Anyone ordered a 2018 LD? I am wondering if there are any new items or upgrades available and what the are the prices?
We are on the list. Todd stated orders should start in July.
Ron Sarzynski
I'm also on the list, but can't get any information about pricing or options. If anyone has an option sheet, let us know what's on it!
We were at the Mothership in mid-June. I asked Todd for the latest info, and he gave me 2017 spec. info saying that is "all we have now". Stay tuned.
I would not expect LD to make many changes, other than to increase the price.
The chassis is basically the same as last year. Ford's literature shows little change from last year's, 2017 model.
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/e-series-cutaway/2018-e-series-cutaway.pdf
At some point, one would hope some of the technology, from the F-series pickups, would filter down to the E450.
Guess it's going to be the same old chassis until Ford ceases production in..........
It seems no one in the industry's has a clue as to what Ford's plans are for the E450.
Either it's going to be more Sprinter-like or a modern version with an up to date drivetrain.
Here is a description of the F450's engine.
"The new 2018 Ford F-450 is going to be designed with 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine with 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft . of torque, with potent ten speed automated Powerstroke transmission. "
That would work very nicely in a redesigned E450.
Waiting
Larry
"...V8 turbo diesel..."
Yuk! Stinking Coffee Grinder!
That will definitively take me out of the market if there is no gas option. I should not live so long. >:(
I got a call from Vicki of LD last Monday. She asked if we were still interested in a 2018. Yes, of course! She said they are still finalizing details and will send out a package. They want to start ordering the chassis.
Ron Sarzynski
I have never owned a diesel. But, I drove a F350 last year with the knock you back in seat acceleration engine. Smooth, less noise than the V10. I would buy one in a heartbeat.
The 3500 Transits seem ideal for a 22-23 footer.
I doubt Steve will build on anything but the E450. I am thinking he will cash in when the E450 ends its run.
I agree that the end of an era is coming up fast. Could be anytime if Steve should develop health issues. The property will sell in a heartbeat at a good price. If you want a new one, order it today and have a plan B in case it doesn't get built.
With Born Free closed, and Bigfoot out of the picture years ago, what would a plan B be?
"...V8 turbo diesel..."
Yuk! Stinking Coffee Grinder!
That will definitively take me out of the market if there is no gas option. I should not live so long. >:(
Maybe you missed the 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque part (the V10 has 305 HP and 440-lb/ft of torque).
I'm tired of being passed on long, steep upgrades by diesel pickups pulling 40' 5th wheels.
What really gets to me is their getting better fuel mileage too.
Modern diesels are much different than the ones in the past.
Once inside the cab, you have a hard time telling it's not a gas motor until, as Don point out, you put your foot in to it.
Larry
A diesel pickup owned by a group of lunkheads, idling for a very long hour in a deer camp way before daylight was enough to sour me on that form of locomotion years ago. They shut the beast off after hearing my vindictive through the wall of our popup camper. The sound that my rifle makes when you rack the action may have had something to do with it as well. :-(
They still stink!
When purchasing our LD, Todd mentioned the greatest selling point of having a gasoline powered engine-Ease of service. It's good to know that I could get a repair done just about anywhere in the US.
Maybe things have changed in the last couple of years, but that's ok too. And while more power is always nice, I really don't care for the smell of diesel fuel either before or after it's burned.
My DW on the other hand seems to find the aroma intoxicatingly appealing. Oh my, to think that Diesel could be the new fragrance of the year scares me. It makes me want to run for the hills. But hey, I'm usually heading that way anyway so it's all good.
Kent
"The 3500 Transits seem ideal for a 22-23 footer."
----
Currently, Thor and Winnebago offer 23' and 24' models built on the dual-wheel Ford Transit cab chassis with the diesel engine. (Sportsmobile does, too, but theirs are classified as "B" rigs, IMO, a much more appropriate application for this chassis.)
