If your camper floor extends out past the rear bed, say three foot, just be sure and attach a lighted License plate bracket on the camper itself. Same goes for tails lights so on...

If you plan on staying within the bed area itself, no need to worry. Cops could care less.


<<<

Currently I own a 1996 990, my only wish I suppose is during the hot summer months we had some sort of a temperature control feature to cycle the A.C. on and off.

It just plumb gets cold in the upper bed area.

I looked at your photos, what a clean unit you have. We have looked at newer Lance campers but lack the fortitude to get ourselves back in debt again. I am curious though? Why are you selling it? The reason I ask is I have been snooping around the Airstream sites as well as the forums getting a feel for something offering more room. In researching used units, I quickly discovered damaged tanks underneath as ground clearance is a rather problematic issue I've discovered.

The rear leveling lacks seem to be damaged often as coming off steep drives places these parts at a perilously bad location as well.

None of these issues are a problem with my TC.

Life s full of trade-offs I suppose.

Gary


<><>

The JOB of a salesmen is to move product, period. Everyone of these people jump from RV's to vehicles all the time. Management seriously pushes its in-stock products as they get factory incentives for moving within a certain time frame.

Forget ethics. Competition is tough, and so is the economy.


<<<

When faced with this very same dilemma we chose between one of two options. If we only stop for fuel or fast food, we never turn off the DuraMax... Just let the engine idol with interior AC running. The wife keeps a spare set of keys on her at all times.

The second option is moving our dogs to the Camper and cranking on the Generator. However, be aware I have experienced one occurrence where the generator staled due to freezing of the propane line on an extremely hot day. Upon checking the propane bottles confirmed my worst suspicion. After 30 minutes I went out to hear if the generator was still operational and of course much to my dismay it wasn't working!

By the way this occurred in Texas at the time during summer months. Ever since, I have never trusted the setup as Murphy's Law can always come into play, oftentimes resulting in disastrous results.

At some highly visited Monuments, the temperatures get so hot they offer dog care facilities for about $5. We have taken advantage on several occasions.

This year though, we have decided not to travel in the heat unless its to cooler climates. Mainly because of our dogs.

I hope this helped.


<<<WOOF>>>

I myself have been doing extensive research in the future upgrading of our Lance TC. As it is a 1996 modal we are looking for more room, hence researching everything from trailers to fifth wheels, class C's, class A's possibly even came acrossed an old caboose for sell!!!

I intend on writing a new thread detailing my findings in addition to my coming to the decision I made.

In my research, I discovered this individuals website that may or may not help you in your quest. I think I did so much investigating it became overkill! Ha!

When you visit this site, make sure to scroll all the way down for his link T.C. versus Class C, you'll find bunch of factual as well as detailed information. By my read anyway, brought me back to the what and why I love and appreciate my TC as much as I honestly do...

http://www.webejeepin.com/Camper/Camper.htm

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/glenn-b...be-jeepin'/
Happy Camping!



<<<*>>>

QUOTE(KY_Campers @ Jul 21 2010, 05:24 AM)

No, I've never heard of him.

I read where he's going to Louisville, KY.

Thanks for posting the link!.... A lot of info' on there!

I believe him to be a very interesting adventurer... I have a horrible memory and keep forgetting to try listening to his program online.

STICKY NOTE TIME!!!!



<<<< [SIZE=7][FONT=Geneva]

This can be a tough one...

First, if you have to take a look at the number of people and pets you will be hauling along, even consider a large dog possibly.

Then I'd consider the amount of time your going to spend in the unit.

As you already have a very capable tow rig, I'd choose the AirStream trailer if it were me. New or used you can't go wrong as they are designed after the famed WWII B-17 bomber. In my opinion they offer the best economy and room all bundled into one.

Besides... Their gorgeous trailers.

Campers are known for being the SUV's of the Rv'ing world. Easy to navigate in tight communities, parking lots etc etc. My problem with the new ones are they added a closet and additional storage space to the overhead extended sleeper. Without a window to look out of I get claustrophobic! Not a fun thing.

