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Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Selling the house with the intent to purchase a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience).  After research leading to Lazy Daze, trying to decide between 27 ft mid bath (my favorite floor plan) and 31 ft island bed (less claustrophobic for full-timer?). Soliciting opinions of LD owners to help decide.
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #1 –
Quote from: saguaropat  - 
Selling the house with the intent to purchase a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience).  After research leading to Lazy Daze, trying to decide between 27 ft mid bath (my favorite floor plan) and 31 ft island bed (less claustrophobic for full-timer?). Soliciting opinions of LD owners to help decide.

Do you have a name to share? Here's a link to a discussion on the 31'. Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze. There have been a lot of discussions/threads on this topic but it's hard to look them up because there is no consistent subject title. Maybe some of our members can find some threads for you to read.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #2 –
Here is another one
Newbie Question 31 or 27
good hunting.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #3 –
There could be other reasons, but one that I think may be important to a full-timer is the amount of stuff you may need to carry.  The Ford E-450 chassis has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14500 pounds, no matter the size of the RV or the manufacturer.  Further, the weight limitation is independent of how much "room" you have to carry stuff, and what that stuff is, e.g., water, food, people, pets, equipment and so forth.  In general, the longer the RV, the more it weighs, thus decreasing the weight of stuff (often called the Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity or just Cargo Carrying Capacity) it can carry.  So, give some thought to the things you might want or need to carry.  Also, think about if you will need a separate storage facility to place things that are not expected to be used immediately, for example seasonal items.  Good luck with your search.

Bob
2011 MB
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #4 –
Here's an excellent thread about getting into RVing started by Ken Fears a year ago and written specifically with people like you in mind!
Getting Started - A Primer For The New RV'er

Good luck and best wishes.
Jim
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #5 –
"The Ford E-450 chassis has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14500 pounds..."
----
2008 and later chassis; earlier 27' (24', 31') models have a GVWR of 14050 pounds, and the 24' was on the E350 chassis with a GVWR of 11500 pounds until the 2003 model year.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #6 –
I would only add that, whichever model Lazy Daze you decide on, find the RV before you sell the house.  Finding a good, used LD can take awhile, especially if not near California or the West coast.

Also, recommend you find some actual units to look at before deciding as often people have changed their mind on model choice after seeing them in person.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #7 –
Shorter the better if you plan on boondocking.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #8 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
I would only add that, whichever model Lazy Daze you decide on, find the RV before you sell the house.  Finding a good, used LD can take awhile, especially if not near California or the West coast.
I looked for six months and had to fly a 1000 miles and drive it home.
Good part was the great breakfast at a surfboard filled restaurant in Ocean Side CA. Highly recommend it.

https://beachbreakcafe.net



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Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #9 –
Only a thousand miles, Sawyer? I had to fly 2,500 miles in a pandemic. Worth it, though! 😁
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #10 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Only a thousand miles? I had to fly 2,500 miles in a pandemic. Worth it, though! 😁
The drive home was fun in and of itself. Made a nice little 4 day vacation out of it.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #11 –
"a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience)."
---
Try a forum search using "Fulltime" as a keyword; posts on varied related topics and from multiple years will appear. Adjusting the keyword/ key phrase will bring up additional posts. Some information contained in the posts may be current, but new products and technologies develop consistently, as well as change or disappear, so be sure to check for the most recent information on topics like solar, batteries, phone and web connectivity, etc. Focusing not only on the model and year, but also learning the very critical points of how to assess the condition of a used LD before buying are very important first steps, but just the front end of the learning curve.

There are many areas of research and planning on many topics to be considered for a fulltime lifestyle, particularly one which includes "a lot of boondocking", e.g., /energy/solar system needs, internet connectivity options, equipment upgrades, insurance, etc. Obviously, progressing along the many learning curves can take time; as others have said, finding the "right" LD may not be an easy or fast process, so you will have time to learn as much as you can and align quite a few "ducks" while the search goes along.

Good luck.



2003 TK has a new home
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
"a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience)."
---
Try a forum search using "Fulltime" as a keyword; posts on varied related topics and from multiple years will appear. Adjusting the keyword/ key phrase will bring up additional posts. Some information contained in the posts may be current, but new products and technologies develop consistently, as well as change or disappear, so be sure to check for the most recent information on topics like solar, batteries, phone and web connectivity, etc. Focusing not only on the model and year, but also learning the very critical points of how to assess the condition of a used LD before buying are very important first steps, but just the front end of the learning curve.

There are many areas of research and planning on many topics to be considered for a fulltime lifestyle, particularly one which includes "a lot of boondocking", e.g., /energy/solar system needs, internet connectivity options, equipment upgrades, insurance, etc. Obviously, progressing along the many learning curves can take time; as others have said, finding the "right" LD may not be an easy or fast process, so you will have time to learn as much as you can and align quite a few "ducks" while the search goes along.

Good luck.




"Try a forum search using "Fulltime" as a keyword"

And remember, when searching you can adjust the search time frame from anywhere from 1 to 9999 days thus eliminating older, maybe out of date posts.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #13 –
Having no RV experience really puts you at a disadvantage.  You have no direct experience as to how much personal space and stuff you may need/want.  The 27' MB has more weight carrying capacity than a 31' model and that may be significant carrying water and supplies for boondocking.  Most 31' owners have to pay close attention to their RV weight.  My wife and I traveled extensively in a 26.5' MB with trips up to 6 months and did fine.  But we did not use the overcab bed and making the back into a king+ bed every night was a chore.  When we decided to go full time in 2015, we ended up in a large diesel pusher that has lots of room and can carry and tow what we want to carry.  RVing is all about tradeoffs and what works is different for everyone.  Are you planning on towing a vehicle?

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
"Try a forum search using "Fulltime" as a keyword"

And remember, when searching you can adjust the search time frame from anywhere from 1 to 9999 days thus eliminating older, maybe out of date posts.

Thanks, Chris.  That’s probably where I’ve been going wrong!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #15 –
Quote from: saguaropat  - 
purchase a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience).

I’ll ignore the size discussion (27 vs 31), since you state you don’t have any RVing experience, I would highly recommend renting a 26-27’ RV for at least two weeks, more time if you can swing it.    Doesn’t have to be LD, that would just be a bonus.

Then put some significant miles on that trip, stay in places you would anticipate staying.

By the end of that trip you’ll know what to expect and whether YOU would like to be fulltime on the road, right now you are just guessing that you would enjoy it.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #16 –
If there are two people, that's a point for the 31'.   One person - 27'.    Heavy on boon docking - 27'.   Carrying a lot of weight - 27'.   Need to maneuver in tight spots - 27'.   Inexperienced back up driver - 27'.   Best selection of used rigs - 27'.   Want to
tow - 27'.   Want the separate bedroom - 31.    Some of these suggestions are debatable but may help.
 Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #17 –
Thank you all for the wealth of useful information, and based on that, it looks like the 27' is the way to go. Just finished taking the Mobile Internet Resource Center video courses on cellular connectivity for work, which has also been really helpful.
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #18 –
Quote from: saguaropat  - 
Selling the house with the intent to purchase a used rig for solo full-timing, remote working, and doing a lot of boondocking (no RVing experience).  After research leading to Lazy Daze, trying to decide between 27 ft mid bath (my favorite floor plan) and 31 ft island bed (less claustrophobic for full-timer?). Soliciting opinions of LD owners to help decide.

I did exactly that and chose the mid-bath. Love it, especially the 180-degree views from the rear lounge! I believe I chose the correct RV for me the first time. No previous RVing experience for me either (though I've been in many in my old work-life).
My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #19 –
And I love my Rear Bath.  Less claustrophobic open plan and great for me and my 2cats.  Has great windows all around too!
I don't think I'd get this plan if you are a couple and need your space, but for me alone it's fabulous.  Although there are couples who love it.

Best bet is to find someone who will show you what they have and you go from there.  That's how I figured out I loved the RB better than the MB.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #20 –
I agree with others, you have to go sit in the models to see how they feel to you. That includes laying in the bed (we found the cabinets around and over the head of the bed felt claustrophobic (a little for me, a lot for Scott).

Cab over area can have that front part pushed back if you don’t need the entire area and that can open things up a little more.

Jane



Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
 
Re: Soliciting opinions regarding LD models
Reply #21 –
Solo full timing?  Get a 27' model, it's much too easy to overload a 31' model, if full-timing. It can be done if you are a light packer

My wife and have over 1500 nights in our 24' FL, it is never overloaded, even when taking all the toys.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze