Someone with the resources decides to build a second generation Laze Daze. First an available cab and chassis has to be found and then maybe two instead of three sizes built. The interior/exterior would resemble the orginal as closely as possible.
Any flaws in the original design would be carefully evaluated and corrected. Basic construction methods would have to be determined. The factory direct method would be maintained. Ideally the volume of construction would be high enough so that an inventory could be maintained allowing people to buy off the floor or order.
As many modern features as practical would be standard including maybe lithium batteries and a converter with adequate solar panels. Possibly two models could be made - the basic and the deluxe .
Any ideas on building Generation 2? What would you like to see? Frank
Are you volunteering, Frank? ;)
The one change I would like would be a aluminum framework.
"The one change I would like would be an aluminum framework."
Amen!
Could an F-450 chassis be an option?
@Wingersky Host Industries did back in the 2008 or so time frame though I think they were F550s. They have always caught my attention but were pricey and now that kids are older and going different ways, a crew cab is more than I would need.
But, they don't need to be crew cabs.....
I've seen a late 90s Dodge version Motorhome off the 2500 chassis.
I did a search within 100 miles of me (Southern California) and came up with 17 or so E450 Cab and Chassis at various dealers. This does not help LD though.
Ramon
I did a search within 100 miles of me (Southern California) and came up with 17 or so E450 Cab and Chassis at various dealers. This does not help LD though.
Did that search as well in the beginning of the year and after finding quite a few checked with Todd to see if they could build if I got them a chassis, he said they would not build on a customer provided chassis. Shame, maybe they could have kept going if they allowed customers to source E450s
@Wingersky
Host Industries did back in the 2008 or so time frame though I think they were F550s. They have always caught my attention but were pricey and now that kids are older and going different ways, a crew cab is more than I would need.
But, they don't need to be crew cabs.....
I've seen a late 90s Dodge version Motorhome off the 2500 chassis.
I did a search within 100 miles of me (Southern California) and came up with 17 or so E450 Cab and Chassis at various dealers. This does not help LD though.
Ramon
Tigers can be built on the F-350, F-450, or F550.
Since ordering a new LD is no longer possible, the Provan Tiger Bengal is now going try to be a option.
Def the aluminum frame, but I would honestly steer it into a pull trailer since having the dependency on car makers has proven to be the main weak point. Also it would allow the RV to keep it's value more, just like Airstreams.
I would also not use carpet on any of them, and provide more updated interior design in terms of colors and such as an option. I always thought it was kind of funny to see how brand new LD seems already dated in the inside. (just my opinion)
I would also suggest an update instead of the twin couch in the back, to have an L couch that pairs with the dinnet. I made the transformation on mine, and absolutely love the design and flow of the space.
Oh also taller front cab over bed area since most don't seem to like to sleep there due to the narrow space.
It’s already been done just too expensive by the time you get everything you want. ONE-PIECE HAND-LAID FIBERGLASS BODY By Coachhouse.
The classic Lazy Daze wooden framing is definitely unique. I don’t believe I am alone when I say that the wooden construction is what makes LD’s the top quality Motorhome that they are.
Aluminium superstructures have a huge flaw when it comes to crush strength. I have read about RVs with aluminum cross members loosing their structural integrity when damaged during collisions. This is not the case with the wooden frame of RVs such as Lazy Daze. If a collision occurs and a support member is damaged, the surrounding wooden members support the damaged wooden piece.
Does wood rot? Absolutely. But rotted wood comes from neglect. I’ve seen plenty of LD repair photos over the years on some pretty nasty rigs and the end results have always been pretty good.
Lazy Daze 2? I suppose. But I’ll stick with the old school framing or it just wood’nt seem like a Lazy Daze to me.
Kent
There used to be a photo of a rolled Lazy Daze on the free portion of RV Consumer Group’s website but it’s no longer available. The LD amazingly kept its structural integrity. RVCG was a big part of my research and their info and ratings convinced me that LD was worth checking into. Here is a couple of articles from them that may be worth your while to read:
RV Confidential #9: Aluminum or Wood RV Framing - RV Consumer Group (https://rv.org/blogs/news/aluminum-or-wood-rv-framing)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1400/3519/files/RV_Durability_and_Crashworthiness.pdf?v=1625158721
"There used to be a photo of a rolled Lazy Daze"
Maybe this one? It wasn't a full rollover, but rather it rolled onto its side. Still impressive how well it held up!
----------------------------
RV ROLLS OVER; BLOCKS HIGHWAY 108
By Dedrick Alla
16/08/2008
An RV rolled over Friday afternoon and blocked Highway 108 near Eich Road for two hours. (Picture provided by Mason County Chief Deputy Dean Byrd)
According to the State Patrol, a 1997 Lazy Daze 23-foot motorhome was eastbound on 108 about 1 PM. As the RV approached the intersection with Eich Road, about milepost 8, the driver fell asleep and the vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a ditch and rolled onto its side, blocking both lanes of the highway. (Picture provided by Mason County Chief Deputy Dean Byrd)
A passenger in the motorhome, 76-year-old Ann Liepmhem, was transported to Mason General Hospital with undisclosed injuries. The driver of the RV, Gerald D. Lowrie, 74 of Port Orchard, and passenger Carol B. Lowrie, 73 of Port Orchard, were not injured. The Trooper report indicates that the cause of this crash was Gerald Lowrie falling asleep and he faces charges of Negligent Driving Second Degree.
I’ve seen that photo before, Andy, but that’s not it. Pretty impressive though! I like how the first responder is looking in through the escape hatch!
This would of been prior to 2000 when I was doing my initial research. If anyone is a current member of RVCG, it may still be available in their member archives.
Does wood rot? Absolutely. But rotted wood comes from neglect. I’ve seen plenty of LD repair photos over the years on some pretty nasty rigs and the end results have always been pretty good.
Based on what I've read in the LD group, water intrusion can be very subtle, and severe damage can be done before it's detected. A design that depends on the owner to prevent leaks in many long seams of aluminum sheet means there will be more structural problems than one using an aluminum structure, even with diligent owners. Also, the foam insulation is not bonded to the inner and outer skins like many RVs, and this allows water to move more freely once it's inside.
The one change I would like would be an aluminum framework.
Like wood there is no such thing as aluminum. Wood and aluminum come in all sorts of grades and types. Any issue with wood or aluminum can be solved with various sorts of compromises. The bottom line like most all problems is cost. Once one becomes an expert in one sort of material one tends to stay in that area.
glen
"Wood and aluminum come in all sorts of grades and types."
Prior to the LD I owned a 30' Holiday Rambler "AlumaLyte" TT. It had an aluminum frame. Never, in the 10 years I towed it, did I have an issue in that regard.
Once I personally reworked all the factory defects, and was compensated for my effort by the dealer, I had no further problems outside of routine maintenance. Alas, H.R. got gobbled up, went downhill and finally disappeared entirely.
Hi Steve; " Is Holiday Rambler RV still in business?
"In 1986 Holiday Rambler was sold to Harley-Davidson and in 1996 was sold to the Monaco Coach Corporation. After a few years with Monaco Coach, the company was sold in 2013
to Allied Specialty Vehicles and is now in 2021 owned by the REV Group Inc. Feb 18, 2021"
Well the company 'Name' is still alive. I don't know how representative of the trailer you had. Bought by a large conglomerate REA. Better known as HRC, and only makes small Class 'A's now. RonB
"...the company 'Name' is still alive."
I haven't laid eyes on a HR in many moons, figured they went the way of the Dodo.
The one I had I really liked. Built on a similar floorplan as my LD 30'IB it had a mid-bath with generous shower and huge wardrobe. The kitchen/dining area was in the front forward of the living room couch/TV area. A unique feature was the hidden LP cylinders behind a pull out and up panel which sat flush with the front of the unit when closed.
I towed it with an E350 Club Wagon (OAL 50') using a PullRyte rotating hitch. It was like having a 5th wheel hitch except the hitch body was mounted under the van chassis. I could, and did, make U turns on a wide road. :o
Create a new design to make the roof and associated areas better performers in reducing rot. They could keep the internal wood design just protect it in a better manner. For example, create a design where the roof and associated areas are made by contractor in a factory environment using materials that keep water out. That structure is installed last over top of completed LD. Perhaps it could be some kind of one piece pre-molded stamped structure.
Ron
A slightly convex roof with a side guttering system. Newer high-end RVs seem to have these.
Create a new design to make the roof and associated areas better performers in reducing rot.
Ron
And make the roof rounded, so water runs off instead of pooling.
Well, these are all fantasies that will never happen and I doubt if anyone is going to buy LD and make all of these upgrades.
To deal with the domed roof, LD would have to shape the flat sheet aluminum, a curved roof would have multiple curves worked into the sheet metal, something Steve didn't want to deal with. To construct a domed roof, the best alternative would be a rubber roof that can be stretched into compound shapes.
I'm sad LD is gone but there isn't much we can do other than adapt to the new situation and try to keep our LDs alive without Factory support.
Larry
There used to be a photo of a rolled Lazy Daze on the free portion of RV Consumer Group’s website but it’s no longer available. The LD amazingly kept its structural integrity.
Was it this older one? It had been rolled and then slid on its side for "many feet," according to the owner. The PDF includes a writeup of what happened.
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_2469_d454eb26562e300d93b48b8bf057e8e9;topic=37950)
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_2469_414c3c58e9d220d7a4287f732b085fce;topic=37950)
I've also always been impressed by the photos below of a semi plowed into the side of a LD, leaving a huge hole but the structure still intact.
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_2469_f4927a38ddef9662bf84bbecec844dd9;topic=37950)
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_2469_0f40eeaf114af6d62a8e92efcea6529c;topic=37950)
Interesting! Those two are new to me.
That LazyDaze was broadsided by an 18-wheeler in 2009. Those are screen shots that I took from TV news coverage of the incident. I have a few more images; those are my favorites because they show how deeply embedded the cab was and that the rear windows remained intact (you can see the reflection of the ladder), which is proof of Lazy Daze's stamina. The emergency personnel said they had never seen an RV survive a collision. The Lowes and their German shepherds were shaken but unharmed.
The collision cause a bit of damage to the semi-tractor too, more than what would normally be expected.
This should cause the big rigs to think twice before crashing into an LD.
Larry
Did that search as well in the beginning of the year and after finding quite a few checked with Todd to see if they could build if I got them a chassis, he said they would not build on a customer provided chassis. Shame, maybe they could have kept going if they allowed customers to source E450s
Dave, I asked the same question in 2015 and got the same answer.
Harold