What year did Lance increase the clearance height of the TT?

[Griz12]

Does anyone know what year Lance increased their clearance height of their travel trailer (TT) to 119" and why? The first years they built TT's their clearance height was 114" + or - an inch and now it is 119". The reason I am asking is I am looking for a Lance TT that fits in my RV storage area. It seems odd to me they would increase their clearance height which affects the aerodynamics of it.

Thanks,

Griz12

[WoodGlue]

Lance currently has 38% share of TC sales. And yes, Lance did take a huge hit during that recession. It was the mitigating factor why they decided to build TT's.

WoodGlue

[Eycom]

WoodGlue...

In 05, Lance came out with a new construction in their Max Series of TCs featuring a basement and full wall slide. Given the moniker of LanceLock, it incorporated a welded aluminum frame and interlocking aluminum assembly extrusions; a technique used in the manufacturing of it's TTs 4 years later.

Lance has been the 800lb. Gorilla in the TC market for many years with perhaps the largest network of dealers nationwide. A significant accomplishment after 40+ years. But, the TC is a niche market and based on manufacturing cost per square foot, it's quite expensive. I have no doubt that the Great Recession that began in 07 contributed to Lance's decision to expand their product line and subsequent customer base. Approximately 1 1/2 years later, Lance introduced it's new Ultralight Travel Trailers.

[WoodGlue]

Arizona Kid wrote:
I wonder if some of it is the height of the 2 different A/C's offered. Coleman Low Profile 9 vs Coleman 13.5.

I know the 9k is a Coleman-Mach Polar Cub.

WoodGlue

[Arizona_Kid]

I wonder if some of it is the height of the 2 different A/C's offered. Coleman Low Profile 9 vs Coleman 13.5.

[WoodGlue]

Good luck trying to find a pre-owned 2009-2010 Lance TT. It seems as if once people buy them, they usually hold onto them.

You can try looking at RVT.com

RVT.com

True, they have only been making TT's since 2009, but it was during that time period that they totally remade their way of building truck campers as well. Lance proves everything on their CAD software SolidWorks and then makes real size mock-ups to test and retest every aspect of the design. So, in my opinion, you aren't going to be a guinea pig of any kind. Lance put a 2 year warranty on their 2014 models which is a good thing too!

Sorry, I can't speak as to why they're 119" now.

WoodGlue

[Arizona_Kid]

Also remember a TT may sit a couple of inches lower in the front when hitched, so the rear would be higher.
I'm in the garage planning stages for a Lance TT, and going a foot taller than the trailer A/C height.

[Eycom]

If it was only a couple of inches, you could possibly air down to clear the overhead door and buy an air compressor, assuming there's inside space above the entry door. Then again, what would be the cost to raise the height of the entry door by 4, 5 or 6 inches to enable you to buy what you'd like to have.

Another thought is: I like Lance. I've owned one of their big truck campers for nearly 10 years. Good quality and the reason I know that is, I've spent over 2,300 nights in mine. Yes, you read that correctly. However, Lance has been building TTs for a short 4 years and I'm not one to volunteer for guinea pig duty during the first couple of years of production.

If quality is a concern, I'd recommend looking into RV Consumer Group and consider a membership. They rate RVs with regards to safety, economy, and reliability. Some folk don't place much stock in their ratings. Yet, a 20+ year history in the industry is indicative that many do. I found their info to not only be of significant value, but saved me a tremendous amount of time and expense in meeting my current needs. Their info is of particular significance when purchasing used, as all those new brochures have long flown off the shelf. There is a cost for membership that includes the information sought after. But, it pales in comparison to the overall investment you will make to enjoy the RV lifestyle.

[Goldstalker]

Griz12 wrote:

Eycom wrote:
The exterior height of the 2011 model year increased to 109" vs 107" the previous year. With a/c the numbers are 119" and 115" respectively. You can double check these numbers on the Lance Support page.

Thanks, that is what I need. It looks like if I want a Lance TT than I need to look for a 2009-2010 build year. Either that or figure out to reduce the overall height with A/C by 3" 😉

Griz12

Dig!

[Griz12]

Eycom wrote:
The exterior height of the 2011 model year increased to 109" vs 107" the previous year. With a/c the numbers are 119" and 115" respectively. You can double check these numbers on the Lance Support page.

Thanks, that is what I need. It looks like if I want a Lance TT than I need to look for a 2009-2010 build year. Either that or figure out how to reduce the overall height with A/C by 3" 😉

Griz12

[Eycom]

The exterior height of the 2011 model year increased to 109" vs 107" the previous year. With a/c the numbers are 119" and 115" respectively. You can double check these numbers on the Lance Support page.

[sbowman871]

Woodglue might be able to weigh in on this.