Looking for my next LD July 10, 2016, 03:27:34 pm I am currently looking for the second LD. My first LD, pictured on my account, was a 23.6ft RB and I loved it. When I decided to try living in it for an extended period, I found it too small. I went to a Safari class A, a mistake! It was a good coach, but too big. I guess it was the Goldilocks syndrome, which size is "just right"!! I definitely will go back to a LD, but am trying to decide between a 26.6ft and a 30ft RT. I would love to hear from some 30ft LD owners. I don't have any issues with driving a 30ft rig, the Safari was 37ft. What I am interested in hearing about is the question of the overhang over the rear axel. I have read some opinions that the extra overhand on a 30ft or larger class C can cause some handling/stability issues. I am wondering if this is less in the LD because of the low profile? I have come to learn that the internet can be a dangerous place when it comes to "reviews and opinions" so I would rather hear from LD owners who actually have a LD 30ft rig. I have recently retired and will be traveling for extended periods of time, months at a time, so the idea of not having to set the bed and take it down every day appeals to me. I know the 30ft is not good if you want to go into state parks and places where there is a size restriction and I am OK with that. Additionally, I am curious about "how many miles are too many" on some of these LD rigs. I have seen some nice rigs with 100,000+ miles and although they may have been well maintained, there must a a tipping point when things start going "south"!Any input on my questions are much appreciated. I am excited to start my search and get on the road!Many Thanks,Tom V
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #1 – July 10, 2016, 04:19:17 pm One thing to factor in. The 30' models have the smallest amount of CCC of all the LD models.Easy to overload if you're not real careful.
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #2 – July 10, 2016, 05:30:06 pm In theory that is true... however when it comes to actuality I've got space that's never been used! Steve S.Lazy Bones & Cedar
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #3 – July 10, 2016, 06:31:06 pm Tom, are you single? If so I don't see why a 27ft would not work. I believe I could live comfortably in my 27RB. With a SO it might be harder. I tend to leave the Couch behind the driver out as a bed. Plenty of closet and drawer space inside.
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #4 – July 10, 2016, 07:40:33 pm Thanks to all for the replies. Yes Rick, thankfully I am single which is why I can roam the country at my leisure with no one to answer to but myself! All I need is to find my LD. I have seen a few 27ft rigs for sale that looked in nice condition, but as I said in my post, a couple of them have higher mile, 100,000+, years 2003 and 2004. One nice one has almost 130,000 on it, OK if well maintained I guess but I am a bit leery of a rig approaching 150K no matter the condition. I think these high mile ones are either full timers or lived in most of the year. Still may check them out. Any one have any input on the higher milage issue?
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #5 – July 10, 2016, 08:29:33 pm This is our first and only class C and first and only motorhome, which is the 30' IB. We have been full timing for almost 8 years now and tow a 2011 Subaru Forester. Handling hasn't been an issue and in my view they handle well. We have no aftermarket addons to suspension or steering but did just change out the Ford shocks to Koni FSD.As to CCC we do keep that in mind and traveling with two cats and two of us makes it a challenge. We are generally, a couple hundred pounds over or under. The last time we weighed at an Oregon scale we were 14,000 pounds. That said, a full tank of water will put us over. However, we don't fill the tank unless we are parking whether it be boondocking or at a park.We tend to stay in government parks or boondock and have never had a problem getting into any that we want to. I know that there are parks out there that claim shorter length limits but it just really hasn't been an issue. I do remember that we wanted to camp at Chisos Basin in Big Bend and they limit to 26' but that is really related to the road and the camp hosts are up there in bigger rigs than that.Of course, I would prefer not to have to worry about CCC but it has worked for us.We could lighten the load by getting rid of the cats so let us know if you want them. Although Gayle might prefer to get rid of me.Jim 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #6 – July 10, 2016, 09:12:59 pm Thanks Jim for your reply. I really appreciate the input from LD 30ft owners. I'm torn between the 27ft and the 30ft, the advantage of the 30ft RT,for me , is the permanent bed. I will be traveling solo, with my two dogs, so will have to pass on the offer for the cats!!
