OK folks, after speaking with Todd and finding out that on a 31 IB the slide out dinette can be substituted for the standard barrel chairs and table I began to wonder what other secret factory options were available. Of course, there is the published list that includes leather seats, heated mirrors, etc. but I am interested in a comprehensive list of unknown options.
Besides swapping barrel chairs for the dinette and adding extra power hookups what other choices do we have? I have also heard about internal reinforcements for aftermarket awnings also. Please share your knowledge. Thank you.
Chet, the Lazy Daze website shows the IB with the barrel chairs standard. The TB has the dinette. I would think you could swap out the dinette and barrel chairs for either model but what do I know?
Not sure about other secret options available.
Lazy Daze - Floor Plans (http://www.lazydaze.com/flrplans.htm)
http://www.lazydaze.com/custopt.htm
Not many secrets with LD, what you see is what you get.
After some "discussion," we were able to convince Todd to put a fold up table in the back of our 2015 MB like the ones in the TKs. It's down during the day and folds up against the rear window at night when we make the bed. Seats 6 friendly people with the extension provided. Best thing ever. Makes it possible to eat in the back with the beautiful views around us, gives us 2 separate work stations, and provides the banquette table as a kitchen workspace while cooking. No MB should be without it. I think it cost about $250 including the extension, extra blocking required and the little storage niche for the extension. May now be a standard option, not part of the "secret list."
Silver Fox
2015 MB
Hi Silver Fox. I have a '99 TK and of course that rear table is the dinette. Our first choice would have been the MB, but our driveway is barely long enough to fit the TK. San Diego now prohibits storage on the street. In 2017 we bought a used 2001 MB for some friends, and I insisted on adding a fold up table. I added their closet stored table, hinged and it folds up. Only 24" wide, instead of the TK 36" wide. I did install some bracing in the back wall, and covered the hole with the 'hinge support block'. I think the factory should make it standard. Pull pins for the hinges would allow it to be stored in the closet, similar to the TK's extension. RonB
That's exactly my point - there is no literature that says this is an option but it looked like an easy swap to me. But as we all know sometimes easy changes are not accepted at LD for reasons unknown. After talking with Todd he said this was an option and acted like it was not a big deal at all. I am just curious what other options exist that may be unpublished.
Chet, the Lazy Daze website shows the IB with the barrel chairs standard. The TB has the dinette. I would think you could swap out the dinette and barrel chairs for either model but what do I know?
"I am just curious what other options exist that may be unpublished."
----
If you have specific "options" in mind, present the request and see what shakes out; AFAIK, there is no secret option list, and I doubt that anyone would get very far with a request to browse a general "hidden menu". Each model is different, but if a requested option/change requires modifying the actual build, don't expect that to happen.
I know that LD has agreed to doing some modifications, e.g., wiring, reinforcement, etc., but, again AFAIK, the owners who requested these changes knew just what they wanted, why they wanted it, and probably even suggested ways to make what they wanted happen.
YMMV, as always.
The only 'secret' options are little things that do not cause the Factory any extra design work, major coach modifications or require much of Steve's or Vince's time to make sure the change is done right.
Steve allowed us one and only one change when we ordered our LD, the change was moving the one solar panel to a non-standard place so the cross bars, used to carry our carry our sea kayaks would fit. It was a big deal to them.
Lazy Bones talked them into deleting the awning and adding blocking so other, stronger aftermarket awning could be installed, once deliverd . Once again, another minor change.
That was it, one small change allowed, don't hold your breath for anything much bigger, outside the list of available options
As we keep saying, LD is NOT a custom RV builder. The ability to pick the floorpan and interior and exterior colors, along with a few options, allows them to be called customized.
Larry
When I ordered our 2017 MB, I asked Todd if they could install a hot water heater bypass valve during the construction as it would be easier than me trying to do it after delivery. I offered to provide the kit and pay for the installation. Todd said no. Maybe he was in a bad mood that day.
