Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

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Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

July 04, 2021, 10:59:30 pm

I have been reading past posts, but can not find any posts on dislikes (or cons) with the mid bath model. Any input would be great. Thank you.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #1 – July 04, 2021, 11:28:32 pm

A lot depends on your lifestyle. I had a mid bath, my daughter took it over, after owning it foe a while I always found myself in the galley at the table looking out. If I were looking for a LD now I might look foe a rear bath. Big Windows where need them. Even if the 270
degree view is not as good.
That said I dearly loved the mid bath. I would lie at night with my head to the back window and look up at the bright stars.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #2 – July 05, 2021, 12:01:14 am

Our reasons for selecting the rear bath (twice: 2010 & 2021) first is the wide open inside space from front to back and the big widows on all sides (including the windshield). We share the same personal schedule but if one of us sleeps late we pull the drapery across the loft opening (where we sleep) for adequate isolation. When the closet door is placed across the center isle that makes for a good size privacy dressing & bathroom. The closet width is the widest in the 27' models. The cargo carry capacity is the highest of all the LD models. The spare tire is kept in the rear tire container. There is one sewer drain port for both the gray & black tanks instead of two separate drain ports on the mid bath. The dinette seats are full size on both sides. There is no obstruction behind the front drivers and passenger seats to prevent reclining the seat backs. It is easy to see through the coach to the rear with the inside rear view mirror. There is very good outside storage. If more coach batteries are desired, there is space under the dinette seats next to the outside battery box. The TV is easily viewed from all the seating (except the toilet :-). The shower doesn't require a skylight for head clearance. The shower window gives plenty of light in the daytime. The toilet is not on a pedestal. There are probably other factors but this is what I can think of currently.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #3 – July 05, 2021, 12:32:15 pm

"I have been reading past posts, but can not find any posts on dislikes (or cons) with the mid bath model. Any input would be great. Thank you."

I would second all of Mike Coachman's comments, adding only something intangible that might be something unique to me. I found that the pinched-in middle of the MB coach floorplan made each side waaaaay too tiny to be comfortable. I am not claustrophobic in any way, and sleep up in the loft on a 3" topper mattress (i.e. very close to the ceiling) with no problems whatsoever.

But there is just something about that floorplan that gives me the willies. Before arriving at the factory, we had picked the MB floorplan as being the best of all worlds for our disparate personal sleep/wake cycles. When we were at the factory to firmly decide on our choice of floorplan and place the order, NOLA Boy and Ed sat it the back of the MB on the floor and chatted. But I couldn't stand being in there, and fled to inspect a TK (the newer model of our then-current Lazy Daze).

Long story short - a friend was selling his barely-used Mountain Aire DP for a song - so we succumbed to the siren. After a bit over 8 years with the Mountain Aire, NOLA Boy's cancer precluded further travel with such a huge rig, and we traded that lovely machine for a Lazy Daze RB.

Have always been happy with the RB floorplan, and would get the same again in that length. If a shorter rig is desired, then we would probably revert back to the TK, as was our first Lazy Daze.

So the moral of the story is always that it is hard to tell anything much at all from looking at a two-dimensional drawing of a floorplan, and then relying on that as an absolute choice guideline.

If at all possible, go to as many rallies as you can. Most owners are pleased to help out with this choice dilemma by offering their rigs and advice for your perusal.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today: Chubby Cheekers
           ******************

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #4 – July 05, 2021, 02:00:43 pm

Quote from: Judie Ashford - July 05, 2021, 12:32:15 pm

If at all possible, go to as many rallies as you can. Most owners are pleased to help out with this choice dilemma by offering their rigs and advice for your perusal.

Yes!

