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Topic: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure (Read 1189 times) previous topic - next topic
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Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
I've been camping in RVs since 1963: 1950 shorty converted school bus; 16 foot TT; VW Westfailia; 25' Pace Arrow; 22' TT; Palamino popup; 24' Wilderness TT; 28' HighLo; 26' Coleman popup with slide; 1997 Roadtrek Popular 190. Bought the Roadtrek in 2010 and put 45K on it. Generally tow a 5x8 custom trailer with 2 yaks, scooter and four storage boxes behind Roadtrek.

We want to full time in three years starting at age 65. We are not large people, I'm 5'6 and wife 5'4. I'm attracted to the mid bath 27' and longer models with twin/king beds in back. She says I snore and wants the option of an escape bed when necessary, so need a sleeper sofa or overhead bunk. Wife thinks the view from the passenger side will be significantly blocked by the overhang of the upper berth. She wants a good view of the scenery. So how limiting is it to have that overhead bunk while driving and sightseeing?

Is there room for a swivel seat base, we use that on the passenger seat of the Roadtrek all the time?

We love to camp in state parks, National Parks, boon dock and National Forests.

We will want to tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four down with two kayaks on top of it. The other alternative is a Subaru Forester MT.

Thinking of 2008 chassis for the new cab and 5-speed trans.

Do you find the LD has adequate storage for extended trips, or is it like backpacking?

We've been looking at 12 to 15 year old diesel pushers 38 to 40 foot long. I'm concerned about the complexity of the systems, maintenance and difficulty accessing powertrain. Also think the LD would be safer and much easier to get into National Forests due to shorter both height and length. I am also attracted to what I perceive as higher build quality in LD. My Roadtrek has held up very well, cabinets still in excellent condition after nearly 20 years and 130,000 miles. I could see it going another ten years if the power train held up.

Know this is too many questions, but the one I can't seem to find in searches is that view while underway.
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
She says I snore and wants the option of an escape bed when necessary, so need a sleeper sofa or overhead bunk.
She would know.  Be aware that it will be you that moves to another bed if she is like my wife.  ;)  :)

Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
thinks the view from the passenger side will be significantly blocked by the overhang of the upper berth. She wants a good view of the scenery. So how limiting is it to have that overhead bunk while driving and sightseeing?
The view is not as nice compared to what you are accustom to in the Road Trek.  I find the view to be a nice panorama, but have learned to either enjoy the road ahead or pull over.  I will not be constantly comparing it to a previous RV.  I recently road in a friends class A, also 27'.  The view was much better than what I have and we were in the suburbs.  Difficult to have the overhead without limiting the view some.

Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
there room for a swivel seat base, we use that on the passenger seat of the Roadtrek all the time?
A member of this forum just added a swivel seat to the passenger's side and posted the details.  Because of the layout of a MidBath you can only get about 90 deg of turn.  Still it is a extra seat for the party that always is in the kitchen (wasn't there a song about that in the 90's?)

Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
... want to tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four down with two kayaks on top of it. The other alternative is a Subaru Forester MT.
Just remember 4k lbs towing.  Several members tow a Jeep or Subie.  A member who works on Lazy Daze and other RV's, strongly suggest beefing up the hard ware on the hitch and has posted instructions.  (See posts by Larry)

Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
Do you find the LD has adequate storage for extended trips, or is it like backpacking?
This is relative to what you are accustom to.  As compared to the Road Trek, space in a Mid Bath should be more plentiful.  Compared to other brands the same length maybe less so.  Many other brands about this size are taller and have more basement storage; the down side is many of those also have features that reduce the CCC limiting what you can put in the extra storage.  No class C is going to have the storage of a diesel pusher.

Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
We've been looking at 12 to 15 year old diesel pushers 38 to 40 foot long. I'm concerned about the complexity of the systems, maintenance and difficulty accessing powertrain. Also think the LD would be safer and much easier to get into National Forests due to shorter both height and length. I am also attracted to what I perceive as higher build quality in LD.
I never looked at a class A rv so I can not really compare the two.  If I try I will manage to put my foot in my mouth like I did with trailers.   One of the reasons I got a LD is that it is a simple RV.  No push out rooms, no push up jacks, just a simple well made RV.  I really enjoy it.  Our RV is a 2007 Mid Bath and is holding up very well. 

My answers may not be all the relevant.   Dear wife is still working and can only camp for a weekend and occasionally trips lasting four days (by the way, it was her idea to get a RV, she left the type and size to me.  She does love the LD and likes to camping).  I retired three years ago and have started taking solo trips that will last from couple of weeks to a month so a few times a year in addition to or combined with the family trips.  I tell myself the long trips are training runs for when we travel together.

