its a big decision, and a long wait, I wish I had a trusted friend to co-own it with us, I'm worried we won't use it enough to justify all the costs involved....
Do any of you have any suggestions on the option list pro or con? I'm not sure if any decisions we make today are final, I'm guessing (but will ask) if we will have some time to change our minds on some of the items, hoping they will reconfirm things before they actually start to build it. I hope to go back to past forum posts today and take notes of some of the suggestions I've read about adding outlets/regular and 12 volt ones, hope they are open to adding some for the family's growing electronics.
Would any of you have LD add a 2nd solar panel or have an outside vendor do it? I need a backup camera, the pricy LD one or aftermarket one? Any idea if it works at night (infrared I think its called)? What about the LD In motion Satellite antenna (we will use it, had one before) or aftermarket? We don't need the "in motion" so much, just need Direct TV sometimes when camping multiple days, when it rains etc. Are the heated mirrors with turn signals worth the cost?
I saw some wi-fi extenders at the RV show, does anyone recommend one? Are there any "secret" options you must know to ask for? Thanks in advance, I know these are "good problems" LOL
They are closed until after the New Year. At least that is what Todd told us last week.
Thanks for the heads up, we left a message late yesterday and now won't expect a call back till early next week, we got the factory packet a few weeks ago and don't want to lose our place, but we were too busy with Christmas activities...and its a BIG decision for us!
I wish a used but newer 27" MB LD would pop up quick to help us decide!
When I ordered my 2004 30'IB, oh so long long ago, I asked to have the ice maker, coffee maker and box awning deleted. They were and I got credit for them. Steve Newton asked if I intended to install an aftermarket awning and when I said yes he asked to be shown the mounting points so that he could have those areas reinforced during the build.
Although all mechanical devices will eventually have issues, I would not be without my electric step or my back-up camera.
I could have well done without the CB Radio or even the faux wood dash cover but who knew, it looked good at the factory! 8)
I saw some wi-fi extenders at the RV show, does anyone recommend one?
Mobile Internet Resource Center (http://www.rvmobileinternet.com)
We ordered few options on our 2017 RB. This is our 9th RV, and over the years we have come to prefer some things, and realize we never really needed others. But, all of us have different needs and uses. Anyway, I did order what I consider the safety items; rear camera and electric mirrors. I will add a forward and side-view camera system that also can record video after the New Year. (I am a semi-retired collision investigator by trade.) I also ordered the extra solar since we boondock so often. I ordered the battery shut-off, too. What we expressly did not want are the outside shower, super shocks, electric step, sat dish, CB, and custom cab interior. After market, I intend to add window awnings. We use those more than the patio awning, by far.
We ordered few options on our 2017 RB. This is our 9th RV, and over the years we have come to prefer some things, and realize we never really needed others. But, all of us have different needs and uses. Anyway, I did order what I consider the safety items; rear camera and electric mirrors. I will add a forward and side-view camera system that also can record video after the New Year. (I am a semi-retired collision investigator by trade.) I also ordered the extra solar since we boondock so often. I ordered the battery shut-off, too. What we expressly did not want are the outside shower, super shocks, electric step, sat dish, CB, and custom cab interior. After market, I intend to add window awnings. We use those more than the patio awning, by far.
I would have them add the Twin King table in the back plus the extension. If you plan on only 2 solar panels, have LD add the extra one. If you plan on having 3 or 4, have them added by someone else, AM Solar for instance. Watching TV in the rain with an automatic "dome" has always been sketchy for us.
Dave & Sandy
2014 Mid Bath (Sold)
2018 Newmar3718 on order
Congrats. Only you can answer if you'll use it enough. Also how much is "enough"? I kind of use a rule of thumb using a hotel cost of 100/night. If I went camping enough to equal the cost of the payment that was enough for me. That might not work for someone buying new. I try to go on enough trips that it averages out to 4nights a month 12 months a year for 36 nights out a year. Remember that some months because of excessive heat or cold so the number is lower. Also the wife and I have other interests besides camping that also fill weekends (she is still working). But so far over the almost 6 years I have easily exceeded my goal.