The short time I was able to hang out at the Morro Bay GTG earlier this year was extremely helpful in verifying what I want In my future LD, everyone there was extremely friendly, during a pandemic no less. (Granted I was the youngster, most of the owners were vaccinated)

Looking forward to next year to finalize my plans.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #5 – July 05, 2021, 02:26:50 pm

When we bought our 98~MB in 2016 we had come from a Winnebago 20' itaska which we had owned for 20 years. We wanted three main upgrades from our itaska, the ability to sleep on a bed that was not an over-cab bed, to have a non wet bath as a bathroom and to have levelers. We looked here in the Northwest for two years at many LD units and four different models, TK, RB, MB and a iB 26 . Well after seeing these models we bought our 98~MB and got two of our three main upgrades and a whole lot more we would discover. We chose the Mid-Bath because we liked the ability to easily close off the rear lounge and have a queen bed space back there, the 270 windows were an extra benefit. We really liked the openness of the rear bath but did not want to have to make beds to couches and visa versa every day. Also for us a main problem would be when you have sleep-over guests whom would have to pass over/by you in the living room now bedroom to get to the bathroom. We do find that there is a pinch effect in the MBs in the mid area which can create a bit of a jam-up with two or more people. We winter camp with both of our grown sons or other people and that requires some well thought out choreography to cook, dress and use the bathroom with four people not colliding and jamming up the works in our MB. Our 98~MB has it's spare mounted on the back in the spare compartment and the batteries are on the passenger side under the rear dinette seat so we have added two more under the front dinette seat. We have converted our dinette to an "L" shaped couch which has allowed for a lot more space in the Living/Dinning and Kitchen area of our MB. We Love it!


   Karen~Liam
   98 ~ MB
NinA

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #6 – July 05, 2021, 05:05:18 pm

All the floor plans are great, BUT, sorry Mike, anyone with a Rear Bath is suspect.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #7 – July 05, 2021, 05:37:34 pm

I lived in a midbath for eleven years. What I didn't like: the toilet was prone to clogging, due to the two 45° bends in the pipe leading down to the black tank. What I did like: I had two separate rooms. When I had guests, they had privacy.

I do understand the point of view of people who, like Judie, feel claustrophobic because of the hallway that separates the two rooms. I can see how having one big open space appeals to many people. On the other hand, the midbath has always been Lazy Daze's most popular floorplan, so clearly a lot of people prefer two smaller rooms to one bigger one.

In any case, I strongly second Judie's recommendation to go to as many get-togethers as you can, and tour as many LDs as you can, to get a good idea of how you feel about the various floorplans.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #8 – July 05, 2021, 05:53:30 pm

"I would lie at night with my head to the back window and look up at the bright stars."

And during the eight consecutive years that I attended the Abq. Balloon Fiesta I would assume the same position and watch the balloons drift overhead, some at alarming elevations!

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #9 – July 05, 2021, 06:05:26 pm

Quote from: Andy Baird - July 05, 2021, 05:37:34 pm

I lived in a midbath for eleven years. What I didn't like: the toilet was prone to clogging, due to the two 45° bends in the pipe leading down to the black tank. What I did like: I had two separate rooms. When I had guests, they had privacy.

I do understand the point of view of people who, like Judie, feel claustrophobic because of the hallway that separates the two rooms. I can see how having one big open space would appeal to many people. On the other hand, the midbath has always been Lazy Daze's most popular floorplan, so clearly a lot of people prefer two smaller rooms to one bigger one.

In any case, I strongly second Judie's recommendation to go to as many get-togethers as you can, and tour as many LDs as you can, to get a good idea of how you feel about the various floorplans.

Andy,

Thank you for your response. Was your 2003 LD Mid bath "Skylark" harder to maneuver around city streets compared to your 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie?"

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #10 – July 05, 2021, 10:22:42 pm

2001 MB is great for family of four having two separate living quarters. If it was just the two of us, a MB would not be our first choice.   Biggest negative is the elevated toilet. I wish the MP rear table folded down from the wall. We end up not using the rear table because it’s so much trouble to deploy. We also find it difficult to completely fold out the rear bed to the full California King. The dinette bed was great for kids but not for adults as it’s too short.

2001 era features we dislike for all Lazy Daze, 1) dislike that the tire is not stored in back of RV. And if you’re going to add a fake tire holder compartment at least make it useful for storage. 2) You’ll get tired of sticking your hands with the front curtain pins. We replaced with a sewed on Velcro strips. 3) Prefer not to have any carpet and instead vinyl throughout the coach. 4) Did not like the click sound of the clock.   5) The cushions are just too firm for us which means we need to haul extra mattress toppers. I guess the downside of a durable high quality cushions. 6) Spark Plug generic problem Ford 450, 7) after 20 years it's a fight against leaks, and aluminum corrosion (to be expected but trying to be truthful to folks who do not understand this. Second 20 year experience is not the same as initial owner.

