With the inflated cost of living, there has never been a better time to remove some of life’s overheads and transition to a live-in rig. It’s interesting that many people associate travel with wealth when, in reality, it’s often considerably cheaper than renting a one-bedroom apartment (as discussed in a recent Overland Journal Podcast with Next Meridian). Perhaps the biggest barrier to entry is attaining a suitable vehicle, with many pre-owned full-size truck campers costing the best part of $100,000. However, there are still deals to be had with today’s full-size 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4×4 (141,000 miles) and fully equipped Lance 815 camper priced at just $26,000. This has to be one of the best value setups we’ve featured and is the perfect budget option to finally make the jump to life on the road. The truck showcases a long-lived 6.0-liter Vortec motor and a well-appointed interior, while the camper has been tastefully upgraded with an array of desirable amenities for modern life. To better understand how this platform performs in the backcountry, check out builds from DBS Suspension and Jacob R. Doty.
From the Seller:
“Everything works, and no water damage. The whole package is fully equipped with everything you need on the road. Before we bought it in December, it had never pulled or carried any heavy loads; we were the first ones to put a camper on it. The camper is also in really good condition. Same as the truck, the previous owner was based in Southern California and took good care of [both]. We searched for a long time to find such a nice combo and invested a lot to equip it for self-sufficient long-term travel. It is an optimal vehicle for long-distance travel with two to five people. Simple, reliable, very robust technology.”
2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4×4 Crew Cab
The Sierra is fitted with a 6.0-liter Vortec LS gas motor that produces 300 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. A dependable engine is matched with all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, all-terrain tires, and armor. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Cruise control
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Backup camera
- Powered and heated leather seats
Distinguishing Features
- Lance 815 truck camper
- Propane heater and hot water system
- Lithium 100-amp-hour battery, 200 watts of Renogy solar with MPPT controller, 1,500-watt inverter, and various USB and 120-volt power outlets
- Refrigerator
- Freshwater (18 gallons)
- Viair compressor and Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 airbags
- Toyo Open Country A/T tires
This 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4×4 with a Lance 815 camper is listed for $26,000 OBO and is currently located in Vista, California. The full vehicle specifications are available here via the original Expedition Portal forum post.
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
