Which of these two truck campers should I buy and why??

[jefffoxsr]

We are not going to get the motorhome we were considering.

This truck camper will not be used in winter weather and will be used about 30 days per year.

2013 New Lance 855S or 2014 new Palomino Maverick M-2902.

They have the exact same Floor Plan.

"Out the door" prices are the following which include straps and sales taxes.

Lance = $ $33,665 (MSRP $35,750)

Palomino = $22,200 (MSRP $25,999)

I have never owned a truck camper before and I figure the Lance construction and other things must be better than the Palomino but the question is whether the Lance is "truly" $11,000 better than the Palomino unit. That's 50% more cost.

First, if you could tell me why the Lance is better that would be helpful.

Second, if you could help me determine what "specific" items make the Lance better that would be helpful.

Third, if you could help us to substantiate why those "specific" items are "in reality" worth $11,000 hard earned dollars that would be greatly appreciated.

Value can be a subjective issue but $11,000 is a lot of money for better construction materials, and etc.

If there are "specific" items that one could put a cost on, for example, when you buy a car like adding a sunroof, dvd player, or stuff like that where there is a real determinable value for those "specific" items then it could be easier to substantiate the extra cost of a unit when compared to a similar unit.

Also, those extra items can "actually be used and enjoyed" which helps when determining differences in costs between two similar units.

It's just too easy to say, "Lance is the best and so are their construction materials so go ahead and do it." However, I am not willing to spend the extra $11,000 on that statement alone without some real substantiation of the extra value to justify the huge extra expenditure.

So I appreciate your response on this question and situation based on how it has been described herein.

I hope the totality of this particular thread, including the informative responses you make, will be used in years to come to help others with similar decisions.

Thank you very much and have a great day.

[1stgenfarmboy]

If they both look like they would suit your need then the lightest weight would count for double points on my pro/con list.

after having two TC's on opposite ends of the scale, our wants and needs have changed drastically.

sounds like you will be using your camper about the same as we do, give or take a couple weeks, the bathroom is a lot lower on the list than it used to be, as long as it has a potty and a shower were good, holding tank size is pretty important as we boondock a lot, a nice sized fridge/freezer is a must, and a comfy bed.


we spend a the majority of our time doing things outside anyhow.


we have a very nice 03 Lance/slide, and don't get me wrong we like it, but could be just as happy with smaller, more basic, and lighter.

[kerry4951]

I looked at both 3 years ago when I was trying to do my homework. The Palomino did not impress me. I was willing to spend decent money to get a well built TC with good fit and finish. I had previous RVs so I was in a postition to kinda know what to look for. I wanted this purchase to last me for years with the least amount of issues and problems, and I wanted something as well constructed as I could get. The Lance TC was much better built, but as you said it was more money. When you buy quality you will pay for it. I was leaning seriously towards the Lance, thats until I expanded my search I stepped into the Arctic Fox 1140. The rest is history.

[garryk6]

Since you are not new to RV's, you can tell what looks well made and what does not. You could also check a used unit out and see if there has been leaks or damage.

And since you are looking at using your existing Chevy 2500, weight is your enemy. As others have said, you can beef up the 2500, but it will cost.

As others have mentioned, try finding a decent used one that you can try it out. That will be a lot easier to stomach, if you find out that something doesn't work for you. There seem to be a fair number of older TC's on Craigslist, as well as tie-downs etc. maybe try that route and see if it works or not.

Good Luck!
Garry

[wintersun]

According to Palomino the weight for the 2910 is 3140 lbs. which may not include the battery and other items. That is 500 lbs. heavier than the Lance and likely do to their using less expensive but heavier materials in the camper's construction. That is 500 lbs. less stuff you can carry and not a camper I would be thinking about putting on a 3/4 ton truck without a lot of modifications to the springs, shocks, tires, and adding a rear anti-sway bar.

For winter camping I would want two batteries, which is an option for the 855S, and I would have the factory install the 95 Watt solar panel as it is likely to be all that is needed and easier than doing it yourself and trying to determine where it is safe to drill the mounting holes (any leaks can cause damage that is expensive to repair). Also the thermopane windows are a must have item. I would not bother with the factory microwave as they are less well built than what you can pick up for $50 at Home Depot or Best Buy and leave it at home when you are not around 110v AC so as to have more storage space for food.

Insulation will be important to avoid having the water lines freezing up and not being able to run the pump. We have the "4-season" version of the 845 which was the predecessor to the 855 and this has been a minor problem with extended stays in subfreezing weather. I would hope that this is better in the 855 models.

Be sure you have all the "extras" added into the price tag as "options" like electric jacks are not something I would want to do without. A luggage carrier is best done at the factory as they know where to safely drill the mounting holes.

Going into the winter no dealer is going to want a 2013 model year camper sitting on their lot and having to pay flooring for it for another 6 months. This is the time to deal and I would start with the base price and get a break on that and then another deeper discount on the "extras" which as options are grossly overpriced and where Lance and their dealers make a great deal of profit.

Consider that the model 845 that preceeded the 855 sold for $12K in 2001 and by 2008 was selling for $18K (out the door with options), and the 855 came out in 2010 at a $24,000 base price. We bought a very lightly used 2008 845 for $13K which included having the dealer add a new 9.3K btu AC unit. Other than having only one battery the 845 provides us all the functionality of the 855. Would we pay an additional $23,000 for a new 855S with the slideout - not a chance.

[billtex]

Go look at the Lance and then look at the Palamino and let us know which one you prefer.

IIWY; being your first TC I would look for something (decent)used and see what you like/dislike about it.
TC's are kind of unique...you may love it...or you may find TC's are not for you.

