I have a '97 Lance, 8'6". I bought it used in 2001 and it's been absolutely fantastic. I added and AC one summer, and a solar dribble charger another. Other than that, it has only needed me to evict the birds who nested in it when I didn't use it for 18 months. Everything works and I love it. I even lived in it for almost a year while we were moving.
That length doesn't need a hitch extender. If you want extra stability, kathy kelly in Parks AZ is selling a lightly used stabilizer for a bumper pull at a good price. The one thing I consder mandatory is hydraulic jacks. Benn there-done that with all the ones you screw up and lever down and they're awful. If I were adding anything new, I'd put on an awning, but I don't need it, just want it.
