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Topic: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze (Read 3240 times) previous topic - next topic
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Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
On Thursday, Sept. 24th we will be taking delivery of our 2021 Rear Bath in Ehrenberg, AZ. It will be identical to our 2010 RB ("Monty") that we sold last December. The new name will be "Villa Verde" as it is green/white like the old LD. We will be driving a rental truck from Florida with all the gear that is still in the containers from Monty which will just go into the same storage spaces. We then drop off the rental truck in Phoenix and possibly leisurely head toward Michigan to visit friends and have BigFoot jacks installed. If that doesn't work out we can always have the jacks installed at the Florida BigFoot center after we return home to FL. Once home I will begin making additional modifications to suit our needs which I can show on this string at that time. Some of those will be Borg tire valve extenders, AC surge suppression, vent covers, trailer hitch strengthening and 7-blade toad wiring socket. Fortunately I have a lift so I can walk under the motorhome to do a lot of the work there. It's going to be an interesting winter in Florida. 
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #1 –
" The new name will be "Villa Verde" as it is green/white..."

LOVE that name, how appropriate!   :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #2 –
A/C surge protection?

Are you talking about installing the surge protector to include the generator?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
... Michigan to visit friends and have BigFoot jacks installed ...
Moderators,
Not sure this type of information will violate any rule, please delete this msg if need be.
Thanks

Mike,
Just FYI

Buying leveling system from rvupgradestore.com will save on factory installation, if memory is any good it was $500 last I checked, significantly lower compared to buying directly from factory ... and if you ask nicely, perhaps additional 5% discount from rvupgrades.com. As for scheduling, I was told by both places that a 3-4 day notice should be good enough.

Thanks for starting this thread.

Regards,
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #4 –
Mohammed, I don’t recall a leveling system being an option.  Am I missing something?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #5 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Mohammed, I don’t recall a leveling system being an option.  Am I missing something?
[/quote
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Mohammed, I don’t recall a leveling system being an option.  Am I missing something?
by factory I mean folks who are making Big Foot leveling system ... there are two options to buy, either buy it directly from factory in MI or a distributor, in this case rvupgradessoter.com ... buying from this particular distributor also give an option of installation by Big Foot factory in MI at discounted price (compared to buying it directly from Big Foot). Let me know if I need to put more words.
Cheers
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #6 –
Is Bigfoot the best levelling system? Prices seem fair enough. Of course there is the installation cost.

Bigfoot Hydraulic Leveling Systems - System Comparisons

I’m a bit intrigued by this idea myself. My site here in Big Bear was a challenge the other day. It had rained the day before I arrived and the day after.

Upgrades are fun on the pocketbook.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Is Bigfoot the best levelling system? Prices seem fair enough. Of course there is the installation cost.

There is no 'best'.  You pick and choose the features that are important to you.

Compared to HWH (which I own, but didn't decide to purchase - came with the RV), Bigfoot seems to be more affordable and less likely to develop reliability issues. 

HWH jacks are kickdown style jacks, while Bigfoot jacks are straight down.  That means that HWH has a longer range of motion.
The kickdown style also means that you can often drive forward if the jacks won't retract, allowing you to continue traveling until you can repair. 

I think there are also some differences in dealer network (HWH is larger) and factory support (Bigfoot might be more accessible to end users).

I don't know why the previous owner on my LD choose HWH, but I think you can make a case for either depending on what's important to you.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
 

2003 MB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #9 –
Searching for Big Foot weight specs I located some data stating the whole system weight is about 300 pounds. That’s abound 75 lbs a corner. Not horrible at all.

Only time will tell if I take the plunge but I am certainly not opposed to the notion.

Thanks.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #10 –
(Are you talking about installing the surge protector to include the generator?)

Yes, I will hardwire it between the generator/shore power selector switch and the main breaker panel as I had done in our former RB. It will be the Progressive Ind. HW30C with the remote display. The display will be mounted on the cabinet face below the stove.

BigFoot jacks: This is one item that should only be installed by BigFoot or one of their dealers unless you are good at vertical welding the mounts to the Ford frame and then running all the electrical or hydraulic lines. Yes, it is $3K+ but I feel they are well worth the cost. I don't like getting out in a driving rainstorm (as is what is happening outside our house currently) to place blocks under the tires. That is just one of many reasons to have the jacks. I plan on getting the "Auto Central System" with one pump similar to what I had on Monty. It worked very well for ten years. The single pump system is much lighter that the weight of the four pump system. Also I will request the pump be powered from the engine battery, not the coach batteries. I can run the engine for the power while operating the jacks. This saves the coach batteries for camping. That worked quite well with Monty. They can put the controller in a separate housing instead of a dash mount.  In Monty that was on the end of a very long umbilical cable coming from under the back of the driver's seat. I could operate the jacks standing outside the driver's door if needed (not often). When the jacks are down the controller is placed on the driver's seat as the reminder of them being down. I place linear bubble levels on the front dash and side driver's door for level reference if leveling manually. If I need extra elevation I also carry eight 2 X 8 X 10 pressure treated boards for placing under the jack pads. The jacks are much more than able to totally support the weight of the coach off the ground. I have done that several times when getting new tires installed.
 

2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #11 –
The kickdown style also means that you can often drive forward if the jacks won't retract, allowing you to continue traveling until you can repair.

