Today’s review is of the Lance 1995 Travel Trailer, a smaller, towable couple’s camper whose MSRP, at $77,660, might seem higher than some. It is. By a good bunch.
So, you might dismiss these trailers and that would be a bummer, particularly if you are one of the people who questions the quality of what is being built in the RV industry. A lot of how things are done is a part of the issue. But Lance absolutely does things differently.
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How Lance travel trailers are made
If you ever watch RVs being built and have seen more automated manufacturing processes, the RV could scare you. I know it sometimes does me. If you watch videos, or see in person, any modern vehicle being built, it is a synchronized dance of a lot of automated processes and a few people here and there.
RVs, on the other hand, are still almost completely handbuilt. I was recently talking to a manufacturer about their cabinetry and asking about custom orders, being concerned about a unique piece. This wasn’t an issue and I found out the cabinets are all completely handbuilt. No automation whatsoever.
This is not how a Lance is built. The team first designs things on a computer and then those files are sent to what is called a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router. Essentially this device transfers that computer code into finished pieces that are precisely cut. Very precisely cut.
CNC routers cut the cabinets at Lance. They cut the walls of the trailers. It’s very precise.
The walls of the trailers are put together with an aluminum extrusion so you don’t see what’s called insert molding covering the screws. Insert molding fails in a few years and it’s your job to replace it. Yeah, yeah. It’s cheap to do, but it’s also a royal pain in the posterior to do it.
Electrical wiring at Lance is consistent
Like a car company, the electrical wiring at Lance is done on a pattern, so that’s consistent as well. A lot of RV companies simply have spools on the line and the workers pull what they need. Today that might be green wire, tomorrow blue with a yellow stripe. Have an electrical issue? First you have to spend time figuring out which wire does what.
Another quality feature on a Lance are the windows. We have seen these windows in a number of rigs but know that they’re pricey. The windows in a Lance are dual-pane Lexan models that have integrated shades and screens, both of which can retract fully. Further, the windows can flip up for a lot of air flow. Even the windshield in a Lance is one of these dual-pane Lexan windows and, yes, it can also flip up to 90°. Neat.
What’s inside
On the subject of that windshield, this might be the only RV where a windshield on a model with a Murphy bed makes any sense whatsoever. The way Lance has done the Murphy bed is to have the mattress fold in half so you can still enjoy the windshield even when the bed is in day mode.
Like other Murphy models, this one features a couch, which happens to be of the jackknife variety. There are removable armrests on either side of this.
Unusual
There are some things that Lance does that are also unusual, and one of those is the slide room that you have to step up into. The reason for this is, if you look at most Lance trailers, they aren’t as tall as most travel trailers. In order to accomplish a good interior ceiling height, the slide has to dodge the wheels; hence, the step up.
But also know that a lower overall height could also mean a bit less wind resistance. Vehicle size is a significant factor in how much power (that means fuel!) it takes to overcome wind resistance. Car companies measure this in fractions of an inch. RV companies tend not to care.
Another unusual thing is that the microwave in this model is in a cabinet. You don’t see it when it’s not in use, but there it is when you flip the door up. Further, those cabinets have pin switches so when you do flip the door up, a light comes on. Nice touch.
The battery, or batteries, on this trailer are mounted inside the trailer under the jackknife sofa. There is a provision for a vent, but this makes a lot of sense if you upgrade to lithium batteries. They are expensive as heck and easy to steal. Having them inside solves the stealing problem, and also keeps them warmer in the winter, another plus.
This leaves the tongue able to hold three propane tanks instead of the usual two. The third tank serves as a backup and isn’t plumbed into the system.
The kitchen in the Lance 1995
There are a number of details worth noting in the kitchen. These include the fact that there is a metal surround, a sidesplash and backsplash, on both the side and back of the stove. You see backsplashes, but most RV companies miss the side. Not Lance.
Oh, and you know I have to make note of the fact that the oven is a real 22” oven.
But something unexpected indeed is the stonecast sink in the kitchen and also the bathroom. These are a nice touch, indeed.
Check your drawers
In the cabinet below this sink there is a cabinet door and three plastic trays instead of drawers. I like this because they’re removable and also washable. How many times have you seen these drawers get less than beautiful and thought, eww? These can be washed.
If you like real drawers, you might check out the ones at the base of the dinette. They are huge and mounted on heavy-duty drawer slides. Combining these drawers with drawers on the rear wall of the trailer, a cabinet and more, there’s actually quite a bit of storage in a camper of this size.
Since we’re talking drawers, there’s also a metal one outside in the front storage compartment. Since this compartment doesn’t extend completely across the camper, this makes sense.
The reason the compartment isn’t a full pass-through is that there is a compartment on the road side that is ventilated where you can store a generator that isn’t being used if you’d like. Or just stuff.
More build stuff
Some of the things I also like is that the enclosed underbelly on this trailer features the “Access-i-belly” design where the enclosing material is sectionalized. This allows you to remove one segment if there is an issue rather than having to peel back the entire underbelly.
There are also provisions for shock absorbers on this trailer if you want a more rugged suspension. But the standard fare is already a Road Armor wet bolt system, which is not a bad thing at all.
Boondocking and travel mode
Despite the depth of the slide room on this trailer, you can still fully utilize it with the slide room in, including the Murphy bed. Someone was paying attention.
Oh, yeah. Computer-aided design.
Tank sizes are decent and you can get an optional tankless water heater.
Observations
Is this a perfect RV? Heck no. None of them are. But there are so many areas where this is exceptional, to my eyes.
However, one where it’s not is the wimpy bathroom fan. They do include a high-performance fan in the main living area and that may be enough, but seeing this fan just seems so out of place.
Also, these are lower to the ground than some travel trailers. So, depending on your camping style, you might want to keep an eye on the underside of this trailer, particularly the sewer connection at the back.
In summary
These aren’t cheap, but the people who have them seem to really like them. Plus, I see a lot of Lance trailers that are older that still look to be in great shape. Further, the voices I hear on social media seem to reflect that these are better built than most trailers.
Further, I know the solid steps are all the rage, but I hate them. Not just dislike. Hate. The reasons include the fact that they bring dirt into the RV when stowed, require a bunch of fiddling when you deploy them, you can’t get in when they’re stowed for a quick bathroom break, and they require a bunch of space to swing open.
They’re stupid.
So, the fact that this trailer features folding steps that fold under the camper is a huge plus, to me. But these do have feet you can deploy so they do perform every bit as well as the stupid solid steps without the disadvantages inherent in those.
Companies like Lance and Airstream still have to buy components from an ever-decreasing number of suppliers to the RV industry. Fewer competitors is never a good recipe for success for either quality or pricing.
To me, solid steps and windshields in travel trailers are prime examples of the RV industry decision-makers not ever trying out their products and making bad decisions as a result. The saving grace with the windshield here is that it’s a Lexan windshield and it does open. It is also usable in the daytime when you actually do want a windshield.
All things considered, though, this is an exceptional example of what can be done in the RV industry when someone actually cares enough to do things differently. The biggest challenge might be sitting across from the person in the finance office and wincing as you sign the paperwork.
But, then you’ll be living the Lance life.
More from Tony
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Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. You can find his writing here and at StressLessCamping .
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
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I don’t understand the issue with solid steps. In real time they take less than 10 seconds more to setup and your camper doesn’t list to one side every time you walk in. Such a critic for the oven but not the frigerator. Which is more used? I do like your reviews though.
Wow! Such a hate for the solid steps. As seniors, we had them installed when we bought our latest TT. We really like the solid feel and the ability to add a handrail when needed someday. We keep a small whisk broom near the door on a Command hook and simply sweep them off before storage. A very minor inconvenience. After you’ve had them for a season, your eye gets good a knowing how many holes in or out to adjust the legs. Seems like you get worked up over small things.
I have to agree with Mike about the steps. We got the Glowstep from Torklift for our Lance. Much better than the solid steps, for a number of reasons besides the dirt the solid steps bring in. I will recommend Torklift steps over solids, any day.
Agree on the Torklift steps!!!
I installed Solid Steps on our TT for my wife. As young seniors I felt the need for safety and ease of stepping in and out. When deploying the steps it takes less than 30 seconds to setup and secure. When stowing it takes less than 60 seconds to sweep, wipe down and secure. If someone complains about sweeping/cleaning up the Solid Steps, I can imagine the complaints about cleaning and maintaining the rest of their RV! I won’t take the time to comment on oven size complaints or bathroom fan size complaints I consistently read.
I don’t care how fancy the sink is…if there’s no counter space, I can’t cook!
We love our 2011 model 1685 that we bought new. Yes we have had a few problems but I consider them minor compared to the overall experience the
The 1685 brings us. The dining booth was my biggest draw when I saw it in 2009
at an RV Show. We replaced the tires 2 years ago, and a leak in the propane line.
Some of the lining around the counters came loose but I was able to fix it with super glue easily. We still continue to enjoy it several times a year.
I had one of these Lance trailers for only a frew months. It was the worst pice of junk of trailer I have ever owned. I am surprised they are still in business
Well, Mike, I have had my 2017 Lance 1995 since Feb, 2017. No problems at all, and we have towed over 10,000 miles. Many of us have had no troubles with our Lance trailers.
Lance was a pretty good trailer and truck camper until the Rev group bought them. Quality is not there. Slides break, roofs leak. Way overrated and overpriced.
💯 Joe. I shopped travel trailers from 2018 to 2020 before buying a 2017 Lance 2295. The public comments about 2017 and prior years were great, but from 2018 forward the comments reflected a decrease in quality at Lance. I have been extremely happy with the 2017, and I only paid 25k for it, half of what it cost new in 2017.
Your chart shows 19’ but the video says 24’, I guess the latter must be correct. Lots of nice design features but I’m not a fan of the pass-through slide out drawer, too much storage space lost.
Both are correct, measuring different things. Overall length from rear bumper to hitch is 24 feet. Inside floor space length is 19 feet.
