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Lance 865 Truck Camper: A Comprehensive Review for Adventurers

The Lance 865 truck camper is a popular choice for adventurers seeking a versatile and comfortable mobile living solution. Designed to fit short bed trucks, the Lance 865 offers a blend of compact design and surprising amenities, making it suitable for both weekend getaways and extended expeditions. This review delves into the specifics of the Lance 865, covering its features, benefits, potential drawbacks, and overall value proposition for prospective buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the truck camper lifestyle, understanding the Lance 865’s capabilities will help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Overview of the Lance Truck Camper Brand

Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. has established itself as a leading name in the truck camper industry. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Lance consistently delivers campers that are both durable and well-designed. The Lance 865 truck camper is a testament to this reputation, offering a robust construction and a range of features that cater to the needs of modern adventurers. Lance’s dedication to using lightweight materials and efficient designs ensures that their campers, including the Lance 865, provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience without compromising the truck’s performance.

Key Features of the Lance 865 Truck Camper

The Lance 865 boasts several key features that make it a standout option in the truck camper market:

Short Bed Compatibility: Designed specifically for short bed trucks (typically 6.5-foot beds), the Lance 865 maximizes space without excessive overhang.
Lightweight Construction: Utilizing aluminum framing and composite materials, the Lance 865 minimizes weight to improve fuel efficiency and handling.
Spacious Interior: Despite its compact size, the Lance 865 offers a surprisingly roomy interior with ample storage.
Full Wet Bath: A self-contained wet bath with a toilet, sink, and shower provides convenience and hygiene on the road.
Galley Kitchen: The kitchen area includes a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and sink, allowing for easy meal preparation.
Comfortable Sleeping Area: A queen-size bed in the cabover area ensures a restful night’s sleep.
Dinette: A dinette area provides a comfortable space for dining, working, or relaxing.
Ample Storage: Various storage compartments, both inside and outside the camper, offer plenty of room for gear and supplies.
Standard and Optional Features: The Lance 865 comes with a range of standard features, with options to upgrade to additional amenities such as air conditioning, solar panels, and a generator.

Detailed Interior Specifications of the Lance 865

The interior of the Lance 865 is designed for comfort and functionality. Let’s break down the key areas:

Sleeping Area

The cabover area features a queen-size bed with a comfortable mattress. Windows on either side provide natural light and ventilation. Storage compartments above the bed offer space for personal items.

Kitchen

The galley kitchen is equipped with a two-burner stove, a microwave, a stainless steel sink, and a refrigerator. Counter space is adequate for meal preparation, and cabinets provide storage for cookware and utensils. Some models may include an oven as an optional upgrade.

Dinette

The dinette area features a comfortable seating arrangement with a table that can be lowered to create an additional sleeping space. Windows around the dinette offer pleasant views and natural light. Overhead cabinets provide additional storage.

Wet Bath

The wet bath is a self-contained unit with a toilet, sink, and shower. A vent fan helps to control moisture and odors. While compact, the wet bath provides a convenient and private space for personal hygiene.

Storage

Storage is a key consideration in any camper, and the Lance 865 offers ample solutions. In addition to the overhead cabinets and under-seat storage, there are exterior storage compartments for larger items. This ensures that you can bring all the essentials without feeling cramped.

Exterior Features and Construction

The exterior of the Lance 865 is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor travel. The camper features:

Aluminum Framing: Lightweight and durable, the aluminum frame provides a strong foundation for the camper.
Fiberglass Exterior: The fiberglass exterior is resistant to dents and scratches, ensuring that the camper maintains its appearance over time.
Insulated Walls and Roof: Insulation helps to regulate the temperature inside the camper, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Electric Jacks: Electric jacks make it easy to load and unload the camper from the truck.
Exterior Lighting: Exterior lights provide illumination around the camper, enhancing safety and convenience.
Awning: An optional awning provides shade and protection from the elements.

Pros and Cons of the Lance 865 Truck Camper

Like any camper, the Lance 865 has its strengths and weaknesses. Weighing these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision.

