My target LD is a 26.5 mid bath, and one of the main reasons is that we like the twin sofas in the back, that can turn into a very large bed. I have located one, will have to travel a bit to check it out, but at some time an owner removed one of these sofas and installed what looks like a bench. I asked if they had the original sofa, and was told that to be able to remove it, it was basically destroyed. My question is, can these old sofas be found for sale, and is it possible to re install them? Thanks for any input.
Milosdad
"I asked if they had the original sofa, and was told that to be able to remove it, it was basically destroyed. My question is, can these old sofas be found for sale, and is it possible to re install them?"
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If any "old sofas" could be found, I strongly suspect that they'd be in the same condition as the one removed from the 26.5 in question, i.e., kindling with a few bits of upholstery clinging to the wreckage. :(
Milosdad - what year are you looking at?
If you are handy (or have a friend that is) I think you could replace it - just needs time and money. But only you can decide if it is worth it.
The very old ones had a box that didn't move and some flip up pieces that made it wider for sleeping on.
The newer ones have a box that slides out - I am guessing a roughly "n" shaped box with an open front and a smaller box that fits inside and slid out with a solid front. Someone with one of those can check if the pulled out box was 1/4" lower (my guess) or what was done to keep the top the same level across both pieces.
Because the original support structure will be difficult to get to you need to create this - and you can no longer screw the boxes in from outside of or from under the coach. But ledges should be used (1x2s) so you are not screwing into the side of plywood which would be easy to install.
If you decide to get it and want to bounce off ideas (even before you get it) - feel free to PM me (and it would be nice if you wrote it up with pictures for the next guy).
You can get new cushions at the mothership (factory). Or get someone to make some using the existing ones as templates.
Jane
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Milosdad - what year are you looking at?
Thank you for the reply. The LD in question is a 2003. The more that I consider it, I will probably pass on it, to us that missing sofa just is not going to cut it. I really would like to have something a bit newer, but in the east, as you probably know, there are not many LD's. I have seen some older ones, from the 90's that looked to be very well cared for. But, I'm probably going to have to travel west to find what we want.
We drove 5 hours round trip yesterday to look at a late model Minnie Winnie 25B, low miles, well cared for, very reasonably priced, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. No windows, poor build quality. I'm thinking that there should be more LD's for sale in the fall/winter.
Milosdad
I would keep looking. My LD is a 1997 MB and I leave a permanent bed in the back with only one sofa pulled out, the other is still extremely comfy for watching films or guests. Since mine (after six years of boondock living six months a year using solar power) still has under 50K miles and a low-hour generator, required extremely low maintenance and beautiful updates, it's worth the search. I hear too many horror stories about SOBs. Yes, there are always problems now and then, but so be it. Just deal with each one at a time (do replace the HWH ignitor! keep a spare water pump! get solar with a good monitor using hi-gauge wire!) I have always towed a car and love complete mobility whenever settled. Yes, as a solo (elderly) woman it is all possible, and I have even had unusual problems (an exploding shattered oven door glass! a 4008 mothership-replaced water pump shedding all its bolts and falling apart in the wilderness! a suicidal power window regularor while in storage!)
Kristin
Hi Milosdad. 2003 is a good year, a lot depend on the mileage and if it has been 'upgraded' by someone who doesn't konw what they are doing. You don't need to destroy the couch to take it out. Just 8 screws into the slide mechanism to take out.
The box can similarly be unscrewed and taken out. Just some pine 1x3's. Some parts could be glued, that would take more work. If you did have to break something, $15 would replace it all. So what did they put there, chairs? I've had mine mostly apart just for fun.(aTK). RonB
The box can similarly be unscrewed and taken out. Just some pine 1x3's. Some parts could be glued, that would take more work. If you did have to break something, $15 would replace it all. So what did they put there, chairs? I've had mine mostly apart just for fun.(aTK). RonB
Thanks for the input and information. It is said to be a desk, but it could be a bench. It was not this owner, and they seem to have sketchy details about the history of this rig.
Milosdad
If this were me, and the having two sofas was important, I think I would keep looking. Then again, you are at a disadvantage because of your location. Are you willing to travel to find the right rig?
