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Topic: Trip Report - Visit to Mothership from Texas (Read 493 times) previous topic - next topic
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Trip Report - Visit to Mothership from Texas
As mentioned in a previous post, I planned a trip to Montclair after getting on the wait list in May.  The plan was to meet Todd for the day, see an actual Lazy Daze in person, and ask a series of questions from thoughts I've had in the past month or so.  As it turned out, Todd had an unexpected event that came up, and I met with Steve, as I'm sure many here know, is the owner.  Overall, this was a very productive and interesting visit.  I won't cover everything here in this post, but will probably start a couple separate threads to cover some specific things in better detail. 

Seeing the actual product up close, was definitely worth the trip.  I was immediately impressed with the exterior paint finish.  My wife could hear me saying "wow" several times as I ran my hand across the surface.  There was a blue 24TK, and a green 27MB, both sporting the new hardwood (like) flooring.  Everything is solid, functional, well laid out, and thoughtfully finished.  This RV radiates quality of workmanship from one end to the other, and is built to last - at least much longer than other RVs I've seen for sale at the dealerships.   

In meeting with Steve, I got the impression he's very focused on his duties back in the factory area, and leaves the people interfacing part  of the company to Todd.  That said, we ended up having a quite involved conversation for about an hour while standing next to the showroom models.  I had compiled a printed list questions, and got a specific answer on every one of them.  On several of these questions, Steve became quite interested to cover the philosophy and the entire process.  He's very passionate about what he does, and has carefully thought out the production details for every decision on these RVs.  His motto (mentioned several times) is the old keep it simple (KISS) principle.  More complexity does not equal more quality - and in his book, it's just the opposite.  With that said, here's an abridged version of the Q&A...

Winegard 4G/LTE/WiFi/DTV device:  Steve will not install these due to the plastic base, and how the wires have to run across the top of the coach to complete the install.  This led to a detailed conversation of the goal to try only allow metal to metal fasteners on the coach roof.  Plastic into metal is a quality problem waiting to happen.  He showed me a couple examples of failed fixtures to emphasize the point.  In any case, I'll likely end up with a weBoost 4g/LTE amplifier.  We talked about the magnetic-base omnidirectional antenna that needs to attach to a metal surface that is grounded.  Steve said there should be a way to mount this, despite that most of the metal surface is non-magnetic aluminum.

End caps:  I sensed that this might have been a sensitive topic - especially in light of the previous question on mounting plastic devices on the roof.  Steve explained why they were necessary (historically) and how the process has evolved.  Basically they are using an extremely powerful (and expensive) industrial adhesive - something like liquid nails on steroids to attach these caps - which are a very durable material.  For all the posts I've seen on the forum on this topic, I would have to say that I'm quite satisfied as to how the end caps have been engineered.

Solar and AGM capacity limits:  Two solar panels are the limit, and the 220ah Lifeline batteries are the maximum configuration.  Todd had mentioned that the 300ah batteries have happened before, but Steve is saying they won't fit.  I looked in the battery compartment, and would seem to agree with Steve.  The 300ah Lifelines need an additional 3" of clearance, and it's not looking possible.

Ford 6.8L Triton engine:  Steve believes this is just about the best option out there.  Serviceability, reliability, and an abundance of easy-to-obtain parts, are key.  Was happy when they went from the older 5 speed to the 6 speed torqshift, but wishes Ford would offer the 10 speed option (seen on other truck models) in the cutaway E-class configurations.

Exterior paint:  A very expensive process, costing about $8000 in materials and labor for each RV.  Steve elaborated on the process, and how they've ended up with the current paint.  I can't remember all the details, but it seems he sweats out the details on making sure this is the best it can be. Notwithstanding the strict California air quality laws that have created challenges over the years, Lazy Daze has come up with a process that works - and I would agree after seeing it for myself.

Window replacements (if broken or cracked):  Steve said that windows can be shipped (e.g. to Texas), but the proper re-installation could be problematic depending on the installer.  Might want to consider doing a two part road trip to Ontario, leaving it there to be repaired.  Then flying back out and continue the journey. 

Onan tailpipe resonator:  Steve says that a resonator is not necessary, as they are cutting the generator tailpipe end at an angle - which changes the frequency and pitch of the exhaust noise.  I asked this, as this is becoming a popular RV mod to have a quieter generator.

There were a number of other conversations and side topics - all quite interesting.  Steve is a great guy, and I'm glad to know that he will personally oversee the RV I hope to be driving away next year back to Houston.

-Rik
Rik & Lanie
Planning on the 2019 24FD
Re: Trip Report - Visit to Mothership from Texas
Reply #1 –
nice post Rik
Very Informative. thank you!
Nov 2023, 2012 31’ IB, white/green swoops & swirles, 2009 Mini Cooper, racing green convertible, toad 🐸

We ordered white/gray  2018 27' mid bath 1/3/18 and we are hoping for a July 16th 2019 delivery, sold, and tried a Lithium Travato, wish  I would have kept the Lazy Daze 27’
Re: Trip Report - Visit to Mothership from Texas
Reply #3 –
Glad you had a worthwhile visit at the Mothership and got to meet Steve.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
 
Re: Trip Report - Visit to Mothership from Texas
Reply #4 –
Very informative post - thank you! We hope to be placing our order soon (31 IB) for delivery next summer. Can't wait!
2019  31 IB