Another important factor, if your going to be gone a really long time, the small area will seriously become cramped over time. One way we fight it is every two nights we stay in a nice hotel so as to stretch-out and take a real lengthly shower. (If we dry camp that is)

As for high milage, forget it with the large luxury campers, say Lance fully self contained. Figure in about $2000 to setup a truck to properly haul one as well.
Campers generally require no registration either. My camper only cost an additional $25 every six months to insure.

About the only complaint I have with mine is the frig seems to go hey-wire every three years, other than that, its over 20 years old and still offers me lots of comfort at a reasonable cost.


<<+>>[SIZE=7][FONT=Arial]

I try to camp away from the rest or... run a 50 foot heavy gauge 110 contractors cord to my Honda 2000i gen set. as far way from the campers site as possible. At idol literally no-one can hear the thing run. Some nights I've forgotten that its running and went to sleep with it running.

Another thing I try remembering is security cable, usually a 10 footer secured to a tree or trailer rail with a high security lock. I realize rules are rules regarding generators, but realize too, if they were allowed what would at least one person fire up? A 500db Costco $299 12million watt Chinese built 18 amp camp blaster! One speed-LOUD High!

I concur with above post. In my case I do not spend enough time out in the sticks to even worry over solar.

I like the idea of using the footwell for a second battery as I have been going years on just the one battery. During those past years when it was serious cold, I used the honda to keep all up and running steady without placing strain on the battery. Even with fellow campers nearby.

Quoted from Tire Rack, Original Equipment (OE) summer tires are an appropriate tire choice for sporty vehicles manufactured in the U.S., as well as those imported from Europe and Asia. Developed for use on new cars and light trucks, these tires provide a sporty blend of ride quality, noise comfort and handling, along with dry and wet traction. These tires are not intended to be driven in snow.

While Original Equipment summer tires are often repurchased as direct replacements for pairs and sets of worn out Original Equipment tires, they can also be used on other vehicles in axle pairs or sets of four if they match the needed tire size, load range and speed rating specifications, as well as the anticipated driving conditions.

http://www1.epinions.com/reviews/Michelin_..._Truck_SUV_Tire


I loved my Michelins.

Look for hardware stores or any company offering custom screening. Re-screening of window coverings, screen doors etc. Most also offer custom canvas services.




<<<+

The following is based on past reading and or observational only on my part. Not Experience.


From what you describe seems as if you enjoy getting off the normal motorhome beaten path. This often times requires high ground clearence and at times all wheel drive. Here is a quick summary for you.

Military surplus. Specifically communications vans. All wheel drive, usually diesel power plants, you can most certainly build these to meet any of your specificationsâ??¦

even on the cheap if you so desire.

I have read several articles in Soldier of Fortune Magazine as well as the old survivalist magazines describing in great detail each build. From ultra expensive, which literally spared little to no other need to the very budget conscious. In regards to attaching a favorite tandem bike there is MORE than adequate side space to do exactly that. Scratches small dents (if you can dent it) usually only requires a small paint brush to repair.

I can attest what I am describing is not in the least bit pretty to the eye. Donâ????t expect grand fuel mileage either. What we are describing here is a rather large box on wheels that moves weighty things over varying terrain.

I have seen my share of commercial vansâ??¦ van such as old UPS rigs converted over to camping. Problem being, very little to no ground clearance for even mild forest service to simi-rugged desert explorations. As the rear differentials are open, translates to only one wheel drive in the rear at any given time. Gasoline use/consumption is rather appallingly crazy to loco!

There is one other option I can share with you. It is called a Sports Van. As I have wanted one of these most of my life my budget has never allowed for such a consideration. My wife is also an elementary school teacher you seeâ??¦ six years to go before saying good bye. Anyway, may I suggest taking a look at the link, then spend some time and try searching out the entire United States for any used units meeting these specs. These units have been produced for many years under various names. Pathfinder was one I can recall; they were based in Fresno Cal. Sometime in the 1980â????s.

I hope this gave you a few ideas.

The following is just my opinion as well. Whatever one wishes for in their quest for backcountry exploration had best move quickly within the year. At the pace America is heading, within no-time, various treatyâ????s will be signed which will translate into enormous regulatory mandates limiting our freedom to choose as well as travel. Donâ????t believe me?