This has always concerned me for two reasons. If they don't kick all the way down (hitting an obstruction or high spot in the ground one has to relocate for that to work. More concerning is if the coach is on a forward ground slope other than placing wheel chocks the coach could fall forward off the jacks. I know there are other options out there but BigFoot has served me well over the years. Also BF has a satellite installation facility one hour from our Florida home in Lakeland. 
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #12 –
About jacks, The Ford frame is tempered as a unit, which involves heat treatment.  Welding anything on the frame rails should be avoided. Too much heat across the rails will un-temper them and cause a weak point that can cause a bent, or cracked frame.  A friend who worked part time at an RV place, helped install leveling systems that were bolt on.  That system (not Kwikee, can't remember the brand) utilized holes already in the rails.  Many applications for motorized RV's apply to the E450, and hopefully the new chassis retained those bolt holes. Drilling a hole in the 'web' doesn't affect it's overall strength much.
    The HWH rely on a pair of springs to collapse the cylinder.  They also have telescoping jacks available for more lift.  My Kwikee jacks were opposed to each other, and you could only drive off the one jack, if one jack was affected. You'd have to look to see if you had to go forward, or backward.  With the spring return, you could use a wrench to loosen the hydraulic hose for a recalcitrant jack, to get it to come up. A bit messy I hear, but better than being stuck somewhere.  All in favor of powering the pump off of the chassis battery, have the engine running while operating. Not needed if just raising the spring HWH. I've heard that springs break. Can still be raised if the other spring is ok.  The hydraulic pump can take over 100 Amps to run, but doesn't need to run much.
    Remnants of Kwikee were bought by US Power Gear, bought by Lippert. They had no interest in supporting Kwikee customers, so maintenace of the older jacks is problematic. Hydraulic places can do some support of the hoses, valves and cylinders. Not so well for the controllers, wiring.
    Some campgrounds require a jack pad to spread the weight load. It is easy to drive off and forget them. (don't ask).  You also can't lift the rear wheels or even one if a transmission brake because of the differential. (older E450's). Blocking the front wheels really a good idea. Lazy Dazes are almost always too low in the front, so with the rear wheels firmly planted, blocking the front was never needed for my TK. (parking brake at each rear wheel on a E350.)     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #13 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
... Welding anything on the frame rails should be avoided...
I am not an expert just repeating what I heard from factory on the phone

There are two product code for the same system one code is for the system with screws and second one is for welding. I was told that factory will only do the welding no matter which one I choose from the reseller. Again I have no background and I will like to hear more to be able to make informed judgement.
Thanks
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
I located some data stating the whole system weight is about 300 pounds.
Kent
That would put Orwan right on the GVWR on some trips.
At 5# and 8#, I can't downsize the dogs much more, and I don't think dieting would work.
Has anyone come up the a good freeze-dried stout?  ;)
Guess I'll have to keep to more primitive leveling
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #15 –
"At 5# and 8#, I can't downsize the dogs much more, and I don't think dieting would work."

Joel - Weren't there three doggos previously?

   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: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
"At 5# and 8#, I can't downsize the dogs much more, and I don't think dieting would work."

Joel - Weren't there three doggos previously?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

Yes Miss Divinely Adorable (Dora) passed away in her sleep this past June at the age of 13.  I'd rather have kept that 17# weight in the rig but such was not to be.  Thank you for asking.
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #17 –
"Yes Miss Divinely Adorable (Dora) passed away in her sleep this past June at the age of 13.  I'd rather have kept that 17# weight in the rig but such was not to be.  Thank you for asking."

Sniff.  My sympathies - a heartbreak, I'm sure.  Photo?

   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: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #18 –
Sorry to hear that Joel, my sympathies also.  RB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #19 –
Sue and I were sorry to hear about Dora, Joel. She was a sweat heart alright.

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #20 –
Thank you all for the  kind words and thoughts. I think Lost Companions would be a good thread, separate from this one.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #21 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
Thank you all for the  kind words and thoughts. I think Lost Companions would be a good thread, separate from this one.
Joel
Perhaps you would like to state that topic/thread, Joel, and tell us Dora's story.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #22 –
Always sad to hear about losing a loved one. Sorry to hear of you loss. 😢🦮
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: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #23 –
Joel, dear friend, no amount of tears can express my sorrow for your lose.

To you and others here that have lived through a loss such as yours. https://youtu.be/V213BsnsQBs

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #24 –

Team,

First purchase :-) if anybody is in the market for portable EMS, Progressive EMS-PT30X is $243 shipped at Best RV & Truck Supply LLC. Not an indorsement for the vendor just FYI they have it 25% below Amazon or Walmart price. Mine is in shipping and I got the verbal assurance that this is a brand new unit.  Of course I do not expect any update after I receive the unit. Not sure how I will test it without RV or 30amp plug.

EMS is actually second purchase first one is metal garage, floor preparation and lawn work to be able to take RV in the backyard. I expect to spend few fold more on this item compared to any other RV upgrade (I am a newbie, what do I know). I am working with this person gabriel@carports.com and he is few thousand lower then other second priced metal garage. Again, not an endorsement, limited experience but if you are in the market, checking them may be worthwhile. As for quality, most of the garage buildings have same material and you can buy same guarantee for wind and snow and number of years guarantee. For me this is a temporary structure as my town will not allow (yes I tried) ... I know I could have parked it somewhere for much economically but I think it will make it easier and give us more flexibility if RV is parked close by. As for permit, not a first time I will say sorry ...

Moderators,
My intention is share the information. I am not sure if I am allowed to give vendors name or advertise prices here. If this type of information is inappropriate, please delete this message.
Thanks