What to add:
...extra 12v power supply in the back (I own a MB).
...They once offered a magazine rack, that would be nice.
...The extra solar panel.
...The backup camera. (though I do not have one yet and yes I have been saying I should get one for 6 years)
What not to add:
I have never used the CB.
I don't care for in dash GPS units (I like GPS, but ones I can bring indoors to update)
The extra insulation on the holding tanks doesn't seem like that great a benefit. If it is cold the tanks will freeze anyway and will take longer to thaw out.
That is really not much of a list. I really like our MB
Yes, I forgot to mention that we did not purchase the in-dash GPS. I agree with John about updating our Garmin using the desktop computer. We really like our dashtop Garmin. We update it once per year. It really works well.
A very exciting decision. We have a 2015 MB which we ordered new from the factory. The best thing we added was the TK table and extension in the rear between the sofas. We can flip it up and latch it at night but it is down during the day. It gives us a much more comfortable place to eat than the dinette, separate working areas during the day if one of us wants to work on a computer and the other to do the same or work on projects, and generally has essentially created two separate living spaces for us. We also ordered the battery disconnect switch, heated mirrors, extra solar panel, back up camera and an extra 120v outlet in the cab over which we use to charge devices and for our grand daughter who loves to be up there with her "devices."
We also went for the safety items but didn't add much other than what I listed above. We use a separate Garmin truck/RV nav system rather than an installed one and it works well. We were on a 3 month trip across Canada, the Maritimes to Newfoundland, and back across the northern tier states this summer/fall and the LD performed beautifully for us. Enjoy your new adventures. The wait is worth it!
The Silver Fox
I wanted to introduce my very supportive wife Kristy, who just joined this morning, her forum name is DisneyMom! She is the one making all the final decisions on our LD because I want her to come on this adventure with me. She promised to do all the cooking (and cleaning too, right?) if we got a nice LD. I’m pretty sure I’m the dishwasher, so I’m using paper plates lol
I have only met one of you Dean Ansley and his wife briefly, what a great guy, he has been such a big help. Thank you all for your suggestions and recommendations, such a helpful forum!
"Would any of you have LD add a 2nd solar panel or have an outside vendor do it?"
While, at first thought, you might think it prudent to let LD install one or more solar panels, I'd like to interject this:
LD does NOT take into consideration the optimum locations where solar may be mounted. In my case, with one standard panel, they mounted it right next to the A/C cover where, if the sun is aligned just so, most of the panel was in shadow and therefore useless!
An after market company, such as AM Solar, will know and understand that there are good and not so good positions to give optimum benefit from a high dollar investment. ::) My suspect panel was relocated at the earliest opportunity!
As long as we are talking options, I'd like to hear more opinions on the electric step. The mothership is about to start on my third LD (first new). #1 did not have an electric step, #2 did. After hearing a lot of negatives on this forum about the electric step I left it off the option list, but now I'm having second thoughts.
From my experience -
For my age, stepping up without the step deployed is do-able, but I wonder for how long. With the manual step I often just left it in.
I was always concerned about the electric step malfunctioning and not retracting leaving me no option but to crawl under the rig and remove it. This never happened in the lifetime of the rig, but I was good about maintaining the step.
I was always concerned about forgetting to store the manual step, or storing it incorrectly. Yes you can tie reminder ribbons or whatever, but you have to remember the ribbon.
On the first rig a service shop deployed the (manual) step for some unknown reason, and must have driven with it down. The step was totaled and the mothership had to rebuild the step well.
Tiger,
When ordering our 2015 RB, we included several options on the list. None of which I regret purchasing.
Extra Solar Panel ✔️
Wooden Dash Kit ✔️
Power Heated Mirrors ✔️
Outdoor Shower ✔️
Battery Cutoff ✔️
Satalite Dish (manual) ✔️
So far all but the Sat Dish has been brought into play. One day...no doubt.
