My wife and I are on the "waitlist" to be added to the waitlist for a new build. We were told the wait time is about 2 years. Can anyone say something they don't like or any problem(s) with their LD?
My biggest complaint is the dual pane window’s seals fail after ten years or so, causing the window to always look dirty.
Curing the problem isn’t cheap.
Larry
So you want encouragement or discouragement? A little of both?
When you say you’re on the waitlist to be added to the waitlist and the two year completion time for the LD is two years away. I gather then that you should be picking up your new Lazy Daze September of 2022. Correct?
We own a 2015 Rear Bath. The factory took our deposit immediately. There was no wait list back then. From the date of our deposit to pickup, it took 14 months. That’s only 6 months sooner than your presumed pickup date.
That’s not a huge difference in delivery time especially when you take into consideration the current state of the country and Fords update of the e450 chassis the rig sits on.
Now think of the wait list itself. Why is it so long? Could it be that Lazy Daze is positioned as one of the Top Rated Class C’s in the market? Possibly number two. Number One?
Our LD has taken us on adventures all around with NO issues other than silly mistakes I’ve made. Would I wait 2 years for a new LD? YES. Will I? No need. This rig will out live me with regular loving care.
Get on the list. Dream about the adventures. When your rig is ready, be glad you stuck to your guns and hold on for the adventure of your lives.
Then again, that’s just me enjoying a cool night under the stars next to a beautiful lake with my trusty LD sitting behind me.
Kent
My biggest complaint is the dual pane window’s seals fail after ten years or so, causing the window to always look dirty.
Curing the problem isn’t cheap.
Larry
Could I ask the cost to fix the problem?
So you want encouragement or discouragement? A little of both?
When you say you’re on the waitlist to be added to the waitlist and the two year completion time for the LD is two years away. I gather then that you should be picking up your new Lazy Daze September of 2022. Correct?
Well, I have found very little discouragement in making the purchase. (Which is a very good thing!) Yes, the pickup date would be September 2022.
With COVID, the factory is closed to visitors, and I would think most people would not want to show off the inside of their rig. Any suggestions on trying to pick out the best model to order? My vote is for a 24' LD.
Kent,
Thank you for the encouragement. We are in the same position. Waiting!
We feel like the LD is worth the wait. In the meantime, we decided to get a lab puppy (crazy!) and we'll have a good start on training by the time we are ready to push off on LD adventures.
lwhiteside
I'm late to answer this ....
My biggest dislike is the lack of documentation of the electrical wring. The wiring diagram in the Owner's Manuel is useless. I'd like to be able to predict when and were a wire is but sadly that is not going to happen. Number two complain is the gray tank outlet pipe is smaller then the black tank outlet. (We have a twin king other models have separate tank outlets.) The larger black tank outlet pipe empties very fast, less then two minutes, but the smaller gray outlet pipe takes up to ten or so minutes to fully empty.
We brought new. Had to wait for around 18 or so months. My 'complains' are very very small nits. After 50,000 plus miles we still have no regards.
glen
Hi.
I got on wait list last week. Yup, a few years.
I hope the wait list does not get lost (??)
No written confirmation or verification offered, though requested.
Old timey is something I like but.....
Rolling with it and will adjust as needed if things don't materialize via LD.
I sure hope they do though.
Alex
I agree with Larry's and Glen's points about the lack of a wiring schematic and the dual pane windows (even the newer models' windows) that are prone to fogging.
However, I do think it's important to note that issues of design, engineering, and construction that that may have affected certain models and/or model years may not be relevant with new(er) models. Both the lack of a wiring schematic included in the LD manual and the use of dual-pane windows are still current concerns, but other component details may not be; Lazy Daze doesn't make changes very fast, but they (eventually) do make them. For example, from the engine to some chassis components to appliances and tank capacities and several other design and materials changes, my 2003 TK is not the same as Glen's 2014 TK; what I would offer as "dislikes" would, in most cases, be moot if the issue was not present in a new LD.
Additionally, it's a crap shoot as to what Lazy Daze will be putting out two years from now; I hope they are still in business and producing a high-quality product, but it's impossible to speculate.
