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Topic: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB) (Read 1081 times) previous topic - next topic
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The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Greetings - my first post to this forum!
My husband and I are also thinking about a 31IB. We visited the LD factory last week when we were in San Diego for a wedding - but they did not have a 31 foot on display or in production for us to look at. This will be our first RV purchase - and I was trying to stay smaller - 27 or less. But we did not like the bed configuration of the 27MB we saw at the factory. Are there any LD meet-ups in the Northeast where I could visit and maybe look at a 31IB? (I'm in Philadelphia area but would drive 3 - 4 hours to get to a meet up.) Thanks for any suggestions!
2019  31 IB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #1 –
[split this discussion out of a classified ad topic - Michelle]
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #2 –
The 31' models are near weight capacity unloaded, unlike the 27' models. This is less of a problem with LD than most other class-C brands of this length, but you do pay a price for a permanent bedroom in any class-C. Unless you have a good daytime use for the bedroom, it becomes wasted space that will 'cramp' the remaining day-use area of the rig. The beauty of the MB model is that the entire floorplan is usable, and that makes it feel spacious. If you get a model with the cabover entertainment center, you could still leave the rear sleeping area made up as a bedroom, and retain almost as much usable remaining floorspace as the IB. BUT, you can still convert it back for projects or entertaining.

Hate to say it, but if you like the permanent bedroom, a class-C is not the best choice. Read more posts in this group to see how others deal with convertible sleeping arrangements.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #3 –
Another opinion for permanent beds is that a person spends considerable time in bed every night (7-9 hours?). The comfort and convenience of a permanent bed is well worth it. It is not wasted space because it is used for many hours each night.  It also allows different sleep patterns to co-exist. If someone is up first they can watch tv, can’t do that in a 27 MB.

Ron
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
Another opinion for permanent beds is that a person spends considerable time in bed every night (7-9 hours?). The comfort and convenience of a permanent bed is well worth it. It is not wasted space because it is used for many hours each night.  It also allows different sleep patterns to co-exist. If someone is up first they can watch tv, can’t do that in a 27 MB.

Ron

Exactly, after 9 years of full timing, we wouldn't consider the other options. I would certainly prefer not to have to focus so much on weight but we have managed.

Jim
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #5 –
“If someone is up first they can watch tv, can't do that in a 27 MB.“

We do that all the time in our 27 MB. Plus love the king bed that is fast and easy to set up. Over the rv queen. But we also love the rear lounge with the great views.
Lynn and Lori
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
Another opinion for permanent beds is that a person spends considerable time in bed every night (7-9 hours?). The comfort and convenience of a permanent bed is well worth it. It is not wasted space because it is used for many hours each night.  It also allows different sleep patterns to co-exist. If someone is up first they can watch tv, can’t do that in a 27 MB.

Ron
.....still wasted space all day long. Making your bed comfortable is important, and easy to do no matter which sleeping arrangements you opt for. And, if a TV to watch in the AM is important, the facilities are there to put one up front in the MB too. All LD models are set up with hookups in two locations.

The argument for a fixed floor-level bed is not typically a logical one, just a matter of personal taste. You may spend 7-8 hrs a day sleeping, but if the arrangements are comfortable, it doesn't matter what they are. To me, our 23.5' FL feels about as roomy in the daytime as a 31' IB, and our cabover queen bed with memory foam topper - made up as a permanent bed - is just as comfortable as the one in our bedroom at home. The main thing we lack compared to the larger rig is storage room. Yet, we can lug around much, much more stuff without overloading.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #7 –
"Hate to say it, but if you like the permanent bedroom, a class-C is not the best choice. Read more posts in this group to see how others deal with convertible sleeping arrangements."

The old reliable "It depends" is at play here.  A permanent bedroom in our lives would be in use about 15 or more hours a day.

Converting the back sofas in an MB seems a good solution . . . BUT . . . circumstances can alter appearances.

When we had our TK, we were young, lithe, and spent a lot of time outside of the rig.  When we bought our RB, we were a lot older, but still fairly mobile and lithe, but as the years have rolled by, the mobility issue has worsened.

A 31-foot TB would be perfect for us now because the rear bedroom provides a quiet sleeping arena for whoever is sleeping, whilst leaving a regulation living room/dining area/"desk" area for whoever is awake, without requiring an uphill-all-the-way climb over the cab, and the precipitous drop for egress.

The extra room in the front portion of a 31-footer also provides space to erect a "sleeping chair", for a non-bed-accommodating person.

