Lazy Daze Owners' Group

If Lazy Daze had to close up shop due to COVID (and the inability to purchase parts), what other brand motorhome would you purchase?

LOL....wait..........

Probably a gently used Foretravel, or an antique GMC (restored by someone else).  Of course, first, a gently used not very old Lazy Daze.   Lots of other options too.  RonB

If Lazy Daze can no longer purchase parts, hypothetically, what other manufacturers can get parts ???

That might answer the question 😁

I look at it like almost all the needed parts for a Lazy Daze are available on the aftermarket sites. Most of the newer Motorhomes are not up to the Lazy Daze standards and quality.

Jon

I've been living full time in my LD 23.5 FL for almost 14 years now. I'm ready for a change from the Ford E series chassis.
I'd love another LD on a Ford F series truck chassis, that way you could get factory 4WD and lift it up a few inches for better ground clearance on forest service road. The places I tend to want to be.
But, since that won't happen, I have my eye on the Dynamax Isata 5. the 28SS is the floorplan. Comes on a Ram 5500 chassis, diesel with facotry 4wd and I'd want it with the Explorer package. A $14,000 option that gives you 800 watts of solar, 400 amps of Lithium batteries, also dual pane windows and insulated tanks and storage bins. Making it more 4 season than others.
Retail on one is about $230,000. but I've seen them advertised for around $170,000. Wait a few years for a nice used one and be into it for hopefully about $125,000.

"I have my eye on the Dynamax Isata 5..."

One question, where are the windows?

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to be making a lot of compromises when leaving the Lazy Daze fold.
Either that or spending a lot more to have a custom made RV on the chassis of my choice.
For that to happen, Bitcoin really needs to perform.

Most of the hardware is available elsewhere and so are most of the appliances.
Repair parts, such as the curved caps used on the edge of the roof and end caps, and the front cap will not be available, other than whatever stock is left when close.
Someone will buy it. 

Larry

How about Tiger?

How about Tiger?

Tiger makes a decent product. They have gone through a fair amount of changes over the years.
Now offering one product instead of three in previous years.

GXV makes some fancy high priced products that have off road travel in mind.
And then there is Earthroamer, perhaps the top of the line expedition RV for US customers, well over $500,000.

I don't need any of that, just 4wd,  a bit more clearance and a diesel option.

DITTO on the 4wd models.  Just can't have bathrooms without windows and fans.  Just saying....

How about Tiger?

Mohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?

We have come to the realization that it is difficult to find one vehicle that will do it all for all of our needs.  So now we have to curb our expectations and go lightly with our LD into those situations it can not handle.  We need other platforms/vehicles to handle the situation and do the job right.  We need a cold weather vehicle 4X4 for snow storm skiing and could also go into back country year round but be shorter then our 98~MB but would have a wet bath.  I think that one we will have to build or modify an existing unit ourselves.  We are currently restoring our 82 VW vanagon camper for the short couple day van trips and we are keeping our eyes out for the right fit for our 4X4 or better known now as a $X$.

          Karen~Liam
            98 ~ MB
              NinA

Mohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?

Tiger (https://www.tigervehicles.com/)

Mohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?

I see that Jerry posted the link. I worked with owner for few months to designed a Tiger for myself on F450 with Lithium batteries. They have as loyal owners group as LD though not as active. Cost on F450 with Lithium I think was coming around 145K (I will say very comparable with LD). During our negotiations price did go up but Mark honored previous price. At that point he was able to deliver in 8-9 months (pre covid). Fact that Mark teach in a university and factory is in SC (or is it in NC) was an issue for his hands on involvement and impact on quality. Mark was ready to customized much more compared to LD.

I backed out because my boss thought I will not be able to climb to the bed above the driver cab. Second issue was getting from driver seat to coach side. Tiger also have wet bath and overall have less space compared to MB. At this point I am not sure if our MB will ever get off the paved road and high ground clearance and 4x4 does not carry much weight for us. New E450 chassis has lot of options and I am not sure F450 cockpit will be very different from E450 but then I never drove F450.

