Lance Travel Trailers | Honest Owner Review 

Thank you for an outstanding review. We are looking to retire in a few years, move closer to our son and family, and then begin traveling around the country with a travel trailer. Being long time campers, and owning two pop-ups over the years, we decided our next one would be a travel trailer. I've been researching Lance and your review confirmed my opinion. I've been looking at the 1900 series. Thanks again!

We own a 2018 1685. Agree with you on the shower- we replaced shower track with longer one that gives an extra couple of inches width that make a big difference. Found shower curtain with pockets to hold shampoos and soaps. Replaced ceiling light in dinette with flush mount- no more head banging. Added memory foam cushion to mattress on queen bed for better support. (awkward to change sheets but doable) Added shelves in both closets for more storage and strategically placed removeable “command hooks” throughout for additional hanging options. One feature we really don’t like is the fact that the door must be completely closed before opening or closing the awning. Like the fact that the side bars don’t stick down on the sides to whack you in the head but am always afraid someone might forget when operating mechanism and the awning gets bent. We upgraded from a 1575 and stayed with Lance because of the quality of the build. For the most part,we are extremely happy with our trailer - it is our escape to the woods.

Great review! Each point short & direct. Tempo & volume were consistent. Camera work was steady, edited perfectly and captured/matched the commentary perfectly. Great presentation. Thank you for your professionalism!

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Really appreciate your great video, for a person leaving tent trailers and going to truck and travel trailers it’s great to have real world experience being shared.

Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion of your new Lance trailer. I have been researching different models for a couple years as I am planning on a purchase upon retirement. I was pretty much sold on the Lance model line until I started looking at ORV trailers. Now I am torn and watching videos like yours helps with the decision making process. The ORV's closest dealer to me in 777 miles away so crawling through one will be quite a road trip. I am hoping for one of their models to be available locally in a RV show. Thanks again for your video and happy travels!

Lance makes a great quality trailer and I prefer the lights as it is made. I do agree that the door needs a friction hinge, most prefer a walk around bed, and for showers it’s a toss up. I don’t like glass enclosures because they are very difficult to clean, I’d prefer a regular shower curtain with liner. If the liner gets too dirty toss and replace, easy and inexpensive. The four season insulation is a big deal! Here in Texas the average trailer just won’t stay cool in the Summer months, and I’m sure they don’t do well in cold winters either.

Love the Ouray sticker. That is my Heaven on Earth. Good review!

Great review video. I like that you put in all your complaints about it too. Thanks

Nice review. I'm looking to buy a travel trailer for the first time and this was very helpful.

Excellent review. Stating pros and cons with no fluff. I have narrowed down my search to this, Lance 1685 and a Sol Horizon Rover.

I bought a 2019 Lance 1985. Between the bed and large shower there was know choice for me. Best trailer I have ever owned in 35 years of RVing. I have owned 6 different Trailers in that time and none have compared to the 1985.

Our Story: I spent nearly a year researching trailer/tow vehicle combinations (a "couples" trailer with two pups). We bought a new 2017 Grand Design 2150RB towed with a 2017 Ford F-150 (which we recently traded for a Class C). I found that you had to get at least a 21' trailer to get away from the "sideways" bed. I'm over 6' tall, and I was cramped in those beds. Our Grand Design had a residential queen "lengthwise" walkaround bed. The mattress was decent, but we added a memory foam topper. What I REALLY loved about the Grand Design was the HUGE rear bath - tons of room, and the shower wasn't cramped. The shower had a "squeegee" curtain, which I originally had my doubts, but I haven't heard any real complaints. The walls were Azdel, which is supposed to be waterproof. The underbelly was sealed - supposedly 4 season. Missing desirable features were slam latches and slide toppers/covers. We boondock a lot, and NOT having slide toppers created a PIA - I had to climb up on the roof and broom off the slide roof before retracting. That gets old real quick! We have slide toppers on the class C, and I'd never go back! Slam latches were also missing on the Grand Design - a bonus when you have your hands full in a pouring rain! Mixed feelings on the wind sensing awning and keyless entry. I've read reviews about erratic behavior, and weak internal mechanicals. We NEVER leave the trailer with the awning extended, and I do a walkaround checklist at night - the awning always gets retracted. About the "minor details"... I noticed in MOST trailers (including Grand Design) that they are put together with MILLIONS of staples, then the holes are "somewhat" filled with color-matching filler. I noticed that in nearly EVERY trailer we looked at. It looks CHEAP, but I guess it keeps labor costs down - time is money! The Lance products are definitely a premium product. The build quality is a step above most trailers (except Airstream). Bottom line is you get what you pay for... BUT with nearly ALL RVs, one needs to have a mindset that "RVs ARE NOT MOTOR VEHICLES". They WILL break - usually when you least expect it. Being prepared with the correct tools, Dicor sealant and duct tape is a must! AND proper maintenance is a MUST!