As it is now in our RB, the sleeping chair has sufficient room between the sofa and the chairs/commode table, but the person climbing down from the overcab bed, has limited landing space.  Being in a regulation bed in the back of the coach would be ever so much more comfortable.

As for non-sleeping time, a permanent bedroom would provide the ability for one person to be up front to work/read/sleep, and the other can be in the bedroom area to work/read/sleep.  With the kitchen and bathroom in the middle, this is a good plan for our particular needs.

It is only proximity that is keeping this from happening for us.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie 
2015 Leisure Travel Unity (Sally Forth) - 2024 -
2009 Pleasure-Way Excel TS (Joyce) - 2019 - 2024
2018 Sportsmobile - (Hopper) 2023 - 2024
2005 RB (Dorrie Anne) - 2009-2022, 1985 TK (Gertie) - 1991-2001
1999 Mountain Aire (Francine) - 2001 - 2009
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #8 –
It all comes down to personal choice. I love the 30’IB 🚐😊
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
.....still wasted space all day long. Making your bed comfortable is important, and easy to do no matter which sleeping arrangements you opt for. And, if a TV to watch in the AM is important, the facilities are there to put one up front in the MB too. All LD models are set up with hookups in two locations.

The argument for a fixed floor-level bed is not typically a logical one, just a matter of personal taste. You may spend 7-8 hrs a day sleeping, but if the arrangements are comfortable, it doesn't matter what they are. To me, our 23.5' FL feels about as roomy in the daytime as a 31' IB, and our cabover queen bed with memory foam topper - made up as a permanent bed - is just as comfortable as the one in our bedroom at home. The main thing we lack compared to the larger rig is storage room. Yet, we can lug around much, much more stuff without overloading.

Steve

This is devolving into a Ford vs Chevy, Mac vs PC kind of thing which makes no sense. Every floor plan is a personal choice with none being logical or illogical. I could walk down your points but in the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

Jim
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #10 –
In the 27 MB I wouldnt feel good driving down the road with a refrigerator on my back unless I want to reach around for a sandwich.  LOL  - that was a joke,

Ron

Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #11 –
We bought a 31 foot new in Nov. 2007, out 3rd motorhome.  Best buy of all.  Love all the room, storage space which we have never filled.  51,000 miles, driven allover US, Canada and Alaska pulling a 4,100 lb. Jeep.  Love all the room.  I could go on and on
but this is enough for now.

Bob Wilson
2007 31 IB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #12 –
Thanks for all the input folks - very interesting to hear the different points of view on configuration preferences! Since this will be our first RV, we are trying to research as much as we can before purchase!  Still looking for an LD meet up in the Northeast to hopefully have a chance to talk to a 31IB owner and see one first hand! 
2019  31 IB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #13 –
There is a 31 IB for sale in Florence, IN  on RV Trader. You could look at that one. It is over priced and has a 14000 GVW instead of a 14600 GVW.

Ron
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #14 –
"...has a 14000 GVW instead of a 14600 GVW."
---
The GVWR of the E-450 chassis used for the 27' and 31' was 14050 pounds until 2008; after that date, the GVWR increased to 14500 pounds.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #15 –
Our first Lazy Daze was a 26.5 MB, with a dinette. After 3 years it closed in on us, and to make the bed was a physical hassle, since one side is against the wall. Today is our 70's we would have a real problem making it. We have owned 30 ft IB's since and it feels twice as big as the 26.5. We have the barrel chairs in stead of a dinette. The IB that we can walk around is spacious and there is a TV is the cabinet and I pile up pillows to watch or have privacy to read or meditate. I wake up very early and shut the solid door and watch tv in the living room and don't wake up my husband. We travel with dogs and there is space in the 30ft to not feel crowded. 
We have no problems on the road and it goes up mountains and handles well-as did the 26.5 MB. 
You need to walk into 26.5 MB and then 30ft IB and you will immediately feel and see the difference.
Sandra
2006 30' IB Anniversary Edition
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #16 –
A M. in spades, could not have said it better, barrel chairs make a BIG difference.

Bob Wilson
2007 31 IB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #17 –
JCT thanks for correction on GVW, what’s a few pounds amongst friend!

We thought the 31IB with barrel chairs was restrictive. At least in a 2013 model the chairs were confined by the table. The table didn’t fold down completely. It stuck out too much to be able to use the chairs comfortably, at least for us.

Ron
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #18 –
We have owned a 2003 MB and a RB.  We now have a 2011 31 TB.  We are in our 60s.  Although some consider the the bedroom "wasted"  space, we love it!  Also like having the  shower across the hall from the vanity/toilet area.

