Struggling to decide between Airstream and Lance RV? We have got you covered! Both are popular choices among RV enthusiasts, but they have distinct differences that you need to be aware of.
Key Takeaways:
Airstreams are known for their iconic, stylish design and unique features, while Lance RVs prioritize quality build and interiors. Both brands come with a higher price tag than other RV brands, but they offer exceptional reliability, making them a worthwhile investment.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both RV brands and compare them side by side to help you make an informed decision on which one is better for your needs. Read on till the end to learn more.
Airstream Brief Overview
Airstream RVs are iconic travel trailers known for their distinctive rounded shape and polished aluminum exterior. The Airstream company was founded in 1931 by Wally Byam, and since then, it has become a beloved brand among RV enthusiasts.
Regarding ownership, Airstream is currently a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., a publicly traded company. Thor Industries is one of the popular manufacturers in the RV industry, and it owns a number of other well-known RV brands in addition to Airstream, including Jayco, Heartland, and Keystone RV.
Despite being owned by Thor Industries, Airstream has maintained its unique identity and continues to produce high-quality, luxurious travel trailers that are highly sought after by travelers and adventurers alike. So while Airstream may be part of a larger corporate family, it remains an important and cherished brand in the world of RVs.
Lance Brief Overview
Lance RVs are a popular choice among RV enthusiasts, known for their high-quality construction and attention to detail.
The Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation has been around since 1965, and they’ve been producing some of the most well-regarded RVs on the market ever since. In terms of ownership, Lance Camper is currently a subsidiary of REV Group, which is also a publicly traded company.
Recommended Read: Largest US RV Manufacturers & Brands They Own
RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands
| RV Type: | Airstream: | Lance: |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | Travel Trailers |
| Motorized | Touring Coaches | Truck Campers |
Airstream vs. Lance: Complete Brand Comparison
| Comparison Points: | Airstream: | Lance: |
| Founded | 1931 | 1965 |
| Company Support | Average | Average |
| Maintenance | More | More |
| Build Quality And Design | Decent | Better |
| Cost | More | More |
Maintenance And Problems: Airstream vs. Lance
Owning an Airstream RV is a true labor of love, requiring more maintenance than most campers, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort.
To maintain the iconic shiny, and new appearance of an Airstream, you must be diligent about regular washing and waxing, and take special care to keep the aluminum exterior in excellent condition. It is critical to avoid using a pressure washer too close to the trailer, as this can lead to unwanted dents and leaks in the rivets.
Although Airstream RVs are known for being durable, long-lasting camper, they are not immune to common problems that can arise over time. Issues such as leaks, floor rot, scratches, and dents can pose a challenge to owners, particularly when it comes to finding replacement parts for older models. If you are considering purchasing a used Airstream, it is important to keep this in mind.
Despite these challenges, Airstreams are beloved by their owners for their unique style, superior craftsmanship, and undeniable charm. With the right amount of care and attention, an Airstream can provide a lifetime of happy memories and unforgettable camping experiences. If you are up for the task of maintaining this iconic camper, an Airstream may be the perfect addition to your RV collection.
When discussing Lance RVs, it is worth noting that there are indeed some issues, such as roof deformities and screws becoming dislodged from bathroom doors, among other similar concerns. Moreover, in recent times, many users have reported problems with Lance trailers like slide-out issues, kitchen faucet leaking, and more.
So it’s important to be prepared for the maintenance of Lance RVs. It’s important to highlight that issues are generally expected, regardless of your chosen brand. Hence, it’s best to buy your RV after thorough research and possibly from a reputable dealer so that you have minimal issues.
Build Quality: Airstream vs. Lance
Airstream trailers are usually more expensive than your average RV, and part of the reason for that is the high-quality components used in manufacturing. They use better materials than most other RV manufacturers, which means their trailers tend to last longer and hold up better over time.
But let’s be real here: no RV is perfect. Airstreams have their fair share of issues, just like any other brand. We already discussed its problems and maintenance needs earlier. So while Airstreams are generally well-built, they’re not exactly super high-quality.
That being said, if you’re willing to spend the money and you appreciate the retro-cool design of an Airstream, you’ll probably be happy with your purchase. Just don’t expect it to be perfect.
The Lance RV is built using materials that are highly resilient against water damage and rot, resulting in an impressive level of durability. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced CNC machining technology allows for precise cutouts and cabinet production, contributing to the overall high-quality construction of the Lance.
Customer Support: Airstream vs. Lance
There is a mixed bag of opinions regarding the customer support offered by Airstream. While there are some users who appreciate their customer service for the prompt response. There are also other users who had a disappointing experience.
Lance RVs is a reputable and established brand in the RV industry, renowned for their top-notch travel trailers and truck campers. In general, the quality of customer support provided by Lance is commendable. Although a few customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of customer service they received, we observed only a limited number of negative feedback.
Cost: Airstream vs. Lance
Usually, Airstream RVs are considered pretty costly in the RV industry. Even their base models of trailers begin at the price range of $46K. Just for your reference, on average, a new travel trailer costs anywhere from $11K – $35K.
Like Airstream, Lance also offers trailers at a high price tag that usually ranges between $45K – $78K.
Pros and Cons Of Airstream
| Pros | Cons |
| Nice appearance and styles | Costly than other RV brands |
| Appealing trailer design | |
| Lovely floor plan |
Pros and Cons of Lance
| Pros | Cons |
| Good build quality | Expensive than other RV brands |
| Nice interior | |
| Easy-to-tow trailers |
What Do Redditors Think About Airstream And Lance?
In general, the opinion of Reddit users is mixed. Some users believe that Airstreams are high quality and worth the price due to their longevity. However, others highlight that the new RVs are slightly struggling in terms of quality.
Additionally, some users note that the small size and layout of Airstreams may be uncomfortable for extended trips, and recommend attending an RV show to compare different brands and models. Ultimately, the decision to purchase an Airstream should be based on individual needs and preferences.
Reddit users, on the whole, hold Lance in high esteem. They value the utilization of genuine plywood for the entirety of the rig’s interiors, and praise the fact that even an older Lance model surpasses its competitors in terms of quality.
Although Lance RVs come with a higher price tag, users are willing to invest in them due to the meticulous attention to detail, superior construction, and range of features they offer.
Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?
In short, deciding between Airstream and Lance RVs all comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize stylish design and floor plans, then an Airstream RV may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you place a higher value on quality build and interiors, then a Lance RV may be a better fit for you.
It’s important to note that both brands come with a higher price tag than other RV brands, but their reliability and quality make them a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, deciding which brand aligns better with your needs and preferences is up to you. Regardless of which brand you choose, investing in a high-quality RV is a great way to enhance your camping and travel experiences.