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #7 – July 10, 2016, 10:09:03 pm Quote from: cruzian2 - July 10, 2016, 09:12:59 pm is the permanent bed.In the MB or TK, the couch can be converted to a bed in a minute or so.We keep the sheets on the seat cushion at all times to keep the upholstery looking good and for convenience and use the blanket as a throw to keep the dog hair to a minimum. Lift off the seat back and you're ready for bed. Works well for our needs. I've always seen a fixed bed as wasted space most of the time. Owners of the 30' would not agree, of course. Choice is good.Ed 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #8 – July 11, 2016, 02:11:43 am Quote from: Ed D. - July 10, 2016, 10:09:03 pmIn the MB or TK, the couch can be converted to a bed in a minute or so.We keep the sheets on the seat cushion at all times to keep the upholstery looking good and for convenience and use the blanket as a throw to keep the dog hair to a minimum. Lift off the seat back and you're ready for bed. Works well for our needs. EdWe Went from a big trailer with a fixed bed in a slide out to a 26.5 MB. Wife uses rear couch made up as Ed says. We leave out the back cushion, use pillows lined up along the wall, like a day bed. I prefer the barrel chair. I sleep up top. The bed set up has not been as big a deal as we feared, just a little AM/PM ritual. That said we are only out a few months at a time (7). Our E350 has very little CCC. We have to self monitor, just like with out bellies. Good luck!! 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #9 – July 11, 2016, 12:33:11 pm Thanks Paul, I appreciate the input. I think I could also do what you are doing in a 27ft. It may be worth the little bit of time in the AM and not have the extra length to deal with. I loved my 24ft and a 27ft seems like a good all around size. I tried sleeping in the cabover bed but I couldn't deal with it. It was too claustrophobic for me!
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #10 – July 11, 2016, 07:33:32 pm Does anyone have any experience with higher milage LD. I've seen a couple of nice LD with V10 engines for sale but they each have 100,000 to 130,000+ miles. I'm sure they have been well maintained, but I'm nor sure when these engines, even well cared for, will start to become $$$$ hogs. I appreciate any input.Cheers,Tom V
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #11 – July 11, 2016, 09:21:29 pm We are at 113,000 and still going strong. Purchased at 90K in Oct 2012. Buying used as we did got us in the door for a comparatively small investment (28K Inc toad vs 120K + for RV, toad and tow package). The engine burns no oil and starts 100% of the time. Plenty of power. We've spent roughly 4-5K on chassis maintenance in 4 years - bushings, brakes, battery , fluid changes etc.In my opinion, the secret is to not overpay so you have a cushion of $ for maintenance. We had to replace all tires right away, about $1500. This is not a cheap way to travel. Nor is it hassle free. We enjoy it and have $ to burn, otherwise this wouldn't work. Will go new with the next RV as we will want something with lower maintenance and can afford new as we ease into semi-retirement.
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #12 – July 11, 2016, 11:15:48 pm We have a 2003 Midbath with 127,000+ miles on it. We are the original owners and have never towed with it. Our rig is still getting close to 10 miles per gallon and runs like new. And I would say the interior of the coach is 90-95% as good as new.I have been looking for a newer rig but doubt I will find one that meets *my* standards. After the recession took hold in late 2007, production of Lazy Daze declined so much that it has made it much more difficult to find a gently used one. I have been looking because if I get a low mile unit, I will spend the money to get hydraulic levelers and invest in towing gear; I just don't want to spend that much on our current rig or subject it to towing now.It looks like we will probably keep running our rig for many more years.The subject of high miles is an interesting one though. Here is my thinking. High miles like we have, without towing and with the added consideration that they are highway miles, should allow many more years and miles of reliable service. And while there are a lot of miles, the amount of wear and tear to the coach has been minimal compared to a rig that has been fulltimed in. I have looked at an abused 4 year old rig with low miles that convinced me to keep my rig.What I am trying to say is that condition, proper maintenance, and how it has been used are more important to me than a number on the odometer.Good luck with your search,Steve K 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #13 – July 12, 2016, 12:38:22 am SteveThe E450 has proven to be a very durable chassis.We have near 100,000 miles and if the engine was to blow, i wouldn't hesitate to replace it, and maybe the transmission, at the same time and, call it good for another 100,000 miles. Other than adding a extra gear or two to the transmission, there have not been enough improvements to justify a new rig, IMO.I do expect the existing driveline to last quite a few more miles, it doesn't run much differently than it did when new.Famous last words,Larry 2 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #14 – July 12, 2016, 03:59:58 am I liked what Larry says. The 450/V10 platform has been on the road and refined for about 20 years. When you start looking for them, they are everywhere, in transit busses, delivery rigs, work trucks, campers. While the V10 in an F350 or 450 is kinda rare (the Powerstroke dominates in pickups), in the E series it's all V10. A great engine that has enjoyed consistent development. As to the chassis, the E and F450 have also enjoyed long steady development. Comfort, strength, durability are proven. With a reasonable maintenance routine, few RVers can wear them out. Of course my perspective is that I can spend a lot in maintenance and upkeep and still not spend what payments on a new platform cost. New models don't yet offer enough benefits to warrant the cost of new. Maybe when we get a 25MPG diesel with the CGVWR of 18000#, I will change my tune. In the meantime, it hard to find a group of better owners of used rigs for sale than right here. 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #15 – July 12, 2016, 12:39:45 pm Many thanks to all for the input on the V10 and on higher milage rigs. I guess at the en of the day a lot depends on how well we maintain these rigs. I know how passionate most LD owners are about there rigs and the care of their LD. I am continuing my search and appreciate this site for its wealth of information.Cheers,Tom
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #16 – July 12, 2016, 12:53:32 pm As for show long will the V10s last? I know of several that have reached 160,000+ miles and are still running fine and have never heard of anyone wearing one out or blowing one up. They are very long lived compared to 350 V8 our 1983 LD had..what a piece of junk, underpowered, prone to overheating and a early death. It was great car engine that did not belong in a heavy RV, IMO. Our 1983's V8 had a badly worn timing chain and rod bearings at 85,000 miles, not to mention it burning a lot of oil, once it exceed 100,000 miles.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #17 – July 12, 2016, 01:59:54 pm "I guess at the end of the day a lot depends on how well we maintain these rigs."----Indeed it does! As Larry has said, the V-10 is a tough, proven engine; mine has 96k and has been virtually trouble-free for 13 years. I attribute this longevity to several factors, including being well under the gvwr and not towing, but particularly to the fact that the engine (and all the systems) have been diligently maintained from the get-go, usually well ahead of the Ford-recommended mileage/time service schedules. (And, thanks to Larry's expert guidance, maintenance items that are not on the Ford schedule, e.g., the parking brake lube fill, have been attended to also!) No part of the RV lifestyle is cheap, and that definitely includes having the spend money on timely and appropriate maintenance for the engine and all systems, repairs, and replacement parts. Stuff wears and/or ages out, and if not repaired or replaced, can start a chain reaction of "road woes". If one is able to do some or all of the services himself/herself, it can save a lot in labor costs (the Ford truck shop rate where I live is $150.00 per hour) , but most of us rely on mechanics and techs to do the "heavy lifting". The V-10 is a great workhorse, but like any machine, it needs TLC to keep it in top form for many years and miles. (I learned that lesson early on from my father, whose limited "car savvy" (Oil? ) brought joy to the local dealership on a regular basis.) As always and ever, YMMV. 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #18 – July 13, 2016, 12:08:00 am Quote from: Larry Wade - July 12, 2016, 12:38:22 amWe have near 100,000 miles and if the engine was to blow, i wouldn't hesitate to replace it, and maybe the transmission, at the same time and, call it good for another 100,000 miles. Other than adding a extra gear or two to the transmission, there have not been enough improvements to justify a new rig, IMO.LarryAgreed!! Ford's modular motors have been very good to me...even with the dreaded 4 thread heads5R110 would be nice, but...Gasser only gets 10 mpg however, imho $25 oil & filter change beats several gallons of Rotella! 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #19 – July 13, 2016, 12:04:32 pm Quote from: cruzian2 - July 11, 2016, 12:33:11 pmThanks Paul, I appreciate the input. I think I could also do what you are doing in a 27ft. It may be worth the little bit of time in the AM and not have the extra length to deal with. I loved my 24ft and a 27ft seems like a good all around size. I tried sleeping in the cabover bed but I couldn't deal with it. It was too claustrophobic for me!We have traveled part time in our '02 30' for 14 years. When we went to the Mothership to order back in Oct. of '01, I had a RB in mind - or a MB. As soon as my wife toured the 30', she decided it was for her, mainly because of the fixed bed. We added a Sleep Number mattress for extra comfort. We enjoy the "lounge" area. Being next to the kitchen, it gives an airy, open feeling. I have never experienced a situation where the extra 3' on a 31 footer made the difference between getting in a campsite or not. If I were single, I would probably opt for an RB or MB. I like the openness of the RB. Keep in mind in the 30' that you have a chair(s) to sit in. We have the pullout dinette and I would not order that setup again. I miss having a chair to sit in. I would probably replace the LD chairs with small wall-hugger recliners. As for the CCC, since we travel part time, weight has never been an issue. Storage space is abundant.Chris
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #20 – July 13, 2016, 12:18:12 pm Just a comment on this statement: "even with the dreaded 4 thread heads5R110 would be nice, but..."The 5R110 5-speed auto transmission with tow/haul mode came in the 2005 model year, but the 4-thread spark plug wells had been changed to 8-threads well before then. The engine manufacture date on my 2003 is May 27, 2003, and it has 8-thread wells. 2 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #21 – July 13, 2016, 12:52:53 pm Thanks to Chris, Larry, JCT, and everyone else who has replied to my post. The input has been very helpful to me. I am leaning towards the 30ft, but still looking at the 27ft as well. I do agree with Chris that the front lounge has a more open and airy feeling, especially with those wonderful windows. I had the RB in my 24ft and loved it. They say that half the fun is in the hunt, so I am looking forward to searching for my next LD!Cheers,Tom 1 Likes
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #22 – July 14, 2016, 12:46:20 pm Quote from: JCT - July 13, 2016, 12:18:12 pmJust a comment on this statement: "even with the dreaded 4 thread heads5R110 would be nice, but..."The 5R110 5-speed auto transmission with tow/haul mode came in the 2005 model year, but the 4-thread spark plug wells had been changed to 8-threads well before then. The engine manufacture date on my 2003 is May 27, 2003, and it has 8-thread wells. Apologies for the confusion as I was referring to my 01 with its 4 thread heads & 4R100. Your 8 threads paired up with the 5R110 is what I dream of... although I've had great success with Ford's modular engines (all 4 thread). Knock on wood!
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #23 – July 15, 2016, 11:47:28 am Quote from: igoslow - July 14, 2016, 12:46:20 pmApologies for the confusion as I was referring to my 01 with its 4 thread heads & 4R100. Your 8 threads paired up with the 5R110 is what I dream of... although I've had great success with Ford's modular engines (all 4 thread). Knock on wood!The 4 thread heads, used up until mid-2003, suffer from loose spark plugs, due to Ford's setting the plug's tightening torque way too low, @ 7-ft/lb. Retorquing the plugs to 28-ft/lb cures the problem, as long as no damage has already occurred to the threads.Larry
Re: Looking for my next LD Reply #24 – July 15, 2016, 02:10:33 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - July 15, 2016, 11:47:28 amThe 4 thread heads, used up until mid-2003, suffer from loose spark plugs, due to Ford's setting the plug's tightening torque way too low, @ 7-ft/lb. Retorquing the plugs to 28-ft/lb cures the problem, as long as no damage has already occurred to the threads.LarryDon't want to jack OP's thread here, so I'll end with the fact that I'm more concerned about separation of ceramic anode and/or ground strap. Apparently a common malady found in the 3V versions. Hoping for the best!Cruzian2 - If you would like, I can send you a list of web addy's that I used during my recently completed (!) quest for my LD, however you've started here with the best! Just let me know. 1 Likes
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