Please talk me out of this... February 05, 2017, 11:35:43 am I keep gravitating to old rigs. I have an appreciation for how things were made back in the day and yes, I know that doesn't apply to LD or vehicles in general, but common sense is eluding me. There's something about the styling and look that I really like. I know it's a bad idea for about a gazillion reasons such as, water damage, towing a car means slow going, etc., but I'm fighting the urge to buy one. Is 1989 really just too old to consider? I found one for sale at a dealer. It's too expensive, it has a rear bath (I was looking for MB) It'll cost about $800 to go get it. This one has my name on it. Why? I have no idea. Since it's long distance, is it safer to buy from a dealer? No? Don't they have to reveal if there is rot or other water damage?I'm looking for someone to save me from myself! lolMimi
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #1 – February 05, 2017, 12:00:10 pm Quote from: Opuntia - February 05, 2017, 11:35:43 amI keep gravitating to old rigs. I have an appreciation for how things were made back in the day and yes, I know that doesn't apply to LD or vehicles in general, but common sense is eluding me. There's something about the styling and look that I really like. I know it's a bad idea for about a gazillion reasons such as, water damage, towing a car means slow going, etc., but I'm fighting the urge to buy one. Is 1987 really just too old to consider? I found one for sale at a dealer. It's too expensive, it has a rear bath (I was looking for MB) It'll cost about $800 to go get it. Since it's long distance, is it safer to buy from a dealer? No? Don't they have to reveal if there is rot or other water damage?I'm looking for someone to save me from myself! lolMimiOK, Mimi, you asked for it. 😊 Over the last year or so you have received tons of advice from knowledgeable folks on this forum. As regards buying an older LD, the collective opinion is not to do so unless you are totally sure it is in tip top condition for its age, and even so, are prepared to spend additional funds for repair of items that normally fail in older rigs. It's not safer to buy from a dealer or a private seller unless you have the LD inspected by a reputable and qualified RV mechanic. May I respectfully say that it appears you are letting your overwhelming zeal for acquiring an LD influence rational thinking when it comes to selecting the right one for you. I would strongly urge you to determine a realistic budget, which would include the cost of the LD, a repair reserve fun, travel costs to see it and inspection costs. With that reasonably firm number you can then check out the used LDs that appear to be in good shape for their ages. With all the advice you've received, you should know what to look for by now. So there you have it. I hope this advice helps and you are now "saved".Chris 5 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #2 – February 05, 2017, 12:22:48 pm Wow...I didn't realize how good you were at this.:-) Thank you! (I think:-) I thought buying from a dealer might make a difference. Guess not. :-) But! How much could it cost to repair rot? New transmission? If an '89 rig with 80K miles on it, was in terrific shape, what would be a reasonable price? There is just something about an older LD that I don't see in any other rigs. It's charming. That's tough for me to ignore. Even Andy's rig leaked. Okay, so that was caused by lightening, a one in a bazillion chance and he fixed it immediately, thereby avoiding rot, but it still leaked. I just think all the rigs can have hidden leaks, no?You have ESP. Yes, I'm tired of losing out on rigs because others are willing to buy sight unseen, without current smog or detailed records. If the price is right, they just swoop in and snag them before I've even had a chance to arrange for an inspection.
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #3 – February 05, 2017, 12:31:13 pm Quote from: Opuntia - February 05, 2017, 12:22:48 pmWow...I didn't realize how good you were at this.:-) Thank you! (I think:-) I thought buying from a dealer might make a difference. Guess not. :-) But! How much could it cost to repair rot? New transmission? If an '89 rig with 80K miles on it, was in terrific shape, what would be a reasonable price? There is just something about an older LD that I don't see in any other rigs. It's charming. That's tough for me to ignore. Even Andy's rig leaked. Okay, so that was caused by lightening, a one in a bazillion chance and he fixed it immediately, thereby avoiding rot, but it still leaked. I just think all the rigs can have hidden leaks, no?You have ESP. Yes, I'm tired of losing out on rigs because others are willing to buy sight unseen, without current smog or detailed records. If the price is right, they just swoop in and snag them before I've even had a chance to arrange for an inspection.Buying from a dealer could be the worst mistake you'll ever make unless you do what I suggested. Dealers often will cover up problems in an older RV.Rot and transmission repairs will cost thousands of bucks. If you have to do those repairs on an older LD, forget it.Go to LD Forums>LD General Info>Used LD Prices and click on the Word doc I posted and it will give you a general ideal for used prices. The chart is a guideline ONLY and much will depend on the condition of the used LD.Chris 3 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #4 – February 05, 2017, 12:41:54 pm Okay. I'm not willing to spend thousands to fix an old rig. I also didn't realize buying from a dealer didn't offer any protection. You scared me straight. I'll have a look at the doc. Thank you. I needed that! ;-)The hunt continues...
