How Much Should I Ask For My '84 Lance 300?

JimJam83814 · August 23, 2022

Hey everybody,

Apologies if this isn't the most appropriate place to pose this question, but it seemed to be the most relevant. In any case, I have a 1984 Lance 300 camper that I'm thinking about selling - if I can. I was full-time RVing for the past year and a half and just moved into a more permanent location, so have no need for the tuck camper anymore.

The interior's in fairly decent condition, but practically nothing works except for the gas stove top. The oven is missing the component that the gas lines connect to (not sure what it's called), the (fairly new LED) overhead lights have some sort of electrical short, the fridge has a coolant leak (strong smell of ammonia when you turn it on), the top of the Shurflow diaphragm pump on the water line blew off so it spews water when the water's hooked up, the gray water tank has a small leak, the door doesn't always latch all the way (I have to ratchet strap it closed - especially when transporting it), the laminate around the overhang is sagging down (which I may fix if I determine that it's worth taking the camper off the truck bed), I took the mattress out, some of the handles to the storage compartments are broken off (you need to slip a screwdriver in there to disengage the latch), there's evidence of water damage, and there was a wood-burning stove where the bathroom facilities would otherwise be. It was meant as a boondocking rig, and I also used a 5M canvas belle tent for the majority of my living quarters that also housed my cassette toilet, camping shower, and camping fridge; so the absence of functional components wasn't that much of a hassle.
The jacks are in pretty good shape, with the two back ones being only a couple of years old, and I just purchased a brand new one that's still in the box and was going to install it since the passenger's side jack failed right before this new living opportunity came up.

The prior owner was a retired contractor and did a really professional job with the wood stove install. They installed a fire-resistant backing behind the tile work (that acts as a radiant heat source even after the fire is extinguished), installed a fire extinguisher mount next to the door, a vent directly above the stove, and an egress window above the sleeping quarters.

My question is: how much, if anything, do you think I could get for it? I can't really find any good comps for a camper in this condition. I would also like to keep the wood stove, but not if that would make a substantial impact on the price. Considering it's a $300+ Cylinder Stove, I can't imagine that any decrease in price would be commensurate with any additional money I could get with its inclusion.
Thanks in advance, everyone.

Kirk W · August 23, 2022

I hesitate to respond because my thoughts are not likely to be what you would like to hear. If everything was working it would have a retail value of somewhere between $3000 and $4000, according to NADA. It sounds like the only thing that does work well is the wood stove, which most RV people would not want. I would be surprised if you could get $1000 for it, if you sell it as is. Leaks in tanks can be difficult to repair and it would need to have a working fresh water system and both waste tanks. That is only a guess. Hopefully others will join in who may have a better feel for the value than I have.

Kirk W · August 23, 2022

I just saw your post on another forum and I suspect that the reason others have not responded is that they do not want to give you the same type of replies.

Ray,IN · August 23, 2022

Yep!

JimJam83814 · August 23, 2022

Interesting. I just posted to multiple forums to cover all of my bases, but wasn't aware that the RV community was so small. I just know from my experience doing mechanical work that posting to two or three different Ford forums simultaneously produces a really helpful diversity of responses, so was hoping to accomplish the same here.

Ray,IN · August 24, 2022

I suspect you accomplished your goal, you have a consensus.

ashton23l · August 25, 2022

I was going to say 500 would be your best shot. honestly, take out the few good parts, scrap the whole thing and sell those parts. the stove might be a couple hundred, some of the lighting might be a few dollars here and there. but it aint worth much.

Pappy Yokum · September 11, 2022

Remove the wood stove! ("Design for Disaster"..... and liability).

Check with local Boy Scout troops - and *DONATE* the camper. Makes a nice project to haul camping equipment! (for that matter, find *anyone* to donate it to!!)

Good luck.

😕

Edited September 11, 2022 by Pappy Yokum

RV_ · September 11, 2022

1 hour ago, Pappy Yokum said:

Remove the wood stove! ("Design for Disaster"..... and liability).

Check with local Boy Scout troops - and *DONATE* the camper. Makes a nice project to haul camping equipment! (for that matter, find *anyone* to donate it to!!)

Good luck.

😕

X2