Real world weight specs are very difficult to come by with the Thor and Winnebago products; the GVWR of the dual-wheel Transit is 10360 pounds. I went through a Winnebago Fuse last fall; I looked very carefully for any indication of any number that could be construed as a "dry weight", but found no information on the rig itself or on the website. (Of course, I was assured by the very cheery, eager salesperson that a manufacturer would never overbuild on a chassis; no worries! Plenty of CCC! Look at all the compartments and storage! And the slide! ::) )
I agree that the Transit could serve as a platform for a small, short, "slideless" rig that offers adequate and realistic CCC while staying well within the axle ratings and GVWR of the chassis, but, IMO, I don't see this happening. RV manufacturers are well aware of what sells, and (again, IMO; YMMV) for most buyers, "shiny stuff" trumps weight and capacity issues every time.
My DW on the other hand seems to find the aroma intoxicatingly appealing.
You should get her one of these, Kent:
Amazon.com: I Love the Smell of Diesel in Morning - Stacks Trucker Black... (https://www.amazon.com/Love-Smell-Diesel-Morning-Trucker/dp/B016SWQVOM)
Powerstroke in an E450 would make me eager to go to a new LD. With the new technology, it is hard to tell by listening or sniffing if it's a diesel or gasser. But the performance!
It was hard to get used to the big gasser in my old Midbath slowing down as we climbed hills, while reassuring y wife that nothing is wrong, it is normal to lose speed on inclines. She had never seen such a thing in the old F350s, no matter what we hauled or towed. In fact, it was an event if those monsters even downshifted while climbing.
Perhaps the Transit will be built up to replace the E450, but for now it is really an F150 equivalent, as I see it. A great B, B+ platform, which is a fast growing segment of RV market. Not a capable C or mini A class chassis yet.
Remember, Ford announced in 1999 the end of the Crown Victoria model, and the last one was built in 2011. Change is inevitable, both to the Transit/Promaster/Sprinter van type and the C Class type RV. As long as there are box vans, there is an RV platform. I don't see Ford ceding that segment to Mercedes, Ram or Chevy. But Lazy Daze may not stay in the game. Good to know they last for decades. I would consider a new one with a Powerstroke, that would last longer than me.
IMHO, the problem is the E450 chassis isn't long for this world.
So, I will not invest in another E series for my next RV.
Too many things that can be improved just by going with a truck chassis instead.
I just hope Lazy Daze decides sooner rather than later to go with an F series Ford chassis for the future.
Then, we that would like diesel and 4wd can have those easily enough.
I just hope Lazy Daze decides sooner rather than later to go with an F series Ford chassis for the future.
Then, we tchassis hat would like diesel and 4wd can have those easily enough.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for LD to switch.
A F-series has the advantages you mention but also has the disadvantage of adding several feet to the overall length.
The crawl-though, from the front seats into the coach, is awkward at best and would be impossible for less nimble folks, especially with an extended or crew cab.
What is needed is a redesigned E450. When it happens, the RV builders will need a year or two to convert.
I have seen no information on if and when this could happen or what the plan is.
I can't believe the market will be left with only Sprinter-size RVs, especially when the long term fuel market looks stable.
Steve will probably be retired by the time Ford introduces the E450's replacement.
Larry
Coming from a 45' diesel pusher my MB is a sports car going up the mountains! The 45' weighed in at 54000# pulling the full size truck but also got between 7 and 8 mpg but 6% grades would slow me down to about 30-40 mph. And with a much larger fuel tank could go about 1500 miles on a full tank.
Huge difference but shows the capability of a diesel vs. gas.
FYI Tiger builds a neat little motorhome on a truck chassis.
Coming from a 45' diesel pusher my MB is a sports car going up the mountains! The 45' weighed in at 54000# pulling the full size truck but also got between 7 and 8 mpg but 6% grades would slow me down to about 30-40 mph.
I bet you had some very interesting events with 65' total and all that weight ... bridge crossings, tight turns, or whatever. Margee and I have had exactly three (3) interesting events in our 27' towing a Subaru in the last two (2) years. And each event is very clear in my memory to include guidance from DW! Gulp ... :(
I would like to see a Lazy Daze on this chassis
(https://www.jayco.com/images/pages/galleries/2220-seneca-34-front-exterior.jpg)
Too big!
I don't think Ford is replacing the E450 with anything.
The Econoline series is done and over with. Cutaways won't be made that much longer.
Transit is the future for Ford vans.
I would rather have the F series anyway for an RV considering some of the advantages.