YMMV, as always.
My only gripe is small, but maybe worth mentioning: the factory is so old school, they only take cash or checks. Many times I’ve stopped by to pick up some parts and forgot to bring cash, so had to hunt down a nearby ATM. The area is borderline sketchy too. Other than that super minor complaint, I couldn’t be happier.
The only item that bothers us is the fragility of the end caps (search end caps). The House part of the Rig has otherwise been flawless. The Ford part of our Rig has been flawless. After 11 years there’s some normal wear inside and outside despite my best efforts.
We have 67k miles on our Rig and 1500 miles into a 3 month trip. The only issue we’ve had is ... oh ... we’ve had no issues. Well only if you don’t count hitting BUGS!
This evening after we pulled into our campsite, a guy walked over to inquire about the retro look on our “new” Class C. Actually this is a fairly common experience for the LD Faithful.
I’d buy another without question. Margee is especially happy with our LD which means we’re keeping her. Hope this helps.
"Margee is especially happy with our LD which means we're keeping her."
---
Pretty sure "her" refers to the LD, but I hope it goes for Margee, too! :)
Certainly Bugs are mostly unavoidable. LD’s make for a rather large target. But hey! Maybe they should watch where they’re going. We are.
https://youtu.be/0zZ6QxaSqlU
Kent
I wish they still offered the old paint scheme.
First world problems, and a minor complaint.
Rich
I have a 2007 MB and my only real complaint through the years has been that the spare tire is stored in the rear passenger side bin. I could really use that storage space!
Stephany
While you have options to choose from, you can't do any real customizing at the factory. You largely have to take the basic design and work with it once it's yours. I don't see this as a deal breaker but something to be aware of before you order.
I'll throw in a "plus" that is important to me - these rigs generally don't rattle. If you hear anything it's probably something not loaded carefully. Don't overlook the glass plate in the microwave! Frank
Thank you, everyone, for all the comments. The next question is how to get my wife to like the "retro look" of the LD. She likes the look of the Winnebago View/Navion better. After looking at the poor construction (and lack of quality construction), I thought she would change her mind. I have 18 months to teach her to like the LD.
What, no complaints about Lake Newton? I’m shocked!
What, no complaints about Lake Newton? I’m shocked!
Greg, Lake Newton isn't a problem. Problems have solutions- no solution, no problem.
Besides, it's a good way to introduce new owners to LD history, as we answer the question "Lake who?"
What, no complaints about Lake Newton? I’m shocked!
<smile> I consider Lake Newton a plus. I can count on a shower or good wake-up call just before I drive for the day......
glen
Joel, Glen, my bad on Lake Newton. ;)
Although I didn’t experience the problem in my ‘85 TK, I agree with Larry that the biggest issue is the foggy windows, followed by the end cap issue. There is no perfect RV but a Lazy Daze is about as close as it gets!
"I can count on a shower or good wake-up call just before I drive for the day......"
---
I am apparently a very slow learner; I have multiple experiences with the cascade splashing into the cab from forgetting to close the window before moving the rig after a rain or a rig wash. (Neither of which is an issue right now! :( )
My only gripe is small, but maybe worth mentioning: the factory is so old school, they only take cash or checks. Many times I’ve stopped by to pick up some parts and forgot to bring cash, so had to hunt down a nearby ATM. The area is borderline sketchy too. Other than that super minor complaint, I couldn’t be happier.
I have noticed many family owned business do cash or check only. This is because the credit card companies charge the business a percentage of the sale to use the card. So while it is much easier for us it is a hardship for the owners. I would rather do with the inconvenience than be charged more.
"My biggest dislike is the lack of documentation of the electrical wring."
Amen! Lazy Daze's documentation of wiring and plumbing is embarrassingly sparse compared to other RVs I've seen.
My wife and I are on the "waitlist" to be added to the waitlist for a new build. We were told the wait time is about 2 years. Can anyone say something they don't like or any problem(s) with their LD?
For a wider range of dislikes, you could ask people that considered but did not buy an LD.
That is a great idea! Where would I post your great topic of "considered but did not buy a LD?" I am new at using computer sites.
"Where would I post your great topic of "considered but did not buy a LD?" "
----
There are former owners of LDs on this forum, and a few (perhaps more than a few; difficult to say) who may never have owned LDs but are members of the forum. But, unless these former owners or "never owners" choose to post the reasons why they either no longer own an LD, or the reasons why they never did and selected another brand of RV type, I doubt that the suggested topic of "considered, but did not buy" will generate much relevant response.
IMO, most owners of LDs are very candid about what they like and dislike about their rigs, and are very willing to share their experiences; I would expect that this would be similar or the same in owner forums of other RV types and/or brands. If I were considering RVs other than Lazy Daze, brand-specific owners' forums would be very helpful resources.
YMMV, as always.
We own a 2017 Rear Bath model. Our total wait-till-drive-away time was about one year, maybe a little less because while we had ordered a 2018 model, we were offered one of the last 2017 chassis if we wanted it. We did, and bought it. My primary gripe is more of a muscle-memory thing then an actual design flaw, but I am constantly hitting my head on the protruding overhead cabinet hanging above the rear-facing dinette seat. My wife has never had the problem, but I am several inches taller. I hope to train myself one day to remember that it is above me when I raise up.
Like most others on this forum, we have owned many RVs over the years, spanning from VW Westfalia to pop-up trailer to Airstream trailer to diesel pusher to Winnebago Class A to smaller Class C Winnebago, etc. We have seen and researched all types and manufacturers over the years and decided that our (most likely) last RV would be our new LD. Possibly the best built RV on the market, and certainly so for a Class C motor home.
That said, I really did not have many complaints with our two Winnebagos. I have seen some new Winnebago Class Cs, and I think the quality has diminished. The big manufacturers are putting all of their design and marketing effort into the fancy Class Bs. If I were to buy again, it would be another rear bath LD, no question the most bang for the buck.
After owning a LD I’d say the end caps cracking is an annoying flaw while the wood frame and the numerous leak possibilities is a fatal flaw. My next RV will have a modern aluminum frame.
In five years of ownership, my 2015 TK has had the following issues:
- I've never been a fan of the LED lights they used. Some flickered even when new. More have started flickering, and one has gone out completely.
- A screw came loose. We tightened it.
- The little thing holding a gas strut to the cabinet door over the stove broke. Fixed it with a tiny bolt and some LocTite.
- The latch on the entry door squeaks when under way.
Which isn't bad for 4 years of fulltime use. Apart from the door latch, it's dead quiet going down the road.
People admire its shininess and retro look -- we get compliments regularly on our "beautifully restored" coach. The tank gauges even still work.
We got our rig weighed by the Escapees guy, who was impressed at how well balanced Lazy Dazes are. Most rigs he weighed were several hundred pounds heavier on one side than the others. Ours was less than 50.
Lake Newton is a feature, not a bug.
The spring-loaded panel between the back of the driver's seat and the bathroom provides top-notch entertainment for knucklehead cats when you're trying to read.
Minor design nitpicks:
I wish they'd make the aftermarket Andy Baird Pantry either a factory option or standard equipment. It's far too useful not to have a pantry in that otherwise dead space. Surely they've seen enough of them on rigs in for service to realize it's something owners really need.
I wish they'd ditch the gas oven, and go with a nice cook top and a convection/microwave oven instead. Our gas oven stores miscellaneous flat items and is as unsatisfactory as a cabinet as it is as an oven.
I wish they'd look at the nice entry doors on old Gulfstream BT Cruisers. The door has a gas strut to keep it from slamming open or closed. The prong thing on the LD takes too much force to release and ends up tweaking the door. Everything else about the interior and exterior fitment is so nice, it's hard to see why they would overlook such a simple improvement.
I'd like to see a real 110 volt outlet for the TV cabinet -- "just use an inverter" isn't a great answer for how to get power up there for peripherals. It would provide a much more convenient home for the DSL modem, wifi router, Raspberry PI media server and hard drives than the overhead cabinet next to the entry door. Does anyone still even use DVD players? A pre-wired phone jack would be nice too.
I
thought the 12 volt outlets on the dash were connected to the house batteries and not the starter battery. But no. At least we now have a nice set of jumper cables in case we inadvertently kill the battery again.
A cheap small window air conditioner fits very nicely through the kitchen window. It takes over from the swamp cooler when the temperature goes over 100 (Covid lockdown problems). It's much quieter and more effective than the rooftop A/C. Is it time for Lazy Daze to start looking at mini-split AC units for the next generation instead of the noisy, power-hungry rooftop ones?
My entry door squeaked when I was first drove the rig. Eventually I realized I wasn't shutting it hard enough to latch firmly.
But, I'm sure you've checked the adjustment on the door. Maybe it could be set to latch tighter. Frank
Hi Fu; I agree with some of the comments you made. I retrofitted some incandescent lights to LED strips by Nighthawk, and also some bayonet replacement incandescent to LED that had manufacturing problems related to surface mount technique, and some of the di were marginal. They also were more expensive in the 2014 time span. Flickering is still showing up on some of those even after 5 years. M4 has been exceptional for looking like the original florescent. Newer lights are built better, now that they have become 'mainstream'.
I put a cat door behind the driver seat into the bathroom. For my third cat I had to remove the door, so he could ooze through.
The external door latch had the plastic receiver on the door. I replaced the metal hook on the outside wall. You can loosen the grip by compressing the flat bars, or expand the bars to just the right amount of latch pressure. So no bent doors. That plastic receiver is getting hard to find. I have a couple spares. That magnetic one recently reviewed; I might have to try that.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7M9X68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_h.xrFbH9VPYKZ?ie=UTF8&tag=scmcldo-20&th=1
It's pretty easy to extend 110vac to the TV area. Mine is that fold up shelf (presently) and it has 110v under it. I've added both 12v dc and 110v ac outlets in places. I use a DVD, player not much, but I don't full time either. Mostly because I have so many DVD's.
My cabinet doors have spring struts, not gas springs. They do crap out, better ones are available. RV Designer H279 RV Cabinet Door Support - Black - 2 Pack (https://www.rvupgradestore.com/RV-Designer-H279-Black-Cabinet-Door-Support-2-Pk-p/31-8515.htm)
Yes I've had fun adjusting doors on at least 4 LD's. The older styles. There are a lot of adjustments! Some requiring 2x4's, but also the width of the door allen screw, latch adjustments on the frame and on the door; screen door to fit to the outside door, including small felt pads. No squeeking, rattling, just the right sound and feel to latch and open. Sadly on one I couldnt get the door lock to work with the key. I could pick it faster than using the key. The dead bolt still worked though. No parts, and that lock/latch hasn't been made for years.
Oddly one of the outlets on the dash in my '99 the upper with the door (power point) runs off of the chassis battery, the lower one just below it runs off of the house battery. I might have changed that when I put in my 'real' radio after putting up with the radio LD put in for a few months. I remember access was better to that socket while the radio was out. I later found out that the lower dash under the steering wheel was pretty easy to remove. Also taking out the engine cover (a pain) gives good access to the radio area.
The pantry should be an option. For me it would limit some vision out the back. It is still on my list though. I can't get the proper trim from LD anymore, so it's been shuffled down the list. (I don't full time).
Sort of split A/C systems are available, so called 'basement' units with ducting running up inside a wall. Not really split, but would still need ceiling air ducts. Still too involved for small short rigs.
You could put in a better oven like Andy Baird did, or go to just a cook top, and put in a real storage cabinet underneath. A convection microwave would require generator, or shore power, but newer other motorhomes do that.
A good list overall Fu. The worst squeeking I have is the styrofoam housing on the water heater. Pretty quiet except for the engine. I have the 'loud' Emerald II Onan generator. I almost don't use it. 120 hours in 20 years. Mostly maintenance runs.
RonB
Steve K won't be happy unless I complain about the drawers that won't stay closed. Even the cheapo RVs have better drawer glides than the LD.
Chris
"Steve K won't be happy unless I complain about the drawers that won't stay closed. Even the cheapo RVs have better drawer glides than the LD.
Chris"
Chris, Chris, Chris,.....I am awake and read your #1 LD pet peeve for the 100th time in the last 18 years. Here are two options for you.
#1, pay me to fly to Denver and show you how to insert your drawers or adjust the tabs.
#2, order replacement glides, get some LED headlamps (Costco has some) so you can see what you are doing, and get some knee pads so your ancient knees don't get bruised, and get going on replacing them.
Oh wait; option #3, spend your grandchildren's inheritance and buy a new LD! As patient as you are you should easily wait until 2023 for your new unit..but then like somebody else complained, you will have a rig without a phone jack....they commented about does anybody watch DVDs and then complain about wanting a phone jack?!!!
As for what I used to dislike about my rig, it was the fogged windows. I have now trained my brain to think of them as mood windows; every morning they start off clear and then they fog to create some romantic atmosphere. Sort of like making lemonade when all you get are lemons.
One other dislike I have had over the years are the stalkers who walk back and forth staring at our rig hoping someone will come out and give them a tour. Sort of how I met you Chris in southwest Colorado in 2002 when I was the stalker!
Steve K.
"One other dislike I have had over the years are the stalkers who walk back and forth staring at our rig hoping someone will come out and give them a tour."
---
Your "stalkers" are pretty timid; mine just knock on the door if it's closed, holler through the screen if the door is open, or march up and ask if they can see inside the rig! ;)
I wouldn't say the drawer hardware is a top complaint--the wooden frame probably deserves that honor--but the flimsy single-rail drawer slides installed by the factory are the cheapest possible. Dual-rail full-suspension drawer slides should have been made standard decades ago.
The wood frame and the inevitability of leaks if you slack on proper maintenance is a bummer...but dollars to doughnuts I wouldn’t trade our 2000 rear bath with over 150k on the odometer with any brand new class C I’ve seen on a lot. Despite ours gladly showing it’s age and being 20 years behind development it still somehow comes across better thought out and constructed than a current gen class C. I really can’t imagine how nice a brand new LD would be without wear and tear and the few improvements they have implemented over the years....maybe one day I’ll be able to find out.
Furthermore the effort required to stave off leaking and potential wood rot on a brand new lazy daze would be incredibly minimal.
I wouldn't say the drawer hardware is a top complaint--the wooden frame probably deserves that honor--but the flimsy single-rail drawer slides installed by the factory are the cheapest possible. Dual-rail full-suspension drawer slides should have been made standard decades ago.
Thank you, Andy.🙂
Chris
Even my little $18,000 (list price) Trillium trailer had better drawer slides--two per drawer--than my Lazy Daze. (I say "had" because I removed the drawers to make room for a larger sink and a gray tank.)
Has anyone replaced the hardware on the drawers?
I have, and I‘m sure that many others have done the same; do you have specific questions?
Has anyone replaced the hardware on the drawers?
Yes, all of the hardware everywhere. What do you want to know?
Chris
Yes, all of the hardware everywhere. What do you want to know?
Chris
Was there a particular manufacturer of hardware you would recommend. Any words of advice before starting this project? Thank you again for your expertises.
There are dozens of choices of drawer pulls and cabinet hardware; different manufacturers, colors, finishes, materials, shapes, prices abound! You might want to start with Amazon to get an idea of what’s available. Amazon lists manufacturers at page left; if you don’t see a specific product on Amazon, you might look at the manufacturers’ sites for more choices.
If your original cabinet and/or drawer hardware uses backing plates behind the pull or knob, be careful when removing these; if the hardware is original, the backing plate is likely very well-stuck to the vinyl. The vinyl tears easily, so you might want to pry off the backing plates very carefully; I used a plastic “putty knife” to avoid tearing or gouging the surface.
There are dozens of choices of drawer pulls and cabinet hardware; different manufacturers, colors, finishes, materials, shapes, prices abound! You might want to start with Amazon to get an idea of what’s available. Amazon lists manufacturers at page left; if you don’t see a specific product on Amazon, you might look at the manufacturers’ sites for more choices.
If your original cabinet and/or drawer hardware uses backing plates behind the pull or knob, be careful when removing these; if the hardware is original, the backing plate is likely very well-stuck to the vinyl. The vinyl tears easily, so you might want to pry off the backing plates very carefully; I used a plastic “putty knife” to avoid tearing or gouging the surface.
Concur with Joan. Buy one and test it out to make sure it fits. Also, matching/integrated backplates are a plus to prevent finger nail gouges/scratches.
Chris
The wood frame and the inevitability of leaks if you slack on proper maintenance is a bummer...but dollars to doughnuts I wouldn’t trade our 2000 rear bath with over 150k on the odometer with any brand new class C I’ve seen on a lot. Despite ours gladly showing it’s age and being 20 years behind development it still somehow comes across better thought out and constructed than a current gen class C. I really can’t imagine how nice a brand new LD would be without wear and tear and the few improvements they have implemented over the years....maybe one day I’ll be able to find out.
Furthermore the effort required to stave off leaking and potential wood rot on a brand new lazy daze would be incredibly minimal.
If you buy new and keep up with maintenance the wood frame is fine but if you buy used its a crap shoot as to whether your LD is a dream or a nightmare. That's just something used buyers need to be aware of.
Hello. Here are my observations.
We have a 2016 TK which was the floor model so we did not have to wait a year! For the most part we are thrilled with our purchase, however, we are continually frustrated with the TV while dry camping. We use a small inverter so we can use the satellite DirectTV box. It works about two hours and then the inverter (brand new!) starts to beep which means there is low battery even tho the battery panel shows 13.1% . Do we need to get new house batteries? Is there a wiring issue? Not sure.
Also, lately the water pump does not stop making noise as it seems to be pushing air out of the lines. It takes about 5 minutes and then stops. If the pump button is turned off, it will make the noise again - very noisy at 2 AM! Maybe it needs replaced???
I wish the awning extended over the entrance door- the support bar is in the way.
The thing we like most about the TK is the wrap around windows. It gives the sense of being outside while while feeling cozy inside. All the windows are great!
All in all, it will be worth the wait!
Hi ssragan. I understand the aggravation factor. Batteries don't display 13.1 %. Is that 13.1 volts, or do you have a battery monitor that displays how many watt-hours you have left? If the inverter is beeping, usually that is a sign that the batteries are down to about 10.5 volts or exhausted. You might be taking more power out of them than they had. I asume you aren't plugged in. How much power do you use in a day, and do you have solar. If that 13.1 is volts and it is your solar controller, it just could mean that solar is trying to charge your batteries but is losing the battle with power drain. 4 year old batteries should still be ok. The Direct TV LNB uses power, the satellite dish more, the satellite box uses power and the TV uses power. I could see about 50 watt hours per hour. So fully charged batteries (200 WH) could be down to 50% drained in two hours. Not good for battery life. Depends on indiviual power requirements and type of TV.
The pump problem sounds like a dry tank, and it can't suck any water into the pump. How full is your tank? Was it winterized properly if you had sub freezing weather?
I have a TK also, and I wrap a swim noodle around the support bar next to the entry door to avoid hitting my head. It only takes hitting your head a few times to remember it is there. Hard on new people though. RonB
Thanks RonB
13.1 is volts on the Solar Boost panel.
When the inverter beeps after 2 hrs tv time the panel reads 13.1. We just bought a new inverter—- maybe we should call the company.
The water pump is using water from a full tank of water. We dry camp often . The pump has been finicky after the first year. Vince at mother ship tweeted it to not make the jack hammer noise.
Oh well.,.. we are not mechanical so we will take it to a local shop. Sounds like the mother ship is very busy!
Thanks for your input!
Thanks RonB
13.1 is volts on the Solar Boost panel.
When the inverter beeps after 2 hrs tv time the panel reads 13.1. We just bought a new inverter—- maybe we should call the company.
The water pump is using water from a full tank of water. We dry camp often . The pump has been finicky after the first year. Vince at mother ship tweeted it to not make the jack hammer noise.
Oh well.,.. we are not mechanical so we will take it to a local shop. Sounds like the mother ship is very busy!
Thanks for your input!
I don't recall when AGM batteries replaced flooded batteries, but if you have flooded batteries, have you checked the distilled water level?
