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Quality of older Lance TC vs New

FireGuard
Explorer
Explorer
I’m in the market for a TC and really liked my 2005 Lance 981 and 04 1191.
I think the 981 is about as perfect as a TC can get. Not too big and not too small, not a lot of overhang, roomy with the large slide and large holding tanks.
Even finding one in great condition it’s still getting to be 10-12 yrs old.
I’ve seen the newer ones like the 995 or 975 but haven’t really looked at them that closely.
Has anyone had both or really compared the quality difference?
It seems like lately all RVs are suffering from build quality due to the high demand.
Also, a clean used 08 981 is a little more than half the price of a newer 995.
13Jeep Wrangler
07 Ragen 21FB
12 Yamaha Super Tenere
14 Suzuki DR 650
10 REPLIES 10

macdale4
Explorer
Explorer
We had a 98 Lance 945 and totaled it out. Bought a new AF in 2014 and sold it a year and a half later and bought a 97 Lance 945. I don't know about new Lances but I doubt that they are any different than the AF.
Dale & Eileen
1998 Lance 945 Legend
2011 Ford F-350, dually, 4 X 4

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
There are some new changes over the past few years including the molded cap up front. As long as you get a model that’s been produced for a while, I bet a new one will be fine.

From what I understand, they had problems with structure holding up for the first slide models, but I haven’t heard of similar issues with newer models.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

vern_kelly
Explorer
Explorer
Still camping in my 1998 Lance 5000 bought new. Was 18K out the door then loaded. Everything still working with minor repairs through the years. (they're considered minor after you fix em) I'm saving for new one though with a slide out and a new duel rear wheel truck.

Saw three other Lances from the late 90s on my last trip to California redwoods. Still lots of old ones on the road. Nothing lasts forever! Roads here in Califonie on tough on everything.

The Dodge is simply amazing and will be tough to let go.
1998 2500 Dodge V10 3.55 Quad cab. Lance 5000 camper 9'10" and tow 17.5 ft Larson Boat

specta
Explorer
Explorer
Kayteg1 wrote:

I think about 2005. thank you

My Las Vegas house was build in 1994 and owner/builder install about 40 phone jacks with huge switch board in it.
I was using cordless phones since 1986


That's funny. 🙂
Kenny
1996 Jayco 376FB Eagle Series TT
1997 Jayco 246FB Eagle Series TT
1976 Ford F-250 4wd Mercury Marauder 410 - 4V
Regular cabs. The best looking trucks.

Kayteg1
Explorer
Explorer
specta wrote:
When did Lance start using aluminum framing?

I think about 2005.
Another weird thing I noticed, even 2003 models have cabinet for mounting kinescope TV and are wired for telephones.
Some people catch technology longer?
My Las Vegas house was build in 1994 and owner/builder install about 40 phone jacks with huge switch board in it.
I was using cordless phones since 1986

specta
Explorer
Explorer
When did Lance start using aluminum framing?
Kenny
1996 Jayco 376FB Eagle Series TT
1997 Jayco 246FB Eagle Series TT
1976 Ford F-250 4wd Mercury Marauder 410 - 4V
Regular cabs. The best looking trucks.

Kayteg1
Explorer
Explorer
I did own 2002 Lance 1161 and when I liked the cabinetry finish, the structure was design by kinder-grader IMHO.
It was 1st generation of slides, where single slide was supported by 3/4x 2" of wood. It was hardwood, but still not much for holding couple thousands pounds of load.
Additionally the main corner of the design had no bracket, only some flashing with lot of staples.
Final result was not only the main beam bending badly, but corner separation, what I observed on lot of those TC.
To even more amusement, the slide had steel support and front vertical corned had steel angle as well.
Yet having them about 2" close to each other, Lance engineers never connected steel with steel, leaving the strength to flashing.
Once I reinforced both, it did serve me well.
Unique camper with side entry had lot of advantages.

silverbullet555
Explorer
Explorer
Though I have no real experience, I'd say the sweet spot is likely a few years after they went full aluminum frame after they had some experience in their bonding processes.

As always, condition and maintenance is key.
1995 Northland Grizzly 860. 2355 lbs of purple goodness! Sold
2005 Lance 845 - Baby Bertha
2007 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Classic CC SB 4WD
Torklift mounts
Torklift superhitch
Hellwig swaybar and 3500lb helper springs
2002 Cobalt 226 "Baby Blue"

specta
Explorer
Explorer
My Lance is 25 years old and I'm not about to buy a new one to find out if they are any better.

Sorry I can't help you. 😉
Kenny
1996 Jayco 376FB Eagle Series TT
1997 Jayco 246FB Eagle Series TT
1976 Ford F-250 4wd Mercury Marauder 410 - 4V
Regular cabs. The best looking trucks.

monkey44
Nomad
Nomad
FYI: About Lance ...

Bought a 2008 in 2008, New - and still camp in it. Made at least eight or nine trips with it cross country, and lots of shorter trips. Had minor fixable issues occasionally, but it's done us well on all our travels. Last C/C trip was 2019 - planning one for 2021 if we can get out on the road.

I believe older campers were higher build quality than many are today. It's a little beat up from wear and tear on the outside because we off-road and boondock a bit, but inside still looks new and we maintain it well.
Monkey44
Cape Cod Ma & Central Fla
Chevy 2500HD 4x4 DC-SB
2008 Lance 845
Back-country camping fanatic