A Friend put it this way; with TC'ers it's all about the destination. With 5'ers/MoHo/TT's it's all about the camper.

TC'ers for the most parts are out on adventures...travelling...they really are a tool that allows you to have a flexible home base to support your hobbies.

Folks that like to sit around in their RV...may not find a TC suitable...

Good luck, ask away, and keep us posted,
Bill

[mkirsch]

jefffoxsr wrote:
It's just too easy to say, "Lance is the best and so are their construction materials so go ahead and do it." However, I am not willing to spend the extra $11,000 on that statement alone without some real substantiation of the extra value to justify the huge extra expenditure.

Looking at the two units, you should be able to substantiate the extra value yourself.

If you can't tell the difference, then save the money and buy the Palomino.

If you haven't looked at one unit, the other, or both, you've got no business even considering a decision.

[SS_Sean]

The wife and I just went through this decision making process. We walked through some campers (didn't see a Palomino) The Lance construction is really nice, and the price is right. I was very impressed with the quality/price.

You might want to consider a used unit. A lot of campers out there are a couple years old, have hardly been used or not used at all, and are being sold for half of what they cost new. You're not paying the 'new car' mark-up, and depreciation. That would let you know whether it was going to work for your family.

Just a thought.

[WoodGlue]

The Lance is a better product in my opinion. I was in a couple of Palominos last year in Florida and was underwhelmed by the flimsy interior construction. So that led me to believe that what's flimsy on the interior would also carry over into the construction.

Take a look at the Lance Factory Tour in this video and see why Lance costs a bit more. Azdel in the sidewalls, LitePly Plywood, 4 Seasons Package, etc etc!

Lance Factory Tour

You could start with a late model used Lance (2012,2013) to make sure that you like the TC lifestyle.

WoodGlue

[rlb8s]

kohldad wrote:
Think you would do much better to buy a used Lance several years old for the price of the Palomino. Especially since you aren't sure if you will like the TC. Will greatly reduce your loss if you don't like it.

concur. Private message sent.

[wcjeep]

When we looked a few years ago the Palomino fell short on quality. The cabinets were flimsy. The bathroom door had weird gaps on top and bottom. There was still sawdust from construction throughout the unit. It felt very wobbly on the jacks. It looked and felt cheap. The dealer had three. They all looked the same. For us, it came down to Lance or Arctic Fox. The Lance had a folding door for the bathroom. The Arctic Fox had better materials. Wife decided on the Arctic Fox. I would've preferred an S&S. They didn't make a slide unit to fit our truck.

[jefffoxsr]

Thanks for all the great information and experience. I will continue my research and consider all the of factors mentioned. Thank you for the time too.

[Joe417]

Jeff,
I recently made my decisions. I had a Palomino 8801 which was too small for us but I really like the construction (frame)as I had done some major water damage repairs. During the repairs, I found a few issues that bothered me a small bit, one of which was with the roof opened up there were two places where the block foam insulation had a 2" gap with no insulation. The unit was built by the previous company management, so I could let that attention to detail slide a little.

Looking at the 2013 Palomino 2902 and a couple of others, I visited the factory in Michigan. I witnessed less attention to detail there so I kept driving.

Looking at the Lance and Arctic Fox, chose the AF because the interior felt larger and my wife didn't like the step down inside at the door. I think it feels larger because the frig is on the slide and the AF has the extra step outside giving just a little more floor space. I picked up a 2005 AF990 very reasonable. I always try to go with a use unit before making the decision to spend the big buck.

With the 2500 truck you will need to update your rear tires (LT287/75-16's with 126 load range) and possibly add extra load support. I'm adding AirLift 5000# air bags for extra stabilization. I picked mine up and hauled it 250 miles with GM stock suspension and it felt very stable, and although it leveled the truck, it wasn't on the bump stops. The sticker on the camper said it weighs 3200# with water and gas. New AF brochure said 3560# empty. With the Gen and AC the actual weight was close to 4000#. The 990 is similar to the AF 811. The lance 855S and AF 811 are slightly less weight than the 990.

There is a good article on TCM on the 855S and Gordon White's new 3500 SRW.

Good luck with your camper search.

[Bedlam]

Open up cabinets and storage area and compare the various brands on how well they are constructed and how accurately and cleanly the tradesmen assembled them. Look at the plumbing fixtures and door hardware between brands - Which ones are solid and have positive engagement? Since you have owned RV's in the past, you know what you do and don't like about your previous rigs - Do these TC's meet your expectations?

We went from an 11,000 lb bumper pull toy hauler to our 4000 lb TC with 7000 lb enclosed trailer. It can be done with a 3/4t truck, but expect to spend $2000 in tires and rims and $1000 in suspension upgrades in addition to the tie down and hitch costs. We were able to keep our existing truck instead of having to sell the entire setup and start over. If you have doubts about your truck, start with a DRW platform and you will have more options and less upgrade costs.

[run100]

Although it's difficult to tell by the pictures, it sure looks like the dinette on the Palimino is very narrow, with very little leg room under the table. This could be an issue when sitting across from someone, or when somebody is sleeping on the dinette bed. The Lance dinette is very spacious.

We are on our second Lance camper - a 2013 855S. We looked at several other brands during our research phase, but were still sold on Lance's quality and commitment to continually improving their product. Sure price plays a part, but I think it's wise to get the product that best fits your needs and meets your quality standards (within one's budget).. Side note: I never consider resale value, because I figure I could be dead by the time it's ready to sell. Enjoy the present!

Have you considered visiting both factories?