Dave,
I’ve had the drivers side couch apart to check out the fresh water tank located within the frame.
I’m not sure how handy you are or how the couch frame is attached to the interior of the coach. Here are a few pics of what mine looks like. Pretty straight forward framing.
Good luck with your hunt.
Kent
Edit: Just to be clear: Ours is a 2015 RB.
Having removed the driver's-side couch from 2003 midbath to put in a desk, I have to respectfully disagree with Ron. My experience was closer to Joan's "pile of kindling" comment. Much of the framing is attached with screws driven from the outside of the coach (before the aluminum sheathing was applied), making removal from inside a destructive process. You basically have to rip out the attached wooden pieces, and then cut off the protruding screws with a Dremel tool. (Same thing with the oddly shaped upper TV cabinet.)
In short, you're not going to find an intact couch for one of these rigs. However, if you can do even basic carpentry, it isn't terribly difficult to build a framed box in that location and top it with foam cushions. Just sayin'. :-)
six years of boondock living six months a year using solar power
Kristin,
May I ask about your solar set-up? We also anticipate doing a lot of boon-docking and I've been wondering what we might need for solar.
/Kitty
May I ask about your solar set-up? We also anticipate doing a lot of boon-docking and I've been wondering what we might need for solar.
There has been a lot of solar discussions through the years, searching the archives and the Companion are good resources.
Many folks are happy with 200-watts of solar, who have limited electrical use or do not camp in the winter .
For year round use, I recommend 400-watts to cover the use of electronics and the ability to get a decent charge in the winter, when the the sun is low and the days short. For some, even more solar is needed, you need to inventory your electrical usage to determine how much solar would be adequate.
To get the maximum charge, any Factory installed solar wring will need to be upgraded and the controller possibly needing replacing, assuming there is already a small solar panel system in place.
Larry
OK Andy, I'll agree with "pile of kindling", but not an expensive pile or is it difficult to replace with new 1x3's. You won't find one that someone has removed. You've got a model to follow since the other half of the slide out-bed is likely still intact. The hard part is cushions, and fabric to match. That angled back part is useless for us. I wouldn't replace it. The wood grained piece might be harder. I think the 2003 had lighter woodtones than my '99. Probably the TV compartment is still there, and the storage door to the outside also. For me it wouldn't be a deal breaker. A good opportunity to refresh the fabric and cushions on both sides. I still have and use my bolsters. do many people 'ditch' those or still use them?
I included a picture of my storage compartment, very similar to Kent's 16 year newer version. RonB
edit: I was replacing my original incandescent compartment lighting with LED's when I took this picture.
I'm not sure that the missing sofa itself would be a deal breaker. I can't get down there until at least Thursday, so first of all it could be gone by then. The generator is not working, which could be an easy fix, or costly. My biggest concerns would be possible water leaks, wood rot, etc. And I have no reason to believe that there could be water damage, except that it is 16 years old with a sketchy history. So, I will be doing my best to check it out. And last but not least, the owner told me that a couple came back with an "inspector", and she eventually invited them to leave. That could be a red flag!
Milosdad
If this were me, and the having two sofas was important, I think I would keep looking. Then again, you are at a disadvantage because of your location. Are you willing to travel to find the right rig?
I would be willing to travel, even to the west coast. That would be a great opportunity for a nice long road trip bringing it home. And if was in need of new roof sealant/repair, I could incorporate that into my trip as well, at the factory where it was built!
Milosdad
I'm not sure that the missing sofa itself would be a deal breaker. I can't get down there until at least Thursday, so first of all it could be gone by then. The generator is not working, which could be an easy fix, or costly. My biggest concerns would be possible water leaks, wood rot, etc. And I have no reason to believe that there could be water damage, except that it is 16 years old with a sketchy history. So, I will be doing my best to check it out. And last but not least, the owner told me that a couple came back with an "inspector", and she eventually invited them to leave. That could be a red flag!