Hide-n-Watch.


http://www.sportsmobile.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc5MJQVxTuE&feature=related



<<<(*)>>>

Y-Know? Sometimes ah guy just makes TOO much sense...

Firestones or air rides. both will eventually leak in time... mostly at hose connection points with age. I use a small portable air unit to add air. You may only require 35lbs is all for that particular load.

Experiment.

Never tried them myself, but supposedly Rancho 9000 air adjustable shocks are very good. If you wish to go fancy they offer an air pump built in allowing you to adjust shocks according to road conditions.

Biggest problem noted is user's over inflating them causing the seals to blow. Not a good thing I suppose.

How good of shape are your back muscles?

Do you have those fancy aluminum wheels instead of factory steel wheels?

Very few places you end up having a flat tire are level enough to even think of removing the camper. "safely"

A bottle neck house jack will lift darn near anything. Especially if you have a few small boards to go underneath. Depends on the size of the entire wheel.

Yes... Atwood makes extension brackets, they cost about $368. I upgraded my truck myself recently. For now, I'm going to place a towel between the fender and the jack leg to protect the fender paint. As the fender's are extremely flexible, I figure I do not remove my camper all that much. When backing under the camper I move extremely slow, barely a crawl. This allows for easy slight corrections.

I even thought of going to a professional welder to get an estimate from him. Who knows it my be cheaper.



<<<:*:>>>

Another thing I failed to mention, we have alot of mountains in my area... chaining up is the norm. By doing so, 4WD is a definite advantage especially when conditions change from gravel, dirt back to pavement again. Whole different ball game in your neck of the woods.

By the way? Having been to Lubbock, other than scary yahamaha flooding and the possibly of being sucked up into a tornado, what is good about living there? I enjoy vast public lands open to OHV as well as truck camper camping galore. As we traveled through there from Amarillo (I call it Ammadillo) is there any place nearby to enjoy that sort of thing?

If not... then what would ah guy have to do for outdoor adventure kicks? Buy a boat like you?

My kid's want the wife and I to relocate near them. But I fear loosing my freedom to play as I have always been able to do here in Cally. I know we got a pile of whacko-Jackos around here, but we keep extra security locks handy...

If inflation doesn't hit us, we plan on retiring in 6 or 7 years.

By the way, I would love to be a volunteer at the Glider Infantry Museum. Neat place!!!

My apologies... I failed to recognize "Hydraulic" which is something different from what I run.

I had to educate myself regards to these brake systems and now have a better understanding. Now I have a question?

You think it would be wise to use "M" or manual setting by selecting a gear and staying with it while heading downhill?

What about using 4 wheel high range? Would that help maintain control?

Again my apologies for being thick headed... I'm an Okie, sometimes we can be snots! LOL.

TruckManiac

This is a very tricky one to tackle, as each of us reading this has or has experienced what you experienced. I know personally my own circle of friends who refuse to operate anything bigger than a pickup 4X4 in such conditions, never mind an RV of some kind.

Much of my past driving experiences have involved all-climate on and off road to include heavy to light. I must include trailers of all types. Military, oil field etc etc.

You indicated your Allison downshifted causing your electronic brake controller to apply braking to the rear causing loss of control.

In my honest assessment do not believe that is what actually took place. You see the electronic brake control is not influenced by the downshifting of your transmission. It was created when you felt an increase in speed while moving downhill under such conditions wishing to merely slow down when suddenly you realized loss of control.

I submit it was due to your touching the brake with your foot. Your electric brake system is NOT tied into your Allison tranny at all.

It happens suddenly and without prior “emergency practice conditions” I assure you I have been exactly where you have been on more than one occasion. Even without the snow and ice!

You see, once the momentum of your rig takes over pushing like motion takes over and everything becomes nothing other than heavy objects moving in the downhill direction the incline takes you. It would be the same exact motion if you were moving at 5 MPH on a icy or slippery muddy road with an incline so steep your whole rig risks sliding into the embankment on your driver side door.

I will describe two driving methods I had to learn the hard way but learn and practice them I did.