Hi Silver Fox. I have a '99 TK and of course that rear table is the dinette. Our first choice would have been the MB, but our driveway is barely long enough to fit the TK. San Diego now prohibits storage on the street. In 2017 we bought a used 2001 MB for some friends, and I insisted on adding a fold up table. I added their closet stored table, hinged and it folds up. Only 24" wide, instead of the TK 36" wide. I did install some bracing in the back wall, and covered the hole with the 'hinge support block'. I think the factory should make it standard. Pull pins for the hinges would allow it to be stored in the closet, similar to the TK's extension. RonB
Do you happen to have any pictures of said MB mods? I've got 01 MB, and would love to take a peak. The wife and I are really thinking about the pantry to the aft of the bathroom door mod we saw in a video that was posted here recently.
Hi Heness; I posted some pictures awhile back here; Attaching to back wall (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31275.msg182935#msg182935) I was just going to glue a piece of oak inside the wall, extending to vertical pieces inside the wall. Then glue the white wall board back in place, and screw the outside wall plate onto it. That would have covered the cut outs. I ran out of time, and the new owners wanted to get on the road, so I just screwed that oak hinge plate on to the back wall. They haven't had any issues (yet) and really like the fold down table. Only two feet wide, instead of the TK 3 feet wide. I should have put 'pull pin' hinges in, so the table could be re-located back into the wardrobe (that is why it is two feet wide).
The pantry is easy. More for full timers maybe. Directions and descriptions from others here. RonB
The wife and I are really thinking about the pantry to the aft of the bathroom door mod we saw in a video that was posted here recently.
A pantry is a relatively simple cabinet to construct, the secret to making them look original is using Factory doors.
For a cheaper version, a couple members have found near match doors at Habitat for Humanity stores or other recycling centers.
I'm surprised LD never made pantries an option in the MB and T/Ks.
Mid-bath pantry-Maple | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157666569259434/)
Mid-bath pantry- Cherry | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157668756678411/)
Larry
A pantry is a relatively simple cabinet to construct, the secret to making them look original is using Factory doors.
Larry
I am curious whether by factory doors you mean doors from the Lazy Daze factory or doors ordered from somewhere like Lowe's or Home Depot?
/Kitty
I called Todd back today and asked if there were any other options that were not listed and he pretty much confirmed that there were not. He mentioned the barrel chair and dinette swap was listed on the <floor plans> page for the 31s but I do not see it.
What are your recommendations for power outlets? I have heard where some folks add additional 115 VAC or even USB terminals maybe?
12V outlets may be “add-able”.
Larry, the MB floor plan shows a pantry near the entry door. Is that different than the one you are talking about?
Lazy Daze - Floor Plans (http://www.lazydaze.com/Floorplans/265mb.htm)
I don’t think there are any secret options. You can request some small additions which may be accommodated. We had a DSS Ant. hook up added next to the cable tv hook up in our 31 TB for a small fee.
Randy
Larry, the MB floor plan shows a pantry near the entry door. Is that different than the one you are talking about?
Lazy Daze - Floor Plans (http://www.lazydaze.com/Floorplans/265mb.htm)
The new pantry, in the MB, is located just to the rear of the bathroom door. The Factory pantry is on the left side of the entry way.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7368/26759800074_bfea9c7c44.jpg)
Larry
Hi Kitty, I'm not Larry, but the factory should make replacement doors in your furniture style. You would be best to specify a door size that you already have, or another floorplan's door size, in your color and pattern. I wouldn't expect it to be inexpensive. RonB
the factory should make replacement doors in your furniture style. You would be best to specify a door size that you already have, or another floorplan's door size, in your color and pattern. I wouldn't expect it to be inexpensive. RonB
As long as the wood and door style is still in current use, LD will sell you replacement doors, they are not cheap but are a perfect match. Some folks want a perfect match, some could care less. Drawers are available too.
LD does not sell custom size doors, I already tried, wanting a matching door to use if the microwave was removed.
Larry
When I was at the factory a while back the one extra option they offered was extra outlets where you wanted them.
Think where you will spend your time and what you will do there. Lounge and sleeping areas - charging for phones and other devices. Outlets for cpaps- 120v and 12v . Laptop outlets. Any other gadgets. Any kitchen or bathroom Items.