Great review, thanks! I've narrowed my search down to the Lance 1685. Psyched for my next adventure!

Awesome review! Love when actual owners do reviews so they talk about things that actual owners need/want to know!

We had the same size concern you shared with the 1685 and bought the 1995. Not only do you get the walk around bed, but the choice of under bed storage or a couch, and a small closet and drawer on each side. Regarding the shower soap trays, take a look at Bed Bath & Beyond they sell a three chamber soap dispenser, we mounted it above the top tray and shampoos and conditioners are easy to access. It made a good upraise. Thanks for the review.

One of the major selling points for me was the azdel panels which are lighter and better for indoor air quality, and prevents water and mold issues . Much less off gassing. I have the 24' and love it. Yes the added quality is worth it. Porcelain toilet. No floor vents. Superior quality all around.

Thank you for your video I find my lost clothes just like you did in my RV... I’ve really started to look closer at the Lance trailers I’ve owned RV’s for years and follow many trends I know what should and shouldn’t be. I went to three of the largest RV shows in the State of NY this year typically I try to go to at least one every year. The lance brand, and several what I call, “boutique builders” are not represented unfortunately the RV market in my demographic is much different than the west coast it’s a shame because what people pay for the mass produced brand name RV’s you could come real close to the cost of a Lance.

Thanks for a great review, much appreciated.

I’ve had my eye on a Lance 1475 for a little while now. I particularly like the two comfy chairs in the new models since it’s just two of us. I hope to get one someday.

Very useful review. I feel the same way about the bed. Walk around is a must for us.

This is a solid review. Waiting for my house to close. I'm going to RV for several months. I have nothing but time for research. Longevity, Durability, and Quality must not be overlooked. Take your time and be ready to spend a bit more. Yes, most important factor to me is resale value. So far I have narrowed my search to Northwood Manufacturing w/ either the Desert Fox or the Arctic Fox line. They are heavy, but the build quality and insulation values are impressive. Lance is probably the second on the list.

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I found this vid after I asked about it on your Tow Weight vid! Thanks again.

possible solution for soap and shampoo falling: get a couple of suction cups and stretch a rubber band between them. Great review... you've answered a lot of my questions that I had and I think that I've made up my mind, in part, because of this review. Cheers!

Really like the size. Big enough for inside space, but, NOT too big to tow without paralyzing fear of swing, I watched Traveling Robert's 2015 & 2020 Mini Winnie reviews, and, liked that as well. I'm with you- under 20' seems to be a sweet spot. Good review, thank you.

This was a nice review. From what little I’ve seen and heard about Lance travel trailers I am impressed. If I could afford a camper that would be one manufacturer that I consider.

I just bought a 2023 1685 and just love it. Perfect size for my dog and I.

My wife and I just purchased our first camper five months ago and it’s a 2020, model 2185. I researched for couple of years as well and came to the same conclusion about Lance quality. I normally purchase big ticket items for the long haul, no pun intended or maybe it was.....but We absolutely have no regrets with our investment. The floor plan is outstanding, especially the jack knife couch and “ Murphy style “ bed that stows away extremely easily during the day. Quality , quality, quality and last but not least , quality. I tow her with a 2015 Toyota Tundra with a Blue Ox sway bar package with no issues! If you’re going to put your hard earned money out there, make it count once and by a Lance. I sound like a commercial for Lance but I’m not paid by them, just a happy- happy owner.

We have a 2015 Lance 1685. I agree with everything you said. The only thing about our 1685 is that we have issues with the fresh water pipes leaking at the joints. The ISSUE is with repairing the water pipe joints. .......they are NOT all accessible. We had a leak under the bathroom sink. The back panel and shelves inside the cabinet DO NOT disassemble; therefore you have to cut holes into your cabinet to reach the water line joints. Now we have a leak in the water line joint behind the toilet. The water line and joint are located under the shelf behind the toilet. This berm, intended to hide the water line, does not come apart. I called the Lance factory and was told I could get the berm up by removing the bathroom wall on the right and the shower stall on the left side. Needless to say, we will be cutting a hole in the berm. Lance could have built the unit so that the back wall of the bathroom cabinet and berm could be disassembled to allow fresh water line repairs.

Great review. I am looking to upgrade to a newer TT. I currently have a 2002 Forest River Wildwood 21ft with dual wheel. I love her set up and have not been able to find one similar. But I need to upgrade to a four seasons so I can go anywhere. I used to live in Big bear and your view reminds me of this. I am considering renting a spot up there for two or 3 months, which would be winter months. Thank you again for a great review video.

Good review! We r in Canada and have found a company called Taylor Coach, that build whatever size/hight/width/length you want, and what you want in it. We ordered an 18', which is a 15'floor. So cuz of a 2yr wait time, I am browsing youtube to see what similar size trailers have, and I have to say, I am excited to get everything I want in my build and none of the "wish this was different" things. We ordered a winter pkg also. We had bought a 2nd hand Taylor Coach(12') and loved it, so figured we'd supersize it🤣😍😎👍may you have many years of enjoyment out on the road!

I like the Lance brand, they are attractive and well made. I also prefer a free standing dining table that can be moved outside, used separately. Another feature I like are steps that have the extra support that touches the ground, just a little more stability as opposed to the steps that hang from the lower frame. Thank you for your video.

thanks for the review. I've been wanting to see the Lance as I'm shopping for a travel trailer.

This was a good review! (Put a Memory foam topper on the bed; it's a superb addition!!) You give a good review; so HONEST!! THANKS!! 👍😃👣

Thank you for this review. I am thinking about buying a trailer for winter ski trips and Lance so far is top of the line for what I need.

I appreciate your review. This is definitely above my price range but I like your point about quality & value. :)

Thank you very much for your honest review, make it easier to make decision. Much appreciated.👍👍👍

Command strips makes some great products to hold items in the shower. Thanks for a great review of your Lance.

Thank you for this review. We saw your R Pod review also. Awesome

You need to to join the Lance Owners of America. There is a ton of info there, if you have a question/problem there will be someone who has dealt with it. Nice review.

Me and the wife have been looking at the 2465 for our full time retirement trailer. We really want to go places but also have some nice room and quality in the build.

We bought our very young son a used Lance 27 ‘ - 2012 yr. first owner did some changes tires etc. our son happened to like that model the best of what was made in those years - hasn’t had any issues - no delimitation- he’s a storm worker - stayed in N C in the winter one year had no window sweating -condensation problems. It towed just fine with RAM 250 - yes he likes the walk around bed- lg kitchen counters - he’s still using it in Destin Fla. glad I found it - he had no time for repairs.

We have an Rpod 180 that we have just put up for sale - the blue one, a 2017.5 model. We've wanting a little roomier travel trailer. If we don't sell our Rpod, well we can live with it. Our local dealer is not willing to offer much at all on trade-in and I refuse to let go of our Rpod for a ridiculously low price. I can tell from your video that your Lance has a lot more quality look both inside and outside. Personally, I want a trailer under 4,000 lbs - my SUV can tow 6,500 but when you do the calculations there is an overall weight that seems to max out at trailers weighing unloaded over 4,000 lbs. You have a very informative video.

I haven’t considered the Lance. Thank you for the honest review, and in depth review.

I adore lance, and agree, the walk beside/ walk around bed is a must!