Good hunting.
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Realmccoy  - 
I've been camping in RVs since 1963: 1950 shorty converted school bus; 16 foot TT; VW Westfailia; 25' Pace Arrow; 22' TT; Palamino popup; 24' Wilderness TT; 28' HighLo; 26' Coleman popup with slide; 1997 Roadtrek Popular 190. Bought the Roadtrek in 2010 and put 45K on it. Generally tow a 5x8 custom trailer with 2 yaks, scooter and four storage boxes behind Roadtrek.

We want to full time in three years starting at age 65. We are not large people, I'm 5'6 and wife 5'4. I'm attracted to the mid bath 27' and longer models with twin/king beds in back. She says I snore and wants the option of an escape bed when necessary, so need a sleeper sofa or overhead bunk. Wife thinks the view from the passenger side will be significantly blocked by the overhang of the upper berth. She wants a good view of the scenery. So how limiting is it to have that overhead bunk while driving and sightseeing?

Is there room for a swivel seat base, we use that on the passenger seat of the Roadtrek all the time?

We love to camp in state parks, National Parks, boon dock and National Forests.

We will want to tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four down with two kayaks on top of it. The other alternative is a Subaru Forester MT.

Thinking of 2008 chassis for the new cab and 5-speed trans.

Do you find the LD has adequate storage for extended trips, or is it like backpacking?

We've been looking at 12 to 15 year old diesel pushers 38 to 40 foot long. I'm concerned about the complexity of the systems, maintenance and difficulty accessing powertrain. Also think the LD would be safer and much easier to get into National Forests due to shorter both height and length. I am also attracted to what I perceive as higher build quality in LD. My Roadtrek has held up very well, cabinets still in excellent condition after nearly 20 years and 130,000 miles. I could see it going another ten years if the power train held up.

Know this is too many questions, but the one I can't seem to find in searches is that view while underway.

To find out if the wife likes or hates the overhang, rent a Class C for a week tryout.

A passenger seat swivel only really works well int 24' Twin/King, it has the room to turn 180 degrees.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is, IMO, too heavy for any Class C to tow comfortably, once loaded it will weigh around  5000-lbs.
I would try to keep the weight to maximum of 4000-lbs.  A Jeep TJ would be a better choice. We have pulled built Cherokee for 13 years.

The 27' models have plenty of storage for most, we find our 23.5' LD to have enough storage and I carry a lot of tools and repair gear among other stuff, including a 16' and a 17' sea kayaks and  their gear (even for extended on-water trips).

A used pusher is just asking for a lot of headaches unless you are the compulsive engineer type who loves to learn about and work on complicated equipment. A Class C is much simpler and it can be repair most anywhere compared to the difficulties finding qualified diesel mechanics. While the drivetrain may last several hundred thousand miles, the sub-systems will not.
Guess it depends on your needs, pocketbook and patience.

Happy hunting
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
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #3 –
Check into the new Thor Vegas and Axis units. Panoramic view and storage capacity of a class A, built on a class C E350 chassis with the Ford V10. Just drove one yesterday and found it easier and more pleasurable than both my LD 26.5 and 23.5.
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #4 –
My wife and I have been living in a 26.5' RB for a little over a year.   Our biggest storage areas are the cab over bed (which is your likely second bed, though a smaller person may do allright sleeping in the dinette bed), and the Subaru Forester toad.  We have kayaks on the Forester and our storage's are pretty full but doable.  We have to juggle stuff around, take it out of the car to get both bikes in since so far we don't have a rack for the non folding bike on the car, just the RV ladder.   We recently stored the kayaks and kayak stuff in someones garage so we could get our ski gear and do some spring skiing-not enough room for both.
I am glad I ended up with the RB, which was for sale near me.  I thought I wanted the popular mid bath looking at the floor plans online but never having seen the actual RV.  The view from the RV is better than average regardless of the view from the driver/passenger seat not allowing you to look up as well as some RV's would.  I suppose the mid bath would allow more separation between beds. 
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #5 –
After a ton of research which involved all the issues you bring up, we are very happily and confidently waiting for our new MB which hopefully will be ready for pickup this October.  As many have said, it's all a matter of trade-offs.  We are simple travelers so the lesser storage and lower profile without slides seemed the way to go. The separate  bedrooms a big positive, too. The quality build on a trusted time tested chassis was also a strong plus. We also figure the factory direct sale is saving us a good chunk. Sure we'd like that panoramic big sky view, but not at the price of going longer than 27 feet.  If you are considering boondocking, length can really limit your choices.  The gas/diesel debate is tough.  At these pump prices gas wins. (Currently $2.35 here)    But what if over $4 gal...?  I suppose it depends on your annual mileage.  We are probably going to tow a Forester weighing 3200 lbs unloaded.
All the best,
Bernie Duffy
Lake Oswego OR
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #6 –
Berduffy,

I know that you will be so happy with the quality build and the pride in workmanship that Lazy Daze is know for.  And when it gets windy, and your rig stay true to the road, you'll pat yourself on the back over and over again.