Think of placement and reach - we have some on each side of our lounge area by where out heads are when we sleep and also closer to the kitchen area by the wardrobe. If you use them often it is very nice not to have to reach 6’ across to get to an outlet and the.n be restricted by a 6’ cord.
Most people have more electrical devices they use now than they did 10-20 years ago, it is likely items will increase over time rather than decrease.
One addition that another owner had done in 1997, was another sewer hose storage. I did the same, after delivery, to my '99.
Pretty simple and light weight. The dump hose the TK came with is right behind the rear wheel. The length got abbreviated by installation of the Kwikee levelers. So I store the thinnest version of hose, and it has no termination on the farthest end. It is strictly for dumping.
Many parks with full hook-ups require the use of a hose with fittings at both ends. This is supposed to provide a 'gas tight' seal. Featuring a screw in piece, then a press fit elbow. One park I know wants a hose support from motorhome to drain, to eliminate backup of contents in the hose. (I just dump quickly before I leave, don't leave the hose hooked up, since I don't carry a hose support.)
The second hose is also a spare in case something happens to the other one. My second storage is a seven foot long tube under the back, near the bumper. The hose I store there is the thickest commonly available, and has fittings at both ends.
The factory may not do this as an option any more, but they did at least once. YMMV RonB
There is room under the rear bumper of most rigs for a large pipe, useful for storing extra dump hose or, as have used it, for fishing poles. Our LD has a full width 4" ABS pipe with locking ends.
Larry
(https://live.staticflickr.com/1148/1415577771_0a78589008.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/1066/1416455942_df0bfca309.jpg)
I really like this idea. Is there a place on line that sells these to fit my ‘12, 27” RB?
We have added a 6" PVC tube with caps that runs the whole width of our 98~MB. We store our outside carpet on the roadside and our door mat on the curb side. Larry has a great idea with the locking cap if you had something valuable in the tube. You can pick up the 6"PVC at most places and you can find 8" and 10" tubes but you have to usually have to buy 20 ft lengths. I considered those for caring skis but was worried they would be discovered and stolen. We modified the roadside rear storage to fit my 192mm skies and Karen's too.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
All of the new models of RV's seem to come with USB charging ports at handy places within the furniture/walls/cabinets.
A great substitute for this handy application would be to invest in a few (maybe as many as six or seven) auxiliary charging battery units that are available to charge up iOS and other electronic devices. They can be "loaded up", so to speak, before a trip, or during a trip when you have access to unlimited electricity, and then parceled out to your devices on an "as needed" basis.
I have a bunch of oddball brand units that I have acquired over the years, and they all work fine, but were I starting out today on this quest, I would center my purchases at Goal Zero (https://www.goalzero.com/shop/portable-power/). They have all sizes of useful products in this line that run the gamut from tiny to huge.
As an added bonus, these small portable units can be taken with you in an auxiliary vehicle, or placed anywhere in the motorhome that suits your fancy. A robust set of these chargers seems like a really good alternative to me - as opposed to purchasing a new motorhome that has built-in USB ports! ;->
We also have an Anti-Gravity gizmo for jump starting batteries that purports to have this same capability, but I have not tried it out.
Virtual hugs,
Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West (http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com)
Today: Eggplant Parm
****************************
We have added a 6" PVC tube with caps that runs the whole width of our 98~MB. Larry has a great idea with the locking cap if you had something valuable in the tube. I considered those for caring skis but was worried they would be discovered and stolen. We modified the roadside rear storage to fit my 192mm skies and Karen's too.
I added the locks to keep the fishing poles from disappearing. Since the pipe is black and underneath, it isn't very noticeable.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/1179/1415572409_ea3553abe1.jpg)
Larry
When Cyndy and I visited the mother ship and were shopping for a new Lazy Daze, I had a list of about 5 things I wanted included. Most were fairly easy to accommodate and didn't require engineering or design changes.
In every case, Todd stated "We don't do that."
We were pleased to find our Lazy Daze in the exact length, floorplan, and interior and exterior colors that Cyndy wanted, two years old on an RV lot and bought it the next day. I strongly want Lazy Daze to be profitable and successful for years to come, but their inflexibility on relatively simple matters was a deal killer for me.
Harold
As long as the wood and door style is still in current use, LD will sell you replacement doors, they are not cheap but are a perfect match. /Larry
Would you share the dimensions of the door you used for your Andy Baird pantry?
Thinking we'd like to order them when we place an order for a LD.
"...their inflexibility on relatively simple matters was a deal killer for me."
---
While I agree that LD's reluctance - and/or downright refusal - to make customer-requested changes can be frustrating and off-putting, I do understand LD's desire to avoid the "slippery slope" potential and save themselves a lot of hassle, time, and having to do “production line tweaks”. Making changes, however "simple" these might seem, for one customer will (IMO) inevitably lead to more and more people asking for more and more adaptations/changes/modifications.
Buyers do communicate and exchange information, either in person, or through various online forums; if LD acquiesces to the requests of one customer, word gets around. The next customer says, “Hey, you did X for so-and-so, why can’t you do Y for me?” And so it goes; once exceptions are made, further exceptions are expected.
If I were to order a new LD, I would *like* to request several omissions and changes, but since I believe that the line is between “factory direct” and “custom build” is clear, and that the latter is NOT LD’s business MO, I would not hope for any concessions, accepting that if I wanted to have the factory make other than very *minor* changes, I would be on my own hook to do so aftermarket.
As always, YMMV.
"While I agree that LD's reluctance... to make customer-requested changes can be frustrating ..., I do understand LD's desire to avoid the "slippery slope..."
When I ordered my 2004 30'IB Steve Newton worked with me, to a point. When I asked for a substitute AC/Gas combo water heater the answer was a flat NO.
However, when I asked that the ice maker be deleted along with the coffee maker it was done and with credit for cost.
When I indicated that I would like the awning deleted because I intended to mount an after market awning in it's place, Steve even offered to reinforce the mounting points during the build. When I said I would be mounting a handicap grab bar just inside the coach door he agreed to reinforce that area as well. You will note that all Lazy Daze models have had a HC bar since that date. ;)
All in all I think I came out the winner, but I had to work within Lazy Daze's parameters. I was not disappointed. ;D
Kit, here are the specs. Andy drew up for his pantry addition. This, as well as a whole series of interesting prose can be found on his Web postings. Pantry closet (https://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/pantry.htm)
Bob
Would you share the dimensions of the door you used for your Andy Baird pantry?
Thinking we'd like to order them when we place an order for a LD.
If I had a MB on location, I would measure the doors...but I don't
To order is simple, request two MB pantry doors, in the wood of your choice.
Also order two door latches to match the existing hardware .
Using the Factory doors, with matching wood for the cabinet, will provide a Factory installed look, well worth it in a new LD where a cheaper version, using plywood doors, would look out of place, IMO.
Here are the basic dimensions provided to me by Ron Tibbit, I made several modifications and added shelves.
Sorry, the scan is very light.
Pantry dientsion | Provide by Ron Tibbit. More shelves were … | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/47726581091/in/album-72157666569259434/)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47726581091_4566205ab8.jpg)
Larry
Kit, here are the specs. Andy drew up for his pantry addition. This, as well as a whole series of interesting prose can be found on his Web postings. Pantry closet (https://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/pantry.htm)
Bob
Note that these dimensions were for an older TK. If you get a different model, YMMV.
When I ordered my TK in early April, 2003, Ed did agree to do three very small "modifications", i.e., put on Bilsteins (much scowling and harrumphing: "You don't need those damn things!"), leave out the magazine rack, the clock, and the curtains in the overcab over a window that was no longer there! (I did tell Ed that I thought that putting curtains over a blank wall was flat nuts! ::) ) Ed would not agree to leave out the shallow, but heavy medicine cabinet; it was of no use to me, and was ditched at the first opportunity.