Hi Dave,
I'm curious what you mean about a "sketchy history"? I don't recall you asking me questions about its history that I didn't answer, but I would have been glad to share all I know about the rig since I've owned it and what I knew about it during the time my friend Susan owned it. She owned it from 2007 and we were good friends all that time, so there's not much I don't know about it. I'm not trying to hide anything. I've been pretty open and forthright about its faults, which any 16-year-old vehicle is going to have. All in all, it's a great rig and I'll be very sorry to see it leave. It's been perfect for me. I would love to have owned it for another 10 years or more. There's no sign of water damage or rot anywhere that I've been able to see, and I do check regularly. I'm selling it only because I'm not able to use it as much at this stage in my life and don't want it to just sit and deteriorate.
As far as the removed sofa, Susan was the one who removed it and added a small desk facing out the back. I wanted a larger desk along the side, so my father and I removed the desk Susan had installed and replaced it with the one in the photos. It may look like a bench to you because it is fairly low. I'm short and it was custom built to fit me. Unlike the sofa, the desk would be easy to remove in the few minutes it would take to unscrew it from the wall.
Regarding the inspector I asked to leave, I did so after walking out of my house to check on the progress after he'd been here for 1.5 hours and finding one of the tires flat. He didn't want to take responsibility for it, and so I asked him to leave. I can't imagine why that is a red flag, but I now regret mentioning it to you. You wanted me to let you know if they didn't buy it, and so I did and gave you the reason why. I didn't know you would run to a public forum and post your "red flag" about it rather than asking me more questions if you had questions.
This rig has been loved and well cared for and I hope it will go to someone who has loved it as much as Susan and I did/have.
I also hope you'll be able to find the rig that is better suited for you.
All the best,
Fern
P.S. I'm editing this to add that the inspector was hired by prospective buyer's. I was happy to allow them to have the RV inspected before buying, but when he wouldn't take ownership for a flat tire that he admitted was full when he got here, I no longer trusted him to continue the inspection. He said that he was testing the tire pressure on that tire and the valve got stuck and he couldn't get it unstuck. In the end, because I told him he was responsible to fix it, he did go get a valve and replace it and we filled the tire with our own air compressor.
Hi Dave,
I'm curious what you mean about a "sketchy history"? I don't recall you asking me questions about its history that I didn't answer, but I would have been glad to share all I know about the rig since I've owned it and what I knew about it during the time my friend Susan owned it. She owned it from 2007 and we were good friends all that time, so there's not much I don't know about it. I'm not trying to hide anything. I've been pretty open and forthright about its faults, which any 16-year-old vehicle is going to have. All in all, it's a great rig and I'll be very sorry to see it leave. It's been perfect for me. I would love to have owned it for another 10 years or more. There's no sign of water damage or rot anywhere that I've been able to see, and I do check regularly. I'm selling it only because I'm not able to use it as much at this stage in my life and don't want it to just sit and deteriorate.
As far as the removed sofa, Susan was the one who removed it and added a small desk facing out the back. I wanted a larger desk along the side, so my father and I removed the desk Susan had installed and replaced it with the one in the photos. It may look like a bench to you because it is fairly low. I'm short and it was custom built to fit me. Unlike the sofa, the desk would be easy to remove in the few minutes it would take to unscrew it from the wall.
Regarding the inspector I asked to leave, I did so after walking out of my house to check on the progress after he'd been here for 1.5 hours and finding one of the tires flat. He didn't want to take responsibility for it, and so I asked him to leave. I can't imagine why that is a red flag, but I now regret mentioning it to you. You wanted me to let you know if they didn't buy it, and so I did and gave you the reason why. I didn't know you would run to a public forum and post your "red flag" about it rather than asking me more questions if you had questions.
This rig has been loved and well cared for and I hope it will go to someone who has loved it as much as Susan and I did/have.
I also hope you'll be able to find the rig that is better suited for you.
All the best,
Fern
P.S. I'm editing this to add that the inspector was hired by prospective buyer's. I was happy to allow them to have the RV inspected before buying, but when he wouldn't take ownership for a flat tire that he admitted was full when he got here, I no longer trusted him to continue the inspection. He said that he was testing the tire pressure on that tire and the valve got stuck and he couldn't get it unstuck. In the end, because I told him he was responsible to fix it, he did go get a valve and replace it and we filled the tire with our own air compressor.