I've never liked the looks of the barrel chairs but have grown to really like them.

We also like the his/her wardrobe/drawers and the huge storage area around the entertainment center.

The 31 footer makes longer trips better in my opinion.  Less cabin fever.
2011 31' TB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #19 –
We are leaning to new 31IB with dinnette. The dinnette for easier eating and to sleep the grandkids. It could also hold a car seat.

I could live with barrel chairs as I like chairs for sitting but sleeping and flexibilty to seat 2_4 for eating wins out.

Also love the huge tub and separate bath.

I dont like the price especially the $3000 increase for 2018.

Ron
Ron

Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #20 –
Ron,

You said,
“I dont like the price especially the $3000 increase for 2018.”

I believe we can all agree that increased costs are not altogether pleasurable. Realising that the cost increase most certainly reflects the increased cost of the Ford chassis may take a bit of the sting out the higher cost of purchasing a new LD.

Is this a certainty? Hmmm...a quick look at the Ford pricing over the past years would indicate it is most certainly a contributing factor. Knowing you are getting one of the best Class C RV’s in the market should also be a welcome reality.

Enjoy whichever rig you choose. We absolutely love our ‘15 RB.

I may snicker a bit when I say, “No Regerts”.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Ron,

You said,
“I dont like the price especially the $3000 increase for 2018.”

I believe we can all agree that increased costs are not altogether pleasurable. Realising that the cost increase most certainly reflects the increased cost of the Ford chassis may take a bit of the sting out the higher cost of purchasing a new LD.

Is this a certainty? Hmmm...a quick look at the Ford pricing over the past years would indicate it is most certainly a contributing factor. Knowing you are getting one of the best Class C RV’s in the market should also be a welcome reality.

Enjoy whichever rig you choose. We absolutely love our ‘15 RB.

I may snicker a bit when I say, “No Regerts”.

Kent
Let's put the price into perspective. I just "built" a Cadillac Escalade Platinum edition on line. Cost: $100,000. List cost of the 2018 31' is around $108,000. I wonder if you can live in an Escalade?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Let's put the price into perspective. I just "built" a Cadillac Escalade Platinum edition on line. Cost: $100,000. List cost of the 2018 31' is around $108,000. I wonder if you can live in an Escalade?

Chris

Chris, unbuild the Caddy and build a new Lazy Daze instead!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #23 –
We would pull the Escalade behind my LD.  That way we would look good no matter what we are driving!

Ron
 
Re: The 31IB (split from Re: Seeking 31 IB)
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
We are leaning to new 31IB with dinnette. The dinnette for easier eating and to sleep the grandkids. It could also hold a car seat.

I could live with barrel chairs as I like chairs for sitting but sleeping and flexibilty to seat 2_4 for eating wins out."

My folks had a Pace Arrow in the 80s-90s with a floor plan almost identical to my 30' TB (It had a dinette + two chairs w/ flip up table like LD; they removed the dinette with no difficulty & installed a jackknife sofa--now that I've heard some LD mod adventures in removing anything, I realize the difference in Pace Arrow construction/quality.  We (me + 2 kidlets) enjoyed some trips with them--1 car seat riding co-pilot with Grandpa & 1 belted onto the sofa (yes, I've read the discussions from those with professional experience...if I'd known that back then, I might have considered driving separately with the minivan), I used a second belt on the sofa next to that kidlet; Mother (who doggedly refused seatbelts) sat in one of the swivel rockers.  Sleeping was no problem: the open sofa worked great for my daughter & me, & the big brother was happy "camping" in a sleeping bag on the floor.  Should my son's family ever be able to do the same, they'd probably drive so we'd have a car (I don't tow); he & his wife could use the pull-out sofa & for now the two girls could share the other TB with me, or we could try upending/moving  one/both barrel chairs in the cab/side entry doorway at night & put out sleeping bags...

Our Aunt & Uncle in Denver had a 40' TT permanently parked on the western slope of the Grand Mesa.  It had a queen bed for them + a sofa & dinette, but the kids & I took our sleeping bags & used their tent in the TT's front yard when we'd go over there (the kids were bigger than when we traveled with my folks, & five of us in the TT was more than the Aunt & I wanted to contemplate   :P ).

With both my folks and the Aunt & Uncle, we ate outside nearly every meal, unless it was pouring rain--the Pace Arrow's flip up table didn't have a leaf like my LD table, & the dinette in the TT was a bear for the five of us.

I'm sure there are as many variations as families.  Good luck with finding what's Goldilocks "Just right" for you.   :D

Lynne



Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm