your truck. My experience is that there are major differences in the 2WD and 4WD 1996 vintage Dodges. Mine is a 2WD.

I have had my truck since 2001 and 175,000 miles. I frequently flat tow my Samurai. I carry a 4200 pound TC with no overload springs. I have had the same air bags (in cab controller), Helwig anti-sway bar, and Rancho shocks (in cab controller) since 2001. I did add one leaf to my spring pack, which was a mistake, too stiff without the TC loaded. I installed 245x19.5s about seven years ago. This made a major positive change in road manors. Due to my being a 2WD truck, I had to remove the front wheel well plastic liners. I also added Timbrin bumpstops in the front.

I too still have the 5th wheel rails. I see no reason to remove mine, considering I put 4"x4"s between my TC and truck bed. This allows me to reach over the sides on my truck bed with the TC loaded, gives me more cab to TC clearance for easier washing of the truck and TC.My truck/TC is 10'3" from the ground to its highest point, with the 4"x4"s. I have ran with my TC lower and as much as 4x4s on top of 2x6s, and can't say it changed the road manors enough for me to tell. I prefer the 4x4s due to aesthetics.

If you are not running the 19.5s, you might consider looking into them. They are an absolute must in my opinion. I tried no less than three sets of different 16-inch tires and wheels.

Wayne

[K_Mac]

We've had TT's, and C's, and now have our second TC. Wish I would have started with a TC, thought bigger was better. Like others have said we go to camp, not sit in our RV, and being able to stop on a moments notice is priceless. Good luck in your travels, and enjoy.

[hedge]

Same story here. I owned both for a couple years but found the TC easier so we got rid of the 5th. I sure like the ability to explore stress free.

[billtex]

trail-explorer wrote:

Mote wrote:

Wish us luck with our new adventure as we solely use the Lance and start the planning for the trip to Yellowstone next June.

Start planning it NOW, if you intend to camp at some of the campgrounds in the park that accept reservations. Reservations fill up fast.

Some folks despise camping in the park, others swear by it, for reduced travel times when doing sightseeing.

We book a few nights in the various CG's around the park. This allows you to spend time in each area and minimize driving. Staying in the park is awesome. Having the TC with us at all time allowed us to get out early or stay late and mot worry about having a place to crash at night. There is no boondocking in the park so having a campsite already reserved was convenient.

[trail-explorer]

Mote wrote:

Wish us luck with our new adventure as we solely use the Lance and start the planning for the trip to Yellowstone next June.

Start planning it NOW, if you intend to camp at some of the campgrounds in the park that accept reservations. Reservations fill up fast.

Some folks despise camping in the park, others swear by it, for reduced travel times when doing sightseeing.

[Mote]

Reddog1 wrote:
I too have a 1996 Dodge 2500. I have a 11.5-foot Bigfoot 1500 series. It does have a little bit of a learning curve to adapt to a TC, especially with three people. Some folks never adjust. Personally, I would not want to tour/sight-see with anything other than a TC.

Probably the toughest part is setting up the truck suspension for your comfort level in driving.

Wayne

Good to see there is another 96'r out there.
My truck has the factory camper package so I have the upper overloads and rear sway bar. I've added stable loads and Bilstein shocks. Once I pull the 5th wheel rails out of the bed I'll be able to lower the Lance down 2". Any other suggestions ?

[Tripalot]

We owned a 2000 Lance 1030 for 7 years and really enjoyed the convenience of it.
After doing a lot of traveling, we wanted to sit a bit more and become Snowbirds. We sold it and moved up to a Class A - it was OK, but we missed our Lance. Now we have compromised and have a B+ (or small C, whatever you prefer). It has a murphy bed, so this gives us more room than the TC did and less room than the A, but more maneuverability. It is small enough we do not need a tow car, but can take one along depending on the trip. It is working out well for us.

I hope you enjoy your 1030 as much as we did. It is a great floor plan.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I just sold my 28' Class C and bought a TC; but must confess to still owning a 28' 5er for our once-a-year Bask In Florida. I'm pretty excited about going places with the TC that I could never go with either of the other RVs!

[Reddog1]

I too have a 1996 Dodge 2500. I have a 11.5-foot Bigfoot 1500 series. It does have a little bit of a learning curve to adapt to a TC, especially with three people. Some folks never adjust. Personally, I would not want to tour/sight-see with anything other than a TC.

Probably the toughest part is setting up the truck suspension for your comfort level in driving.

Wayne

[nomadictxn]

That 1030 is a nice camper. We almost bought one like it. I ended up with a 9 and a half foot 480. You will have a less stressful trip if you get your truck set up right for the weight. Never mind not having to lug that 5er around. Just got back from a 1 week trip in ours. Hit every pullout on the Mountain passes to look at all the neat things. Very little of that in a TT or a 5er. You will be happy you made the switch!

[korbe]

Victory402 wrote:
For us, we go camping to camp, not sit around inside an rv watching TV. This is why truck campers are so great. I do hope you enjoy your TC and future adventures.

We enjoy camping in the great outdoors too. Don't have a TV in the rig either.