Armed with a combination of common sense and a keen understanding of the industry, Lance Camper created two new products within its Sports Camper series. The company looked at the millions of hunting permits and fishing licenses issued each year as well as the growing enthusiasm for sports like motorcycling, ATV riding, and snowmobiling. Then it took into consideration the fact that three out of the top four best-selling vehicles in America are trucks, and it designed two campers ideal for this market.
The Lance SC8S is an 8.5-foot camper package designed for shortbed trucks, while the SC9, a 9.5-foot camper shell, is suited for longbed pickups. Both need a 3/4-ton truck platform.
These models are built and insulated to create a comfortable environment in the coldest of climates for outdoorsmen. Lance incorporates fully vacuum-laminated walls and a roof structure that includes high-density foam insulation cut to fit within the infrastructure. Unlike many other campers on the market, the rigid floor on the Sports Campers also features foam insulated construction, which allows the camper to be off-loaded from the truck and used as a freestanding, secure home away from home. Electric installation jacks are available. Even the cab-over is wrapped in carpet, providing more insulation.
If you need more protection from the elements, heavier-duty winterizing options are available. Buyers can order removable thermal windows (which effectively create a dual-pane structure), insulated vent and skylight covers, heated gray- and waste-holding tank compartments, a water-heater bypass, and insulated battery and propane compartments.
Likewise, the interior offers many details designed to accommodate a pair of buddies on a hunting trip. There are twin beds in the cab-over, a lockable gun and fishing-rod cabinet (which can hold two rifles and four rods and reels), a large closet for bulky bibs and coats, faux-leather dinette bench seats, and a galley that's ideal for basic good-ol'-boy food preparation (beef stew, franks and beans, mac and cheese--you get the idea). Lance also offers an extra fishing-rod bracket, mounted along the center line of the ceiling.