Somebody mention few other brands, they are expedition vehicles. They are in different tier and for our purposes and need, LD's comfort and support group here win even if price is not a barrier.

Coach House is another good brand but does not make business case compared to LD price point.

Regards,

I see that Jerry posted the link. I worked with owner for few months to designed a Tiger for myself on F450 with Lithium batteries. They have as loyal owners group as LD though not as active. Cost on F450 with Lithium I think was coming around 145K (I will say very comparable with LD). During our negotiations price did go up but Mark honored previous price. At that point he was able to deliver in 8-9 months (pre covid). Fact that Mark teach in a university and factory is in SC (or is it in NC) was an issue for his hands on involvement and impact on quality. Mark was ready to customized much more compared to LD.

I backed out because my boss thought I will not be able to climb to the bed above the driver cab. Second issue was getting from driver seat to coach side. Tiger also have wet bath and overall have less space compared to MB. At this point I am not sure if our MB will ever get off the paved road and high ground clearance and 4x4 does not carry much weight for us. New E450 chassis has lot of options and I am not sure F450 cockpit will be very different from E450 but then I never drove F450.

Somebody mention few other brands, they are expedition vehicles. They are in different tier and for our purposes and need, LD's comfort and support group here win even if price is not a barrier.

Coach House is another good brand but does not make business case compared to LD price point.

Regards,

Thank you for all the information. My wife and I have been researching RVs since 2017. The LD is at the top, however, with everything changing (due to Covid), the manufacturing of LDS could stop. I always need a "plan B" or another options.

We are finally coming close to the end of a major home remodel (which includes an RV garage), so the motorhome purchase is definitely in the near future.

My plan B should the worst happen prior to my time on the list, would be to find a used TK, spending the difference between new and used in repairs & upgrades.   Will be quite disappointed if I have to settle for another manufacturer.

Prefer the new chassis, and the Ford automation that goes with it.

RVs built on a 4X4 pickup chassis were at first appealing until I realized how long a wheelbase they have, compared to RVs built on an E-Series van chassis. Adding a few more feet of wheelbase renders them unacceptable for off-road use, IMO, making it too easy to high center on sharp dips unless a very short coach is added.

Adding 4X4 drive to an existing LD will easily exceed the front-end GVW and add a lot of overall weight. It isn't possible to use wider wheels and tires and stay with the dual-wheel rear axle configuration and a single-size spare tire. This is a huge disadvantage. RVs and serious off-road use are not compatible unless one buys an RV built on a big military-style truck.

FYI, we have seen several EarthRomers in our travels, never in the backcountry, always in RV parks or public campgrounds.

Life-long off-roader
Larry

I wonder how many otherwise serviceable Class A RVs are permanently parked because the windshields are broken and replacements are not available?
Parts and service availability is a major reason why we have stayed with Class Cs, we will be able to find parts for many years.

I also appreciate that the cab is an engineered structure, designed to meet Federal crash requirements, something Class As and DPs cannot claim.
I would prefer a rollover in an LD to any Class A or DP. The exception would be a Bluebird DP, built on a school bus chassis.

Larry

We have come to the realization that it is difficult to find one vehicle that will do it all for all of our needs.  So now we have to curb our expectations and go lightly with our LD into those situations it can not handle.  We need other platforms/vehicles to handle the situation and do the job right.  We need a cold weather vehicle 4X4 for snow storm skiing and could also go into back country year round but be shorter then our 98~MB but would have a wet bath.     

A 24' LD, pulling a Jeep, makes a good combination.

Larry

I replied to this post looking for additional comments.

A 24' LD, pulling a Jeep, makes a good combination.

Larry

My dream! We got the Jeep now just need the LD

Cheers,
Julie

Julie,
I will reiterate Larry's comment that a Jeep and a Lazy Daze are a good combination.  It is hard to beat for backroad and rough trail exploration.