Chris
I don't recall when AGM batteries replaced flooded batteries, but if you have flooded batteries, have you checked the distilled water level?
Looks 2010 for the battery change, Chris, according to the Changes by the Year page.
Looks 2010 for the battery change, Chris, according to the Changes by the Year page.
Thanks, Greg. I looked at that file but didn't go that far back.
Chris
Our new at the time 2010 RB had the Lifetime AGM batteries and also that was the first year the roof AC unit was an AC/heat pump. When ordering our 2010 unit I asked Steve if we could have the Dometic heat pump which we had on our previous Born Free motorhome. Steve was unaware Dometic had the heat pump and when checking he decided to make it standard on all LD motorhomes.
"...he decided to make it standard..."
And that only emphasizes the 'incremental' changes that occur at LD!
Back in '04 when I was placing my order I asked Steve to block (reinforce) the left entry wall to accommodate a handicap grab bar, which he subsequently did.
On the following model years all LDs have had a grab bar. Thank you Steve! ;) ;D
Now if we could only have a combo AC/LP water heater.
"...he decided to make it standard..."
Back in '04 when I was placing my order I asked Steve to block (reinforce) the left entry wall to accommodate a handicap grab bar, which he subsequently did.
On the following model years all LDs have had a grab bar. Thank you Steve! ;) ;D
Steve, is your grab bar similar to the one in the banner photo? If so, I seem to recall my '85 TK had one like the one in the photo. Perhaps they did away with it for awhile and brought it back?
Grab Bar
Greg
Not sure which of many 'Banner Photos' you are thinking of. I scanned numerous photos and did not find one where you could see inside the coach door.
On the 30/31' models the fridge is just to the left of the entry-way and it was upon that wall I mounted my long grab bar on a 30 - 40° angle, top inward. I noted that after the '04 model year LD mounted a shorter bar on the right side of all entry doors.
My bad, Steve. I thought you were referring to the grab handle on the exterior of the coach.
While looking over everyone's posts, I came up with one question: Is Lake Newton referring to the lake in Southern Illinois or something else?
The way the front cap is sealed to the roof creates a bit of a berm. The way the sides are screwed down and sealed create additional berms. The flat roof pools water there creating the 'lake' named for one of the LD owners. It's sort of an inside, or 'top side' joke.
"Is Lake Newton referring to the lake in Southern Illinois or something else?"
As you may know (or not), Lazy Daze Inc. was started and is owned by a family named Newton! Since all L.D. coaches are constructed with a virtually flat roof, water can accumulate up there, particularly during a rain storm. If you carelessly pull away from your driveway or campsite with the cab windows down you are very apt to get a bath from Lake Newton. :D ;)
While looking over everyone's posts, I came up with one question: Is Lake Newton referring to the lake in Southern Illinois or something else?
Sam, since you are new, you might want to take a peek at this thread about the history of Lazy Daze as told by some of the "old timers": History of Lazy Daze Groups - Yahoo and Lazy Daze Owners' Forum (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31815.0) Also, this link to an article in the Lazy Daze Companion tells you about the Mothership history. The Lazy Daze Companion: History of Lazy Daze (http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/p/history-of-lazy-daze.html)
Chris
Sam, since you are new, you might want to take a peek at this thread about the history of Lazy Daze as told by some of the "old timers": History of Lazy Daze Groups - Yahoo and Lazy Daze Owners' Forum (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31815.0) Also, this link to an article in the Lazy Daze Companion tells you about the Mothership history. The Lazy Daze Companion: History of Lazy Daze (http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/p/history-of-lazy-daze.html)
Chris
Thank you for the information and the links. I have spent a lot of time on the LDOG, learning more each day.
Sam Wingersky
While looking over everyone's posts, I came up with one question: Is Lake Newton referring to the lake in Southern Illinois or something else?
An example of Lake Newton during a drought.
Only gripe with the older LD I owned was bolts coming up through the floor. I wanted to ditch the carpet and put in a wood floor but the protruding bolt heads made that difficult to do.
Tried to suck them down from underneath but had no luck. They just spun.