I'm curious what you mean about a "sketchy history"? I don't recall you asking me questions about its history that
I do regret that I ruffled your feathers, that was not my intent. But the truth is, I never divulged the location of this RV, it could have been anywhere in the northeast/mid atlantic. Perhaps you just were not having the best of days, but your answers were quite short so I did not pursue a thorough line of questioning about the RV. I thought it best to try and find answers from experienced LD owners.
I've bought used vehicles, and new vehicles, and it is always buyer beware. When exchanging a large amount of cash for any purchase, the best rule is I don't know you, and you don't know me. No harm was meant to you or your RV. I never mentioned name, location, anything to try and bring attention to you on a public forum. You did that.
I wish you luck in your sale.
Milosdad
No harm was meant to you or your RV. I never mentioned name, location, anything to try and bring attention to you on a public forum. You did that.
I wish you luck in your sale.
Thank you. I have no problem bringing it to attention that it was my RV since I have nothing to hide about it. I was just so surprised to read that you thought its history was "sketchy."
I'm also sorry you felt my answers were short. That was not my intent at all. I felt for you when you told me that you've been wanting an LD but the few that have been available on the east coast always sell before you can get to them. So I intentionally called you first when the other buyer fell through. I was surprised you didn't have more questions for me. As I said before, I would have been happy to answer any you had.
Good luck with your sale. Perhaps sketchy was not the best choice of words, but it was not directed at you at all, and certainly not questioning your honesty or integrity.
Milosdad
Here's the ad on Craigslist if anyone is interested:
2003 Lazy Daze motorhome - 27' Mid-Bath floorplan - rvs - by owner - vehicle... (https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rvs/d/bealeton-2003-lazy-daze-motorhome-27/6958120809.html)
I had posted it here on the forums last month but removed it when I needed to take it to the garage for its annual Virginia inspection due the end of July (which it passed without issue). Because I hadn't had any bites from here, I didn't repost it here but instead posted it locally on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. I still have potential buyers contacting me, so haven't felt the need to repost it here at this point. But now that it's being mentioned here, I thought I'd post the link to the ad.
Nice photos, Fern! Is the rear window fogged or is that glare I see?
Nice photos, Fern! Is the rear window fogged or is that glare I see?
Thanks!
There might be some glare, but unfortunately, it is fogged. I believe 2003 was the first year Lazy Daze used double-pane windows. They're great for better insulation, but over time fogging can become an issue.
Here's the ad on Craigslist if anyone is interested:
2003 Lazy Daze motorhome - 27' Mid-Bath floorplan - rvs - by owner - vehicle... (https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rvs/d/bealeton-2003-lazy-daze-motorhome-27/6958120809.html)
I had posted it here on the forums last month but removed it when I needed to take it to the garage for its annual Virginia inspection due the end of July (which it passed without issue). Because I hadn't had any bites from here, I didn't repost it here but instead posted it locally on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. I still have potential buyers contacting me, so haven't felt the need to repost it here at this point. But now that it's being mentioned here, I thought I'd post the link to the ad.
Very nice, Fern. I wish you success in selling.
Just in case some newer folks might wonder, Fern Horst and I are not related. Not many Horsts around. I hate to see Fern leave the FOLD.
Chris (Horst)
Here's the ad on Craigslist if anyone is interested:
2003 Lazy Daze motorhome - 27' Mid-Bath floorplan - rvs - by owner - vehicle... (https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/rvs/d/bealeton-2003-lazy-daze-motorhome-27/6958120809.html)
Yours is the twin to my 2003 Mid-Bath except that you added the cool pantry and wood floor. I have toyed with the idea of removing the passenger side twin sofa in favor of a desk but I have some family members that may want to travel with me from time to time. I'm going to try to build one on top of it that can be easily removed.
I paid way more than you are asking and if it passes an inspection, there will be a very lucky buyer.
Good luck with the sale!
Yours is the twin to my 2003 Mid-Bath except that you added the cool pantry and wood floor. I have toyed with the idea of removing the passenger side twin sofa in favor of a desk but I have some family members that may want to travel with me from time to time. I'm going to try to build one on top of it that can be easily removed.