Thank you for sharing ... Safe travels !

Gr8 review, very informative. I saw many comments on Forest River RVs, being junk. Well #1, if you don't have common knowledge on plumbing, electrical, etc, don't buy a new RV. They all are built cheap and flimsy. I have to say tho, my 2018 Flagstaff 25BDS, has been bullet proof. Minus the usual hicups: plumbing coming loose (hey what wouldn't come loose running I95 thru South Carolina. And the caulk coming loose on the rubber roof, no problem, easy fix. Two years and no major issues. We did take the booth out (I sold it) replaced with theater recliners, now on those buggy and rainy nites it's comfortable. Gotta make it ur own! The Murphy bed is gr8, like having a full size RV without the bedroom, just drop it at nite, lift it up during the day. Good luck with your new Lance, happy kampin!

Great review. Thank you for taking the time to share.

We are thinking of the 1995. Thanks for the review. I hope it will be reliable.

Thanks for the nice and honest review.

Excellent review. Thank you!

Thanks for the review. I think you presented the positive and negative aspects quite fairly.

My wife and I love our lance. The 1985 with the under bed storage is awesome.

Awesome video. Thanks for taking the time.

We have a Lance 1995, which is virtually identical to this model. The shower is pretty much the only thing we wish was upgraded just a bit more. I love having a dry bath. I just wish they'd put a bigger shower pan in there. I could have lived wither no vanity or an integrated vanity with the shower. I'm even considering tearing out the existing shower and doing something else in there.

Wish there were more reviews like this on utube

We have a 2017 1685 and love it. Had it for 3 years and have put many thousands of miles on it. Cabinet hinges have been an issue...and the crappy Jensen radio not working at the moment 🤦🏻‍♂️ have been the only issues. The East-West bed can be a pain but not a big deal. Get a kayak dry bag and put it over the Smart Jack....keeps it looking and working like new. 👍🏻. Also, you can get a flexible rod for the shower curtain that will keep the curtain from sticking to your butt.

Really good review. I appreciate the honesty.

We have a Lance 1985. Love it but we have had some issues. Luckily nothing major. We do love it though.

I gotta have a walk around bed. Some friends had a 1985 model and it was very nice. I’d definitely consider one. Currently enjoying a Whitewater Retro 177se

When you upgrade to the 19xx, please post a new review. I really appreciated your insightful review.

My biggest complaint about TT’s are the small bathrooms. However, I saw a floor plan on a Grand Design XLS 17MKE. The bathroom is amazing!!!

I am so glad that RU-vid recommended this video in my list. I'm a single older guy with no plans for another wife so I've decided to go smaller. I have been procrastinating between an A-frame type and the Lance 1685 which immediately reached out and grabbed me. However, I have not had the opportunity to really get much feedback from actual owners of the 1685 and what they had to say. For that ... I sincerely thank you. Also, with a passion for bikes, I plan to stick around. :)

We have a 2011 1685. Awesome Take it everywhere. Zmatter of fact i'm sitting in the Half Moon Bay CA campground, right now. We have been at this since 1993. This is our second trailer. The Lance is durable, sound and darn near problem free. There isn't a coach made that will never have problems. We take it to some off the beaten path, trails, no sweat. Will probably not need to buy another travel trailer. Ever. Maintenance is key. Try to never overlook, anything, cause that is the one thing that will bite you in the butt.. Have fun y'all!

Thank you, I enjoyed the video!

As much as I too am looking for a better quality trailer than the $20k Gulfstreams, Forest Rivers, Dutchmen, etc., $45,000 is one helluva jump in price. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot in between unfortunately. We have a Vintage Cruiser 17RWD but quicky realized how cramped you get, especially if it rains. We want a trailer with a walkaround, dinette, and two recliner type chairs. I doubt I find it under 3500 lbs with 450lb or less tw. Our 17RWD only weighs 2800lbs. Thanks for the thorough review.

Great video...We have a 2015 1985 and we absolutely love it. Been lucky and have had no issues with it. Again, great trailer.

Good review, and I too think the LANCE Trailers are much higher quality!