Mike...
My 2004 Twin King has the AC with heat pump. And, I know of a few others with 2006 or early with the same. So, it was probably available earlier than 2010.
I stand corrected; my unit has a heat strip, not heat pump.
"My 2004 Twin King has the AC with heat pump."
Interesting! My '04 30'IB has a heat strip, not a pump. And, looking back, I don't recall that there was an option for that. ::)
Only gripe with the older LD I owned was bolts coming up through the floor. I wanted to ditch the carpet and put in a wood floor but the protruding bolt heads made that difficult to do.
Tried to suck them down from underneath but had no luck. They just spun.
May I ask what year and model of LD?
May I ask what year and model of LD?
97 24' center lounge. Worst area for bolt heads protruding was under linoleum in kitchen and bathroom.
So wondering how they have dealt with protruding bolts on the newer models since carpet has been eliminated throughout the coach?
Hi Greg. Recently there was a picture provided by someone trying to put vinyl down, and they had a hidden area that still had the bolt heads, holding the propane tank, showing. Larry came up with elevator bolts: Amazon.com : Elevator Bolts (https://www.amazon.com/b/?ie=UTF8&tag=scmcldo-20&node=16409551&tag=geminipcstand-20&ref=pd_sl_1jcfo1cpl8_b) for step mounting. Any number of items attached underneath the rig's floor, could have these flat head bolts to replace the rounded head carriage bolts. A slight recess using a router, could make this head sit flush in the plywood for no 'bump'. Stainless for the part under the rig might be a good choice. RonB
When I was at the LD factory to order our 2010 RB "Monty" in the fall of '09 I asked Steve if we could get the Dometic heat pump instead of the AC with the heat strip. We had the heat pump in our 2004 Born Free. Steve was unaware of there being a heat pump available but would check on it. Monty did come with the Dometic heat pump as all the following LD manufactured to the present.
What are the differences between the heat pump and heat strip? Why is the pump better? My ‘85 had neither.
What are the differences between the heat pump and heat strip? Why is the pump better? My ‘85 had neither.
A heat strip is a resistance heater - basically like an oven element that gets hot when you run current through it. Pretty inefficient (uses a lot of wattage).
A heat pump is your roof air conditioner with a reversing valve in it (and some control circuitry). In hot weather, the air conditioner moves heat energy from the interior to the exterior of the coach. In cool/cold weather, switching to heat pump mode, things "reverse", and the unit moves heat energy from the exterior to the interior of the coach. They are more efficient than heat strips.
Both require shore power. Heat pump mode will only work well down to about 40F for an RV rooftop unit - there's simply not enough "energy" on a cold day to pull into the refrigerant.
We have a 2014 TK. Our only complaint is that the dump pipe sits so low. It's only about 8 inches off the ground. We don't off road, so that's not a concern for us. It's the dump stations where the dump area is raised that it becomes an ordeal.
The only item that bothers us is the fragility of the end caps (search end caps). The House part of the Rig has otherwise been flawless. The Ford part of our Rig has been flawless. After 11 years there’s some normal wear inside and outside despite my best efforts.
We have 67k miles on our Rig and 1500 miles into a 3 month trip. The only issue we’ve had is ... oh ... we’ve had no issues. Well only if you don’t count hitting BUGS!
This evening after we pulled into our campsite, a guy walked over to inquire about the retro look on our “new” Class C. Actually this is a fairly common experience for the LD Faithful.
I’d buy another without question. Margee is especially happy with our LD which means we’re keeping her. Hope this helps.
I was wondering what you did to your roof looks better than brand new?
I was wondering what you did to your roof looks better than brand new?
First, we store our LD under cover when not traveling. And we wash the Rig before every trip to include the roof to prevent a buildup of “nasty” that will eventually run down the sides. Most of the time I’ll wash the roof with just water and occasionally I’ll use a mild soap if it’s particularly dirty. The hardest part of cleaning the roof is climbing down 🙃.
Could I ask the cost to fix the problem?
Another question...is the rv. stored outdoors in the sun or indoors ?
I wanted to revisit this topic to look for new or changed opinions. All comments are welcome.