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #5 – February 05, 2017, 01:08:57 pm Mimi - I have a friend of ~30 years acquaintance, of modest means, who has had two different 26.5-foot Lazy Daze units in the age bracket that you are contemplating. He had many problems with both of these units, mostly due to the skimpy payload in the years before the E450 was used to build these units. There were also some physical problems with these units, which mostly he just ignored. He had the first RK ever built, but the problems were many with the skimpy chassis.I can relate only my own experience with having purchased from a dealer. Not sure I would try this again, but circumstances at the time were such that it was my only choice. It was exactly the model and color that I wanted, BUT - and this is a big BUT - it was only four years old, had only 7,000 miles on it, and was supposedly kept in an enclosed storage area when not in use. The inside (and outside, too, for that matter) looked brand new. I suspect that the unit had been used by an executive somewhere for a week-day habitat, as the only sign of use was a shampoo dispenser in the shower. Everything else looked untouched.It truly is a quandary to be so "in love" with the idea of spending your time enjoying a Lazy Daze, but not having the time or fiscal resources to be "on the spot" when one comes up for sale.Were I on my own, in your circumstances, I truly have no idea how I would go about acquiring the Lazy Daze of my dreams, but probably dealing with a unit being sold by someone who has been a part of this group for a while might be my first choice. I don't recall if you are employed full time, thus limiting your ability to travel, but if you are free to travel, an extended road trip might net you some experience in looking at rigs. One possible suggestion might be if you could find an interim vehicle, even just a van conversion that would provide some creature comforts - a place to rest/eat, etc. - could allow you to travel with some comfort, even if somewhat cramped, over some period of time that you spend searching out your desired Lazy Daze unit. This might take a year or more - OR - the pieces might fall into place quickly. There is just no way to predict the future.We rarely use our Lazy Daze, and the sensible thing would be to sell it, but the spectre of having to replace it, should circumstances warrant same, is too daunting to contemplate, so I can totally relate to what you are going through. We spent a lot of time, money and effort getting our Lazy Daze to be just the perfect unit for our needs. I cannot imagine going through that all again.I wish you the best of luck in your quest. Hopefully it will come to fruition - maybe even when you least expect it. ;-> Virtual hugs,Judie 5 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #6 – February 05, 2017, 01:25:26 pm Quote from: Chris Horst - February 05, 2017, 12:00:10 pmOK, Mimi, you asked for it. 😊 Over the last year or so you have received tons of advice from knowledgeable folks on this forum. As regards buying an older LD, the collective opinion is not to do so unless you are totally sure it is in tip top condition for its age, and even so, are prepared to spend additional funds for repair of items that normally fail in older rigs. It's not safer to buy from a dealer or a private seller unless you have the LD inspected by a reputable and qualified RV mechanic. May I respectfully say that it appears you are letting your overwhelming zeal for acquiring an LD influence rational thinking when it comes to selecting the right one for you. I would strongly urge you to determine a realistic budget, which would include the cost of the LD, a repair reserve fun, travel costs to see it and inspection costs. With that reasonably firm number you can then check out the used LDs that appear to be in good shape for their ages. With all the advice you've received, you should know what to look for by now. So there you have it. I hope this advice helps and you are now "saved".ChrisAmen! 1 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #7 – February 05, 2017, 01:27:25 pm Quote from: Judie Ashford - February 05, 2017, 01:08:57 pmWe rarely use our Lazy Daze, and the sensible thing would be to sell it, but the spectre of having to replace it, should circumstances warrant same, is too daunting to contemplate, so I can totally relate to what you are going through. We spent a lot of time, money and effort getting our Lazy Daze to be just the perfect unit for our needs. I cannot imagine going through that all again.But if you ever do decide to sell, Judie, let us know!
