velvetmonkey408
Northern CA
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Joined: 06/13/2017
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Hi - I'm looking for suggestions travel trailer brands/models with bunks as alternatives to a Lance 2185 bunkhouse which I'm replacing due to water damage after about 1 year ownership.
My wants:
1. under 30' (preferably under 26', as we camp mostly in state parks)
2. bunk beds
3. ladder for roof access
4. season package
5. no murphy bed
I've looked/plan to look at BH models from Grand Design, Nash, Outdoors RV, Aerolite, and Outback (Keystone).
Thanks for any help.
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normal_dave
Georgia
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Joined: 01/06/2011
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Surprised and sorry to hear you had issues with the Lance, supposed to have a great reputation.
These two models are my favorite small trailers from Outdoors RV. Since you are a veteran Lance buyer, checkout the construction videos on the Outdoors site, I think you'll be impressed.
Examples:
Creekside 23BHS (hey, it's not too far from you...)
2017 23BHS
Creekside 23DBS (don't think they built these for 2017+)
2016 (New) 23DBS
Ok, so I'm "borrowing" this older video on the 23DBS, these guys do a good job with the basic walk around...
23DBS walk around
Anyhow, they have a loyal customer following, reportedly excellent factory support, and are "cousins" to Northwood, fwiw... Do you homework, I'm just reporting what I've read and seen.
* This post was
edited 06/13/17 01:08pm by normal_dave *
1995 Ford E-150 Club Wagon Chateau Van
2012 Cargo Trailer Conversion Camper/Hauler
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TurnThePage
North ID
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Hmmm. Maybe you could elaborate. Would love to hear more about this water damage. Any of the other models you mentioned would be at least as likely to sustain water damage and would in most cases be damaged worse by water intrusion.
2015 Ram 1500
2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE
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Area13
Fox Island, WA
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Joined: 01/04/2014
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I'm new to Outdoors RV and their latest fanboy... I'll say watch their videos on how they are made. I have found they have a lot of detailed information in their videos and on their website on how they are built, unlike most other manufacturers . These things are built like tanks compared to most RV's and am impressed with mine early on.
These things are true 4 seson trailers with thermo pane windows, fully enclosed and heated underbelly, 2" walls, marine grade plywood roof, custom made frames in house made from US and Canadian steel only. The list goes on and on, highly recomend. Good luck in your search.
Outdoors RV Videos
2020 Outdoors RV 21RD
2015 F-150 FX4 5.0 3.73
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FrankShore
Laguna Beach, CA
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Joined: 04/18/2014
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Lance offers a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty, not sure if you knew that. Also, where is the leak, etc. Details, pics always help! Sorry I don't have any advice any other brands built as well as Lance.
2014 F-250
2014 Minnie Winnie 2351DKS (Traded In-Burnout-Use A Surge Protector!)
2015 Arctic Fox 22G (Great Trailer But Heavy - Traded In)
2018 Lance 1685 w/ Solar & 4 Seasons Package
1999 Beneteau 461 Oceanis Yacht
En Norski i en Fransk båt - Dette må jeg se!
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FrankShore
Laguna Beach, CA
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Area13, thanks for posting that link
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velvetmonkey408
Northern CA
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Here's a explanation of my experience with Lance:
We had heavy rains in N. California and it leaked through the AC due to improperly installed gasket according to the RV shop I took it to for repair. It is stored off site and when I went to prep for a trip, it had standing water and was soaked throughout. Mold was present on many of the cabinets and doors were warped. Cushions and mattress were soaked. Water penetrated from main cabin to forward storage. The second repair shop (a Lance dealer) I brought the trailer for an estimate was stunned by the amount of water damage for a new trailer and wasn't confident it could be repaired. The shop manager was afraid of liability should they miss removing some mold. "You should drop that trailer at the Lance factory" commented the repair tech.
Lance has a 1 year warranty, not 2. My water damage was ~14 months after purchase. The support people at Lance I spoke with says this is a maintenance issue (AC needs to be adjusted and checked to make sure it doesn't come loose).
What is most troubling to me about this experience is how Lance reacted. "It is out of warranty" and "it is a maintenance issue". All companies (certainly all RV companies) have problems occasionally. The good companies will address these problems and attempt to make a situation right.
I would like to focus on the original topic on future posts - alternatives to the Lance 2185.
I did look at Outdoors RV models and think I understand the relationship with Northwood Mfgs Nash brand (same founder, I believe). I liked the Black Rock 23BKS (great suspension and beefy frame; the interior was okay), Timber Creek 23DBS (nice interior, same frame), Creek Side 23BHS. I think the Creekside 21DBS might be a good match for us but I don't think it has been delivered to dealers, yet. It was an east west bed (not a deal killer for me and wife) so it is a few feet shorter.
Thanks for the feedback so far.
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TurnThePage
North ID
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I was hoping to see more input on this thread.
I'm sorry that the OP apparently took it in the shorts. I do believe that I would have plenty of fight left and would escalate this as it doesn't sound like a maintenance issue. Who routinely adjusts their AC gasket?
I would still lump Lance at the top of the pile you are interested in. If you can't get satisfaction from the current predicament and still try another Lance, you better be very vigilant with the next best model and thoroughly inspect it. I wonder if a pressure test would have revealed an incorrectly installed AC gasket?
Good luck!
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PaulJ2
Northwest Oregon
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Joined: 12/23/2005
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I have a Lance. Lance has a one year warranty with an offer of two year at extra cost. Not a maintenance issue with a one year old trailer. Sounds like it was improperly installed to start with. Yes, the factory needs to see this one and i believe owes you another trailer.
As i said, i have a Lance and it seems to be of very high quality of which i payed a bit more for.
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yillb
Texas :)
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Joined: 02/07/2017
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Check out cruiser rv? They have everything you want. I had some warranty work done and the crusier brand basically demanded the dealer fix it that week, and it was a pretty major repair.
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