Pros

Compact and Lightweight: The Lance 865’s compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to handle and maneuver.
Short Bed Compatibility: Designed for short bed trucks, the Lance 865 expands the range of compatible vehicles.
Well-Equipped: With a full wet bath, galley kitchen, and comfortable sleeping area, the Lance 865 offers all the essentials for comfortable camping.
High-Quality Construction: Lance’s reputation for quality ensures that the Lance 865 is built to last.
Good Resale Value: Lance campers tend to hold their value well, making them a good investment.

Cons

Limited Space: While surprisingly spacious for its size, the Lance 865 is still a compact camper, which may feel cramped for some users, especially on longer trips.
Wet Bath Size: The wet bath is small, which may be uncomfortable for taller or larger individuals.
Price: Lance campers are generally more expensive than some other brands, reflecting their high quality and features.
Truck Compatibility: While designed for short bed trucks, it’s crucial to ensure that your truck’s payload capacity is sufficient to handle the weight of the Lance 865.

Payload Considerations for the Lance 865

Payload is a critical factor when considering a truck camper. The payload capacity of your truck is the maximum weight it can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and the camper itself. Exceeding the payload capacity can lead to handling problems, reduced braking performance, and potential damage to the truck. Always consult your truck’s owner’s manual and weigh the camper to ensure that you are within the safe limits.

The dry weight of the Lance 865 truck camper is approximately 2,031 pounds. However, this is just the base weight of the camper without any added options or fluids. Once you add water, propane, gear, and personal belongings, the weight will increase significantly. It’s essential to account for these additional weights when calculating your truck’s payload.

Comparing the Lance 865 to Other Truck Campers

The truck camper market offers a variety of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When considering the Lance 865, it’s helpful to compare it to other similar models, such as the Adventurer 80RB or the Northern Lite 6-10. These comparisons can highlight the Lance 865’s unique features and help you determine which camper best suits your needs. [See also: Adventurer Truck Camper Review]

Factors to consider when comparing truck campers include:

Weight: Compare the dry weight and loaded weight of each camper to ensure it’s compatible with your truck’s payload capacity.
Features: Evaluate the features offered by each camper, such as the size of the wet bath, the layout of the kitchen, and the availability of storage.
Construction Quality: Research the construction methods and materials used in each camper to assess its durability and longevity.
Price: Compare the price of each camper, including any optional upgrades, to determine which one offers the best value for your budget.
Reviews and Reputation: Read reviews from other owners to get a sense of the camper’s real-world performance and reliability.

Tips for Maintaining Your Lance 865 Truck Camper

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your Lance 865 truck camper in good condition and ensuring its longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your camper:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the interior and exterior of the camper regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
Seal Inspection: Inspect the seals around windows, doors, and vents regularly to ensure they are watertight.
Roof Maintenance: Clean and inspect the roof regularly to prevent leaks and damage.
Appliance Servicing: Have the appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove, and water heater, serviced regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Winterization: If you live in an area with cold winters, winterize the camper to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Tire Maintenance: Check the tire pressure regularly and inspect the tires for wear and tear.
Battery Maintenance: Keep the batteries charged and maintained for reliable power.

The Lance 865: A Lifestyle Choice

Owning a Lance 865 truck camper is more than just buying a recreational vehicle; it’s embracing a lifestyle of freedom and adventure. With the ability to travel and camp virtually anywhere, the Lance 865 opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re exploring national parks, visiting remote campsites, or simply enjoying a weekend getaway, the Lance 865 provides a comfortable and convenient basecamp for your adventures. [See also: Truck Camping Destinations]

The Lance 865 truck camper is a well-designed and versatile option for adventurers seeking a comfortable and convenient mobile living solution. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and range of features make it a standout choice in the truck camper market. While it may not be the perfect camper for everyone, the Lance 865 offers a compelling combination of quality, functionality, and value that is sure to appeal to many truck camper enthusiasts. Considering a Lance 865? Do your research, consider your needs, and get ready for adventure!

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a Lance 865 truck camper depends on individual needs and preferences. However, its reputation for quality and thoughtful design makes it a strong contender in the truck camper market. The Lance 865 provides an excellent option for those looking to explore the great outdoors with comfort and convenience. The Lance 865 truck camper provides a way to enjoy nature without sacrificing basic amenities.