Happy Trails to you both!

Jules
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #7 –
Andy Baird's post, Saving the Earth at 10mpg is the article I happened upon back in 2007. Saving the Earth at 10 mpg Prior to that Gayle and I had always wanted to full time in an RV when we retired. I had adopted the notion that it didn't make sense given what gas prices were doing then. Of course, I had a pre-retirement mindset on travel. Meaning that we got off for a week and drove a couple of thousand miles and crammed in the vacation.

That article led us to reconsider and introduced us to an RV we had never heard of, Lazy Daze. In October of 2007 we bought our 2006 30' IB Anniversary Edition and planned to enjoy it until we retired in just over 3 years and then see what we wanted to do from there. We had so much fun with it in the first few months that I talked her into retiring early. So, in October 2008 we hit the road full time.

While I do sometimes wish for something just a tiny bit bigger we keep coming home to the LD and find ourselves happy with our choice. Keeping on top of the weight limit is difficult with a 30' and traveling full time but we have been a couple of hundred pounds under and over depending on when we weigh. In almost 8 years it has not ever let us down. No emergencies requiring days or weeks waiting for parts and the coach itself has held up well.

So, my point is that I don't think gas prices are that important and that the LD is a very good choice. And also to express my appreciation for all that Andy has contributed here.

One additional comment. We have a 2011 Subaru Forester that we flat tow. We carry two mountain bikes on a hitch mounted rack and, of course, the odds and ends that seem to find there way into the back of the car and it weighs in at just under 3,800 pounds.

Jim
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #8 –
Bernduffy,

October pickup sounds pretty close at hand. Just out of curiosity, when did you place your order? Many of us as of late, myself included, had waits of up to 14 months.

Just wondering. At any rate, enjoy your LD when you take delivery. I look forward to every chance I get to take mine out.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #9 –
Yes, That comically titled Andy Blog was an eye-opener for us, too.  It got us totally approaching the full time rv "housing costs" differently.  When one has a limited budget, the relative weights between gas prices, pay sites and boondocking need to shift.
Gas over $5?  Lots of boondocking with shorter distances between campsites.  Gas under $2? More pay sites and longer distances between.  One advantage we have is that after 3 years of part time rv life we have discovered how much we love boondocking.  So we're already comfortable with the mix if gas prices soar.  Glad to hear the Forester is working out for you, Jim.
We ordered last fall so it'll be about a year.

Cheers,
Bernie Duffy
Lake Oswego OR
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #10 –
Think about how you will use your rig. In 12 years of RV'ing we have stayed in a big, fancy full hook up park perhaps three times. KOA? Wouldn't know anything about them since we've never stayed there.

We live an urban lifestyle so i want the state, COE and national park feel of being in the boondocks. A 26' LD is perfect. We have crammed ourselves into some pretty interesting places over the years. Except for the microwave and A/C you don't need an umbilical cord. These rig's self-containment yet comfy feel is the secret sauce. That and their build is off the charts.

Think really hard about how you will use your rig. If you are going to park in high amenity places most of the time you perhaps are best served with a less "off the grid" RV with a more small apartment feel (read, slides, single battery, residential fridge, blah,blah).
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #11 –
We thought we wanted 26.5  a Mid Bath, as the rear king set up has its supporters and looks good in pictures. However, Mid baths were harder to find used in the NW, and more expensive perhaps because of internet hype, so we bought a Rear Bath - aka "party model" and do not regret it one bit! Lot's of windows on all sides with no visual barriers in the middle makes it feel bigger than it is.  After a year, we would choose it first over a mid bath because of the more spacious feel - but that is just us.  Mid bath gives 2 independent living areas, which may keep many folks married/together ;-)

LD feels like the luxury off the grid RV that it is/can be.  Fits in relatively small spaces.  Drove our '94 7000 miles last summer from Portland past the Arctic circle and back, with no real need for electric hook ups or generators (dump stations and water every 4-5 days was easy, and we could have conserved water more and boon docked much longer - but we just didn't have to. With out intending to, we beat the *s* out of it on those northern Yukon and Dalton Hwy washboard roads. The rig held up great with only a fan belt failure related to an old pulley failure, not the roads, and some gravel in the brake pads.  To be expected!  We are talking at least 1000 miles of gravel and dirt roads. The cab totally held up even at over 20 years of age. Been totally inspected when we got back. One rear brake drum replaced, the rest of the chassis, shocks, bushings, etc.,all good.