One possibility would be to install a flip-up desk at the back between the two sofas and use a chair between them. It would be a tight fit, I think, but at least you could sit with your feet under the desk and wouldn't have to remove one of the sofas.
I see that your 2003 MB is brown, too. Yours and mine certainly are twins! :)
I shouldn't have to say this, but: I can attest that there is nothing questionable about Fern or the rig she's selling. I've met her and dined with her family, and they were the most upstanding, decent, and generous people you could ever wish to meet. (I also knew Susan, this rig's former owner.) Moreover, they take good care of their possessions. If I were shopping for a midbath in this age range, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one.
I shouldn't have to say this, but: I can attest that there is nothing questionable about Fern or the rig she's selling. I've met her and dined with her family, and they were the most upstanding, decent, and generous people you could ever wish to meet. (I also knew Susan, this rig's former owner.) Moreover, they take good care of their possessions. If I were shopping for a midbath in this age range, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one.
Thank you, Andy!
One possibility would be to install a flip-up desk at the back between the two sofas and use a chair between them. It would be a tight fit, I think, but at least you could sit with your feet under the desk and wouldn't have to remove one of the sofas.
I see that your 2003 MB is brown, too. Yours and mine certainly are twins! :)
I actually have the table and extension that fit between the beds but it is big and bulky and I hate blocking the window view when I have to put it up. The table and extension are going into storage. I really want something L-shaped. I have some ideas and some tools!
My family and I visited this LD in Va. Fern was very nice to deal with and let us check out her Rig for a good hour. She answered all of our questions but at the end of the day we couldn't work it out and with a strict Maryland inspection, I knew there were some issues that would cause it to fail. Don't hesitate to reach out to Fern. She is very nice and I gained a lot of knowledge about the RV just in our short visit.
We were lucky and found a 2008 LD with only 19,000 miles from a nice retired couple in Alabama. If you are looking for something specific, it helps to put a WTB ad on the classifieds as well.
I really want something L-shaped. I have some ideas and some tools!
Sounds great! Would love to see photos once you have it in place.
My family and I visited this LD in Va. Fern was very nice to deal with and let us check out her Rig for a good hour. She answered all of our questions but at the end of the day we couldn't work it out and with a strict Maryland inspection, I knew there were some issues that would cause it to fail. Don't hesitate to reach out to Fern. She is very nice and I gained a lot of knowledge about the RV just in our short visit.
We were lucky and found a 2008 LD with only 19,000 miles from a nice retired couple in Alabama. If you are looking for something specific, it helps to put a WTB ad on the classifieds as well.
Thanks, Joe! It was a pleasure to meet you and your family and I'm thrilled you all found an LD that is better suited for you. I know you'll make many wonderful memories in it for your boys!
Thanks Fern! I still hope we see you on the road! If you haven’t sold yours maybe it’s a sign to hold on a little longer!!
Thanks Fern! I still hope we see you on the road! If you haven’t sold yours maybe it’s a sign to hold on a little longer!!
Perhaps. We'll see. :) Can'st say I'd be too sad if that were the case!
Ron and Kent and Andy.
Ok, looking at the pictures that Kent & Ron put in, how does the slide out portion work?
In my brief looking, at newer LDs, at the lounge area where the sofas slide out into larger twin beds, you pull out the box towards the middle of the LD to make the bed larger. It felt like a large piece was being pulled out.
I don't see something in the pictures that shows what gets pulled out - I just see a "box". I do see what looks like a 2x4 (ok, no dimensions so I am not sure of it's size) that sticks out some, maybe a part already taken off sits on top of that and slides back and forth?
Just wondering what that moveable part looks like and how it is all put together.
Thanks, Jane
Hi Jane. Just a thin piece of plywood (3/8" maybe), with the part you can see between the couches on the front side, slides back and forth. Shaped like an 'L' the side supports the weight, the plywood still has an edge supported by the box, when they meet in the middle. The slider mechanism is that plywood construct, 1x3, in the middle. Cushions are velcroed to the top (bed, or seat). Two pieces of about 3/16" plywood cover the storage compartment. Cushions fit on that. RonB
"The slider mechanism is that plywood construct, 1x3, in the middle."
