This post may contain affiliate links.
Getting a new RV is an exciting time, for sure. But if you’re selling or trading an old one, it can also be bittersweet when you have to let go of your previous one. That’s never been more true than with Lance.
It’s finally time for us to pass Lance on to his next owner. We completed that sale today, and his new owners are getting to know him. We’re going to leave the remainder of this post up though, just for the memories.
If you’re the kind of person who would be interested in buying Lance, you probably already know quite a bit about him. But here are just a few of the key things that set Lance apart from any other Travato or any other campervan out there:
- The Bed is raised 40″ off the floor to allow bikes to be stored underneath – with the bed down.
- Lance rides on VB Air Suspension and is, quite literally, the best driving ProMaster in the US. (a $9k add)
- Lance also has an auto-leveling system from E&P that uses telescoping hydraulic jacks. (another $9k add)
- Lance features a Lithium Battery System with a 7,000 watt-hour battery that is stored INSIDE the van.
- Lance has extensive insulation and winter systems to allow use of the camper and water systems down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit (tested).
- The propane cooktop has been replaced with induction – Propane is only used for the Truma Combi heat and water heater.
- Lance has the biggest refrigerator of ANY Travato, and tons more pantry space as well. (We’ll really miss this.)
- Lance has a composting toilet and a double grey tank system.
- He’ll come with two sets of wheels and tires – regular, and snow.
- The engine was replaced at 60,000 miles – there are only about 11,000 miles on the engine!
There are, quite honestly, a LOT of other upgrades that have been made to Lance over the years. Too many to list here. But I did list them in this post:
The Encyclopedia of Lance Travato Mods – 85 and Counting!
Due to the number and extent of his mods, Lance needs to go to someone who will be able to understand his different systems. He might be frustrating for a first-time RVer, so do keep that in mind. I’m not saying we’re going to test people before we let them purchase, but that’s mostly just because Stef won’t let me.
If you have any questions, you can post them here (we’ll be watching!) or send them over on RVTrader.com.
The upcoming North American Ford “Transit Trail” should be the basis for a next generation Travato.
https://fordauthority.com/2022/05/north-american-ford-transit-trail-caught-completely-uncovered/
Hi, just wanted to know what happen to Lance’s engine at 60,000 miles that it had to be replaced? I’m researching the promaster platform for my next rv, maybe? Thank you.
We covered that in this post: Man Down! Lance Is In the Shop!
Hi, we did you get the exterior box in the rear for Lance?
Thanks,
Dan
https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/a-custom-exterior-storage-box-for-our-travato/
Congratulations and good luck with the Ekko! Your blog is a great source of information. Random question – did the peel and stick wallpaper on the “sticker wall” actually come off and not damage the surface underneath? It’s a clever idea we are thinking about but want to hear about your experience. Thanks!
The new owners left the peel and stick sticker wall on there! In fact, they’ve already added to it.
I do think it would have come right off though.
Any details on the buyer(s) you (and they) are comfortable sharing?
I’ll let them speak for themselves. I believe they are posting over in the Travato Owners and Wannabes group on Facebook. Seems like they’re loving it so far!
Is van available ?
It looks like perhaps only until tomorrow.
I saw Lance driving through Hurricane Utah today. Looking good.
Jim
Woo Hoo!
… oh I wish I saw this earlier. I’m currently looking for a van to take me to all the National parks in the US. I would have loved to kept Lance alive. I could have sent you videos for you to post on your site for all the Lance lovers. Please contact me if the deal goes through.
Isle Royale, Dry Tortugas, and to a lesser extent Voyageurs are going to to be tough in a van 😉
Brian
Couple more questions: how hard would it be to modify to carry a kayak and a couple SUPs? Can it fit bikes a lot cheaper than yours outside, so my wife can put guitars where you put your bikes?
Lance has kayak racks, and guitars would fit nicely where the bikes go!
Very interested, if still available. How does it do in the snow with the FWD and snow tires? Was 4wd in the Ekko a big part of your reason for the switch? I live in MT, and need to get to ski resorts…and my house! is there enough ground clearance?
We’ve got several parties very interested in Lance, and we’re working towards a purchase with one couple.
Nothing’s over ’till its over, as they say, but chances to buy Lance are looking pretty slim at this point.
Got it. Thank you. Please let me know if that changes.
Did it fall through? Your ad is still up
Not fallen through, but not final yet.
I’ll leave the ad up until the check clears, so to speak.
I like way u made rear view cam to stay on by the switch Is it still factory radio? did you post the way you Install the switch some where? Because I like do that mod but I have Gordon white in Livermore do it next time he works on my aktiv 2 van.
Thanks
Buddy
Yes, it’s still the factory radio. I did make a blog post detailing exactly how I did it. You can read that here: Activating the ProMaster Rear View Camera with a Switch!
One caution – they changed the programming on the rear view camera and the radio. This only works with some year models of ProMaster. There are other “on-off-on” workarounds for some years that may be an easier option for you,.
I have 2018 pro master. If rearview cam works if backdoor Is open while moving, chances are it’s programed the same way as your 2015? Maybe if not Gordon find the way to it
I loved the “for sale” video. And I have only been in a moving RV once in my life (picked up while hitchhiking). But now that we are exploring the lifestyle, it’s important to make sure we can comfortably fit in a vehicle.
You fit beautifully in Lance. Perspective is important, so please tell me how tall you are.
I’m 5’10” and Stef is 5’6” (though I tease her about it!)
