Customizing Lance 650: Your Dream Camper, Your Way

The Lance 650 Truck Camper is a lightweight, compact camper that can be customized to fit on the back of a half-ton pickup truck with a short bed. It offers a variety of premium features, such as an aluminum frame construction, acrylic tinted thermopane euro windows, a tankless water heater, ducted heat, a one-piece TPO roof, and a Bluetooth/app-enabled audio system. The base model has a dry weight of just over 1,700 pounds, but additional features can increase the weight significantly. The camper's design and features provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience, making it a popular choice for both weekend warriors and seasoned adventurers.

Customising the Lance 650's interior

The Lance 650 truck camper is a lightweight, compact camper designed for half-ton pickup trucks with 5' and 6' beds. It features a wet bath, a dinette that can be converted into a bed, a kitchenette, and a wardrobe. Here are some ideas for customising the interior of the Lance 650:

Custom Bedding and Linens

You can opt for custom-made bedding and linens to fit the unique shape of the bed in the Lance 650. This can include a custom mattress, fitted sheets, and a comforter or duvet. You can choose colours and materials that match your personal style and add extra pillows and cushions for comfort.

Upgraded Kitchen Appliances

The standard Lance 650 comes with a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a three-way refrigerator. You can customise the interior by upgrading these appliances to higher-end models or adding additional appliances such as a larger fridge, a coffee maker, or a convection oven. You could also install a pull-out cutting board over the stove for extra counter space when preparing meals.

Additional Storage Solutions

While the Lance 650 has built-in storage compartments, you can customise the interior by adding additional storage solutions. This could include installing extra shelves or utilising storage baskets, bins, or containers to maximise the space. You can also add hooks or hanging organisers inside cabinets or on walls to hang items such as mugs, utensils, or towels.

Improved Entertainment System

The standard Lance 650 comes with a 19" 12V TV and an AM/FM/DVD stereo system with interior and exterior Bluetooth speakers. You can customise the interior by upgrading to a larger or smart TV, adding additional speakers, or opting for a soundbar for an enhanced entertainment experience.

Custom Window Treatments

The Lance 650 features dual-pane acrylic tinted windows. You can add custom window treatments such as curtains, blinds, or shades to control privacy and light while also adding a decorative touch to the interior. You can choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and materials to match your style.

Exterior customisations

The Lance 650 Truck Camper has a range of exterior customisation options. The camper's exterior is constructed with a laminated fiberglass bonded exterior, a one-piece roof membrane, and block foam insulation throughout.

The Lance 650 features a range of standard exterior features, including:

• An exterior wash station
• Keyless entry
• Electric remote camper jacks
• Eye-catching mountain scene graphics
• Radius acrylic tinted thermopane euro windows
• Ducted heat
• One-piece synthetic membrane roof
• Bluetooth/app-enabled audio system
• Euro-Ply framed cabinets
• A tankless water heater
• A one-piece TPO roof
• Lite-ply framed cabinets
• A laminated, insulated floor, cab-over bed and roof
• Dual Azdel walls and a full aluminium frame
• High-density block foam insulation

There are also a number of optional exterior features available, including:

• A backup camera
• Awnings (rear door, side, and rear door-rollout)
• An entry step (4-step scissor)
• A roof vent fan
• A solar panel (100-watt)
• An antenna (LTE/Cell booster)
• A TV (110v)
• A convection/micro-air fryer
• An electric side awning
• A maxx fan roof vent
• A value package

Customising the camper's weight

The Lance 650 is a lightweight truck camper, with a dry weight of 1813 lbs and a wet weight of 2016 lbs. However, the weight of the camper can vary depending on the optional equipment installed and the weight of passengers and cargo. The camper is designed to be compatible with half-ton trucks, but the weight of additional options and cargo can bring the total weight above the payload capacity of these trucks. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the weight of any modifications when customising a Lance 650 camper.

One way to reduce weight is to choose lighter materials. For example, Lance Campers uses computer-aided design and modern materials like Azdel composite and LitePly plywood to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability. The use of CNC equipment also allows for tighter tolerances and weight savings. In addition, the camper's design can be optimised to reduce weight, such as by using acrylic windows instead of glass or incorporating netting instead of solid storage compartments.

Another strategy for weight reduction is to carefully select options and accessories. Each additional feature adds weight, so it is important to prioritise the most important ones. For example, adding a microwave, air conditioner, awnings, and other heavy options can quickly increase the weight of the camper. Therefore, it may be necessary to make compromises and choose only the essential options to stay within the weight limits.

Furthermore, the weight of passengers and cargo can also impact the overall weight. When customising the camper, consider the number of people who will typically be using it and the amount of gear they will bring. Allow for sufficient weight capacity to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Additionally, support equipment such as air springs, special shock absorbers, and cabover shocks can improve the truck's handling and stability while carrying the camper. These additions can help distribute the weight more effectively and enhance the overall driving experience.

In conclusion, customising the weight of a Lance 650 camper involves a careful balance of materials, design choices, options, and cargo. By making thoughtful decisions and prioritising essential features, it is possible to create a lightweight and functional camper that suits your specific needs.

Customising the camper's roof

Material Selection:

• Metal roofing: Metal roofs offer superior protection, durability, and energy efficiency. You can choose from various materials such as steel or aluminium, considering factors like weight restrictions, budget, and climate. Metal roofs typically require proper coating to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Traditional roofing: The standard roofing material for campers is often fibreglass, which is durable and long-lasting. However, ABS thermoplastic, as seen in the Lance 650's wet bath, is a lightweight and cost-effective alternative commonly used in automotive and aircraft manufacturing.

Roof Rack Installation:

If you're looking to increase storage space and carry extra gear, installing a roof rack can be a great customisation:

• Measurements and planning: Assess your storage needs and vehicle specifications, including roof load capacity and door clearance. Measure the width and length of the roof where the rack will sit.
• Selecting materials: Aluminium and steel are popular choices for their durability and strength, with aluminium being lighter and corrosion-resistant. Don't forget protective padding to prevent scratches on your camper's roof.
• Building the rack frame: Cut the metal bars or tubes to the required length and assemble them into a rectangle with crossbars. Ensure the frame is square and secure.
• Mounting and installation: Attach mounting brackets to the frame, aligning them with the roof mounting points. Carefully lift and position the frame onto the roof, then securely fasten it in place.

Additional Considerations:

• Weight distribution: The Lance 650's loaded weight can be at the top end of a half-ton truck's carrying capacity. Ensure you observe safety precautions and make necessary suspension modifications to handle the weight distribution and centre of gravity.
• Roof maintenance: The Lance 650's roof is not a full walk-on roof and requires careful roof seal maintenance. Regularly check and maintain the roof seals to prevent leaks.
• Custom features: Consider adding custom features such as lighting, additional storage compartments, or specialised mounts for sports equipment. Ensure that any modifications do not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the camper.

Customising the roof of your Lance 650 camper can be a rewarding project, allowing you to enhance its functionality and durability while adding personal touches that reflect your unique camping needs and style.

Customising the camper's entertainment system

The Lance 650 Truck Camper comes with a range of entertainment features as standard, but there are also several ways you can customise the entertainment system to your liking.

Television

The standard model comes with a 19" 12V TV, but you can upgrade to a 28" flatscreen TV or a 110V TV.

Stereo System

The Lance 650 comes with an AM/FM/DVD stereo with interior and exterior Bluetooth speakers as standard. However, you can also add a backup camera with a monitor, and an antenna for the TV.

Other Features

You can also add a cell phone signal booster to improve your mobile connection, and a WeBoost/Drive Reach to boost your wireless connection.

Frequently asked questions