How Lance Campers Build to an Eco-Green Standard

When it comes to the expression “eco-friendly” as it relates to RVs, we tend to look at the RV itself. However, today, the entire production process is considered part of the “eco-friendly” model. A host of RV manufacturers are pursuing this overall eco-footprint.

It makes sense, from a business perspective but also from the point of view of who RV customers are. RVers are more invested in the outdoors and the natural world than the average city dweller. They get it; the environment must be protected so they can continue to enjoy it in the RVs they buy. And with that statement, RV manufacturers must know that buyers are evaluating their production practices and products.

Recently, I ran across an Eco program that Lance Campers is running. I’m sure there are others, but I thought I’d share what I found. As I said before, it all starts at the factory. Here is how Lance describes its mission of being “Eco-Green.”

The Lance Standard for being Eco-Green is designed to deliver the highest commitment to being as Green possible. This commitment begins with visionary management having every element of the operation contribute to the green effort.

To that end, Lance began by building a state-of-the-art 141,000 square-foot campus featuring “smart buildings” that utilize natural light, metered heating, and air conditioning only office-by-office. The plant is tied into the power grid to participate in power savings programs. Even the lighting is intelligent.

Lance also searches the globe for the best materials available, such as Azdel™ which replaces wood in the structure. It’s lighter and has exceptional insulation properties saving on heating and air conditioning needs. Lite-ply™ not only makes for superior wood work, it’s farmed from renewable resources to avoid deforestation.

Every glue and cleaner Lance uses meets or exceeds the highest standards possible – and that’s saying a lot in California, where the standards are the nation’s toughest.

In production, engineering is so advanced that computers use CNC routers to get the most out of every sheet of product for minimal waste. At the end of a production day, Lance produces less waste than just about any RV manufacturer – and most are recycled.

Building since 1965, many Lance products are still in service today. This means they have little, or virtually, no impact on landfills.

Since 2015, all Lance products have been mercury-free. It costs more to provide consumers with a safer RV and protect the environment, but it’s how Lance claims they do business. Even their literature is printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved paper, which uses recycled products to protect forests for future generations.

At Lance, their eco contribution is attuned to conforming to nature rather than the other way around. This is how Lance describes its manufacturing process and the building it happens in; but more importantly its corporate attitude towards the environment; all this is represented in the term Eco-Green.

The Lance 1475 Travel Trailer

Photo credit: Lance Campers

Now, look at a new Lance travel trailer built to these standards. The Lance 1475 is smaller, lightweight, and aimed at a couple. This segment is very popular now because of the pandemic. Condo dwellers seeking an escape from the city flocked to RVing, and many of these converts are staying even though restrictions have been lifted. The other advantage of these units is the weight; this lets RVers who already own a midsize SUV or small truck use what they have for towing. Here is how Lance describes its award-winning 1475:

Downsizing, simplification, and micro-homes it’s all the rage these days! We are happy to report that this compact 14′ “rage” results from customer input on what you wanted to see in our next sub-15′ floor plan. Ultra-lightweight and 100% Lance DNA and no dinette! “We like to eat outside or while sitting in our lounge chairs and would rather have two comfortable chairs and a nice size dry bath,” so that’s what we designed! Now with an available sofa bed slide-out option featuring kick-out footrests and two swivel tables, you have even more flexibility when it comes time to relax and “take a load off!” So, hitch up Lance’s adventure machine behind almost any midsize tow vehicle with a 4,500LB. GVWR or more, and we will see you on the road!

Specifications for the Lance 1475 Travel Trailer

Photo credit: Lance Campers

• Floor Length: 14’10”
• Overall Length: 19’8”
• Exterior Width: 84-3/8”
• Exterior Height w/15K A/C: 10’5”
• Interior Height: 80”
• Gross Dry Weight: 3,225 lb
• Hitch Dry Weight: 340 lb
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,275 lb
• GVWR: 4,500 lb
• Fresh Tank: 26 gal
• Grey Tank: 26 gal
• Black Tank: 26 gal
• Propane: 5 gal