Thank, James. We are 5’’11” and 5’5”, so we would feel at home size-wise.
May I ask why are you selling Lance? Is there a capability is lacks compared to your replacement rig? One would think after all those modifications, you’d want to keep it unless it can’t fulfill a particular mission.
Well, we’re getting a new rig, and we don’t need two.
We went through a detailed comparison – which included Lance – of all the models we were considering stacked up against our priorities, in this video: RV Model Comparisons, and… We’ve Chosen Our Next RV!
Hi James. Great video. I know you are excited to end one chapter and start another. I have both the Drone Mobile and Lithionics systems installed on my 2019 Sprinter. I have not figured out how to integrate the two systems. I would like to “auto start” the main diesel using the Drone Mobile when the Lithionics batteries reach a pre determined recharge level. Were you able to relay a start command to the Drone Mobile to start your van to recharge your Lithionics\Xantrex system?
No… but honestly, I never tried.
I know Lithionics is upgrading their firmware all the time. Perhaps they’ve enabled new features?
Never really looked though.
Mpg? I’m a newbee who would use Lance to visit son and grands. Solo woman. Would also travel country. Although you discourage newbees who aren’t mechanical, I feel like Lancelot would be a good fit for an almost 68 year old woman who has wanted to try fair weather partial vanlife for the past 5 years or so. That dream has kept me going. I can bite the bullet and pay your asking price. I would want to travel slow and backroads and boondock for a week at a time at BLM camps, and paid full hookup spots sometimes. I luv all the amazing mods.
MPG is around 15 when it’s all averaged out. We live out west, and the WIND is the biggest factor in determining what kind of mileage we get.
If you’d like to start a private conversation, RVTrader has a private messaging function over there if you follow the link.
Cheers!
I still remember when you two first got Lance. He introduced us to Winnebago B’s and helped us in our decision to buy an Era. I’ve watched every video he’s ever made. Going to miss him but am looking forward to seeing the Ekko in action and your numerous of mods you think up for it. One question to the soon to be proud parents of a new baby Ekko, have you decided on a name yet? You should hold a contest, I think this one may be a girl.
We have some ideas for a name, but nothing we’re settled on yet.
Anyone want to wager on the time before accepted offer? 48 hours?
(i know of a Vistabule teardrop that sold in 34 minutes…)
I would like to know this (and if the buyer is OK with it) who gets it.
Brian
(not in the market, but am curious)
Yes we already have offers, but we’re not in a rush, so we haven’t accepted any just yet. (Everyone’s been real cool and nice, too!)
We’re going to leave the posting up for a few days to make sure all those who have expressed interest in the past are able to see it.
Is it possible to sleep one adult and 3 small kids?
How do i send you a private email? RVTrader doesn’t show any address and I don’t see any here?
There’s a messaging function over on RV Trader. It’s not a direct email – it keeps everyone’s email address private.
But to answer your question… I think that might be a tall ask for Lance. Lots of the mods were not made with little ones in mind. There’s only a lap belt for securing car seats, for instance. No tethers that I can see.
And I wouldn’t try to put young ones up in the upper bed. It’s quite a ways down!
Curious as to why the engine was replaced at 60K?
We are looking to buy a Ram based class B and were wondering how you feel about the reliability of the Ram.
Yep. No problem.
Best explanation of that is in this post, which even includes pictures from the tear-down and the dealer’s diagnosis: https://www.thefitrv.com/blog/lance-update-omg-its-happening/
Apart from that one obvious major issue, we really haven’t had too many problems with Lance that I don’t take responsibility for myself…
https://youtu.be/d-n6QJX80rw this looks a lot like the echo
I guess it would give me a place to hang my Lance Armstrong signed yellow Jersey, too bad I have a larger Class A that my wife will not let me get rid of.
Aw man! That would be AWESOME!
This is actually a very good price, based upon what a new lithium Travato goes for. Plus you get ALL of the other very clever mods. If I win the lotto in the next, few days I’ll be going to RVTrader myself 🙂
LOL! Well then I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! xo
Hi Stef and James- We are absolutely interested in being Lance’s next owners. We’re avid cyclists, skiers, and recent empty nesters. Lance would be a perfect lifestyle fit and nerdy engineer husband loves the mods and technology. We’re located in Maine, but youngest daughter is currently living in SLC post college graduation so getting Lance would be the ideal covid safe way to see her and join in on her skiing adventures and begin our own future adventures. We’re cash buyers.
Cool! The RVTrader listing has a private messaging feature, so feel free to reach out over there!
i want to buy ( buy may not be the correct word… start being her care taker?) your Lance. (btw, we’ve been up to Brian Head many times 😉
I’ve had my converted Sprinter for a couple of years t1n. A few images on my instagram @shadzee
what’s the best way to contact you?
Through the RV Trader link! We’re trying to keep all the private conversations over there, thanks!
Hello, I am interested in purchasing and would like to talk to you further. Thank you!
You both are the greatest in showing all there is to know about RV life. I just love your videos. Thank you. I look forward to your next chapter with the Winnebago Ekkco and upcoming videos.
That’s so kind, Donna… thanks so much! xo
Really want to buy, please call us.
Wow, that is a rather low price considering!!!!
“The James Ran Out Of Mod Projects Blowout Sale”
Bring on the Ekko …. or as James might say …. NEXT!
Andy & Kim
Well, we’d always let someone pay more if they want to… 😉
Is the van still for sale?