I’m really nit picking as the positive attributes far out weigh the negatives.   There are cons to all RVs just a lot less with a Lazy Daze.. My list of PROs would be much longer (but that was not what was asked by the original question looking for dislikes (or cons). We camped in a 1988 VW Westfalia for 15 year which was great for small kids. MB is huge as compared but still tight for 4 adults, however, way better than not going. Someday our young adult kids will no longer want to go which will be a big loss to the travel experience.

LarryD

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #11 – July 05, 2021, 10:25:40 pm

Just my two cents' worth vote for the MB. I travel solo, with no bunk over the cab, and it's perfect for me! For eight winters I've been on the road, with no downsides. Whether in a house or motor home, I like to have separate areas for different activities. As an avid home cook, I need an entire kitchen pantry, with stained glass covered storage cabinets over the cab which provide as much space for food, supplies and equipment as most home kitchens. For writing and dinner guests the front area is just fine. But for computer work, television/videos, and a fulltime bed, as well as a spare couch for guest sleepovers, the rear lounge is heavenly, and is private. I've never had a toilet clog, but of course I'm very careful, and in fact can boondock up to five weeks before needing to go to a place to empty and fill the tanks. My solar planels and inverters supply all the power I ever needed and are mostly at 100% by noon, and I use hours of power each day. I made a great outdoor shade to hang from the awning so there's room for an outside hammock, and I've had as many as fourteen people over for potluck meals or happy hours. An outside propane firepit can be used almost everywhere, even in National Parks where regular fires are forbidden. At least for me, it's perfect. Frankly, I can't imagine enjoying life in any size LD with four adults moving around! Of course everyone is different and has their own style, so YMMV.
Kristin from Alaska

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #12 – July 06, 2021, 12:00:25 pm

"Was your 2003 LD Mid bath 'Skylark' harder to maneuver around city streets compared to your 1985 LD Twin/King 'Gertie?' "

A 27' vehicle is always going to be somewhat harder to maneuver than a 22' one. That said, I don't remember Skylark being much more difficult than Gertie, once I got used to it. But I didn't do much city driving with either rig--especially in Skylark, once I had a towed car that I could use to run errands.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #13 – July 06, 2021, 12:04:10 pm

"Biggest negative is the elevated toilet."

That seems to be a drawback for many people, but I never had a problem with it. I just rested my feet on the edge of the pedestal. The angled pedestal edge in my 2003 midbath made this a comfortable position. I know some midbaths have a 90° edge instead of an angled one, but my current Airstream has a toilet mounted on a pedestal with a 90° edge, and I sit the same way on it without feeling uncomfortable.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #14 – July 06, 2021, 12:15:57 pm

Quote from: Andy Baird - July 06, 2021, 12:00:25 pm

"Was your 2003 LD Mid bath 'Skylark' harder to maneuver around city streets compared to your 1985 LD Twin/King 'Gertie?' "

A 27' vehicle is always going to be somewhat harder to maneuver than a 22' one. That said, I don't remember Skylark being much more difficult than Gertie, once I got used to it. But I didn't do much city driving with either rig--especially in Skylark, once I had a towed car that I could use to run errands.

Thank you for your input. I have plans to install a famous "Andy Barid Pantry Closet."

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #15 – July 06, 2021, 01:14:14 pm

Quote from: Andy Baird - July 06, 2021, 12:04:10 pm

"Biggest negative is the elevated toilet."

That seems to be a drawback for many people, but I never had a problem with it. I just rested my feet on the edge of the pedestal. The angled pedestal edge in my 2003 midbath made this a comfortable position. I know some midbaths have a 90° edge instead of an angled one, but my current Airstream has a toilet mounted on a pedestal with a 90° edge, and I sit the same way on it without feeling uncomfortable.

Yes, the newer ones are 90 degree. You could also do something like this:

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #16 – July 06, 2021, 03:46:18 pm

Thanks for posting that photo. Comparing that to my photo, it looks as if in my 2003 the bottom of the bowl was even with or slightly above the rim of the shower pan, while in yours, the bottom of the bowl is WAY higher. I can certainly see where that would be awkward without a footstool such as the one you show. I wonder why they made it so very high?

