Lance Camper

[Leon R]

We are currently looking for a 8ft to 8 1/2ft used slide in to use for short trips and weekends so that we can pull the toys behind on a trailer. There is currently a Squire by Lance model LS3000 8. 6ft made in 08/90 on an RV sales lot nearby and just want to know if anybody is familiar with those older Lances and anything we should be looking at in the way of problems. It appears to be in good condition and well looked after and their supposed bottom line is $5000. 00 cdn. thats about $3000. us From others we have looked at the prices is in the low end of the ball park. Let me know what you think.

 

[smartineau]

Leon,



I have been shopping for used campers, although I can't talk specifically about the Lance or that model, a few words of advice.



The camper is 12 1/2 years old so you REALLY need to look for signs of leaks and Dry-Rot (it has a wood frame correct?). Open every drawer and cabinet look for mildew and water damage. Take a walk on the roof look for damage and signs of repair work.



Lance is known for a quality camper but a leak will ruin any camper out there.



You can take it to an RV repair shop/dealer and have them inspect it. It will probably cost a few dollars (lots of those Canadian Loonies), but give you piece of mind and save you headaches down the road.



Steve

 

[Prairie Dog]

Open the upper cabinets and look for ANY signs of water infiltration. If you do see any, walk away.

A dealer should give you some kind of warranty on the systems, if not, make sure the fridge works before you buy - their big $$$ to fix.

 

[ANCIENT WOOD]

Make sure it will fit between the sides of a second gen. at the tailgate. Most older slide ins have to be modified to fit.

 

[Dane]

Leon,

Good advice about checking for leaks, I can see I'm not the only one who's been down that road Grab the jacks and wiggle em good to see if the wood underneath is soft. Also, take a wrench to the jack bolts and make sure they are tight and don't just spin. Check the roof to make sure no one's goofed and tried to wipe the vents and such off with a low ceiling



I would have them put a battery and plug it in so you can check all the systems - water heater, water pump, plumbing, lighting, furnace, gages, battery charger/power center, etc...

 

[L_Rutigliano]

I had a 1993 Lance Squire 4000 (9'-4"). Make sure everything works. Climb on the roof and make sure all of the roof vent lids are not cracked or broken. (people take slide-ins into very remote places and end up breaking plastic pieces due to tree branches). Make sure there is no dry-rot, especially in the areas where the jacks are mounted. Easy to do, try removing one of the jack attachment bolts and then reinstall, if it wont tighten back up, there is dry-rot. Most important in my opinion is backing up under it. Those Lance Squires have their gray water tanks mounted above the LH rear fender on the outside of the camper body. Our Dodge tailgate openings are narrower than the Fords or Chubbies. Backing up under the Lance with that exposed tank is, well lets say you really have to clinch your rear end (VERY STRESSFUL!!) because you have to keep the tailgate opening 1/4 to 1/2" away from the tank while making sure the bottom of the camper is between the wheel wells. The tank is plastic and its very wavy, so you're constantly making corrections to back under it. If you accidently bump it, well, again, its just very stressful. Get electric jacks!!! Best thing every invented for slide-ins. If you have a 4x4, the jacks may not be tall enough and you will have to make some blocks to put under the jacks. My 4x4 is @ 39. 5" tall at the bed surface. Hope this helps.

 

[jmtandem]

older camper, what to look for

Check for dry rot at the front of the camper on the sides. That is an area where dry rot can be prevalent. I have fixed dry rot on one of my campers and it can end up being a sizeable job. Otherwise enjoy it; the price is good.

 

[Leon R]

Thanks guys, went back yesterday and took a second look. It had hail damage on the roof, quite substantial dents and some on one side where the hail hit at an angle. The front leading edge metal had been replaced. There was also water/stain on the interior roof over the foot of the bed and one of the roof panels had been replaced with different material. The seat foam was also dead. It pays to go back and take a second look. We passed on it for now, although we did like the quality of the unit overall.

 

[jmtandem]

lance camper, etc.

Do yourself a favor, look at campers that will fit the truck at the tailgate width and cab height. Why modify something if you can find a camper that does not need to be modified. The cabs of most of the Ford and Dodge later model trucks are taller than previous models sometimes requiring the camper to be elevated on the rear of the truck.