Camper loading + unloading

How easy is it to load or unload a camper with the jacks?

The standard four ball-screw jacks at each corner of the camper are operated individually with an easy-to-operate hand crank. To remove the camper, remove the tie-downs, disengage the safety latch on each jack and the jacks easily extend to the ground without cranking. A few turns of the crank and the camper is standing on the jacks, off the bed of the truck. Just drive out from under the camper and crank the camper down to the ground. The jacks are designed to hold the camper without any additional support. Loading is done by reversing the procedure. The two provided jack handles allows for two people to accomplish loading and unloading quicker.

The optional electric jacks are operated with a remote control similar to a TV remote. Jacks can be raised or lowered individually or all at once with the push of a button. They are quick, convenient and reliable.

Camper sleeping accomodations

We're considering a truck camper but need to know if any model can sleep two adults and four children (ages six to 15)?

Most of our campers have the ability to sleep five or possibly six. If you were to sleep three people (two adults and possibly a small child) in the cabover you can have two sleep at the dinette bed and one more in the dinette overhead bunk bed. We’ve heard of some customers using the cab of the truck to sleep extra people if needed (they leave the pass through window into the cab of the truck open so some heat/air will get into the truck).

An optional awning or the fold-down back tent in the Lance 1191 can provide significantly more room for enclosed outdoor dining or sleeping.

Center of gravity 

What's center of gravity and how is it measured on campers?

The center of gravity (or "CG") is the balance point of a camper, from front to rear with standard equipment, full water and propane tanks and no options.

The posted center of gravity of a camper is determined by measuring from where the camper contacts the rear of the truck bed (taillights) measuring forward.

To find the center of gravity dimension, click on the model that interests you.

Cold weather camping

Can I use a Lance camper in wet winter weather and freezing cold?

Absolutely! Lance campers are widely recognized as the best-constructed campers available. They are well insulated, efficiently heated and can withstand severe environmental conditions. Ask your dealer about an optional All-Weather Package for added comfort.

All Lance campers are equipped with large forced-air furnaces with ducted heat to the bathroom. Some models also feature ducted heat to the cabover area, as shown in the illustration.  When an optional All-Weather Package is ordered, warm air is ducted to the holding tank enclosure to prevent freezing.

Lance has been awarded the Alaska-Tested-Tough designation by Alaska Magazine. 

Construction

How is the roof constructed and can you walk on it?

The roofs on all Lance campers are constructed to the highest standard. They are foam filled and completely laminated for strength and maximum protection from weather. The roof covering material is a single piece of marine grade thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). It's a long-life material that has excellent insulation qualities, resists cutting, easy to clean, does not streak or bleed color, is less slippery when wet, resists hail damage and overall an excellent premium roof material.

You can walk on any Lance roof without the fear of damage. And our exclusive rack system in conjunction with optional Yakima® rack systems allows for carrying equipment as large as kayaks on the roof.

What materials do you use for Lance camper frames and how are they assembled?

Computers play an important role in helping us build lightweight, extraordinarily strong structural components.

They assist in the design and then guide the tools that cut the wood and aluminum frame members that make up the structure.

Even the rigid foam insulation is precision-cut to fit every sidewall, roof and floor panel by a computer-guided piece of equipment.

These components are all transported on a conveyer to our Lamination Department where hot-melt urethane adhesive is applied. Interior and exterior panels and frames are assembled and fed into a laminating pinch-press to complete a secure bond.

In a matter of minutes, the cured adhesive creates a life-long bonded wall, floor or ceiling. They're again sent on a conveyer to large flat-bed computer-guided automated machine that cuts all the holes for windows and doors with great precision.

All this automated equipment insures the accuracy and consistency of every camper we build.

The floor, walls, front and back sections are sent to the Production Line where parts are assembled.

The aluminum-framed walls, wings, risers and other parts are joined together with our exclusive LanceLock™ interlocking aluminum extrusions that insure a precision fit and a secure bond.

The entire process is the most advanced in the industry – and is just another part of what makes Lance AmericaÕs favorite truck camper.Ê Ê

Frame-mount vs. bed-mount

Can you explain the difference between a frame-mount and a bed-mount method for securing the camper?

"Frame-mounts" include bars bolted to the truck frame extending out past the truck bed. The camper is attached to this bar with a chain and turnbuckle.

"Bed-mount" anchors have a steel plate between the cab and the bed of the truck. The front turnbuckles are spring loaded for shock absorption. The rear-mount attaches to the rear bumper of the truck with turnbuckles that mount to the eyebolts of the camper. This bed-mounted system is made by Happijac and is the only system we recommend. 

Optional features 

What's a DSI water heater and what is its advantage?

DSI stands for "Direct Spark Ignition." With a DSI water heater, you can turn the water heater on or off from the monitor panel inside the camper instead of from the outside water heater compartment. Temperature control is automatic. 

If I get the generator option, do I also have to get the generator-ready option?

No. If you order the generator you will not need to purchase the generator-ready option.

"Generator-ready" means that the factory has already installed all the pre-wiring necessary for you to hook-up a generator you've purchased later on. 

Safety

Can people ride in the camper?

Laws vary from state to state on this issue, but regardless of legality, it's not recommended because there are no seat belts in the camper – and in the case of an erratic move or impact, objects within the camper could cause injury. 

Can the camper be used while it’s off the truck?

Most definitely. It's one of the key advantages of a Lance camper.

Find a level area, unload the camper and lower it to the ground. If the ground isn't firm, it's advisable to place 8"x8" pieces of 1/2-inch-thick plywood under each camper jack pad.

Security + theft prevention

What provisions are there for security of a Lance camper set up at a remote campsite and left for few days?

Theft of a truck camper is rare. However, if someone wants something bad enough, they`re going to get it. We recommend that you insure your camper with your truck insurer. Never leave the camper unattended in the up position. Lower it to the ground and take the electric jack remote control with you (and/or the jack crank-handles). Use the battery disconnect switch or remove the positive battery cable.


Standard cab vs. extended cab

What are the advantages of a extended cabover bed?

The difference is only 12 inches between the extended cab and the regular cab. You gain more storage with the extended cab. It will help move the center of gravity forward (approximately three inches), and you sleep front to rear. The standard cab is a little lighter weight but you sleep sideways with less storage. (Please note that the standard cabover is not available on all models).  

Truck campers vs. other RVs 

Is downsizing from a motorhome to a truck and camper practical?

Over the years, we've received hundreds of letters from former motorhome owners who've purchased a Lance.

A Lance camper offers many of the features of a motorhome in a compact package that's easy to handle, economical and can be used anytime, anywhere. You can unload the camper and use the truck to go anywhere. Most who try it, love it. In addition, you can park just about anywhere you can park a car, and the truck and camper is well within most length restricted requirements.

Truck campers seem higher priced than a comparably equipped travel trailer. Why?

Truck campers must be built stronger because they don’t have a steel frame for support and are built to withstand off-road travel. Feature for feature, truck campers have more and usually better features and a roof strong enough to walk on. Truck campers are equipped with four corner jacks that add cost. The life span and resale value of a truck camper is much better than a travel trailer because of better construction.