Dynamax is coming out with a new Isata 5. The 30FW is 32', not horrible.
(http://www.dynamaxcorp.com/ImageHandler.ashx?ImageID=29065)
The problem with me even considering another RV is our LD would follow us home after the sale and we'd never get it to stay with the new owners. And more importantly, DW (Margee) would trade me for a newer model. Finally, our three (3) adult children and our grandchildren have made it clear that they should inherit our rolling home. And that's what I've got say on this subject. :)
So are the pictures of the Jayco and Dynamax above just unfinished box chassis, generic renderings, or are they actual finished vehicles with almost no windows?
They do look stout.
Chip
So are the pictures of the Jayco and Dynamax above just unfinished box chassis, generic renderings, or are they actual finished vehicles with almost no windows?
They do look stout.
Chip
This shows more windows. http://dynamaxcorp.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=329&Image=12937&ModelID=3694#Main
Chris
Being spoiled by having enormous windows has been frustrating for me when looking at a replacement for my 20 year old rig.
If I could, I would have something made using appliances, windows and every other system picked by me and put together by a reputable builder on the chassis of my choosing.
Unfortunately, currently that puts what I would want into the $250,000 range and I'm not financially able to do that.
So, compromise is required on my part but nothing currently out there works for me.
"Being spoiled by having enormous windows has been frustrating for me when looking at a replacement for my 20 year old rig.
If I could, I would have something made using appliances, windows and every other system picked by me and put together by a reputable builder on the chassis of my choosing.
Unfortunately, currently that puts what I would want into the $250,000 range and I'm not financially able to do that.
So, compromise is required on my part but nothing currently out there works for me."
Yea I love my midbath with the rear lounge. Nothing out there compares. It's perfect for us. I can't believe other manufacturers haven't copied the LD design.
So are the pictures of the Jayco and Dynamax above just unfinished box chassis, generic renderings, or are they actual finished vehicles with almost no windows?
They do look stout.
Chip
The Jayco is real they have been making them on that freightliner chassis for a few years.
Heres a used 2015 EASY FINANCING NO TAX OR FEES!!! 2015 DIESEL SENECA 37 FEET 5K MILES - rvs -... (https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/rvd/d/easy-financing-no-tax-or-fees/6228553623.html)
Of course I coming to this party a few days late. Just got back from a three week trip (more on that in a different post). To me my 2014 Twin King is prefect. Large back windows, 3000 pds of 'carrying weight' and no problem 'speeding' up hills. Yes gas milage is 8 to 10 mpg but with a full load of 14,500 I'm happy. There is no getting around the fact there is maybe two to three gazzion gas E450s on the road. Between Fedex and UPS I'm sure this pup has survived just about any driving condition humans could toss at it. Would I like better gas milage you bet ya I would. But bottom line I can get my 24 footer into just about any camp site and get myself into trouble on any back on or off road situation.
glen
I think the van front end has been used as a convenient way to making RV's shorter overall.
That doesn't make it right to me.
Yes, we have grown accustomed to our van front ends with their lack of leg room, half the engine inside
and us sitting almost over the wheels giving a less than stellar ride.
I am done with the van front end, I want those things I mentioned above and am willing to give up my Lazy Daze
to get them.
And as everyone here has already said. Don't hold your breath waiting for LD to make the changes.
I agree with this so I am looking elsewhere, but my frustration at what is available is pretty high.
Meanwhile, I guess I have to suffer in my 20 year old LD that has been an amazing way to live for the last 10 years.
Jota, do you have any replacements in mind?
I keep eyeing the Tiger Mayan HT.
Our LD is still our favorite RV though. It is hard to beat the low entry height and all those windows.
"I keep eyeing the Tiger Mayan HT. "
Holy Moley, Paul. Did you look at the price of this baby? OY! You could get a decent Lazy Daze for just the cost of the options!
Back in the 80's, I had narrowed my choices down to Provan, Lazy Daze, and Sportsmobile. At that time, they were all reasonably priced. Looks like Provan pulled out of the pack and sprinted forth - price wise. That said, it certainly is beautiful.
Virtual hugs,
Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: Lickety-Split Rustic Dinner Rolls
*********************************
I have my eye on the Tiger line, I like the Siberian for the Ford F550 chassis and extra room.