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #17 – July 06, 2021, 04:49:23 pm

I didn't know what to expect when this discussion started. Sam seemed to want to know if their were any reasons why a Midbath would be problematic. There were plenty of floor plan discussions many years ago with some folks expressing why they preferred one floorplan more than some other one. The basic floorplans haven't changed much over the years other than now there are only 2 built on the 27 foot length.

However the discussions seems to have devolved into one that has some folks really expressing a lot of negativity towards what has been Lazy Daze's most popular layout. Perhaps it was the way the question was proposed?

To the folks who seem to feel claustrophobic in the midbath, I wonder how they react when they have been in some of the Class B's or if they were ever in a Born Free? We absolutely love our midbath. But that doesn't mean I would dump on a rear bath. Different choices for different preferences and needs.

A couple observations on midbath ownership that may never have been made over the years. We have camped in some fairly cold locations and I think it is easier to have a warm and cozy sleeping spot as far away from the truck cab as you can; the Ford cab is probably the coldest (and pehaps the hottest spot too) in the RV; that is because of the lack of insulation. The other thing we really like is the ability to keep the driver's side sofa made into a twin bed all the time. I think doing that in a rear bath would create moving around issues.

A high mounted toilet or the refrigerator in the bathroom? Pick your issue to deal with. The spare tire location is an issue IF you want it to be. There is plenty of storage regardless. There are always compromises. I didn't mean for this to become a rant but I felt somewhat defensive about some of the comments.

Steve K

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #18 – July 06, 2021, 05:15:55 pm

"...while in yours, the bottom of the bowl is WAY higher."

In my '04 30'IB the toilet and shower are separated by the hallway. As far as the height of the toilet goes, I added a panel of ¾" plywood on the floor, cut to fit. That helped to reach the throne and rest the feet.

As to the height of the shower pan, it was my Daughter, LazyBones2, who pointed out that the deeper pan is useful when used as a tub (as in bathtub) or a place to wash ones hair or bathe a pet. I believe a lot of thought went into the design.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #19 – July 06, 2021, 06:01:52 pm

Each floor plan offers a “balance sheet”; the layout, design, and features of each size and model have fans and detractors!

Candid discussions of what owners of various models see as advantages and disadvantages of their LDs can be helpful as starting points for those either looking for a specific plan in a used rig or ordering new.

The advice to check out various models (to the extent practical) before making a decision is good; a one- dimensional drawing offers only limited perspective. I know of a few people who were set on a particular floor plan, but changed their minds after they spent a bit of time checking out what they had thought was “the one”.

YMMV, as always!

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #20 – July 07, 2021, 03:10:29 pm

I wanted to say thank you for all the helpful posts.

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #21 – July 12, 2021, 05:49:19 pm

Quote from: Steve K. - July 06, 2021, 04:49:23 pm

We absolutely love our midbath. But that doesn't mean I would dump on a rear bath. Different choices for different preferences and needs.

There is much I like about the rear bath model however, since we choose not to sleep in the cabover, the lack of a private sleeping area was an issue for us.

A couple observations on midbath ownership that may never have been made over the years. We have camped in some fairly cold locations and I think it is easier to have a warm and cozy sleeping spot as far away from the truck cab as you can; the Ford cab is probably the coldest (and pehaps the hottest spot too) in the RV; that is because of the lack of insulation.

We had camped in cold weather in previous outings and really appreciated the ability to insulate the cab from the cold with the hanging blanket trick. This latest trip gave us an appreciation of separating the cab from extreme heat!

Re: Dislikes with the Mid-Bath floor plan

Reply #22 – July 12, 2021, 11:06:06 pm

On one of our trips we met camp hosts who had the MB LD. They had removed the two rear couches and put in a queen bed. They used the area above the cab as storage and “office” space. It seemed a great adaptation for their needs. It only left them with the dinette for an inside lounge area but they said they lounge on the bed to watch tv and etc.
As we progress in years, I will eventually want something with a bed that I don’t have to pull out, climb up to or lower.

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