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #8 – February 05, 2017, 01:44:54 pm Hi Mimi,I am glad you finally asked for this and here it comes.For quite a long time now, you have asked and then been advised about older rigs and yet you seem determined to continue down this road that is full of potential land mines. Seems your dreams are winning out over the advice and commonsense. If your discretionary budget for this purchase is dictating the age of a potential rig AND your ability to travel to inspect a used rig, then in my opinion, you can't afford to do this. I would be curious as to what you think you can invest in an rv to live in? What skills do you have to fix things? What resources ($$$) will you have for mandatory repairs like a new fridge, transmission, engine, furnace, etc?I don't know where you live, but if you are determined to buy an older Lazy Daze or other rig, you should be staying in California where they seem to be fairly commonly available. Steve K (not good at being diplomatic, sorry) 4 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #9 – February 05, 2017, 03:04:16 pm IMO, all pre 1990 LDs should avoided, if possible. They were not built as well as the newer models and the drivetrains are inferior to the later Ford V10 models. Sorry, but that's how I see it after inspecting more LDs than just about anyone else, outside of the crew at the Mothership.Most Chevy 350 V8s, the engine most commonly found in older LDs, wore out quickly or burned up, due to the marginal cooling system. By the time our 1983 LD hit 85,000 miles, the 350 V8 had been apart twice, once for a valve job ( burnt valves) and again for worn rod bearings and a new timing chain, with gears. At 110,000 miles the engine was burning a lot of oil and was ready for a full rebuild. When we bought the 1983 LD, it had 55,000 miles and was on its second transmission.The older transmissions did not have an overdrive gear. This caused the engines to spin too fast, at cruising speeds, leading to increased wear, lower overall durability, more noise and lower mileage.The Ford V10s have a much longer life, with many exceeding 150,000 miles, before they are sold. A friend has 165,000 miles on her 03's well used original engine and transmission. Can't say I remember anyone on the forum blowing one up.So, who should own these older models? IMO, only advanced hobbyists, who have good mechanical skills, a shop and a good assortment of mechanical, electrical and woodworking tools, should consider buying one of these museum pieces.Almost everyone of these older beasts has or had serious leaks that damaged the framework. As I have mentioned many times before, all the pre-90 front caps and the front windows leak. Unless all of the previous owners regularly resealed the various spots where leaks occur, there will be problems.Who shouldn't own these rigs? Folks, with stars in their eyes, who are in love with the romance of buying an old, cheap RV, spending a few bucks fixing it up and then hitting the road, where they can boondock and live for next to nothing, while traveling all over the country.It is a nice fantasy but it rarely works out that way.I have said it before, RVing is NOT A CHEAP LIFESTYLE. To do it comfortably, you need a good chunk of reserve money in the bank, even more with older models that are likely to suffer from major breakdowns.You wouldn't expect to buy a well used 30 year old house or car without expecting to find a lot of things needing repair or are worn out. And when you are considering buying an old house, the first thing you do it to hire an experience inspector, someone who knows what to look for....and doesn't have stars in his/her eyesRVs are not cheap to maintain, EVEN if you have the skills to do the work yourself.Larry 8 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #10 – February 05, 2017, 03:27:39 pm Mimi-I haven't read many of your earlier posts, but see by your question that you truly wish to own a Lazy Daze. That's wonderful. What's not so wonderful is the prospect that you'll buy one, sink the remainder of your savings into it, and still have to scrap it (or sell to the next fellow for next to nothing).When I was in my mid-teens, I wanted to buy a wooden sailboat. It was sleek; it was fast; it was a rare design of international renown. I didn't buy it. It would have taken all my savings and a year's worth of future part-time work to buy it. My parents were smart enough not to offer me a "loan" to cover the difference. I never found out who bought that boat, but I did find out that I could want something strong enough that reason went right out the window. Too bad I had to find that out again when it came to romance! So, I understand the pull to get an LD- I really do- and I suspect so does everyone on this forum.My view is that motorhome ownership is not much different than owning a home. Pick one that is well-built, has been well cared-for, is within your present and future budget, and be prepared to sink a lot of money over time into its maintenance. Here's one aspect that's a little different, though- and a lot like owning a boat: With a motorhome you are buying something that may loose its value very quickly, either through accident, neglect or changes in the market. From that perspective, I'd advise most folks not to get one unless they have their financial house well in order.That all said, I think the advice given, which is to establish a purchase and maintenance budget, then see what that would get you, is a place to start applying some cold rational thought to counteract the attractive, emotional idea of sitting in a chair on a warm beach somewhere next to your fully-functional, fully-customized-for-you LD.A quote to close: "I entertain my fantasies often, but they do tend to eat me out of house and home." 5 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #11 – February 05, 2017, 04:50:22 pm We are fortunate to have so many people on this forum who have broad, varied skill sets and the experience and savvy to offer