I also like Global Expedition Vehicles line and the UXV, They are even more than the Tiger.
Then of course there is Earthroamer, I suppose the pinnacle of US expedition rigs.
Last year I started a new job in the Marijuana industry. If things work out like I hope in the next 4 or 5 years then I will be able
to get whatever I want.
Thank you for all the great discussion but could we please get back to any 2018 information after this comment; I would welcome a chassis that would give more CCC to the 31IB. That one is our favorite. So easy to go off on a tangent!
LOL
Ron
Since the 2018 will be built on the Ford E450 chassis, then the CCC should be about like those weights listed on the following chart. (Please refer to page 5 of the .pdf file.) Hope this is helpful.
Here are some 'raw' numbers from a 2017 Ford E450. I'd assume the 2018 Ford E450 will be the same or better.
2017 Ford® E-Series Cutaway E-450 DRW | Model Highlights | Ford.com (https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/e-series-cutaway/2017/models/e450-cutaway-drw/)
I do notice one thing about the 2017. The price. It's about $5,000 more than the 2015 cutaway if memory serves me correctly.
It's been my suspicion that the increased cost of a new LD is due primarily to the increased cost of the Ford chassis and other inflationary contributors.
And so it goes.
Kent
Yes, we have grown accustomed to our van front ends with their lack of leg room, half the engine inside and us sitting almost over the wheels giving a less than stellar ride. I am done with the van front end, I want those things I mentioned above and am willing to give up my Lazy Daze to get them. And as everyone here has already said. Don't hold your breath waiting for LD to make the changes. I agree with this so I am looking elsewhere, but my frustration at what is available is pretty high.
I'd certainly be interested in following your search. We studied and searched for a good long while before focusing on LD, which seemed to have the fewest compromises for us as compared to other Class C RVs and still within our budget. So as you plow through the alternatives, you might update us about your progress. Best of luck in your search.
So Ron, did you get anything from LD? I've been on the list but haven't heard anything. Originally I was told orders in May, then July, but now it's August. I was just wondering if you got anything.
I talked to Todd on Monday and he said he'll be mailing stuff out in the next 2 weeks. (I'm currently number 1 on the list.)
I talked to the Mothership today (9/6/17). Apparently Todd is still working on the 2018 pricing/lists/paperwork, and will be sending it some time in the next "2 weeks". (The nice lady I talked to sounded a bit skeptical that it would really be 2 weeks though.)
Anyone have anymore info on 2018 orders?
I've been checking the mail every day for my packet, but no luck yet!
I'm on list too for 2018. Guess I should call Todd too. I maybe 6th I'm thinking. Would you say could be 6-8 months if I'm lucky to have my new 27 mid bath? Thanks Corky.
I don't think calling Todd is going to help you any. He'll do it when he gets around to it regardless of how many people call him.
The more calls he has to take, the less time he has to work. You should plan on 12 months although the exact time is uncertain. No one here can tell you how long it will take.
I was at the factory last week. I was told there was a one year waiting list. I could post the pricing /option packet for 2018 if that is what you are looking for
haha just what I am looking for!
I found at my age + bad knee, I had difficulty climbing up to the overhead bunk of the Twin-King, without having a dinette to step on, such as in my former 1986 multi-plan. For me a factory visit was worthwhile in that I was able find out as much as I wanted the 24' Twin-king for the view, it would no longer work for my situation.
2018 pricing:
24' $92,750.00 deposit $3,500
27' $98,250.00 $4,000
31' $108,000.00 $4,500
If you are on the list Todd may be able to give you an estimate. I got one, and it was sooner than what I was told in July.
Kay if you have the option list can you post that too? Thanks
Still seems a good value, considering resale, longevity, trouble freeness.
Kay P I second the suggestion to post the package list for 2018.
Ron
Lazy Daze coaches don’t change significantly from year to year. As such, the options list should remain similarly unchanged from the previous year.
Here is a link to the Lazy Daze Factory brochure. Motorhome Dealer | Low Profile Motorhome | RV Manufacturer | Quality Motorhome (http://www.lazydaze.com/)
If you have not already seen this on line brochure, simply click in the LD image to access the information contained within for the 2017 LD Model year.
Kent