Whenever faced with stopping while pulling trailer in slippery conditions always reach down and apply trailer brake first then slowly ease on the truck brakes never allowing your truck brakes to exceed your trailer… this causes or makes the trailer act sort of like an anchor. It’ll quickly put you right back in a straight-line if you’re even slightly twisted up. But then this will depend on the size and capability of your trailer braking system as well. The smaller the tires and brakes the lesser the effect of recovery.

Method # 2

While moving slowly, you suddenly realize your rig is slipping in a direction you don’t want it to go…

… as fast as you can put the vehicle into free-wheel. Meaning, out of gear totally. (clutch in) Off with the brakes, vehicle will suddenly straighten up on its own then reapply brake slowly to slow momentum. No one in here will ever be able to do this just by reading this, it has to be practiced before YOU learn to interrupt this momentum cycle thereby giving yourselves permission that it actually works and can save your butts. Without confidence, without prepping the “mind the hand, eye, and your brain to decide to act” cannot be expected to be dialed in together if and when the time comes. My very first serious practice of this came as a military Jeep and trailer driver as oftentimes we were sent in to such horribly difficult terrain I would find the whole rig sliding sideways completely off my direction of travel! Going down hill is scarier than going up. As I had to learn to handle both as one unit. Going downhill oftentimes had me using nothing but the trailer brake dragging it behind so as to keep the jeep straight, and yes I remained in low gear but stayed off the primary brakes.

Mud snow and ice.

This is why on all electric brake controllers there is a switch or “actuating switch or controller” is located in such a way so as to allow you to operate it in this fashion. There usually is a thumb depression on the actual switch, this is what its for.

I hope I explained myself without adding to much confusion to the issue.


<<<**>>>

I went in this afternoon and watched the five part series done about Lance Camper. I enjoyed it as I learned a few things I didn't know.

Find out if the manufacturer has gone out of business. Many have...

I answered this in another thread. depends on weight. Center of gravity and so on. Most generally you will not see any lift support complete all equiped gen ready campers. It would be a problem too with off road tires. Larger wider means less tire rating weight capacity. Sadly other than very specialized expensive units you will not find a reasonably priced off-road capable camper unit with full homelike amenities. As I am a Lance owner, I have already taken my camper into places I should not of, this resulted in two bed bolt-down points to completely break into while a third cracked seriously. I came home that weekend with only one bed bolt attachment holding the whole camper on!

I have since learned my lesson and am very careful how far I decide to twist and flex my unit under varying off-pavement road conditions. It is truly a costly misfortune.

Consider a CJ-5 as your off-road recon car. It pulls very nicely behind your rig and allows for barrels of fun when you reach your favorite exploration area.

But then this is only my opinion.

Other's my have a more informed opinion than I.

I see that brownies daddy has a 9 inch pro-comp lift. I would hope that he could throw his two cents worth in here. I would be interested in how stable the unit is in off-camber situations. Cornering would be another safety concern.



<<*

Sometimes there are no alternatives. But to burn. The other would be to bury your trash. But if your caught it would involve a hefty fine possibly even arrest as it could fall under environmental pollution laws within national parks monuments etc etc. I would never do it just because the hole would have to be rather large and I do not visit the wilderness so as to dig my time away.

When we head out I usually take an old washing machine tub with us to act as our fire pit. Most of the time I pull a featherlite all aluminum trailer so as to have the extra hauling room for extended stays. Yes they can be a maneuver problem, but offer plenty of area to haul wood out into the desert "pack-it in pack it out" etc. Being as light as they are, the trailer is easily removed by one person and maneuvered around to where you need it to be. In the desert during late afternoon to dark we us it a a patio deck. Never unhooking means running a 1X12 from the trailer to the camper bumper. It gives us the safety of being above any snake visits. The shinny aluminum easily reflects the moonlight, making even the tiniest detail visible.

Some years we have infestations of rattlesnakes. Sorry didn't mean waddle off topic here...

Some years ago I upgraded to a Serta Brand mattress. I am not sure of the exact dimensions but I located this link you may or maynot be interested in. I too added the egg shell thick memory foam to the top... man what a grand difference, very comfy.
.
http://rvcampermattresses.ecrater.com/prod...php?pid=2643977