Lance Camper

[Bluhaven]

I have been thinking about buying a camper for some time now, just can never seem to find the money or justify buying one when we always need something else. Anyways, a friend at work is selling a 1999 Lance 1120 has everthing except the generator. He has only used it 3 times. Everything this guy does is first class, so I don't have to worry about anything being wrong with it, just wondering what kind of price would be right. He says he would like to get $13,000 out of it. Is that about right? Is there a way of checking used rv prices?

 

[dresslered]

The price sounds pretty good to me and the usage factor sounds even better. Do a quick web search as a lot of camper dealers have comps on their lots and see what they are asking. If you are serouosly considering buying one, install a good set of camper tie-downs on your truck in advance. Take the "candidate" on a quick test drive over the hills and around the turns. See how you you like the feel of it on your rig before you buy.

 

[Scooby]

That deal sounds pretty good especially considering the usage. Propane generators are expensive if you decide to add one later. Send me a private message and I'll give you the name and number of a dealer that has some excellent pricing on new Lance's (especially now since they are closing out 2002 models). The new prices are not far from that used price.



Don't forget that you'll need to make some mod's to the truck: Overload springs if you don't already have them, Airbags are highly recommended as well as Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. These two things can make a world of difference in the ride quality and safety. As far as tie-downs are concerned, Lance recommends the new Happy-Jack system, but a lot of other folks go with Tork-lift. Both serve the purpose well. Of course extended mirrors, and a class V receiver hitch with extension if you plan to tow any serious weight while having the slide in aboard. These can all add up to $$$!



I am picking up my Lance next week (a 1030 loaded to the hilt!) and can't wait... . although now I wish I had a dually like you do.

 

[RMH]

lance

be all over that like stink on a skunk

 

[Bhale]

IMHO Lance is far and away The truck camper to buy. We did a lot of research before buying ours and have no regrets. The build quality is top notch. Ours is 10'9" with the extended over cab bed so it has a queen size inner-spring mattres that runs front to back, not side to side, and that makes getting in and out a lot eaiser for those middle of the night potty runs. Loaded with everything except the generator, we paid ~$19k new in '96 (ordered it the same weekend as the truck). Lance has 3 levels of campers and ours was the most expensive. Your price doesn't seem like a bad deal at all. The airbags and 9000's are a must in my mind.

 

[DocStressor]

That price seems a little high for a 4 year old 1120. All the warantees on a 1999 will have run out even though the camper may be in perfect condition. Refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical repairs can be expensive. Everything the other guys are telling you about suspension mods is right on the money. You don't need a genset anymore. Put 2 - 75W solar panels on the roof and get yourself an inverter. Less money, no noise or maintenance. The generator box on the 1120 provides lots of useful storage.



We like our Lance a lot, even though it has structural damage to the frame. They are very well designed and fairly well constructed. IMO, Lance and Bigfoot are the best truck campers available.

 

[VicR]

Not sure how close it is to reality, but NADA guides has on online free lookup.



-Vic





http://www.nadaguides.com/

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Hate to say, I told you so, but....

Originally posted by Scooby

I am picking up my Lance next week (a 1030 loaded to the hilt!) and can't wait... . although now I wish I had a dually like you do.

I will second all what Scooby has said here ; If you like Nerf bars, then they will affect your choice/selection of compatible camper tie-downs, as David will no doubt advise; The 19. 5 tires & rims set-up is a big plus for stability too..... but then it's only money



Enjoy!!

 

[KMeek]

I am constantly surprised at what people pay for slide in truck campers. For that much money you could easily buy an excellent used 5th wheel. I am a former slide in truck camper owner and I would NEVER go back to driving a top heavy truck like that again. You feel like you are "lumbering" down the road. And, once you get to your destination you still have to lumber around!



I know nothing about the reasonableness of the price discussed--only that you can buy a lot more RV for the same amount of money if you buy a 5th wheel. I am not being critical--there are sound reasons not to but a 5th wheel, too.

 

[dresslered]

John-

Not saying a word.



KMeek-

I too am amazed how much the slide-ins cost in comparison to a comparably equiped travel trailer or fifth wheel. I really enjoy the places that I can go to with a slide-in that I would never attempt with a trailer. If the truck is set up correctly, they handle fairly reasonably as well. One big plus to having a slide-in, that people often forget about, is that there is no registration fees and the insurance was suprisingly cheap. It is true, if you are spending a great deal of time in your camper, the slide-in is definitely cramped. We tend to mainly just sleep in it.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Just like NASA, I need my space!!

Originally posted by dresslered

KMeek- I too am also amazed how much the slide-ins cost in comparison to a comparably equiped travel trailer or fifth wheel.

So very, very true, but over here in Europe, it seems like for the majority of the time, it's just like being EAST of the Mississippi, as far as road widths are concerned. When we go winter camping and snowboarding in the French Alps and the Austrian Tyrol, I have NO problem getting to campsites, but a 5th wheel set-up might find this a bit challenging.....



However, I am now considering a 5th wheel in the next year or so... . Just like NASA, I need my space!! to make things a little less cramped, but regardless, my son and I always have a great time.

 

[Scooby]

Originally posted by Lee Weber

You don't need a genset anymore. Put 2 - 75W solar panels on the roof and get yourself an inverter. Less money, no noise or maintenance. The generator box on the 1120 provides lots of useful storage.

Are you saying you can run a 13K BTU airconditioner and a microwave off 2 75W solar panels? Wow, that would be great!

 

[DocStressor]

You can't run the AC, but the microwave is fine with an inverter. As long as you don't run an appliance continuously, your ok. My group 31 battery is fully charged at the end of every day of dry camping, even under low light conditions. I run the lights until 11:00, the microwave for a couple of minutes for heating things up, the water pump, furnace in the winter, FanTastic Fan in the summer, etc. Never have had a low battery. I have heard that you can even run a VCR, TV, and a stereo (for a couple of hours) using just panels and an inverter. The limiting factor is battery capacity. Camping World had a recent article on this. You can actually fit 2- 100 W pannels on the top of a Lance for even more charging power.