200 series camper suggestions? (8 Viewers)

[99Cruiser]

I'm thinking Marlin 1895 in 45-70 would be good for bears?

What's a good caliber for handgun while hiking? What about 45 FMJ?

EDIT: Sorry I didn't mean to derail the thread again.

Even Angelo1's plastic toy made the list

10 Best Bear-Defense Guns for When Your Life Depends on It

It's usually a good idea to be armed when in bear country. Here are our picks for the best bear-defense guns currently on the market.

www.wideopenspaces.com

 

[linuxgod]

Too heavy is also what I was thinking. We've gone camping (or maybe I should say "glamping") with friends for many years in their trailers so we've become RV'ers by proxy, so to speak. One thing we learned is that you can't have enough fresh water and propane. When I saw the size of those water and propane tanks on a stock trailer I almost couldn't believe it. Those trailers would be better off with a 3/4 ton pickup.

IMO 7000# trailer weight is the reasonable limit on the 200.

Also just my opinion but you should look at the gross weight rating, not the dry weight, when selecting a trailer. I've owned a couple trailers and I know some folks who have also owned a few and everyone ends up running at or near (or slightly over) the weight rating (gross). Dry weights are a lie as they almost always exclude every accessory (A/C, electric jack, TV, etc) and often exclude even stuff which is actually included (stove, microwave, etc), and you'll be surprised how much your stuff weighs. Add to that a couple 20 or 30# propane cylinders (4060#), a 60-80# battery (unless you go lithium, but even then it's 30#), 40 gallons of water (300#!), and don't forget your water heater (6 gallons typically is another ~45#) and it all starts to add up real quick

 

[GT3]

Check out Intech RV.
Some interesting units.

 

[Dayhiker]

We had a 2005 Forest River Surveyor 235RS previously. Reasons I bought the Lance:

• Triple 30" bunks vs double 48". So the boys don't share one and fight now
• Dinette slide makes a HUGE difference in floor space. Also the U-shape seats 5 (vs the 4 in most campers including the Surveyor)
• 4 season insulated (though we don't normally camp in the winter, we've had ~25F mornings in the spring/fall or even in the rockies in the summer)
• Only 1' longer than our Surveyor (25'6" vs 24'6") and with the same wheelbase. We park in a lot in the alley in the city and have to make some tight turns so length/wheelbase are a big deal.
• Still has the access door to store some bikes (though the Surveyor door was a bit wider and the 48" bunks made it easier to fit all our bikes)
• Walk around bed (we got the sofa conversion option, which is an OK compromise for us, but the Surveyor had a queen bed slide out in the rear which was sideways so my wife always had to climb over)
• Larger tanks (45gal vs 30 gal)
• Reasonable weight (6000# when we're fully loaded traveling vs 5200# on the Surveyor) for the LC

Down side is Lance is definitely more $ vs other manufacturers and the TW on the 2015 and earlier is a lot heavier than they state (by like 50%).

FWIW we've done a few upgrades to our Lance I'd highly recommend, including:

• custom memory foam bed ($500)
• solar panels on the roof
• converted the magazine rack to a (liquor) cabinet
• we ditched the TV and bought doors to turn the area into a pantry

BTW I went back and forth but I'm really glad I bought the 2015 model instead of the newer 2016+. They don't have the rounded front and frameless glass, but I've heard of the frameless glass shattering and the 2015 and prior have some extra cabinet space above the master bed which is great.

Thank you very much for taking the time to type that up! It's hugely informative and helpful and it echo's what I've learned and been looking at. I'm definitely going to be looking at a decently used one, and seems like 3 to 5 years old trailers are a bit of the sweet spot for depreciation and getting a decent deal. I joined the Lance Owners forum as well and have been going reading all I can on there.

I'm planning on taking whatever trailer we get out all over the place, so I'm trying to do it right as best I can so I don't make a costly mistake. I did read that the Lance's pretty drastically under estimate the tongue weight. I'm hoping with a decent weight distribution hitch and the AHC to level, that towing will be pretty stable.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

IMO 7000# trailer weight is the reasonable limit on the 200.

Also just my opinion but you should look at the gross weight rating, not the dry weight, when selecting a trailer. I've owned a couple trailers and I know some folks who have also owned a few and everyone ends up running at or near (or slightly over) the weight rating (gross). Dry weights are a lie as they almost always exclude every accessory (A/C, electric jack, TV, etc) and often exclude even stuff which is actually included (stove, microwave, etc), and you'll be surprised how much your stuff weighs. Add to that a couple 20 or 30# propane cylinders (4060#), a 60-80# battery (unless you go lithium, but even then it's 30#), 40 gallons of water (300#!), and don't forget your water heater (6 gallons typically is another ~45#) and it all starts to add up real quick

Great advice! Much appreciated. Your opinion is gold to me as it's based on experience with towing and the 200 series LC of which I have NONE!.