sound, practical, and highly credible counsel on many, if not all, aspects of RVs and RVing. They're willing not only to share techniques, product suggestions, projects, upgrade ideas, and engine and rig maintenance jobs, but also to take the time and make the effort to educate and inform those new to LDs and RVing in general, offering the benefits of their personal experiences to save others from repeating their own "missteps" and/or re-inventing the wheel! Most LDers whom I know thoroughly enjoy the RV lifestyle, but they are also fully aware of all the downsides of RV ownership, actual and potential; their often hard-won knowledge is the result of a long learning curve, and the value of the candid advice from lessons learned and subsequently shared can't be overstated. In the end, despite (or because of!) all the tutelage and/or admonitions offered, people are going to do what they're going to do, but those who "read and heed" are far better equipped to make informed decisions.YMMV.... Joan 4 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #12 – February 05, 2017, 05:34:36 pm The others have given excellent advice. I'll add a few specific answers."How much could it cost to repair rot?"Anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending upon the degree of damage. Rot can be extensive yet hidden, and tearing out walls and cabinets to fix it is labor-intensive. This is especially true in pre-1990 rigs, which have leak-prone front windows in the overcab."New transmission?"As others have recently mentioned, $5,000 is the current ballpark for a rebuilt Ford transmission.In addition, consider the cost of replacing the tires, which are most often needed on a used rig: about $1,800-$2,000 for a set of seven (the spare is often ignored, but shouldn't be). New house batteries: $250-$300 for a pair. Refrigerator: $1,100-$1,500 installed. Water heater: about $500 installed. Furnace: $400-$600 installed. And so on.These are ballpark figures, of course. My point in bringing them up is to reinforce what's been said many times before: with any used rig more than, say, five years old, one or more of these items is likely to need repair or replacement. The older the rig, the more likely this is. Therefore, when buying a used rig, it's prudent to set aside several thousand dollars for needed repairs. If you can't afford to do that, in addition to the purchase price, you're letting yourself in for a world of hurt instead of a world of adventure. 2 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #13 – February 05, 2017, 07:28:44 pm Quote from: Judie Ashford - February 05, 2017, 01:08:57 pmWere I on my own, in your circumstances, I truly have no idea how I would go about acquiring the Lazy Daze of my dreams, but probably dealing with a unit being sold by someone who has been a part of this group for a while might be my first choice. I don't recall if you are employed full time, thus limiting your ability to travel, but if you are free to travel, an extended road trip might net you some experience in looking at rigs. One possible suggestion might be if you could find an interim vehicle, even just a van conversion that would provide some creature comforts - a place to rest/eat, etc. - I wish you the best of luck in your quest. Hopefully it will come to fruition - maybe even when you least expect it. ;-> Virtual hugs,Judie Thank you for that great information Judie. I don't want to inherit a lot of problems with an old rig. I just like the way the old ones look. I love the Boles Aero and others, as well, but I'm not looking to repair and restore. I looked at vans but, they're just too small for Lucy (my pooch) and I. I've been looking at rigs for over a year and have not been able to just "pull the trigger" as others have out of fear of inheriting a major problem. I really don't have time to deal with a broken, leaky rig. I still work, but mostly online and very part-time. I will likely work until I'm dead, but would rather do so from a rig for a while.I wish someone in the forum was selling a rig. I'd feel much safer buying that way. Still, others have purchased sight unseen and seem to be no worse for wear over doing so. While I can afford to do so, I wouldn't buy a new rig because I don't know how long I'll full-time, so I don't want to make such a big commitment. Mimi
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #14 – February 05, 2017, 07:39:27 pm Quote from: Steve K. - February 05, 2017, 01:44:54 pmHi Mimi,I am glad you finally asked for this and here it comes.For quite a long time now, you have asked and then been advised about older rigs and yet you seem determined to continue down this road that is full of potential land mines. Seems your dreams are winning out over the advice and commonsense. If your discretionary budget for this purchase is dictating the age of a potential rig AND your ability to travel to inspect a used rig, then in my opinion, you can't afford to do this. Steve K (not good at being diplomatic, sorry)Well Steve, diplomacy may not be your thing, but sometimes it's better to be blunt, as in this case. ;-) I could spend 100K or more fixing up a rig, but wouldn't do it, of course. I don't want to fix things. I'm sick of fixing things. Home ownership is one long fixit job and now I'd like to see how the other side lives.:-) I just want to drive and go and visit and rock hunt and walk with my dog and see the sights. In fact, my first act is to remove the black tank, put in a composting toilet and add a second gray water tank. Some have said bad idea, but I don't care. My goal is to make my rig as trouble free as possible. Yes, I keep coming back to older rigs because I just think they're cute. I can't help it. I love old cars, old books, old dogs, old furniture, old pictures, old trailers, old buses, Blue Bird's, etc. I fight the urge to buy newer when older is so darn cute, but Chris and the rest of you folks knocked some sense into me. I can wait to find one, but it would be nice to be out of the house while it's listed. I'm in SoCal.
