Brainstorm with a newb?! August 24, 2016, 02:32:07 pm Wow! I really appreciate how generous everyone is here with their (sometimes hard won) knowledge and experience. Thank you! I'm looking quite seriously at the 2008 twin model for sale by Vincent. He seems to be a very ethical and caring man who is interested in my well being and will miss his beloved rig. That means a lot to me!Keeping in mind the rule: "Would you be ok trapped inside by rain for several days?" For this model to work for me, I need some floor space to get on the floor for yoga. I can achieve this easily enough by removing one or both of the chairs and keeping a couple of folding chairs avail for guests. Secondly, I would need to either remove or configure a king mattress in the bedroom (queen is fine too but I own a cal. King tempurpedic +140lbs. ) I could be perfectly happy with it on the floor and some throw pillows. Although, if I use a plank to bridge the beds, I would lose the drawer but create additional storage from the foot of the bed. Mind you, I've not had the honor of stepping into a unit IRL. Welcome you thoughts, ideas, suggestions! Thanks in advance!Jewels
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #1 – August 24, 2016, 02:36:39 pm Thirdly, my dream of all dreams is to invest in a rooftop patio with elevated platform floor so the weight is not directly on the roof. Not for parties but a safely elevated outdoor sleeping quarters and yoga space under the stars. Is there anyone you know who has done this? Any potential issues a newb such as myself has not yet considered?
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #2 – August 24, 2016, 02:52:34 pm Jewels, welcome! I don't have firsthand experience with the 31' TB. Someone will be along who does, I am sure. Our model is a Mid Bath. What I know is that any furniture mounted to the wall of a LD is very hard to remove. When build t coach these cabinets are screwed in from the outside before the outer aluminium is out on. Take a look at what I did when I reconfigured mine: Personally I would not convert to the king sized tempurpedic mattress, an I do love them (we own 3). Next time I'm going with latex though. The weight is another reason to not throw in the tempurpedic. 31 ft LD are reputed to have little enough CCC left as it is. Can't speak to a platform on top. I do spend plenty of time up there, and it sounds like a cool idea. I know Larry likes cartop platforms, so he may be a great source of info. Good luck! 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #3 – August 24, 2016, 03:09:00 pm Hi Jewels,Quite a few people climb on the roof of their rigs (not sure about LD's) to watch a race now and then, but if your potential LD is anything like mine there isn't a whole lot of space up there to stretch and exercise.Not sure how a roof deck could be accomplished without compromising the integrity of the roof seams and ancillary items installed top side. Of course, not all LD's have all the real estate spoken for. I have two solar panels, three roof vents, a satellite dish, a refrigerator vent and an air conditioner. That doesn't leave much space unused.Here is a shot of my 2015 27' Rear Bath.Best of luck,Kent 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #4 – August 24, 2016, 03:41:36 pm Thanks for the welcome and advice, Kent and Paul. Just had a good conversation with Jon at TRICKFABThey install the roof observation decks mostly for the race fans. Expensive but seems like they know what they are doing and committed to doing a good job. They are a USA company which I also really feel good about supporting. I will keep researching. Other than the weight issue of the Tempurpedic, do you have any ideas on how you might bridge the gap back there, Paul? I'm not attached to the mattress I have just thought I might save a few bucks on not having to buy a lighter mattress. Think I will leave all the cabinets in place as I have been reading about the work involved to remove.