Glad we are now spending our 2nd summer in our LD in Oregon and N. California. Say hello if you see us around ;-)






Pete
1994 RB
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #12 –
That says it all, Peter: Very few 25 year old motor homes could take an Alaska licking and keep on ticking.  Thanks for yet another confirmation that we're making a good choice.  The MB's  2 independent living areas are what we two independent people require to stay sane and together.  After 36 years we know what we need!  In fact she tells me I better not ever stop fishing...it keeps me out of the rig!  And yes, I get fed after the dog and cat....if I've been good.

Cheers,
Bernie Duffy
Lake Oswego Oregon
Waiting on a new  27.5 MB
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #13 –
 Roadtrek with a trailer with kayaks and scooter.  What 's not to like  - Sounds pretty good to me.  I understand your wife's reservations.  I'd hold off  for the full three years until you decide to full time.  Then you can't go wrong with a Lazy Daze.  You have a pretty sweet set up with a 2010 Roadtrek. 

Lazy Daze Mid Bath the view out back windows will greatly improve.  Front view will not be as good while driving with overhang and you lose the  nice Roadtrek roof windows.  Always liked the flexibility of a Class B and the Roadtrek is one of the best. 
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #14 –
Peter, your Alaska adventure is an inspiration! We have a '92 MB and after this year's 12,000 mile circumnavigation of the country, Alaska is next. I hope
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #15 –
I am responding to the solitary post on the Axis three months ago. 

I looked at the Axis along my way to looking at LDs.   I have RV Consumer Group that many people swear by.  I have found their assessment of quality, value and safety very accurate.  Their Highway Control is just a calculation,  but can be messed up by the build quality which I can only find by research.

Here is what I found on the Axis steering, even though it was rated 98/100 in the data base:

Driving your Axis/Vegas - Thor Forums

As far as everything else, I will let you draw your own conclusions.  Am attaching two reports from this data base that I encourage anyone who is in the market to purchase.   RV Consumer Group - We Rate RVs   They have two options (new models and older models).  I have the older one and am happy with it.  It does have the 2014 Axis in it, but not the newer ones.  Interestingly the older mid baths have a better calculated Highway Control that the model year 2013 one I attached (86 vs 82).  Based on what I read in the forums, the steering issues correlate well with the calculations.

The article on the steering issues had some posters claim that it was a Ford issue.  Anyone here think the LD has the same "dead zone?"
Chesapeake, VA
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #16 –
"The article on the steering issues had some posters claim that it was a Ford issue.  Anyone here think the LD has the same "dead zone?""

Funpilot, a direct response is  "yes", I have experienced the "dead spot" in my '92 MB, where the steering is lazy and requires at least an inch of input before changing course from straight ahead. I found that if I just relaxed and didn't try to manage the steering it was alright, but I didn't like it.

When I properly weighed the rig, and properly aired the tires, handling became very acceptable. Steering input became less frantic, side winds and bow waves less impactful. This is the single biggest improvement I made! Airing up to max load on the tires was a big mistake. Wherever I have had tires checked in tire dealers and shops, they always want to sit to maximum load. This is not the correct approach, but I would wager many RVs on the road follow it.

Funpilot, since you have access, Does RV Consumer Group mention this aspect? I read nothing about it in the attached .pdf files

I took my rig to Henderson's where they adjusted the steering box. It made a noticeable and acceptable improvement. Then they added the SafeTPlus. A bigger improvement, rivaling any heavy duty pickup I have driven.  If I am on a straight, level road, the rig stays on a straight path with no steering input for as long as 60 seconds. Pretty amazing. Not yet a sports car  ;)

In comparison I also drive a Dodge Nitro R/S, with big wheels, low aspect tires and very responsive steering. It is just as tiring to drive as the LD, for opposite reasons.  My F350 is less tiring. Requires less steering input than either. Unless I am towing.

In the wind, passing oncoming trucks on two lanes, the old LD took focus to drive. With the work I had done on it, it is an easy driver, and to me, perfectly acceptable.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #17 –
Paul, they do not have anything more than I shared with you that I have used.  I do know that the tire load rating presumes air is at max pressure so if you lower it, the load rating drops as well.  I doubt it will be linear though.  I do have an observation from a few posts on this forum.  Am I correct that the steering issues changed when LD went to the E450 engine and gradually got better (not perfect) as Ford made other improvements over the years?  So, do 2006 LDs drive differently that a 1992?
Chesapeake, VA
 
Re: Want to move up to LazyD, wife not sure
Reply #18 –
Sorry Funpilot, I have not driven an LD on the E450. I have driven another brand, and indeed it was better. Of course, the ongoing improvement in light truck and chassis engineering has improved things a lot in the intervening years since my 1992 was state of the art!

My poor experience with handling was at max load psi in the tires, BTW. In ours, the great new Michelin and BF Goodrich load range E tires outstrip the GAWR limits of the vehicle, so full pressure in tires is never required, unless overloaded. Not sure about the 450.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath