Perfect Size May 01, 2025, 07:56:02 pm Hello...we have just started to look for a Lazy Daze and are trying to decide if we want to start small with a 22' or if we should start larger. Have you had both? Which did you like better? The primary advantage I can see for small is not having to tow something and I'm wondering if we might use it more initially since we can go to more spots spontaneously. Appreciate any insight you can share.
Re: Perfect Size Reply #1 – May 01, 2025, 11:27:56 pm Welcome to the Forum. You will get different opinions on this topic.We started in 1995 with a 1983 22’ G30 Front Lounge, with the 165 horse-power 350 V8, that we owned for eight years. It was used for day touring since it was very underpowered making towing out of the question. We like dispersed and desert camping, and found driving an RV on poor dirt roads was uncomfortable and risked damaging the rig. It was useless for backroad exploration. Before 2003, all the short LDs were built on a lighter-duty chassis. 2003 marked the E450 becoming available in the short 23.5’ models. We ordered a 23.5’ Front Lounge the week they became available for order. The new models had the V10, a strong chassis and plenty of cargo capacity. As soon as it was delivered, I started looking for a toad, finding the older Jeep Cherokee a good choice. Getting the toad was a game changer. We set up camp and then explore the surrounding area with the Jeep, on foot, or on bikes.Most who have gone with and without a toad will tell you that having one is better, asit increases the range of your explorations.Buy as new as possible a E450 model and seeing how you like being toad free…there are advantages.If iffy roads tempt you too much on your explorations, a toad can be added.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #2 – May 02, 2025, 09:24:09 am I purposely bought a 24’ TK so I can fit just about every where and not need to tow.Three years and 45,000 miles later, have not had a regret for traveling without a toad. 2 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #3 – May 02, 2025, 11:03:12 am In our case we bought an older mid bath, I tow a small trailer with my ATV but we sometimes wish we had an enclosed vehicle along so that we had transport when parked. The ATV just doesn't get it on rainy days.Jon
Re: Perfect Size Reply #4 – May 02, 2025, 12:42:36 pm Quote from: JonS - May 02, 2025, 11:03:12 amThe ATV just doesn't get it on rainy days.This is one reason why we gave up on our dune buggies for enclosed 4X4s many years ago.Being street legal is also an advantage.I do miss blasting around in the sand dunes…but not that much.Without the Jeeps, we would have missed so much of the West’s backcountry. LDs make terrible off-road vehicles.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #5 – May 02, 2025, 12:57:32 pm Hi Larry; I couldn't resist this old photo that I just ran into, of my towed buggy. I had zip in plastic windows for rain, and CA legal plates for on the road use. On to a new owner now. (It was based on a '68 VW bug chassis, and had a removable top. 1400# Full roll bar/cage.) RonB 2 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #6 – May 03, 2025, 08:29:18 am Quote from: Dave Katleman - May 02, 2025, 09:24:09 amI purposely bought a 24’ TK so I can fit just about every where and not need to tow.Three years and 45,000 miles later, have not had a regret for traveling without a toad.Amen to that, Dave. We tow as little as possible these days (meaning no kids anymore, just one dog instead of two, etc.). The advent and rapidly developing tech also make small eBikes a possible alternative to a toad.
Re: Perfect Size Reply #7 – May 04, 2025, 11:56:33 am TessieGracie:This is the perfect time for "know before you go." Sit down and think about what it is you want to go-see-do with the aid of an RV. Lots of folks want to explore nature, hike and wander in the wild. Some folks want to use it for family trips to big attractions like Yellowstone or Disneyland. Some folks need it for beach trips. Some park and sit. Some, like us, really wanted to get out and see museums, galleries, natural spots, national parks and historic places we'd read about or studied which included a lot of urban adventures and parking lots are tight and parking garages are out of the question. Some folks cart kids and pets, some just themselves. No one way is the "right way" or the "only way to travel." We two seniors did an across country trip (9.5 weeks) when we picked up our LD at the Mothership and saw places that fit every category mentioned and then some. We spent a season in place in Florida due to a family medical issue. Those two adventures were without a tow and it was a bit inconvenient for us. We ended up renting a car for several months to get around the Palm Beach area where city driving the LD would have been terribly inconvenient. We then added a tow hitch and spent the rest of our LD RV-ing with a tow and it made a lot of adventures possible for us.What worked for us may simply not work for anyone else. So get good advice from the LWALD fellowship and think clearly about how you want to do you!TinaPformerly of "Wild Thing"a 2006 MB...12 years of 7-months a year out and about in the LDMaine to California and lots and lots of places in between! 1 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #8 – May 04, 2025, 12:27:00 pm Quote from: Tina Pratt - May 04, 2025, 11:56:33 amThis is the perfect time for "know before you go." Sit down and think about what it is you want to go-see-do with the aid of an RV. What worked for us may simply not work for anyone else. So get good advice from the LWALD fellowship and think clearly about how you want to do you!TinaP!Good advice from Tina.As she said, there are many ways to travel. Buy an LD that is capable of pulling a toad; you never know how you will think about this down the road, so it’s best to have options.Happy huntingLarry 1 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #9 – May 05, 2025, 01:23:28 pm Hello...we have just started to look for a Lazy Daze and are trying to decide if we want to start small with a 22' or if we should start larger. Have you had both? Which did you like better? The primary advantage I can see for small is not having to tow something and I'm wondering if we might use it more initially since we can go to more spots spontaneously. Appreciate any insight you can share.Our first LD was a 22' TK, the shorter version of the MB. We did appreciate the nimbleness of a shorter wheelbase which allows more parking/camping options. And I liked the table between the two facing sofas which the MB lacks, but disliked the smaller bathroom with the sink in the shower. Like Larry, we could not tow with the older Chevy chassis.Since we liked the two sofas in the rear, the MB was a nice, logical upgrade, giving more living space with the dinette to eat meals or just hang out, especially since we prefer to sleep in the back lounge area. The loft is reserved for our two cats, or grandkids. The longer MB drives the same, is only slightly harder to park due to the extra 3' length, and the Ford chassis is a bit wider than the Chevy. But the nicest upgrade is the increased engine power, better 6-speed transmission (gas mileage), and ability to tow.We weren't planning to tow initially so waited awhile before taking the plunge. But, since we want to explore new areas, we find having a car available is a big plus that adds freedom to our travels. Other folks do perfectly well not towing . Definitely a YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) decision! By the way, the newer LD's (which are recommended) are actually 23.5-24 feet long due to the newer chassis. 1 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #10 – May 07, 2025, 07:43:00 am Suggestion - if you are anywhere near a LD rally - try to attend and get a feel for the different layouts. Alternatively, try to find some owners near where you live. Most of us love to show off our rigs. I had a 30IB initially - went to a rally so I could really get a good look at the other layouts. Ended up with a 24TK. Good luck in your search! 1 Likes
Re: Perfect Size Reply #11 – May 07, 2025, 02:03:52 pm Quote from: JodiH - May 07, 2025, 07:43:00 amSuggestion - if you are anywhere near a LD rally - try to attend and get a feel for the different layouts. Alternatively, try to find some owners near where you live. Most of us love to show off our rigs. Indeed, I’ll be in Wyoming on up to the Olympic Peninsula this summer, would be happy to show off my TK if I’m in your hood.I bought my TK pretty much sight unseen, all thanks to the kindness of others here showing off their rigs. 1 Likes
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