Good luck finding your Lazy Daze.

Harold

Although we are RVless and boatless the last few years we did keep a list of what we considered to be (in our opinion) the top Class C mass produced (not custom) RV's over the last 20 years.  In no particular order........

BORN FREE
CHINOOK
COACH HOUSE
LAZY DAZE
LEISURE TRAVEL VANS
PHOENIX CRUISER
TRIPLE E

No offense, but Lazy Daze is not a “mass produced” Class C. Nor is it quite “custom”.

They are a “special order, one off Coach”.
You contact the manufacturer, choose the coach specifics (floor plan and the offered plans length, coach color [limited choices] interior wood color [ maple or cherry], fabrics [also limited].

The brochure offers the limited choices. A fun filled project in its own right. You pay your deposit and sit back and wait. There is no assembly line. They do not mass produce their top quality coaches.

Each unit is “hand crafted” and besides you ability to make the most basic of choices, they will not tweak their rigs to suit your whims. This is as “special order” as it gets, and that’s ok.

Your RV choices (as you’ve indicated) are solid ones but LD is not custom. They are slow, methodical craftspeople. Making one dream machine at a time paying very close attention to create “the finest” Class C Motorhome available.

I don’t know this for a fact, but I don’t think they manufacture more than 150 units in a year. Certainly not a mass produced RV.

As far as your list goes, I place Lazy Daze at the Top of your short list.

Just my opinion.

Kent
Proud owner of a 2015 27’ RB.

No offense, but Lazy Daze is not a “mass produced” Class C. Nor is it quite “custom”.

They are a “special order, one off Coach”.
You contact the manufacturer, choose the coach specifics (floor plan and the offered plans length, coach color [limited choices] interior wood color [ maple or cherry], fabrics [also limited].

The brochure offers the limited choices. A fun filled project in its own right. You pay your deposit and sit back and wait. There is no assembly line. They do not mass produce their top quality coaches.

Each unit is “hand crafted” and besides you ability to make the most basic of choices, they will not tweak their rigs to suit your whims. This is as “special order” as it gets, and that’s ok.

Your RV choices (as you’ve indicated) are solid ones but LD is not custom. They are slow, methodical craftspeople. Making one dream machine at a time paying very close attention to create “the finest” Class C Motorhome available.

I don’t know this for a fact, but I don’t think they manufacture more than 150 units in a year. Certainly not a mass produced RV.

As far as your list goes, I place Lazy Daze at the Top of your short list.

Just my opinion.

Kent
Proud owner of a 2015 27’ RB.

Kent,
I believe everyone on the Lazy Daze Owners group would place the LD on the top. My question is who is second (or the first looser)?

No offense, but Lazy Daze is not a “mass produced” Class C. Nor is it quite “custom”.

My bad  The term mass produced should be reserved for models that ship 500-1000 a year.  Not 30-100 a year.  Can vouch for Born Free-Coach House-Phoenix Cruiser-Leisure Travel as being special order  as well as LD at some point over the last 20 years.  The list was just meant to show case other well made RV's.

Well... Nexus looked promising for a time. A person here sold his LD, (was it D. Baker?) and actually bought an early Nexus. He left us a very long narrative, that I read completely.  He ended up selling it after a year or so.  I think his experience was overall disappointing. That was many years ago, and they seem to be a going concern now.
  On this thread, I wandered into an ad on Youtube for one. The sales person was very impressed with the font of the name, the colors, and other 'fluff'.  He did state that it was a prototype, and that some things were going to move around.     This is a different Utube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKnSX5gx3eY
   On an international chassis, and diesel Duramax with 4x4 the Rebel might appeal to Jota. There also was another youtube making a comparison with a 4x4 made by Thor. The funny part was where the salesman noted that the wheelbase was shorter for the Thor, but the coach was longer. He tried to make that look like a good thing. He would have been better off not mentioning that.   RonB 

Although we are RVless and boatless the last few years we did keep a list of what we considered to be (in our opinion) the top Class C mass produced (not custom) RV's over the last 20 years.  In no particular order........

BORN FREE
CHINOOK
COACH HOUSE
LAZY DAZE
LEISURE TRAVEL VANS
PHOENIX CRUISER
TRIPLE E

Thank you for sharing the list. Born Free went out of business, so I would probably remove them from the list. Does anyone have recommendations or reasoning for second place (LD would be #1)?

If it was me and in need of an SOB I’d be doing research and going to see each one in person to determine which on best suits my needs and wants. Only LD comes close to perfect and yet they are not. 🚐 Happy hunting

Ron,
Cyndy and I looked at the Dynamax FRED super C a few weeks before we bought our LD in 2016.

They claim it has a 10,000 tow capacity, but the yellow OCCC tag in the door was barely 1000lb. I explained to the salesman that If I towed my 10,000 boat, the tongue weight alone (10% x 10,000lb = 1000lb tongue load) would put the coach over it's GVWR.  No room in that number for tools, food, Cyndy, me, or the dog. 

Amazingly, the salesman told us that the yellow OCCC tag in the door was a typo.  He even kept a straight face.

We left and did not look back.  Now that the company is owned by Forest River, I suspect things have not improved.

Our Lazy Daze isn't perfect, but it is good.

Harold

The brand list offered by the OP is a starting point, but, for current model availability, Born Free is defunct, the Chinook now being made in Peru, IN, is not the same as the Chinook that was produced in Yakima, WA, and Triple E now produces only Leisure Travel vans.
 
Compact Luxury - Innovative Class C Motorhomes - Leisure Travel Vans (https://leisurevans.com/)

There is no "perfect" RV of any type, class C or other. All have "warts" of one type or another; many are poorly designed, engineered, and constructed, overweight, with shoddy materials, sloppy workmanship, and little or no quality control, some are overpriced (even in the current market), some rely on "shiny stuff" and various bells and whistles instead of build quality to appeal to buyers who have not done the homework, and some have extended "order and wait" times and/or other long-term availability issues. Some manufacturers offer no post-purchase support, and/or have dealer networks that are equally lax in customer service.

Picking one's way through the minefield (class C or B+, as the "list" also contains that category in this case) requires time, research, and study, i.e., a lot of frog kissing to find the prince or princess! The process can be a real slog, but not doing all the homework, including assessing one's own needs, wants, and personal situation realistically before even starting the search, may well lead to a very disappointing and expensive experience.

As said, no RV is perfect; one just has to decide the levels of "imperfection" one is willing to deal with.

YMMV, as always.

Thank you for sharing the list. Born Free went out of business, so I would probably remove them from the list. Does anyone have recommendations or reasoning for second place (LD would be #1)?

I left Born Free, Chinook, and Triple E on the list as they still come up used and highly sought after.

Good luck.

The brand list offered by the OP is a starting point, but, for current model availability, Born Free is defunct, the Chinook now being made in Peru, IN, is not the same as the Chinook that was produced in Yakima, WA, and Triple E now produces only Leisure Travel vans.
 
Compact Luxury - Innovative Class C Motorhomes - Leisure Travel Vans (https://leisurevans.com/)

There is no "perfect" RV of any type, class C or other. All have "warts" of one type or another; many are poorly designed, engineered, and constructed, overweight, with shoddy materials, sloppy workmanship, and little or no quality control, some are overpriced (even in the current market), some rely on "shiny stuff" and various bells and whistles instead of build quality to appeal to buyers who have not done the homework, and some have extended "order and wait" times and/or other long-term availability issues. Some manufacturers offer no post-purchase support, and/or have dealer networks that are equally lax in customer service.

Picking one's way through the minefield (class C or B+, as the "list" also contains that category in this case) requires time, research, and study, i.e., a lot of frog kissing to find the prince or princess! The process can be a real slog, but not doing all the homework, including assessing one's own needs, wants, and personal situation realistically before even starting the search, may well lead to a very disappointing and expensive experience.

As said, no RV is perfect; one just has to decide the levels of "imperfection" one is willing to deal with.

YMMV, as always.

You are so right! 

We started rving in 1968 and things have evolved tremendously.  The early model class A's "coach" portion was always well outfitted.  Everything was true residential with usually fine craftsmanship.  On the other hand the chassis were a hodge podge of different parts and manf. and could be rolling accidents waiting to happen.

Today it seems just the opposite the chassis and drive trains have been improved and specialty built for the industry...practically bullet proof.  The house portion tend to be very poor quality, just thrown together quickly with Luan and staples........Except LD and a very few others.

Thank you everyone for the input. Unfortunately, things change over time. People retire and companies are sold. For example, Newmar was purchased by Winnebago, and Tiffin was purchased by Thor. LD is my number one choice but some day it will be sold. Hopefully I will have a new one before that happens, but I always want a back up plan (if things don't work out).

As said, no RV is perfect; one just has to decide the levels of "imperfection" one is willing to deal with.

Oh Joan ... not totally correct.  Our 2009 Katie Belle is perfect.  ;)  In fact, just today we were finishing up a couple of small projects and we felt a great sense of pride and satisfaction in our Rig.   We've never had any DEF problems, our no-slides RV have never failed  8),  she rolls down the highway without any cabinets falling off the wall, and she's often the prettiest Blue & White Lady in the campground.  Yeah ... she's perfect. 

Thank you for sharing the list. Born Free went out of business, so I would probably remove them from the list. Does anyone have recommendations or reasoning for second place (LD would be #1)?

After doing a little more research, I have decided to place the Coach House Platinum (Ford F450, no slides) as my #2 choice. Any thoughts?

I was investigating alternatives to Lazy Daze a while back as well and did some research on the Coach House brand  I liked that they are a family-owned business that appears to make quality units. What turned me off on them was their price and, strictly looking at their photos, seemingly claustrophobic interiors and lack of large windows. Not a big fan of fiberglass bodies, either.  I haven’t seen one in person though so you want to tour a few models before deciding.

I have decided to place the Coach House Platinum (Ford F450, no slides) as my #2 choice. Any thoughts?

That’s my fall back as well, would be very very sad to not get a LD after waiting almost 20 years.

I was investigating alternatives to Lazy Daze a while back as well and did some research on the Coach House brand  I liked that they are a family-owned business that appears to make quality units. What turned me off on them was their price and, strictly looking at their photos, seemingly claustrophobic interiors and lack of large windows. Not a big fan of fiberglass bodies, either.  I haven’t seen one in person though so you want to tour a few models before deciding.

Thank you for your input. Fiberglass has come a long way. For example, electricians can only use fiberglass ladders, and most are in better shape than aluminum ladders of the same age.

I would definitely need to tour one in person, because just looking at photos can be deceiving. I agree in the lack of windows,

Fiberglass has come a long way. For example, electricians can only use fiberglass ladders, and most are in better shape than aluminum ladders of the same age.

Fiberglass ladders are insulated but in return, they are very heavy and always have been, so are many RVs made from fiberglass.
A carbon graphite shell or one of the other 'miracle fibers would be lighter and stronger, they will be available someday.

I have a high-quality, 28' fiberglass extension ladder that I can hardly pick up any more, it is very stable and heavy, and nearly unusable.

Larry

Why would you want to be up on a 28 foot extension ladder?  My 24 foot extension ladder gets less use every year.

We don't bounce as well as we once did.  Hire some young stallion and put him up on the ladder and give directions from the ground. 

Harold

Why would you want to be up on a 28 foot extension ladder? 

We own a two-story house. Nothing shorter will reach the peaks of the roof.

Larry

Well, I hope the LD Deliver comes first......

Do (and would) any members have opinions on the Coach House Platinum 220 TB model (as a Plan B manufacture)? If so, thank you for sharing!

Do (and would) any members have opinions on the Coach House Platinum 220 TB model (as a Plan B manufacture)? If so, thank you for sharing!

I wasn’t able to find the 220 TB, have a link?
And a list of the weights, how much CCC does it have?  Fiberglass is strong but heavy.

Wonder if a carbon fiber shell is planned for any manufacturers future product, a lighter, stronger material would be a bonus .

Larry

Larry, I think this is the link:

Platinum 220 - Coach House | Luxury Class B-Plus Motorhomes (https://www.coachhouserv.com/models/platinum/platinum-220/)

Larry, I think this is the link:

Platinum 220 - Coach House | Luxury Class B-Plus Motorhomes (https://www.coachhouserv.com/models/platinum/platinum-220/)

Not one weight specification but lots of beautiful photos.
I have never had a chance to look at any Coach House RVs, they are not common. I like the concept of a one piece shell, it’s the weight of fiberglass that concerns me knowing how heavy fiberglass boats can be.

Larry

Since it is close to where we live near Tampa, I toured the Coach House factory years ago and was impressed with the owners desire to build a quality coach. They do use high end components and put a lot of care into many details as does Lazy Daze. The only drawback is the price of their coaches.  

I wasn’t able to find the 220 TB, have a link?
And a list of the weights, how much CCC does it have?  Fiberglass is strong but heavy.

Wonder if a carbon fiber shell is planned for any manufacturers future product, a lighter, stronger material would be a bonus .

Larry

I emailed Coach House and this information was given to me: "The average 220TB has a dry weight of 10,000 pounds leaving a carry capacity of 4,500 pounds.  It can also tow to the maximum rating of 7,500 pounds easily."

I wanted to provide an update on this post.

I was able to view a Coach House Platinum 220 TB. Compared to the Lazy Daze, the entire Coach House RV seemed to be smaller and closed off. In addition, the cost is way higher than the Lazy Daze factory price.

The Lazy Daze Rear Bath is going to be worth the wait.

Sam,  I have looked at both the Coachhouse and Phoenix Cruiser models.  Both appear to be well made.  The Coachhouse is a B+ type of RV and feels small.  The lack of windows also makes it feel closed.  I have not seen a Phoenix Cruiser in person, but their model 2552 looks very nice.  My ideal would be a 27RB as I dont like anything behind me as the driver.  But after 2 years on the wait list I dont know when LD will be producing coaches again.

Could we revisit this topic? Any new input?

RVs built on a 4X4 pickup chassis were at first appealing until I realized how long a wheelbase they have, compared to RVs built on an E-Series van chassis. Adding a few more feet of wheelbase renders them unacceptable for off-road use, IMO, making it too easy to high center on sharp dips unless a very short coach is added.

Life-long off-roader
Larry

Since Larry Wade is one of many "Hero Members," I wanted to request his honest opinion (as well as others) of the Tiger Bengal as a "plan B" option if a new LD build is not possible.

To me, any vehicle choice, an "RV' or other, is largely determined by its primary intended use; some compromises will likely be necessary regardless of which vehicle/platform is chosen. The wheelbase specs for the 2022 Ford F-350 and F-450 models are listed as these:

141.6" (Regular Cab)
148.0" (SWB SuperCab); 164.2" (LWB SuperCab)
159.8" (SWB Crew Cab); 176.0" (LWB Crew Cab)

The 2022 Ford E-450's wheelbases are 158" and 176". (The Tiger Bengal is built on a "one ton" chassis, Ford, Chevy, or Dodge; one can look up the wheelbases of the Chevy and Dodge, if interested.)

