If you can believe the self-promotion on Lance’s website, this company makes the highest quality and most innovative ultra-light travel trailers available on the market today. But are Lance travel trailers really as high quality as their advertisements claim?
They are, without a doubt, extremely high-quality travel trailers. Whether or not that means Lance makes the travel trailer that’s right for you is another matter. These travel trailers are definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for a travel trailer that is well-made and no-nonsense with its available layouts and options.
The travel trailer’s weight (and making sure trailers are properly matched to tow vehicles) is really important to Lance. This means that instead of wading through various lines of trailers with a myriad of names and customizable options, you can search their travel trailers by tow rating.
Everything about this company is designed to be straightforward and functional. Read on to learn a little more about this brand and whether their line of travel trailers fits what you’re looking for on your next weekend outing.
All About the Company
Lance was established in 1965 and began its business making truck campers, but they didn’t start manufacturing travel trailers until 2009. In 2018, the company was sold to REV Group which makes a wide variety of specialty vehicles like buses, ambulances, and fire trucks.
REV Group also owns several other RV companies, including American Coach, Fleetwood Enterprises, and Holiday Rambler, all of whom make some well-known Class A motorhomes.
Based out of California, Lance’s company philosophy is that “quality comes first.” Of course, that goes along well with California’s reputation for having the most stringent laws in the US about building safe products.
Lance takes that a step further. Its 141,000 square foot, 22-acre campus is committed to green construction, using state-of-the-art processes to conserve energy while using high-quality materials to create an innovative product.
Among Lance’s distinctive manufacturing processes are the following:
- Eco-friendly construction. Being eco-friendly means that the manufacturing facility itself uses energy-saving features like large skylights and metered lighting fixtures to reduce energy use. But it also means that the products Lance produces are created using renewable resources and are completely free of toxic substances like formaldehyde or mercury.
- Azdel. Lance uses Azdel, a composite panel used as an alternative to plywood in construction. Other manufacturers (like Winnebago, Gulfstream, and Coachmen) also use this in some of their products for its great features. Azdel is rot-, mold-, and water-resistant, 50% lighter than wood yet twice as strong, three times more insulating than wood, a great sound barrier, and temperature and humidity change tolerant.
- LanceLock. LanceLock is Lance’s patented system of joining the exterior panels of their RVs. This method uses a system of interlocking aluminum extrusions to connect the pieces of the trailer like a puzzle. This aluminum skeleton makes these RVs both incredibly strong and lightweight. In addition, Lance uses corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners to hold together the layers of its travel trailers, ensuring that everything stays in place for years to come.
- Euro-Lite. Euro-Lite, also called Lite-Ply, is the highlight of Lance’s interior construction. Imported from Europe, this form of plywood is made from poplar. This panel is five layers thick and laminated while still being lighter than traditional wooden or plywood cabinetry. The strength of this material also means that this material can be cut to use mortise and tenon joints, preserving the durability, strength, and beauty of the wood.
- 3D CAD Engineering and CNC machines. Precision is integral to Lance’s process, so it uses advanced 3D CAD software to design and model its products in three dimensions. The pieces of each unit are then rendered using CNC machines. These CNC machines (CNC stands for “computer numerical control”) use the 3D CAD design information to cut materials with error-free accuracy so that each piece perfectly fits the next.
Lance is also proud to be an award-winning company. Since Lance began making travel trailers, the RVDA (the National RV Dealers Association) has awarded Lance its Quality Circle award (given to RV manufacturers that get the highest rating in the Dealer Satisfaction Index survey) eight times.
Lance has also received top ratings from Consumer Digest for their entire line of RVs, and has been rated “Best in Owner Satisfaction.” Part of its success may be the emphasis Lance places on ensuring that its RV dealers are trained in both use and education to be a valuable customer resource.
These incredible travel trailers are backed by the company’s one-year limited warranty and a two-year structural warranty. The structural warranty covers the travel trailer’s sidewalls, roof, floor, front wall, rear wall, and chassis, and full warranty information can be found in detail on Lance Camper’s website.
Top Features
Lance’s travel trailer models are broken into categories according to tow rating, so we’ve listed the individual models below in those same tow categories.
While there are a limited number of models within those categories, Lance also offers custom builds of their truck campers, travel trailers, and toy haulers so that you can choose exactly the features you want.
For easy access, we’ve broken down the specs for each model below so that you find at a glance which models most interest you. Every model in Lance’s travel trailer line has an interior height of 78″ and most have an exterior width of just over 96″.
7,000 lb Tow Rating Models
2465
Exterior Length: 29’5″
Gross Dry Weight: 5,675 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,625 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 5
The 2465 is Lance’s ultra-light flagship model and the longest in their travel trailer line and features dual road-side super slides to enlarge the front living room and rear master suite.
This model includes a standard king-sized bed and includes options for a 170-watt solar panel, fireplace, and a 40-inch TV with power lift in the bedroom.
2375
Exterior Length: 28′
Gross Dry Weight: 5,030 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,970 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4-5
This model is available with the rear J-lounge option. This means you can choose between the comfy rocker chairs or the convertible J sofa which also increases this trailer’s sleeping capacity.
This model has received both Gold and Silver awards from Trailer Life’s “Reader’s Choice” awards and was also named “Best of Show at the 2016 Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s National RV Trade Show.
The master suite in this trailer comes standard with a queen-size pillow-top innerspring mattress, and the bathroom features LED vanity lighting over the medicine cabinet.
2295
Exterior Length: 27′
Gross Dry Weight: 4,840 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,560 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4
The living area in the 2295 model is extra-roomy with a super-slide dinette. But the attention-grabber in this living space is the entertainment center’s 32-inch LCD LED TV that rotated from the living area to the bedroom that holds a queen-sized Serta mattress.
This is a rear bathroom model with the bathroom running the entire width of the trailer. This means that there’s a full shower with an extendable shower rod as well as a large wardrobe with hanging space and drawers.
2285
Exterior Length: 27′
Gross Dry Weight: 4,930 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,470 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Lance’s 2285 model is a dual-entry layout. One door opens into the living space, giving access to the sofa (which converts to a full-size bed), super-slide dinette, and kitchen.
The second door leads directly into the private bedroom with a walk-around queen-size bed and easy access to the bathroom.
6,000 lb Tow Rating Models
2185
Exterior Length: 25’8″
Gross Dry Weight: 4,565 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,435 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 7
The only model in this tow rating, the 2185 innovates the sleeping space. The walk-around queen-size bed can also be ordered as a convertible sofa bed to open up the living space.
The rear wall holds triple bunk beds that can be reconfigured as a garage to park bikes, hold camping supplies, or simply as additional storage.
5,000 lb Tow Rating Models
1995
Exterior Length: 23’8″
Gross Dry Weight: 4,265 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,435 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4
This model includes a queen-sized walk-around bed, dual wardrobes with hanging storage, and a bathroom with a corner shower.
The 1995 also has a super-slide u-shaped dinette and a large kitchen counter. An additional hanging wardrobe is located by the entry door for easy access.
1985
Exterior Length: 23’3″
Gross Dry Weight: 4,245 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,455 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4
If the bathroom of the 1995 model is too cramped, check out the 1985’s bathroom space. This model has a rear bathroom that runs the width of the trailer (similar to the 2295 model).
Other standard features include the adjustable slide bar showerhead assembly, porcelain foot-pedal marine toilet, and residential undermount oval sink with a high-rise faucet.
1685
Exterior Length: 21′
Gross Dry Weight: 3,980 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,520 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 5
The 1685 model is a pared-down version of 1995. The biggest difference between the two is that the forward queen-sized bed isn’t a walk-around.
But this model does have the super-slide dinette, a larger kitchen counter, and a complete dry bath.
3,700 lb Tow Rating Models
These models are the shortest and narrowest of the Lance travel trailers, and while they retain an interior height of 78″, the exterior width of these models is just over 84″, a full foot narrower than Lance’s models with a higher tow rating.
1575
Exterior Length: 20’5″
Gross Dry Weight: 2,775 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 925 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 4
This model might surprise you because even at it’s low tow weight, it still comes with the super-slide dinette. Large windows and skylights also give the interior a more spacious feeling than you’d expect.
Standard options on this trailer include a stainless steel 3-burner range with cover and backsplash, radius acrylic tinted thermopane Euro windows, and decorative LED lighting in the slide-out ceiling.
1475
Exterior Length: 19’8″
Gross Dry Weight: 2,600 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,100 lbs
Sleeping Capacity: 2-3
The smallest, most economical of Lance’s travel trailers, the 1475 model ditches the dinette altogether. Ideal for those who prefer eating al fresco, this trailer opts for two cushy swivel chairs with a small table between them.
This model is also available with a sofa bed slide-out option that includes kick-out footrests and two swivel tables.
Customer Opinions
Now that you have an idea about the models available from Lance, it may help to see what Lance’s customers think about the travel trailers from this eco-friendly, conscientious company.
Pros and Cons
Lance has a great reputation for high-quality construction, and customers seem to be generally happy with their purchases.
Lance is not one of the cheapest travel trailer manufacturers on the market, but the increase in price correlates directly with the quality of materials used and the long-term value of the investment.
Raves
Some of the top raves about Lance travel trailers are about the vast amount of interior storage throughout the trailers. Customers also appreciate the comfortable beds inside that eliminate the need for minor upgrades like foam toppers.
Customers also find the kitchens to be on the small side but simultaneously well laid out and useful. Another favorite is the bathrooms which are especially roomy when compared to other brands of travel trailers of similar size.
Customers appreciate having full access to the travel trailer interior when the slide-out is in and find that Lance’s travel trailers are good quality and extremely easy to tow.
We also found a lot of fans of Lance’s optional features, including the four-season option and off-grid capabilities like solar panels.
The four-season option combines with standard features like dual-pane windows and advanced ducted heating to include water heater bypass and winterizing valve, insulated hatch covers, heated tanks, and an insulated bed pad.
This helps ensure that your Lance travel trailer is protected from weather extremes whether you’re on the road, camping, or in storage.
Rants
The main concern of many customers was a sometimes slow response by Lance to get warranty work approved and completed.
Some were frustrated by the need for photo documentation, but most customers found that the warranty does usually cover the work needed to repair the travel trailers and that Lance customer service seems to be friendly and to stand behind its product.
Another concern voiced by some customers and many potential customers was a dissatisfaction with the limited floor plan options. It is true that Lance’s floor plans are limited, and sometimes finding just the right layout makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
If you are someone looking for a high-quality travel trailer from a company that pays close attention to the details, then do not miss the chance to check out a Lance travel trailer.
While no brand of travel trailers is perfect for literally everyone, Lance has some great features, and innovation in its product line makes this a stand-out brand.
This company prioritizes quality over all else and works hard to make travel trailers that are lightweight, durable, and functional for full-time, part-time, and occasional RVers.
Probably best suited to solo, duo, and small family campers, Lance’s line-up contains enough variety that most campers can find something to love about these travel trailers.
The most defining feature for us of a high-quality travel trailer is a commitment to quality materials designed to last over time, ensuring that customers get solid value for their travel trailer investment.
Lance’s travel trailers hit that mark and go beyond it with their transparent use of thoughtful materials designed to reduce problems like mold, mildew, and water damage while focusing overall strength, function, and durability in both construction and design.