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The two couches in my TK are used as beds, but both bases remain in their original position, so I put a screw through each slider into the frame to prevent "couch creep". Without being attached, the bases tended to scoot into the aisle space.
YMMV, as always.
My bed bases are firmly attached to the walls and floor. RonB
"My bed bases are firmly attached to the walls and floor."
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Ron, the couch/bed platforms in your '99 TK don't pull out to make one "king size" bed? IF they're fixed in place, maybe the change to pull-outs came with the wider chassis?
Joan - coach creep - that is a new one - lol.
Thanks all for the info - maybe there were changes over the years - the one I looked at back when might have been an early 90s.
It was heavy (maybe 15-25 lbs of weight) to lift and pull and clunky to do so because it felt like a big box. I also remember the space between not being accessible (pets could not climb under to be in a protected cave and space seemed to be wasted as it couldn't be used.
I might not remember right as it was our first LD looking and I was getting a lot of info.
Just the top sliding would be easier to slide it (less weight). And the space underneath is still useable.
Jane
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"...coach creep - that is a new one..."
Maybe a bit more common than one would think!
My 30'IB has the optional 'expandable' dinette and the moveable portions would creep out into the aisle due to vibration while driving. Fixed that with some common hardware from Ace. ;)
No Joan, the construction of my gaucho's haven't changed in the last 30 years. The Boxes are fastened down, only the bed platform and cushion move. My storage compartments would sure be a mess! I think that Jane and Scott might have a different mechanism. RonB
"The Boxes are fastened down, only the bed platform and cushion move."
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I described the set-up poorly. Yes, the "box" under the couch is fixed in place; the platform, with an upholstered "lip", (lifts up and) slides in and out - whether one wants it to or not. That's what I meant by "couch creep". I used a mending plate on the 1"X 3" to keep the cushion platform from scooting into the aisle.
Perhaps Jane’s TK bed setup is similar to the one used in my ‘85 which had the flaps that prop up for support of the cushions?
Yes Greg, I'm sure that is what Jane and Scott have. For Joan, the feet of the sliders are just long enough to sit down in the carpet, hence the need to lift up a bit to get them to slide. So I've never had any slider creep. While putting the beds back I have managed to trap on two different occasions, two different cats. Both never uttered a sound. The smaller cat was trapped for at least two hours when it was noticed she hadn't been around. I guess she had enough room to breathe. about 4". Years later it happened again to my male cat, again no complaint. Something about don't alert your 'enemies'' about being trapped?
Some years later the male cat was quiet. Turns out I had turned the key too far and left the power windows on! The escapee was chased from motorhome to motorhome about 11:00 at night. (a Lazy Daze get together at Hurkey Creek, Coyotes howling at the full moon). It was cold 40 degrees or so, so a bowl of treats got him back in. At least the other cats weren't interested in the open window. I fixed the key situation. Sure enough he was there the next night trying to get the windows to move! RonB
Greg, yes our beds are fixed boxes with the flip up flap.
I will have to look closer at that construction when I go to the next get together.
I like to know how things are put together. When I did a factory visit years ago, I wanted to see ones in progress of being built - to see how they did their wiring, their plumbing, etc. I was told no initially, but after I was there an hour or two I was taken back to see one in progress (just for a quick look from about 4' away and just from one side).
Jane
I hear too many horror stories about SOBs.
Kristin
Sorry but what does SOBs mean? Thanks
Sorry but what does SOBs mean? Thanks
Some Other Brands
tacmac2100-, Thank you for asking. I’ve wondered about many of the initialisms they use, as well. Often see DW in different context. Can’t decide if it means Dear Wife, Damn Wife, or something entirely different? 😂
tacmac2100-, Thank you for asking. I’ve wondered about many of the initialisms they use, as well. Often see DW in different context. Can’t decide if it means Dear Wife, Damn Wife, or something entirely different? 😂
Abbreviations and acronyms dictionary (https://www.acronymfinder.com)
Chris
Abbreviations and acronyms dictionary (https://www.acronymfinder.com)
Chris
I tried it and it failed to come up with:
FOLD - Fraternal Order of LazyDaze
LDAA - LazyDaze Alumni Association
:D
Joel