I wanted the wooden dash kit because I have it in both my other vehicles and I figured if I’m spending that much on the Best Class C on the market, I may as well give an added splash to the dash. Besides a plain plastic Ford dash is, to me, very unappealing.
Since ours is the RB and already has the added 12 volt outlet below the dinette table I saw no need for another, but it could be a nice addition for another floor plan.
I take it that you have had an opportunity to view as many LD models as possible. Like you, my original choice was the MB but swung quickly to the RB without the Entertainment Center Option.
Also, like you, it was a huge decision on my part to order new rather than purchase a previously owned LD. Traveling was our goal not piddling away my time fixing things on the side of the road as my DW waited “patiently” in the rig.
Good on you for going new. It was the best decision I have ever made. And I too, am blessed with a very supportive better half.
Enjoy your wait and pleasant travels when your dream rolls off the assembly floor.
Kent
My personal opinion, no electric step. I find the manual step easy to use and have never had a problem with it.
As to solar panels, there is a bigger question to be answered. How much solar do you need? If you will only need one or two panels, you can have the mothership install them. If you need more, the best thing to do is to get none from the mothership and have AM Solar work with you to determine your needs, and have them install them. (I have five panels.) Another thought regarding panels, the mothership used to install their panels in contact with the roof. I don't know if that is still their means of installation. Heat degrades panel efficiency. Mounting panels to the roof prevents air circulation below the panel, making the panel run hotter. AM Solar keeps a ventilation space underneath.
Ken F in NM
Another thought regarding panels, the mothership used to install their panels in contact with the roof. I don't know if that is still their means of installation. Heat degrades panel efficiency. Mounting panels to the roof prevents air circulation below the panel, making the panel run hotter.
Just a quick note to mention that on my 2009 MB, the 2 solar panels installed by the factory are raised about an inch or so.
Just a quick note to mention that on my 2009 MB, the 2 solar panels installed by the factory are raised about an inch or so.
On my '02, ditto.
Chris
"If you will only need one or two panels, you can have the mothership install them. If you need more, the best thing to do is to get none from the mothership and have AM Solar work with you to determine your needs, and have them install them."
----
Agreed; I think Ken's one or two panels suggestion works for most owners. But, if I were ordering a new LD, I'd want the rig delivered sans any solar components in favor of having a system custom designed, matched, and installed with the components I want, including the converter, by Quality RV Solar in Fremont, CA. (Dan is an authorized installer for AM Solar.) Ditto on the installation of a back-up camera system and a cell booster.
However, Lazy Daze is not a custom builder; factory-direct, yes, but not custom. Although the factory may agree to make minor changes before delivery, if one wants a custom product or installation on a new LD (or any LD), one goes to aftermarket suppliers or orders the 'parts' and does the custom work themselves.
I know very few LD owners who have not tweaked, customized, and personalized their rigs in some ways; some focus more on cosmetics ('feathers'), some on system and component upgrades ('guts'), and some are professional-grade 'improvers' whose work is never done! ;)
If I were ordering a new rig, there would be no LD-installed options on it.
As always, YMMV.
In regards to the manual coach door step, there is now a red “dummy” light on the dash in plain view that illuminates when the step is down and the Ignition key is turned.
This has saved my backside on at least two occasions. When ordering our RB we opted out of the electric step not because of a pure maintenance perspective but due to the deployment time of the step.
The last thing I wanted was for my DW to expect the step to be there before it deployed.
It is my understanding that there is a “lockout” switch that when activated prevents the step from retracting when opening and closing the coach door. At the time, I was unaware of such a switch. Does it in fact exist? I’m not really sure.
Kent
So my recollection of buying Ruby back in 2004 was when we asked Ed whether we should order the electric step he yelled, “ NOOO, it,s just another thing that can break!!!”
Thus, we couldn’t get the electric step even if we wanted it! LOL!!! 🤣
True story.
Dave
Yes, there is a switch that toggles between bringing the step in and out with each open/close of the door, and leaving it out (if the engine is off). When I turn the key to start the rig I always hear the comforting sound of the step being retracted.
"After hearing a lot of negatives on this forum about the electric step I left it off the option list, but now I'm having second thoughts."
Hey, it's a mechanical device and as most of us know, sooner than later it will fail. Larry Wade has been more than vocal in reminding me of that fact.
However, that having been said, my electric step is nearly 13 years old and without a single glitch. Yes, you Must maintain it, which will include cleaning and lubrication with the recommended lube. Short of parts breakage or unintended abuse I expect mine to continue to work for some time to come. (Knock on wood, Murphy's Law, etc.) ::)
Pulled the invoice, Items added:
Battery disconnect switch
Backup Camera
Heated Mirrors
All linoleum in coach area, carpet cab only.
Initially opted for manual satellite antenna, later dropped - not missed in slightest.
Electric door step came with it. In retrospect, would have added if option. Single instance of problem - left it deployed for a couple of months and it stuck until relubed ( One Dee Ten Tee error on my part). Three switches in panel by door: outer- outside light, middle - door step override, inner - ceiling light.
Have not used battery disconnect switch much. When turning it back on, the radio automatcially starts even if it had been off. Would keep it on the next one.
For some reason, the backup camera only works in reverse by default. I have to manually turn it on to use. Anyone know how to convince it to come on when starting?
Opted for linoleum for ease of cleaning and use strategically placed throw rugs.
Opted for the mirrors for the electric component, heating came along for the ride.
After reading Handybobsolar’s blog, I wouldn’t order solar directly from LD. Likewise, most of the non-essential coach options that wouldn’t require massive modifications for running cabling and the like would also be eliminated. My reasoning is that technology and our usage of it changes. My kids watch their iPads more than a tv. How many RVs are running around with CRT TVs installed that suck energy and waste space? For me, a good cellular plan and a cell booster is a better investment, along with a lot of USB charging ports. I look for ways to save space (multipurpose devices) and amperage. An efficient solar system means less generator usage, and a quieter campsite. That could just be me, though.
We are on our third LD, (1999 MB, and two 2006 30ft, IB, Ann. Ed's) I hope you have been able to walk inside a 27ft MB, all four of you at the same time and experienced "the space"? It seems close, if your children will be with you traveling. And have been able to go inside the 31ft to compare? Also in the 31ft the toilet area is a separate room from the shower and that is nice for when 4 people are getting dressed.
We have had an electric step on all of ours and love it-and they worked fine. We don't have a back up mirror on this last LD and really miss it.
It seems everyone has given you good advice here so far and good luck.. Sandra
I would highly recommend adding 12V/120v outlet in rear of coach on Passenger side, if possible.
Do away with carpet anywhere in coach.
Electric Step is a plus in our book.
Remote control mirror control/movement is very rough and not very precise. After adjusting originally in 2015 we have never really had to re-adjust since.
Backup camera is used more for monitoring toad or bikes on rack. Great aid for changing lanes especially when towing.
Mothership told us that changing options after ordering would incur a change fee, and it did since we added a second solar panel after initial order placed, but before unit was built. Just be aware.
Good luck.
We have no need for an electric step. We normally exit from the cab doors when we park and then put out the step.
Sat TV? Heck no! Stay at home if you need that. Oh well, lots of otherwise good people have them.
You will need a second/third solar panel to use the TV/receiver a lot.
I second Ken Fears, have them installed at AM Solar.
Ordered a 2016 so a few comments. Sharing ownership... scary. The second solar panel is adequate for me. Maybe more some day. Don't use the CB. Automatic step is worthwhile even if you don't expect to use it often. Mirror upgrade a good idea - a safety feature. Rear camera - good even though it's pricey. Haven't used satellite tv yet so would probably not get it myself again. Frank
This somewhat recent topic might help the OP with some ideas?
Most/Least Favorite Modifications, Options, Add-ons and Accessories (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=30839.msg178787#msg178787)
I found it very helpful.
"For some reason, the backup camera only works in reverse by default. I have to manually turn it on to use. Anyone know how to convince it to come on when starting?"
For some reason? Well, guess that's the way it was intended, mine works that way also. A default to reverse would seem to me to be the logical way to go for a 'back-up camera'! ;)
"For some reason, the backup camera only works in reverse by default. I have to manually turn it on to use. Anyone know how to convince it to come on when starting?"
For some reason? Well, guess that's the way it was intended, mine works that way also. A default to reverse would seem to me to be the logical way to go for a 'back-up camera'! ;)
[humor]Whoa, backup there. ;) [/humor] "Backup Camera" is more a label than description. with 30k miles, the vast majority of the use has been "rear view camera". It is the reason the bumper is intact after so many times backing it into the side yard. i was wondering if there was a way to turn it on 'full time'.
Just curious, can you even order a 2019 this far ahead? Or did you mean 2018?
We did ask, since our ordering window for delivery would about September 2018, I think my understanding was that we could specify a 2019 Ford model... of course I’m guessing we would have to live with any price increase and LD model changes
"Would any of you have LD add a 2nd solar panel or have an outside vendor do it?"
While, at first thought, you might think it prudent to let LD install one or more solar panels, I'd like to interject this:
LD does NOT take into consideration the optimum locations where solar may be mounted. In my case, with one standard panel, they mounted it right next to the A/C cover where, if the sun is aligned just so, most of the panel was in shadow and therefore useless!
An after market company, such as AM Solar, will know and understand that there are good and not so good positions to give optimum benefit from a high dollar investment. ::) My suspect panel was relocated at the earliest opportunity!
I agree with everything said above in this post. When we were "newbies" we were very excited to have 2 solar panels that had been installed at the factory. We would later find out that the factory installation is not positioned optimally and 2 solar panels are a bit marginal for boondocking. AM Solar is a Lazy Daze owner's best friend for solar.
“I was wondering if there was a way to turn it on 'full time'.”
Why would you want a back up camera on full time? Most of the time I drive forward 😊 when I back up I can easily turn on the back up camera.
“I was wondering if there was a way to turn it on 'full time'.”
Why would you want a back up camera on full time? Most of the time I drive forward 😊 when I back up I can easily turn on the back up camera.
Why would you want a back up camera on full time?To watch a towed car perhaps?Chris
The rear view mirrors have a limited area of view, the camera fills in the missing information.
Our camera is on whenever we are driving, towing or not.
Larry
“I was wondering if there was a way to turn it on 'full time'.”
Why would you want a back up camera on full time? Most of the time I drive forward 😊 when I back up I can easily turn on the back up camera.
Perhaps it would have helped us a few months ago when one of the arms of the towbar came loose from the car and we first realized it when the car appeared to be trying to pass us on the driver side. We didn't have a backup camera then but we do now.
Jim
My camera has a switch to the right of the steering wheel, on the dash, labeled 'Standby", 'On'. When in standby, the camera comes on when you are in 'Reverse'. In On, it stays on, and yes I've found it on days later. I don't like the camera going on and off if I'm going in and out of reverse. I wish it had about a minute timer delay, but the 'On' works for that.
When aimed more upward I use it to watch my towed vehicle. "Is it still there? check. does it still have four tires?, check, Is it on fire?, no, well that's good. When I hit rain, are the windows up? check. It has more uses than just when backing up. At night it can double as a security cam, with night vision. That works surprisingly well. Good for checking on the towed during the night. Or just your surroundings. RonB
Hi Ron, is your rear camera from LD or aftermarket, if so where is it from, brand etc?
Hmm... that could be the un-labeled red switch over the radio on the dash. It doesn't seem to do anything, but I've never tried it when the backup cam was deployed/hooked up.
Chip
What about the LD In motion Satellite antenna (we will use it, had one before) or aftermarket?
Since you are a DirecTV customer and you said you had a dome before, I suppose you already know that you cannot receive DirecTV HD programming with a satellite dome.