Our previous LC was a 2000 100 series which we sold 11/2019 when we got our 2018 leftover. We never towed anything with it beyond a small open trailer carrying yard waste or rental machinery. It didn't come with any tow hitch or wiring so we added that on our own. That vehicle, as much as we loved it, wasn't capable of towing the kind of trailer we wanted so we just didn't bother. The new LC has a little more "oomph" and we're trying to get an idea of what it's reasonably capable of. I've seen trailer sway (never experienced it) and it frankly terrifies me.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Thank you very much for taking the time to type that up! It's hugely informative and helpful and it echo's what I've learned and been looking at. I'm definitely going to be looking at a decently used one, and seems like 3 to 5 years old trailers are a bit of the sweet spot for depreciation and getting a decent deal. I joined the Lance Owners forum as well and have been going reading all I can on there.

I'm planning on taking whatever trailer we get out all over the place, so I'm trying to do it right as best I can so I don't make a costly mistake. I did read that the Lance's pretty drastically under estimate the tongue weight. I'm hoping with a decent weight distribution hitch and the AHC to level, that towing will be pretty stable.

Same here. We were looking hard at Lance as we're trying to find a good 4 season RV. However, I found rumblings about quality in their recent years. Lance Campers was sold to REV Group 1/12/2018 and reports of problems appear to be in later models following that sale.

REF:
Lance Lance RVs Reviews on RV Insider

Breaking News: REV Group Acquires Lance Campers - Truck Camper Magazine

 

[Sandroad]

Same here. We were looking hard at Lance as we're trying to find a good 4 season RV. However, I found rumblings about quality in their recent years. Lance Campers was sold to REV Group 1/12/2018 and reports of problems appear to be in later models following that sale.

REF:
Lance Lance RVs Reviews on RV Insider

Breaking News: REV Group Acquires Lance Campers - Truck Camper Magazine

I'm not directly familiar with the Lance line, but I can assure you there are "rumblings" and sometime "earthquakes", about quality in RVs of all brands/models. Overall, Lance has a good reputation. Just go into a purchase with your eyes open and your skeptic setting on high. Go through EVERYTHING about the camper at the dealer during the pickup. If you have no experience with campers, I suggest taking someone to the purchase pickup with you who is.

 

[linuxgod]

I'm not directly familiar with the Lance line, but I can assure you there are "rumblings" and sometime "earthquakes", about quality in RVs of all brands/models. Overall, Lance has a good reputation. Just go into a purchase with your eyes open and your skeptic setting on high. Go through EVERYTHING about the camper at the dealer during the pickup. If you have no experience with campers, I suggest taking someone to the purchase pickup with you who is.

I'll second that. I like mine but it's no trailer is flawless. Keep in mind you're basically bouncing your house around for tens of thousands of miles.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

We have owned 2 Lance TTs. The 2185 with bunks and now the 2375 since the kids moved out. I've towed both of these with my 100 and our older 200 (2010 LX570) and can tell you that hands down, the 200 tows phenomenally! Here in Idaho, we travel through mountains and up/down grades of >=7%. These trailers are on the heavier end that I would tow with any LC and the 200 did great. The short turning radius also helped an absolute TON! Also, we were able to have a lift included in the new 2375 providing a small but nicer bit of clearance to get a bit off the tarmac. We now have the trailer, plus a RTT because sometimes, I want to go some places where NO ONE else is... even the kids.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

Anyone have any experience with the Heartland North Trail 24BHS. Been looking at those for about 2 years now... Caliber Edition

 

[Mogwai]

FYI, probably wise to lock your vehicle in any case



A ranger at one of the parks told us the bears learn how the automatic minivan doors work, so lock 'em. Another one at Yellowstone said they had a pair a few years back that had learned to climb on the roof and bounce to cause the body to flex and pop the doors right open (even locked).

Obligatory...

View attachment 2201714

That bear must have been raised in a barn, left the door open and everything.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

How about this one weight-wise? We could run with less than full water I suppose.
ORV | Creek Side 21RD

6150#=5285# dry, 78 gal water (655#), 6 gal water heater (50#), 2x30lb propane (110#), battery (50#) = 6151lb

It would be me and my wife (325#) plus any other gear and 100# for a couple of Rotopax.
It still seems heavy.

 

[FerzLC]

How about this one weight-wise? We could run with less than full water I suppose.
ORV | Creek Side 21RD

6150#=5285# dry, 78 gal water (655#), 6 gal water heater (50#), 2x30lb propane (110#), battery (50#) = 6151lb

It would be me and my wife (325#) plus any other gear and 100# for a couple of Rotopax.
It still seems heavy.
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[linuxgod]

How about this one weight-wise? We could run with less than full water I suppose.
ORV | Creek Side 21RD

6150#=5285# dry, 78 gal water (655#), 6 gal water heater (50#), 2x30lb propane (110#), battery (50#) = 6151lb

It would be me and my wife (325#) plus any other gear and 100# for a couple of Rotopax.
It still seems heavy.

Really depends on what floorplan you want. 78 gallons is a lot of water for 2 people. We can manage a family of 5 for a Wed-Sun trip on 45 gallons including two quick showers for everyone. Pretty sure I could make 78 gallons last 2 weeks for just my wife and me. I do keep an empty 5 gallon jerry can in the trailer which we can use to top off the water tank if we need more than 45 gallons, though to do so we have to either be cautious with the grey water (i.e. putting sink water in a bin and dumping it in the toilet) or we have to empty some grey water into a bucket and dump it in the toilet towards the end of a longer trip.

I do like my Lance. For you maybe the 2285 or the newer 2075 would be ideal. 6400 GVWR (or ~5900 on the latter) but a dry weight under 5000# which I believe with Lance includes propane and battery.

Specifications - Lance 2285 Travel Trailer - A dual entry layout, provides a great room and private master suite access.

Specifications - Lance 2285 Travel Trailer - A dual entry layout, provides a great room and private master suite access.

www.lancecamper.com

We looked at the Dutchman Aerolite which I actually liked the floorplan a bit better than my Lance 2185 but there was maybe 650# carrying capacity between dry and gross weights and I was positive we'd exceed that even without water.

 

[coleAK]

How about this one weight-wise? We could run with less than full water I suppose.
ORV | Creek Side 21RD

6150#=5285# dry, 78 gal water (655#), 6 gal water heater (50#), 2x30lb propane (110#), battery (50#) = 6151lb

It would be me and my wife (325#) plus any other gear and 100# for a couple of Rotopax.
It still seems heavy.

This is the same footprint and basic shell as my 2016 ORV Black Rock 22BHS. Our black rock is slightly heavier (~250-500 lbs) as it has a slide out. I’ve pulled it over 40k miles on our 5th summer with my ‘13 LX.

I’ll also add (again) we had an airstream before this ORV and for us, the ORV is better in every possible way.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Really depends on what floorplan you want. 78 gallons is a lot of water for 2 people. We can manage a family of 5 for a Wed-Sun trip on 45 gallons including two quick showers for everyone. Pretty sure I could make 78 gallons last 2 weeks for just my wife and me. I do keep an empty 5 gallon jerry can in the trailer which we can use to top off the water tank if we need more than 45 gallons, though to do so we have to either be cautious with the grey water (i.e. putting sink water in a bin and dumping it in the toilet) or we have to empty some grey water into a bucket and dump it in the toilet towards the end of a longer trip.

I do like my Lance. For you maybe the 2285 or the newer 2075 would be ideal. 6400 GVWR (or ~5900 on the latter) but a dry weight under 5000# which I believe with Lance includes propane and battery.

Specifications - Lance 2285 Travel Trailer - A dual entry layout, provides a great room and private master suite access.

Specifications - Lance 2285 Travel Trailer - A dual entry layout, provides a great room and private master suite access.

www.lancecamper.com

We looked at the Dutchman Aerolite which I actually liked the floorplan a bit better than my Lance 2185 but there was maybe 650# carrying capacity between dry and gross weights and I was positive we'd exceed that even without water.

We've managed with water by taking outdoor showers (eco friendly soap) and making minimal use of water for dishes and bathroom. Fresh water we can dump.

We went crazy trying to make up our minds with our first trailer.

PS: I'll have a look at those Lance's.

 

[Artie]

I’m new here so I’m late to the party on this thread so I apologize if this has already been mentioned... if you’re on the adventurous side and don’t mind the shower and toilet on the outside If your camper you might be interested in Conqueror UEV490. We are a family of 4 and it serves us well and it will go pretty much anywhere you can get your vehicle (we aren’t in a Land Cruiser yet but we are looking now).

 

[afgman786]

I’m new here so I’m late to the party on this thread so I apologize if this has already been mentioned... if you’re on the adventurous side and don’t mind the shower and toilet on the outside If your camper you might be interested in Conqueror UEV490. We are a family of 4 and it serves us well and it will go pretty much anywhere you can get your vehicle (we aren’t in a Land Cruiser yet but we are looking now). View attachment 2364544
View attachment 2364545

The trailer looks more capable than the Nav haha. Did you used to have a off road rig, or the trailer is whats making you want a more capable rig now?

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I’m new here so I’m late to the party on this thread so I apologize if this has already been mentioned... if you’re on the adventurous side and don’t mind the shower and toilet on the outside If your camper you might be interested in Conqueror UEV490. We are a family of 4 and it serves us well and it will go pretty much anywhere you can get your vehicle (we aren’t in a Land Cruiser yet but we are looking now). View attachment 2364544
View attachment 2364545

That really looks great. We're going back and forth between an "off road" camper like this (and like the Black Series) and 4 season cold weather campers. We're leaning toward the glamping side of things LOL. Tough choices...

 

[Artie]

The trailer looks more capable than the Nav haha. Did you used to have a off road rig, or the trailer is whats making you want a more capable rig now?

We got the Navigator before the camper so now we are looking at a Land Cruiser for the camper. The Navigator does ok for where we are in here in the South East but it can’t take us everywhere we want to go.... that’s why I’m here lol bingeing on as much 200 series knowledge as I can get.