I didn't ask to have anything added, wired, reinforced, changed, modified, or otherwise "customized"; all the stuff that has been changed, done, added, taken off/out over the past 15 1/2 years was aftermarket, and that process is ongoing! ;)
We paid for an 'option' not to include carpet and the whole thing is linoleum behind the cab. It occurred to me later, does LD lay down linoleum all around and then put carpet over it? Found area rugs do just as well and easily cleaned. Handy with dogs.
;)
"We paid for an 'option' not to include carpet and the whole thing is linoleum behind the cab."
----
I tried that, but it was firmly rejected; guess there was a thinking shift in the 10 or so years in between delivery times! ;) The carpet in my rig (between the couches and in the cab) has always been covered and shows no wear; I shudder to think what it would look like if it hadn't been! :o
We’ve had a carpet runner in the same locations (and elsewhere) since day one. To me, the added insulation below my toes is worth the cost of replacing a runner every few years. ☃️ The factory installed carpet is just one more way to keep my toes warm. Guess nowadays I’d have to pay to have it left in.🧐
Kent
Joel you said, “Found area rugs do just as well and easily cleaned. Handy with dogs.”
One thing that I’ve learned over the years being a dog owner and having area rugs in the sticks-n-bricks is Dog accidents seep through area rugs and carpet.
Years ago I began adding 10mil painters plastic with duct tape to the underside of all of our carpet pieces. “Stops Wet In It’s Tracks”. Cheap trick and very effective.
Kent
Joan, it may have been the 10 years or that we had the dogs with us when we made the Mothership pilgrimage.
Kent, that sounds like grounds for a new thread on LAZYDAZING WITH PETS. I started to write 'dogs' but remembered meeting Colddog's supervising entities at Q this past January... ;)
The placement of the outdoor shower makes no sense at all. If you want to rinse off after a long hot bike ride, a run or surfing or wash the dogs feet without going into the coach why would you want to do this by entry door and make it wet where there is usually a mat down. Why not on the drivers side by the bath room wall? That's the way most RV's are set up. This to my wife and I make no sense, what are we missing here? Were still going to order a TK when I retire, but.... just saying.
corky,patti
The placement of the outdoor shower makes no sense at all. If you want to rinse off after a long hot bike ride, a run or surfing or wash the dogs feet without going into the coach why would you want to do this by entry door and make it wet where there is usually a mat down. Why not on the drivers side by the bath room wall? That's the way most RV's are set up. This to my wife and I make no sense, what are we missing here? Were still going to order a TK when I retire, but.... just saying.
corky,patti
The only time we have used it was to wash/rinse off the grandkids feet and hands (over a bucket) before coming into the coach....so for that purpose the location was perfect...but your points are extremely valid!
My 98 mid Bath came from the factory with no dinette, a 3rd couch was installed instead and the rear has the drop down table of the twin king. We purchased from the original owners and they said it was a factory option at the time, though I've never seen another with this layout. It is noted in the purchase order delete dinette install couch. It has its plusses and minuses.
My 98 mid Bath came from the factory with no dinette, a 3rd couch was installed instead and the rear has the drop down table of the twin king. We purchased from the original owners and they said it was a factory option at the time, though I've never seen another with this layout. It is noted in the purchase order delete dinette install couch. It has its pluses and minuses.
That's very interesting. Thank you for posting this information about your LD.
Kit, here are the specs. Andy drew up for his pantry addition. This, as well as a whole series of interesting prose can be found on his Web postings. Pantry closet (https://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/pantry.htm)
Bob
I sure appreciate the info, Bob!
If I had a MB on location, I would measure the doors...but I don't
To order is simple, request two MB pantry doors, in the wood of your choice.
Also order two door latches to match the existing hardware .
Using the Factory doors, with matching wood for the cabinet, will provide a Factory installed look, well worth it in a new LD where a cheaper version, using plywood doors, would look out of place, IMO.
Here are the basic dimensions provided to me by Ron Tibbit, I made several modifications and added shelves.
Sorry, the scan is very light.
Pantry dientsion | Provide by Ron Tibbit. More shelves were … | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/47726581091/in/album-72157666569259434/)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47726581091_4566205ab8.jpg)
Larry
Larry - Thanks so much!