My personal preference (and one we have) would be to forego the factory-installed dome and have a Winegard Trav'ler installed. This is an automatic open-faced, multiple-LNB dish which "sees" all three satellites at once. You'll get HD programming plus, if you use a DVR of some sort (like the Genie), you'll be able to watch and record two different programs at the same time.
Hi Tiger. I think it is Clark?; I have a 1999 backup camera installed at exhorbitant cost, from the factory. If I remember correctly it is an AudioVox. New modern ones have to be better, and of course they may install it differently now. RonB
Good quality cameras and monitors are a lot cheaper than they once were.
The monitor can be located in a variety of places: In the sun visor, in place of the rear view mirror or on the console.
I prefer a console mount because it can use a bigger monitor. I don't like sun visor monitors since I can't focus well on them, being so close and small. Rear view monitors are OK but small.
Here is the system I have been running for several years. It works well day or night, with the infrared camera and illuminators.
Backup camera & monitor | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157602095131020/)
Amazon.com : Rear View Safety Backup Camera System with 7" Display (Black)... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GM5GKO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Larry
- To see if I still have the towd.
- To see approaching traffic in my lane and to either side.
- Another input for situational awareness.
- The rear view mirror isn't much use of checking '6'
Back up cameras are an essential part of RV life. One thing I do know about the Motherships Monitor placement is that it can be a pain in the head.
Last summer while getting out of the copilot seat my DW hit her sweet head on the monitor with such force as to cause pain for two days. This prompted me to create a soft wrap around its frame to lessen any future close encounters.
Console mounted or dash mounted would seem a better option for monitor placement.
Just some food for thought. 🤪
Kent
1998 IB with a toad...I use it all the time I'm driving, both to keep an eye on the toad, and to use the peripheral vision that shows people coming up on either side, in addition to my side mirrors...I use the bkup in place of my rear view mirror, since in my rig it's pretty much useless trying to use it along with the fresnel lens. Additional safety information At 07:28 PM 12/30/2017, you wrote:
"I was wondering if there was a way to turn it
on 'full time'." Why would you want a back up camera on full time? Most of the time I drive forward 😊 when I back up I can easily turn on the back up camera. Daughter of the first Lazy Bones Hitting the road with my Dad >🚐 2 Lazy Bones - Home Posting
Information: Lazy Bones 2 replied to the topic >'12/28/17 Today, we may be going to the Mothership to order a 27" 2019 LD MB ' on the >'Lazy Daze General Info & Discussions' Board. You can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply. LDO Links: index.php?action=notifyboard;board=3.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Back up cameras are an essential part of RV life.
Not really, Kent. I never hit anything in my '85 sans camera. Well . . . as long as you don't count that pesky entrance kiosk at Santa Margarita Lake! :o
"Back up cameras are an essential part of RV life."
---
Although I can certainly understand the value of a backup camera - and if I were towing, I would definitely consider the camera with a large monitor screen to be an 'essential' addition - I have used the 'Go Slow and GOAL' approach very successfully for 14 years in the LD, and several years before that in another rig. An 'essential' to one person is an 'option' to another; YMMV, as always.
I do my fair share of solo travel and the back up camera, to me anyway, is an essential element in safely backing the rig into a campsite or backing out of a fuel station (U-Haul etc.).
I do use the “GOAL” method and never solely rely on the monitors image, however, the camera does play an important role in protecting my rig and assisting in my safe travels.
I would rather travel with a fully loaded first aid kit than to be lacking an “essential” element of it’s design.
Just sayin’
Kent
My wife didn't see the usefulness of a camera until I backed into the garage door.
Hey, it's only a little dent.
Cameras are cheaper than garage doors.
Now that we have had a camera for over a decade, IMO, they should be standard equipment, they are that useful.
Cars now come with cameras today, so should RVs, with their limited rear field of view.
Larry
How much does it cost to have a back up Camera installed? Just an average costs?
Sandra
Back to the original question…
We bought a 2013 MB. The factory options we value in particular are many extra 12V outlets and 120 V outlets in all seating areas.