IMO, the Bengal on any of the brands' 4X4 chassis is likely a capable, versatile vehicle with enough clearance for rough roads of varied surfaces, including milder "goat tracks", but it's not a rock hopper (IMO). As said, compromises, including if the ride of the rig is acceptably "comfortable" on the highway and/or standard road surfaces.

YMMV, as always.

If I were going to use my RV for long weekends or vacation trips, the Tiger Bengal would suit me fine.
They are expensive for what you get, the 4x4 is a big premium to pay for.
However, I live full time in my Lazy Daze and find that the large tanks, big windows and other amenities
are more important than 4x4 and added clearance.

I'd like to get away from the Ford E series van chassis. I have had one now 15 years and it's shortcomings are
becoming more noticeable with time.
I have had my eye on a Dynamax Isata 5 28SS. Available with 4x4 and some nice options.
No nice windows but on a truck chassis, giving more legroom, no doghouse and quieter.

The price of the above Dynamax takes my breath away. 

Isata 5 28SS | Dynamax - Manufacturer of Luxury Class C & Super C Motorhomes (https://dynamaxcorp.com/class-c-motorhomes/isata-5/28SS/4940)

Nevertheless it’s interesting. 

I have had my eye on a Dynamax Isata 5 28SS.

Does Dynamax offer a model without slides? Since slides have problems and add a lot of weight, I try my best to avoid them.

Hi Sam;  I notice that Dynamax is owned by Forrest River.   "Forest River, a company formed from the ashes of Cobra Industries way back in 1996, has been actively buying everything and anything that looked palatable. It purchased Coachmen, Viking, Dynamax, Prime Time, Palomino, Shasta, Sportscoach, and Georgie Boy. To continue the Thor investment model, Forest River, Inc. and its divisions were acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, a major investment firm owned by Warren Buffett."     For that price, about double a current Lazy Daze (if you could buy one!) I was appalled that Lithium batteries weren't standard. They are an option, and the extended option is about what I have now. 400 Amp Hours. And 800 watts solar.  With dual alternators and a 8 KW diesel generator, more options and taxes about a 1/4 million dollar investment. After about 5 years you might be able to get one for the price of an LD.
    Slide outs do detract from weight carrying capacity, but this one seems to have plenty to spare. 18,500# GVWR.  In the old days slide outs were a bit unreliable, but they are much better now.  Like all things, they do require some maintenance, and repair techs are learning to work on them better. (some are).  And some slide outs are better than others. More money and sometimes you get better stuff.  A lot of room wasted on the rear bedroom, that doesn't seem to have much use other than bedroom.
   I've actually been in one of these at Dennis Dillon's, Orange Co. Ca. and it was very nice.  At 31' long it is reasonable for length. It comes with a lot of options standard. Full body paint, (not polyurethane?) and levelers.  For Jota, it is factory 4 wheel drive, actually 6 wheels.  RonB

Does Dynamax offer a model without slides? Since slides have problems and add a lot of weight, I try my best to avoid them.

The Isata 5 28SS has a small slide, so not as bad as some. Looks like you could live with the slide in easily enough. It's just the dinette.

There is a Dynamax dealer in Texas that knocks about $75k off of retail.
Still a lot of money. Also, being on a Ram 5500 chassis, maintaining it will be a bit more than an E450 would be.

The price of the above Dynamax takes my breath away. 

Isata 5 28SS | Dynamax - Manufacturer of Luxury Class C & Super C Motorhomes (https://dynamaxcorp.com/class-c-motorhomes/isata-5/28SS/4940)

Nevertheless it’s interesting. 

