An RV Company That Has Been Redesigning Their Older Models And Bringing Innovation To The RV Industry
Back in the recession of 2008 and 2009, Lance Camper didn’t sit on their hands, hoping the economy- and RV sales- would pick back up. Instead, the Lance management and engineering team took full advantage of the economic slow-down, and pushed forward on all fronts.
Their factory in Lancaster, California is open for tours, and upon entering, you will discover a warehouse buzzing with cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art materials, and innovation. The have completely integrated their 3D Solidworks design process to take full-advantage of a growing fleet of CNC machines.
Lance has been busy redesigning their older models, specifically the wood-framed campers they have been building since 1965.
“It’s the end of an era. Wood framing has served its time, and now we’re off to something better,” Gary Conley, National Sales Manager for Lance Campers said.
The new models are 100 percent aluminum-framed and fully-laminated panels (Lamilux fiberglass, Azdel composite, and closed cell foam insulation) These exceptionally strong and lightweight panels are CNC cut-outs from their sidewall construction process. It is also lighter and has exceptional insulation properties saving on heating and air conditioning needs. Lite-ply™ not only makes for superior woodwork, it has farmed from renewable resources to avoid deforestation. In addition, let’s not forget about the enclosed and heated holding tanks to available solar panels and on-board LP generators.
“The more our customer understands about our materials, design and manufacturing process, the more they appreciate the value found in Lance products,” Bob Rogers, director of marketing for Lance Camper said.
There are 11 Lance floor plan models to choose from, and with the advent of solar power and LP powered generators, Truck Campers have the flexibility to go “off the grid” for days at a time, allowing exploration not feasible with more traditional RV’s. These Truck Campers can take the driver to secret fishing spot down a dirt road, on a desert highway or to a favorite camp site on BLM land.
Lance Truck Campers range from 7’ to 12’ in length, accommodating most any model pickup trucks on the road today.
“As a professional bass angler, I make my living traveling across the country in my Lance truck camper. I spend over 200 days a year in my camper. Lance campers have always been the leader in innovation, quality and resale,” said Brett Hite a professional bass angler , who owns a Lance 855S. “My Lance allows me to have a place I call home no matter where the tournament trail takes me. “
However, the older models still hold up, according to Mike Spence of Thorton, West Virginia.
“I own a 2008 short bed Lance truck camper and we use it an average of 170 days per year. It’s been on the road in excess of 150,000 miles,” Spence said. “Everyone comments on how good the unit looks. Right now we’re trying to decide which new Lance unit to buy.”
Beginning in 2009, Lance began producing a series of travel trailers , which includes the model Travel Trailer and toy haulers. These trailers built by Lance are solid and sturdy and can take as much abuse as the truck campers. Take for instance the chassis- it’s made from lightweight tempered steel that is then powder coated for corrosion resistance and protection from chips and road debris. Its Huck-bolted construction makes it sturdy and also keeps corrosion at bay.
The heavy-duty, rubber torsion-bar suspension axles feature EZ-lube bearings that are practically maintenance free. The completely self-contained axle and suspension design offers an extremely smooth and stable ride over just about any road surface.
The Lance 2185 is a good value for those interested in a lightweight towable that can be pulled by a half-ton pickup truck or highly maneuverable SUV like many already have available in family driveways .
The Lance Camper has been around for more than half a century and even though they have added travel trailers and streamlined the inside as well as the outside, the old-school style truck camper is still one of the most convenient and modern ways to explore the highways and back
Candice Reed
A graduate of Kelsey-Jenny College in Communications as well as a certified grant writer, Candice has written for The Los Angeles Times & The New York Times. She loves entertaining and all things French.
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Lance Camper, building America's most popular truck campers since 1965. Lance continues to learn from its dealers and from every single customer who provides ongoing feedback for improvement and new product design.