Noticed there's a 05 1181 for sale, pictures look great?? This is the first year for aluminum framing, would you stay away from a first year? I'm sure they improved them in later years? Don't really know how much was really aluminum, or a mixture of wood. Appreciate any knowledgeable opinions on this, (would hate to buy a bum year) Thanks!
05 was a good year for Lance.
I bought a new 05 Lance 1191 that I had for 3 yrs and now have an 05 Lance 981. Both were and are excellent campers and have been very reliable.
Only problem on 1191 was a generator transfer switch. Bought 981 last year and it's been flawless.
Very good construction and solid.
Forgot one thing. On the 981, the plastic latches on the cabover hatch become weak and brittle in the sunlight and will break. Mine broke while driving in high winds. Luckily it didn't suck the shade out. Bought the parts for about $100 and changed it out in about a half hour.
1181 is a heavy camper so I recommend a DRW.
Should be able to pick up an 05 for close to $20k.
Good Luck
06 Toyota Tundra 4x4, V-8
07 Fleetwood Pioneer 18CK
12 Yamaha Super Tenere
95 BMW R1100 GS
Wow! thanks for all your positive replies! The Wife & I both like the 05 over the 06 & newer because of the big window on the pass. side. And the cabinets on the sides of the bed, IMHO looks better than the mirrored wardrobe's that the newer ones have. I hope they still have it, going to call tomorrow. Thanks, at least I finally know what I am looking for, I think that one of these could satisfy me....finally!
Good luck, I hope it is all the truck camper you want and the 1181 becomes yours. I would love to have a 1181 Lance myself. I need to get a heavier duty truck before I can seriously think about it.
We got one and love it. It is heavy, but have no issues hauling it with our Chevy 3500. If you find one in good condition buy it up, because there are not many out there for sale. Post some pics if you get it and if you have any other questions just ask. Good luck!
Gary
2005 Lance 1181 Loaded
2005 Chevy 3500 4X4 Duramax, Edge Attitude Tuner, 5" Exhaust, Airaid, Ranchos, Air Bags, Hellwig Big Wig
2007 38RL3 Mobile Suite
2001 Bass Tracker 185
I bought an 05' 1181 last year and have been very happy with it. Well made and solid. If you go with a full wall slide model like this one always make sure the slide-out is squared up with the opening before you open it when its off the truck on its jacks. The full wall models will have considerable flex due to the large opening. My previous 05' AF 1150 did the same thing. Not a problem just be aware of it.
I can't speak for the 1181, but I have an 05, model 820 that has performed as advertised. Proper maintenance is the key. And, I must agree, 05 was a good year for Lance.
Cap'n Bob
1996 Chevy K1500 4X4 Short Box, 5.7L Vortec, E rated tires, Lance Model 820 with Cabover Struts, Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags, KYB MonoMax Shocks, Torklift Stable Loads, Happijac Truck Camper Tiedowns and Turnbuckles, Honda Eu2000i Inverter/Generator.
Not sure about the laws where your at, but I bought my truck from GMC dealer. Found that one salesmen listed it on Craigslist for a price that was way to low to be true. The salesmen I called and talked to gave me a different price. After long discussion she said if I could find the Craigslist ad and prove that it was the same truck, they would have to honor the advertised price.
I did not waist anytime driving 6hrs to go pick it up.
Just as I thought "to good to be true". Called a stealership in Libery WA R & R RV (I think) on RV Trader they had listed a 05 1181 with no price,& later looking on Craigslist they had the same camper offered for $13,999.00 with a salesman's name listed,(same pictures). I thought WOW I'm sure the phone's ringing off the hook. Anyway called this morning & of course the sleazy salesman said that they made a mistake on the price, (of course they did)! He said that it should be at about $25,000! I said right get real! I told him that I could buy a new one for about $33,000, then thanked him & hung up. Who nows maybe it was a an honest mistake, however I didn't see any other campers listed with far out pricing. Anyway kind of frusterating, I guess I will keep looking. Have seen some listed for about 17-18 thousand though. Thanks
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