Indeed!  Personally, I refuse to pay more for a RV than I payed for my sticks and bricks house but that’s just me.  😏

Indeed!  Personally, I refuse to pay more for a RV than I payed for my sticks and bricks house but that’s just me.  😏

That price is more than double what my sticks and bricks cost me.  :o  It is less than half which people have offered on it now. :o  :o
Location and time enter into the equation. 
Just sayin'  ;)

We looked at Coach House. 
Bad: Queen bed only 6 foot.  Small inside.  $$$$$. Paint quality over time deteriorated on older models.  Cabinet locks tended to break. 450 chassis.  Some replacement coach parts can be hard to find due to being higher end.
Good: Twin beds very long for tall people. Quality appliances. Quiet ride due to fiberglass. Unique look. Alcoa rims. Hydraulic slides.  Factory service available.  Travel group. Counter extend option. Offer options for new technology as they became reliable. Family owned.

Here is Musician John Mayer’s RV

Musician John Mayer Shows Off His Beastly EarthRoamer - RVshare.com (https://rvshare.com/blog/musician-john-mayer-shows-off-beastly-earthroamer/)

They should get you anywhere!

Praying that LD can get through these tough times so they can continue building quality units so desperately needed nowadays.

Ron

Since Larry Wade is one of many "Hero Members," I wanted to request his honest opinion (as well as others) of the Tiger Bengal as a "plan B" option if a new LD build is not possible.

Having never seen a Tiger Bengal in person, I'm only familiar with the older models.
If you want to camp in remote places, down poor roads, it's a good choice but I wouldn't want one with a four-door cab, the length becomes much too long. The extra wheelbase does provide a better ride than the E-450 chassis. Almost any other RV will have much smaller windows than an LD.

In return for being built on a pickup chassis, the coach is tight inside, less roomy than even then 24' LD models. It would have been more appealing 20 or 30 years ago when we did more backcountry camping. I have been happily surprised at the places we have been able to get out 24' FL into, the dual real wheels provide more traction than expected.

The bottom line is if the off-road capability is more important than interior space and comfort, it may be the right RV for you.
For us, the Jeep toad allows us to go the places a Tiger could only dream of. YMMV

Larry

Thank you, everyone, for your responses/opinions. More honest opinions are welcome.

Since I cannot order a new Lazy Daze Rear Bath (LD RB), I thought it would be appropriate for the predicted topic to be updated for further input.

Hi Sam;  Well as alternative motorhomes go, and "new" is no longer available in Lazy Daze trim, the previously mentioned 'Hoosier Custom Cruiser'  and 'Nexus' Brands come to mind.  I don't know where their chassis come from.  All brands are being impacted by supply chain issues.  Hoosier Cruiser has a dearth of any expansive windows, at Home • Hoosier Custom Cruiser RV (https://hoosiercruiserrv.com/dreams/)  .  and Nexus   Build 2022 Phantom 24 P Class C Gas Motorhome | NeXus RV | Elkhart Indiana (https://www.nexusrv.com/design-your-own-rvs-dealership-motorhome--build-2022-phantom-24-p-class-c-gas-motorhome).    RonB

Hi Sam;  Well as alternative motorhomes go, and "new" is no longer available in Lazy Daze trim, the previously mentioned 'Hoosier Custom Cruiser'  and 'Nexus' Brands come to mind.  I don't know where their chassis come from.  All brands are being impacted by supply chain issues.  Hoosier Cruiser has a dearth of any expansive windows, at Home • Hoosier Custom Cruiser RV (https://hoosiercruiserrv.com/dreams/)  .  and Nexus   Build 2022 Phantom 24 P Class C Gas Motorhome | NeXus RV | Elkhart Indiana (https://www.nexusrv.com/design-your-own-rvs-dealership-motorhome--build-2022-phantom-24-p-class-c-gas-motorhome).    RonB

Ron,
Thank you for the suggestions and links. Are there any other possibilities that come to mind without slides?

Ron,
Thank you for the suggestions and links. Are there any other possibilities that come to mind without slides?

An interesting one for me is the Coach House RV on the Ford TRX 11k chassis.  I like the turbo engine and it may be more comfortable to ride in.  No slide but still get 2 twins convertible to king.  Probably capacity challenged but like riding a van.

Ron