Great review! I have a 2015 1685 and agree with most everything you said! Just as a note, I could barely watch the interior portion of your video as the camera was moving around too fast and unsteady, I started to feel dizzy like motion sickness. I'm prone to this, so take it with a grain of salt, but I know quite a few people have this difficulty with youtube videos. Something to be aware of. Other than that, it was a very informative and well done review.

Honestly I had never heard of the Lance campers, that being said I am so glad I came across this exceptional review. Living in the Midwest we have some brutal winters and it gets cold here starting in October and goes all the way until April, May sometimes and this to me would still be optimal camping. Having looked at many of the newer models out in travel trailers you can clearly see the quality in this review and that counts a lot to me and is very important as no body wants to throw money away or deal with all the minor issues often seen in a travel trailer purchase. A really good family friend had bought a brand new Jayco and spent a lot of time doing upgrades and improvements to get the trailer the way he wanted it and he kept this trailer meticulously maintained, 3 years into it and the roof began leaking in several spots causing lots of water damage inside and mold the Jayco dealer had it in the shop for several months only to tell him that the roof damage was not a manufacturers defect and it was not covered, he fought them for a couple years and got no where it was really a sad situation. I would also add that he did not have a ladder for roof access and never went on the roof or placed a load on top of the roof. My point is when you make this kind of purchase you expect quality, reliability and certainly the manufacturer stands behind their work. Thank you so much introducing me to the Lancer and for the thorough review, it is really appreciated.

We’ve been looking for a retirement RV. Most we’ve looked at are really poorly made. The Lance seems like a good product. Thanks for the detailed review.

Excellent review!!

Regarding retaining your shower bottles on the shelves while showering -- perhaps some command adhesive hooks with bungee cord lines run horizontally between them?

Great review, thank you. I'm totally with you regarding the smallness of the shower. I hope RV manufacturers get a clue someday and realize that installing LARGER showers is a huge, huge positive for most people and can really provide a tremendous convenience vs. trying to shower in such a confined space. Even if they had to install a 1/3-1/2 smaller bathroom sink a more spacious shower would be well worth it. I must say, I used to be a big fan of Lance's travel trailers until I read the comments of a woman who bought a brand-new one about a year or so ago who gave a very long list of issues, including poor workmanship, that she was having with her new trailer. This video restores my positive view of Lance's trailers to some extent.

Watched the entire video thinking "this voice is quite familiar to me!" Finally I realized it's Ian from BigRock Moto, one of my most watched channels! LOL!

Like many “Boomers” I too am thinking about living on the road. I had been looking at the 1195 for a little while and was advised to look at the Outdoors RV products too. Since I intend to live in it full time I was intrigued with their “BackCountry” series of travel trailers (they come with a generator and solar!). This series is designed around being “ off-grid for weeks at a time! They also have a few other colder weather items that help with below zero weather that can cause havoc with other item on a travel trailer. Another item that got my attention was the larger 78 & 100 gal fresh water capacity! With full propane capacity of 60lbs. one could remain out “ boondocking” for 2 weeks if rationed properly! These are much more expensive (if that’s possible...15k more than a comparable Lance 1995. Ie 21KVS @ $50k) so be forewarned but these are built like tanks (Triple layer roof construction!). I do like the triple propane tank system on the Lance and the enclosed battery compartments also.

Coming from a Winnie Drop (almost exact style as a RPod) ;)... We now have a 1995 (because I was sick of crawling over in the middle of the night) and the exact same bathroom. I completely agree about the shower, and that's why we were wavering between a 1995 and a bigger bathroom in a 1985. Having the entrance away from the bed won out in the end. But again, I completely agree about the shower and as a female, it's difficult to shave your legs because it's so small. That said, we LOVE this camper!! And I would tell anyone who is an avid camper: Go with Lance!

You really put some thought into your choice.

Enjoyed the review although I must say I am not certain of reliability towards 10-15 years due to the issues that have already occurred.

Thank you so much for your review. We are just starting our search and this is everything I'm looking for but my husband will go for the larger model. Difficult to find a Lance dealer in New England.

I would of have liked a bigger shower and a tiny basin sink, beautiful travel traveler for sure

We have a 2017 Lance 1985 and have had many adventures with it, it has also been our lifeboat when running from hurricanes like Irma and such. We keep it ready to go at any moment and only recently have considered changing to a motorhome because we miss the jeep we had when we had our 2012 Lance 1181 truck camper.

I honestly know nothing about camper trailers because I only have had motor type I just figured it would be easier to have a car. Dolly with a small car but these lance trailers I think are nice I like the windows and how they work and I love how they have the sky lights in some and the way the screens are hooked up to the blinds plus they make them so much different them the jayco

Nice review. Thank you.

Great review good to see unbiased reviews .We own a 2014 Lance 2385 with a 6” lift from Lance and solar option from lance and we use it like you do , a lot . First time out Slide would not go out this after testing it in our driveway , real bummer . Had to drive 4 hours back to get repaired . That being said the rest of the 6 years we have owned it have been flawless . Being a big trailer with a full side slide you need a bigger truck but not real big have towed it with a Toyota Tundra no problem and now with a Toyota Sequoia again no problem . Very rarely do we camp in Campground’s so having the solar and lift kit makes this trailer off grid capable for just about any situation, the only limiting factor is black water tank only holds 40 gallons good at least for two weeks . Heated water tanks grey , black fresh truly make it a 4 season camper. So the moral to this story is 6 years and going , yes you may pay more for a Lance but in our opinion it’s worth it . Happy Trails .

My son just bought a jayco 1/2 ton fifth wheel. I compared the difference between our 2375 lance travel trailer. Our lance is way better quality outside and inside then the Jayco. My husband noticed it to.

Great, review. Thanks

thank you, I'm looking for a trailer for my wife and myself. I don't want to go too big but not too small either.

Good review very informative

You should look at the Oliver RV , total quality and very nice looking. It is kind of small and a little expensive.

I prefer shower curtain in any shower smaller than a 10 foot by 10 foot bath shower room. A curtain allows for greater and safer body movement without banging the glass. I also wonder if your Carefree Colorado awning can be easily pitched or angled downward to help deflect heavy rain and sun better. The side brackets on my awning never cause any head banging issues.

My wife and I have a Jayco 195 RD. Our plans are to go to a 25 or 30’ trailer. For longer stays it would definitely be worth it. No crawl over bed, larger bath, extra storage and the slide outs definitely are worth it. I am towing with a F150, so my capabilities may be better than those with a smaller pickup.

Thanks, great info.

Really helpful review. Lance owes u some cash.

Thank you!

We bought a new Lance 1685 in September 2019 ( just as 2020 models were coming out) Ours had base price of $33727. Plus $6671 in options. Plus $1729 destination charge ( We live in Texas). Total factory sticker MSRP was $42127. We paid $30,000 plus TTL for an out the door price of $32114. You kept calling it a 20’ trailer. I belief floor plan is more like 16.5’ on this model. Total length with tongue and bumper is probably 20’. The side to side bed is a pain to change sheets especially since we updated mattress to a Serta Memory Foam from Sams Club ($500+tax). We have a 40’ Diesel pusher motor home. We like the Lance because so much simpler for 7-10 day trips to mountains of Colorado. Especially with just me and wife now. Only problems so far is cabinet door above sink won’t stay shut traveling down road, and privacy shade on back side of slide out broke and just hangs down now. I’m 6’3” and shower is a bit small. Otherwise we r happy with our purchase.

For individual lights on/off is less wiring less technical problems easier to replace less hassle cost efficient

Interesting review. I like the Lance trailers. The bigger water tanks and 4 season features are my favorite things about them. I like the other model (1985?) and it has many options you talked about that you weren't happy with on this model. For example, you mentioned the bed is a walk around queen, but also the dry bath is the whole back of the trailer and MUCH bigger than yours. Travels with Delany RU-vid channel has the bigger model. Nice trailers with better quality components, but larger and a bit cheaper than the NuCamp ones I was originally going to purchase. Thank you for your honest opinions.

great in depth review, thank you