This was the travel trailer we wanted 12 years ago, but it was too heavy for our mid-size truck and too expensive compared to the competition even back then. Maybe if we had bought it then, we would still have it!
I’ve always liked the Lance trailers, especially the 1995. A quick look online at RV Trader shows some new ones listed in the high $50’s to high $60’s, and up. Still significantly more expensive than most trailers this size, but better than the list price if you shop around. Very good tank sizes all around for a trailer this size, and lots of thought in the design. Access to the fridge still looks snug if you’re trying to access it for a grocery stop without putting the slide in. I would be concerned about the Schwintek slide system, as I’ve seen a number of complaints about it in online groups.
It would seem that you DO get what you pay for. But Yikes! That price is more than double the cost of a “normal” trailer. It would have to be gold-plated to justify that, IMHO.
While this is a nice travel trailer, the price is to high for such a small trailer. RV manufactures will be pricing them selfs out of business. Yesterday’s travel trailer was also high. Prices have increased drastically the past two years. Higher that vehicles. Being familiar with CNC machines it should be cheaper manufacturing. I’ve often wonder about lexan windows. How long does it take for them to scratch. We use to bend lexan into lamp shades. Would never buy an RV with a Murphy bed.
Nice trailer but overpriced. Lance’s competition is with itself-friends of ours bought a larger Lance a few years ago and the first number of the price was a four. Granted that was before covid and inflation but I’ve noticed pricing of some trailers have come down including the one we bought last year.
What is it with all manufacturers and gray colors? That’s such a depressing color to me, I like some color in my life. There must be a heavy discount on gray paint, yesterday we were having a milkshake at a fast food joint and I was amazed at all the cars and trucks that went by that were different shades of gray with black wheels. That is a marketing ploy because black wheels are cheaper than polished aluminum. Cost reduction!
I had a gray Honda Ridgeline and the dirt didn’t show as much as on some cars. Don’t like black wheels either. Love the 20” chrome wheels on my F150 Hybrid.
Lance has always been the Benchmark in the slide-in camper market (once they blew Six Pack out) and I was surprised when they hopped into the trailer market. They have shown their ability to bring the quality with them.
I like the lighter colors. The big slide. Really good sized fresh tank for a 19 footer. This is a tad lower to the ground than I like but you can probably reverse the shackles and gain some ground clearance for us boondockers. Even though we could buy two of our trailers for one of these Lances (albeit ours is 10 years old), I really like it. This could very well be a case of “You get what you pay for”.
Yes, we USA Americans have become too cheap to buy quality. That is why we get junk, trying to save a dollar. WE created the throw away society ourselves, because we are not willing to to pay for quality. Shame on us. We are the ones that drove USA manufacturers to China. We made our own bed and have found out that it is not that comfortable.
I think it’s more people want something new and different after awhile. Think Rooms To Go furniture vs lifetime quality pieces. Why buy a Lance in that scenario? In my case I haven’t camped in the coldest part of winter, so the insulation and quality build features don’t apply much. And I have no inside storage for a trailer right now and wouldn’t want to leave an expensive one sitting out in the weather year after year. Depreciation is a real thing no matter how much you paid.
Jay you are correct in that respect because you have taken into consideration how, when, where you will use it. It seems that others may not think it through like you did. I have purchased cheap Harbor Freight tools just to use maybe just one time because they were cheaper than if I had to hire a contractor to do the job that I had not been equipped for. On the other hand I still drive my two 1996 cars. My Toyota was 40 years old when I sold it. It does depend upon the use. I just get tired of hearing people complain about how cheaply made something is. Well, it is because it is cheap.
Lance used to offer a 2.5″ suspension lift package for customers considering mild off roading. I have not looked at the Lance web site in some time, so I don’t know if it is still offered. However, I have read several comments about Lance’s undeserved reputation for high quality workmanship. Uniform wire coloring might be good advertising as many complaints focused on wiring rats nests stuffed behind panels which required complete reworking by an independent RV electrician. I always liked Lance design. I always wanted them to build a 5thW. Only the 2465, which you reviewed yourself Tony, seems to offer really enough space for a couple. The tanks are barely adequate for a few days boondocking.
Roger, I beg to differ on a few of your points. First, you mention the lift package. I had the 2 5/8″ lift on my from the factory. Not enough, in my use. So, I added another 3″. That makes it very useful for me.
You say that Lance’s reputation for quality is undeserved. I disagree, as my 2017.5 1995 has not been anywhere for service, and I have well-over 10,000 miles on it. You hear about the units with problems, but you would get tired of the vast majority of Lance owners always posting “another trip, still no problems”.
As far as a couple’s trailer, we are quite happy with our 1995. We did a 6 week trip, and many week-long trips, and we still comment about how the space fits us fine. But, we are (DW) 5′ 3″, 130 lbs, and (me) 5′ 8″, 160 lbs. Many folks who are larger feel the 1995 is small, but it is great for us.
And, the current tanks are smaller than ours. Our tanks are all 46 gallon. I do agree the grey and black tanks limit boondocking to about 4 days. Don’t know why they shrunk them.