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #5 – August 24, 2016, 05:36:39 pm Considering the things that are important to you (yoga space, a roof deck, and a residential king size mattress), I'm not sure any Lazy Daze would make you happy. It seems a bit like you're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Every RV represents a group of compromises in a bunch of different areas. You might reconsider a Lazy Daze if you're willing to have a smaller mattress, limited floor space (maybe a space outside in a screen tent or something?), and make due with the roof as is (you can find a place to lay a sleeping bag). Otherwise you might want to look at something like a Class A? Lazy Daze owners tend to be of like mind because we've all accepted the same set of compromises. That doesn't mean that it is the right path for everyone. Rich '03 MB in NC 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #6 – August 24, 2016, 05:53:41 pm Jewels I have not looked at a twin bed setup close enough to give good advice. Nevertheless, I would start with a sheet of ½" plywood and then make detailed plans for framing from 1x2 ash. Just some thoughts. But a person more familiar with the 30' model is more qualified to answer, including weight and weight distribution. Those Trickfab platforms sure look nice, but seem like overkill, at least to me. I wouldn't be asking guests or clients up to the roof though, YMMV. Of course one can practice yoga on a SUP, and one can mount a sup on top. It sure rewards balance- it's a hard fall when one wavers. I do limited yoga each morning with my wife upon waking up to make our joints work. We manage in our 26.5' MB. 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #7 – August 24, 2016, 07:31:30 pm Being a "newbie", can someone explain what CCC and SUP and YMMV stand for? I'm all for shortcuts but if you don't know what they mean, I am afraid I am missing something!! Thanks. 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #8 – August 24, 2016, 07:37:56 pm CCC cargo carrying capacitySUP stand up paddleboard YMMV your mileage may varyLD Lazy DazeMB mid bathTK twin King RK rear kitchen So many more. Need some help here, keep it goin... 2 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #9 – August 24, 2016, 07:55:46 pm Jewels,One thing to remember: these things don't stand still. As you walk about on the roof, the coach body does sway a little bit. So standing exercises up top could be a real testimony to your balancing skills.https://youtu.be/o44YSNZ2Ld4Careful,Kent 3 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #10 – August 24, 2016, 07:56:01 pm Hi, Jewels--Welcome to the cult...er, club.... I've had LDy Lulubelle ('05, 30' TB) for almost three years, and I love the configuration because it allows guest space (my elderly aunt & cousin have stayed comfortably with me). Ldy Lulubelle's previous family upgraded to standard twin-size Tempupedics from Costco, and simply put about a five inch shelf along each existing mattress box, supported with sturdy shelf brackets. They took out the factory-installed cabinet between the beds, carpeted the space, & added a small, removable custom table. The fresh tank & water pump are beneath the curbside bed, & the spare tire/additional storage is beneath the driver's side bed.Since it's just me & the 4-Legged Alarm, we certainly don't need a king size. My parents had a Cal King at home, but had twins in their Pace Arrow back in the '80s, & liked that configuration.I do yoga every morning, and I've tried to find outdoor space or the rec area at my aunt's retirement facility, but sometimes I've had to be inside, & I've bumped the overhead cabinets (in the living room area) as I sweep my arms out for certain poses, but the barrel chairs haven't been a problem--the widest space is in the kitchen area, so I use that for the widest part of me ( ), and adapt some of my positions. I love the 30', but weight is certainly something to be aware of--I added Bigfoot Levelers (love being able to put my feet down in the rain/snow/etc. without getting out in the muck) ...your rooftop deck might be weight to reconsider, but YMMV.Good luck with your decision process...this site is a wonderful place to learn--& get some good giggles & new friends. Once you get your new baby, consider getting on the Ladeze site. Lynne 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #11 – August 24, 2016, 08:18:29 pm Quote from: Gypsy Jewels - August 24, 2016, 02:36:39 pmThirdly, my dream of all dreams is to invest in a rooftop patio with elevated platform floor so the weight is not directly on the roof. Not for parties but a safely elevated outdoor sleeping quarters and yoga space under the stars. Is there anyone you know who has done this? Any potential issues a newb such as myself has not yet considered?Jewels, if you look at Vince's photos of the rig which show the roof, you'll see antennas, refrigerator vent, vent covers, air conditioner, solar panels, tank vents, etc. You would have to mount your platform above all that, which would present stability issues and prevent normal operation of almost all that equipment, or locate something small on a clear section of roof. I would not consider purchase until you've been on the roof and determined there is enough unobstructed real estate up there somewhere to satisfy you.Steve 2 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #12 – August 24, 2016, 08:25:04 pm You know, if you can convince Vince to do so, see if he will go up on the roof and take a pic of whatever area up there he thinks might work, and send measurements too. Then you have something you could take to your platform guy.Steve 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #13 – August 24, 2016, 10:19:17 pm Thanks so much, everybody! Today was a great day of research from a distance! Vince has a friend sending photos of the roof and the company is booked out until November which will give me plenty of time to decide if it is a dream better left in the noggin'. Thanks, for your thoughts too, Rich. Although I love community, I'm not much for conformity and my commitmemt is always toward what is possible. I'm almost wondering if a thicker cork would save a bit more weight than the plywood....Ill check it out. Guess I will leave the Cal. King in storage and just go with what the space allows.
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #14 – August 25, 2016, 02:22:59 pm Another thought re: rooftop platform & yoga--besides the limited real estate up there & weight issue--Kent said, "One thing to remember: these things don't stand still. As you walk about on the roof, the coach body does sway a little bit. So standing exercises up top could be a real testimony to your balancing skills."I finally climbed up to wash LDy Lulubelle's roof a couple of weeks ago, & I was glad for all the balancing poses my teacher has shown us in class, but Cat to Cow would be all I'd try up there --certainly not Tree/Eagle/Warrior poses/etc. Though I must admit to feeling awfully proud of myself & my 62-year old body: got up the ladder, got the deed done, got back down the ladder in one piece, & I briefly channelled Helen Reddy from 1972, singing out, "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!" to the amusement of the 20-something kid doing yard work for me. 3 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #15 – August 25, 2016, 02:58:42 pm Lol, what a great visual! Thanks, Lynne. What is the women's forum you mentioned in the earlier post? Hope our paths cross at some point!Jewels
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #16 – August 25, 2016, 03:16:42 pm When I was a kid (yeah me too) Helen's song was a big hit. https://youtu.be/Gpu_PV3BTfIIn this video she is sporting my Mom's favorite hair cut.Ladies...you rock. Good luck with your hunt.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #17 – August 25, 2016, 03:24:40 pm Hi, Jewels--I keep forgetting to have someone take pictures when I do some of these things. Played Crab Soccer on a one story rental ranch house roof last month (tree branch went through a few spots & I had to spread a tarp 'til the roof guy could get there)...had a friend ( 78-year old male) who was on his roof (two-story/raised ranch house)--someone took a picture of him with toolbelt/saw in one hand/hammer in the other/standing on one foot (his son had told him to quit going up on the roof)--they titled it "Bob doing TaiChi on the roof." I decided if Bob could do those things at nearly 80, I had no excuse not to try...but the stories are much better now that I'm back on terra firma! Ladeze is the gathering of female Lazy Dazers--this is my second year coming in September, but I think they're going on the 13th or 14th GTG. Lauralee Scholes has taken on the organizational tasks--I think Lorna Dunham was part of the original organizing team. I'm still a newbie; last year (my first time) was a wonderful opportunity to gather with a great group of Uppity Women, learn lots (tightening chassis bolts, cleaning window weepholes, deterring mice & other critters from setting up housekeeping, etc.), laugh lots, eat lots, & howl some. Plus there was a full lunar eclipse which was awe inspiring under the Utah sky--Arrooo. Certainly hope to see you at one of the GTGs sometime--I love putting faces with the names I meet on this site.Good luck with your search.Lynne 2 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #18 – August 25, 2016, 03:30:25 pm When I was about 11, I had a super cool portable 8 track player that slung over my shoulder like a big purse. Helen was one of my favorites. No rewind options there. Lol 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #19 – August 25, 2016, 05:16:46 pm While not to discount the value of a rig with known history and the good relationship with the seller, I think you would be better off with a 27 ft. Our midbath has quite a bit of floor space between the wardrobe and the bathroom. And the two sofas in the back already make into a king bed. Actually you could use the bed for floor poses and the that other space for standing poses. The 27 rear bath also has two sofas that can be made into a king bed but I don't know about the floor space. I also like the areas of the RV to have more than one use. Hauling around a dedicated bedroom seems frivolous. Plus our favorite place to hang out is the rear sofas in our midbath with the panaramic windows. In June we were up in the Cascades and the mosquitos were epic. Aside from short dog walks we were either in the boat fishing or in the back of the rig relaxing and enjoying the view. Are you aware that you can open the front roof vent and climb on the roof. I think it's easier than climbing the ladder. You could also sleep in the cabover occasionally and leave the vent open. Giving you a pretty good view of the stars. You can also sit in the vent dangling your feet inside. Lisa 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #20 – August 25, 2016, 05:40:00 pm I was not aware, Lisa! I have had my eye on a few Mid baths, that's been my favorite floor plan.
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #21 – August 25, 2016, 05:45:07 pm Quote from: Elizabeth West-Ownbey - August 25, 2016, 05:16:46 pm"The 27 rear bath also has two sofas that can be made into a king bed but I don't know about the floor space." True there is floor space between the twin couches in the RB. The space is about 26" across by about 86" in length.I have measured mine several times trying to find a carpet runner just the right size to cover the factory carpet."Are you aware that you can open the front roof vent and climb on the roof. I think it's easier than climbing the ladder. You could also sleep in the cabover occasionally and leave the vent open. Giving you a pretty good view of the stars. You can also sit in the vent dangling your feet inside."Not sure when the "escape hatch" was discontinued. Andy's changes by the year guide could tell you. My '15 RB has a Fantastic Fan in its place though you may be able to see "some" stars if the vent is open wide enough and you peer through its mechanics.Kent 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #22 – August 26, 2016, 12:51:04 am I think you would be better off with a 27 ft. We drove our new 2004 27MB 24,000 miles in 2 years. We now own a 2011 31TB. The 31 is hands down better. It's a much more spacious, comfortable rig. CCC is ample for us, especially with our 2600 pound Honda Fit with its cavernous back half storage space that carries up to 400 pounds of cargo. 'Nuff said! 3 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #23 – August 27, 2016, 11:53:12 am Welcome, Jewel. I'm also searching for my RV mate. I actually saw a bus conversion a while back that had a top platform, the whole family went up there all the time. They had very cleverly arranged the inside for several big spaces, too. Just a thought, if mentioning an SOB (some other brand) on here isn't sacrilege. Hauling around a dedicated bedroom seems frivolous. - ElizabethThe more I look at pics and think about hauling that extra room around after my mom is through traveling with me and it's just me full timing, I feel just the same about lugging that extra room around. I won't need the additional 'me' space. I just have to decide if I don't mind making up a bed every day on the couch or climbing up into the cab at my progressing age in the rear bath. After comparing pics and talking with an owner of a RB, the openness of the RB feels more like a 'living area' home than the divided mid bath. I do so looooove the panoramic view of the mid bath, but looking at the pics, the kitchen/dining just seems cluttered and close, especially with two adults in there. I'm really glad I'll get to see one of each this weekend so I can actually compare the different spaces. Maybe those windows will win after all. lolQuote from: Bob Siegel - August 26, 2016, 12:51:04 am The 31 is hands down better. It's a much more spacious, comfortable rig. My womanly instincts say that extra room/space I'd be lugging around would be must appreciated when my mom is with me. We've both been queen of our castles for a very long time, so having our own areas sounds smart. And the living space looks homey up there. But once I'm alone, I don't even know if I'd miss the bedroom, except for the windows, cuz I'd definitely go for the TB rather than the IB. I can picture myself back there reading and scenery gazing, though. Still need to go inside the big guys to really know. Trying to convince the universe that I need to go to the GTG in Sep, see if I can get some cosmic assistance, but my little biz sure makes time off a toughie. Knowing the LaDeze will be there makes me wanna go even more!! :/ 1 Likes
Re: Brainstorm with a newb?! Reply #24 – August 27, 2016, 02:42:11 pm Quote from: CalNatureGal - August 27, 2016, 11:53:12 amThe more I look at pics and think about hauling that extra room around after my mom is through traveling with me and it's just me full timing, I feel just the same about lugging that extra room around. I won't need the additional 'me' space. I just have to decide if I don't mind making up a bed every day on the couch or climbing up into the cab at my progressing age in the rear bath. After comparing pics and talking with an owner of a RB, the openness of the RB feels more like a 'living area' home than the divided mid bath. I do so looooove the panoramic view of the mid bath, but looking at the pics, the kitchen/dining just seems cluttered and close, especially with two adults in there. I'm really glad I'll get to see one of each this weekend so I can actually compare the different spaces. Maybe those windows will win after all. lolMy womanly instincts say that extra room/space I'd be lugging around would be must appreciated when my mom is with me. We've both been queen of our castles for a very long time, so having our own areas sounds smart. And the living space looks homey up there. But once I'm alone, I don't even know if I'd miss the bedroom, except for the windows, cuz I'd definitely go for the TB rather than the IB. I can picture myself back there reading and scenery gazing, though. Still need to go inside the big guys to really know. Trying to convince the universe that I need to go to the GTG in Sep, see if I can get some cosmic assistance, but my little biz sure makes time off a toughie. Knowing the LaDeze will be there makes me wanna go even more!! :/ We love the views from the MB and RB. That said, most people are surprised how open our 30 IB looks. Also, after 8 years full timing we are still delighted not to have a bed to make up, regardless of how easy it may seem and we don't want to climb into a cab bed. While the CCC has been a challenge I believe we have done pretty well with that.Choice is a good thing.To quote one of my favorite people, YMMV.Jim 1 Likes
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