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #15 – February 05, 2017, 07:47:06 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - February 05, 2017, 05:34:36 pmThe others have given excellent advice. I'll add a few specific answers."How much could it cost to repair rot?"Anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending upon the degree of damage. Rot can be extensive yet hidden, and tearing out walls and cabinets to fix it is labor-intensive. This is especially true in pre-1990 rigs, which have leak-prone front windows in the overcab."New transmission?"As others have recently mentioned, $5,000 is the current ballpark for a rebuilt Ford transmission.Therefore, when buying a used rig, it's prudent to set aside several thousand dollars for needed repairs. If you can't afford to do that, in addition to the purchase price, you're letting yourself in for a world of hurt instead of a world of adventure.Those numbers are frightening, indeed. I expect I'll need to make some repairs. I just don't want to get in over my head. The prices some sellers are asking for high mileage rigs is a bit disturbing to me given that I will likely need to put a few thousand into it after I buy it. I hope 1991-1999 isn't too old.
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #16 – February 05, 2017, 09:01:21 pm Quote from: JCT - February 05, 2017, 04:50:22 pmWe are fortunate to have so many people on this forum who have broad, varied skill sets and the experience and savvy to offer sound, practical, and highly credible counsel on many, if not all, aspects of RVs and RVing. In the end, despite (or because of!) all the tutelage and/or admonitions offered, people are going to do what they're going to do, but those who "read and heed" are far better equipped to make informed decisions.YMMV.... JoanYes and I feel extremely fortunate that anyone is willing to spend time knocking some sense into me. One of the reasons I decided to buy a LD was because of this forum and the breadth of knowledge and intelligence here. This is all new to me and while I'm a little nervous about the whole of it, I'm anxious to get started. That said, I would be an idiot to not listen to the experts in this forum; folks who have been through it all and now, know better than those of us who have not. 1 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #17 – February 05, 2017, 09:29:03 pm "Yes, I keep coming back to older rigs because I just think they're cute. I can't help it. I love old cars, old books, old dogs, old furniture, old pictures, old trailers, old buses, Blue Bird's, etc. I fight the urge to buy newer when older is so darn cute, but Chris and the rest of you folks knocked some sense into me. I can wait to find one, but it would be nice to be out of the house while it's listed. I'm in SoCal."Well if you like "old", you are in luck because until the last few years, the Lazy Daze units all pretty much looked alike - "new" was practically indistinguishable from "old", unless you studied VERY carefully the myriad improvements that took place with each model year. That is one of the beauties of the Lazy Daze, i.e. their engineering efforts have gone into improving the workings of the coach rather than making it look spiffier on the outside each year. You could read this is as "gaudier than the next manufacturer". So your predilection for "old" may not be as hard to assuage as you may think. You may very well find that a good unit that is only five or ten years old will generate the appropriate amount of panache for your taste in Golden Oldies, while providing a more stable base for your travels. Having something fixed can sometimes take a real bite out of your calendar, in addition to your purse.A five-year old unit can be very nice, and you would be able to purchase an extended warranty to cover emergencies. Most will say that this is not a good investment, but I think otherwise. We have always carried such, and it has provided a useful benefit when something went wrong. In addition, it gives great peace of mind that I can call a phone number provided and they will send someone out to look at my problem, and likely be able to suggest a remedy. And yes, I have used this benefit to a great extent - the 7.5KW diesel generator on our 40-footer blew up (almost literally) one day, and a new one was installed for the cost of our deductible ($100.), for one instance. Were I to be RV'ing on my own, I would carry roadside assistance insurance and the extended warranty insurance, even if the cost turned out to be more than what I MIGHT have paid out in out-of-pocket costs for repairs. It would help me sleep at night, and I quite value a good rest!A good friend said that his maintenance was done diligently, but his repair work "tools" were a checkbook and a pen. It's usually a matter of abilities and priorities, coupled with available resources that provide the balance needed for as carefree on-the-road life as is possible. Virtual hugs, Judie 2 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #18 – February 05, 2017, 09:40:23 pm Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - February 05, 2017, 03:27:39 pmMimi-When I was in my mid-teens, I wanted to buy a wooden sailboat. It was sleek; it was fast; it was a rare design of international renown. I didn't buy it. It would have taken all my savings and a year's worth of future part-time work to buy it.With a motorhome you are buying something that may loose its value very quickly, either through accident, neglect or changes in the market. From that perspective, I'd advise most folks not to get one unless they have their financial house well in order.That all said, I think the advice given, which is to establish a purchase and maintenance budget, then see what that would get you, is a place to start applying some cold rational thought to counteract the attractive, emotional idea of sitting in a chair on a warm beach somewhere next to your fully-functional, fully-customized-for-you LD.A quote to close: "I entertain my fantasies often, but they do tend to eat me out of house and home."Thank you for sharing your insight. You are right on target.:-) I do fight the urge to "just buy something" because it's part of a larger picture, but the costs involved bring me back to reality. It's an odd experience to make a decision to do something and then take forever to do it.:-) Reason out the window? Oh yes, but fear of the unknown brought me back, along with a good dose of reality from everyone here. A well cared for rig... how does one go about finding that?I almost bought a Blue Bird Bus (your wooden boat) until I learned it cost about 5K+ per year in maintenance and up to 8-10k in starting costs, not including the purchase AND, you better know how to work on it. When I found this forum and started looking at LD, I thought I'd found nirvana in comparison. It must be wonderful to have a rig that is reliable, doesn't present too many surprises and allows for travel and adventure.
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #19 – February 05, 2017, 10:12:19 pm Mimi,If you live in Socal, it would seem you have an advantage in finding a rig like a Lazy Daze. From my vantage point, living in NE Ohio, it seems like the vast majority of used rigs are either in Ca. or Arizona.Regarding used LDs, I personally wouldn't buy anything older than whatever year LD started using Fords with V10 engines. (97 or 98?) You say you like old looking things, heck any LD with the traditional paint scheme looks old fashioned. There are a couple rigs for sale in the classifieds that are from the early 2000's that are in your area of the country. Have you looked at them? I somewhat share your dilema in that I have been looking for a gently used newer rig to replace our 2003 midbath. It is a frustrating search. Our esteemed moderator Chris, has told me many times to just order a new one. Not wanting to wait a year for one and being picky about the used ones I have found, has me thinking that we're gonna keep on trucking in this one. If I was in your shoes, rather than investing in an old motorhome, i think I would invest in a good pickup truck and an older trailer like an Airstream. Then if you find you don't care for the lifestyle, you can avoid losing your rv investment and still have a good vehicle for the next chapter of your life.Good luck with your search and choices.Steve K 1 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #20 – February 05, 2017, 10:19:53 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - February 05, 2017, 03:04:16 pmIMO, all pre 1990 LDs should avoided, if possible. They were not built as well as the newer models and the drivetrains are inferior to the later Ford V10 models. Most Chevy 350 V8s, the engine most commonly found in older LDs, wore out quickly or burned up, due to the marginal cooling system. The Ford V10s have a much longer life, with many exceeding 150,000 miles, before they are sold. As I have mentioned many times before, all the pre-90 front caps and the front windows leak.I have said it before, RVing is NOT A CHEAP LIFESTYLE. To do it comfortably, you need a good chunk of reserve money in the bank, even more with older models that are likely to suffer from major breakdowns.You wouldn't expect to buy a well used 30 year old house or car without expecting to find a lot of things needing repair or are worn out. And when you are considering buying an old house, the first thing you do it to hire an experience inspector, someone who knows what to look for....and doesn't have stars in his/her eyesRVs are not cheap to maintain, EVEN if you have the skills to do the work yourself.LarryWow Larry. Thank you so much for all that amazing information. I appreciate that very much. I didn't realize the engines in the 1980's rigs were so weak in comparison to later models. Everything you described, in conjunction with Andy's post make it quite clear. Given that I'm not an advanced hobbyist, avoiding old rigs is simply the best thing to do. Quote from: Larry Wade - February 05, 2017, 03:04:16 pm Who shouldn't own these rigs? Folks, with stars in their eyes, who are in love with the romance of buying an old, cheap RV, spending a few bucks fixing it up and then hitting the road, where they can boondock and live for next to nothing, while traveling all over the country.It is a nice fantasy but it rarely works out that way.Yes, I'm starry eyed and no, I don't want to live in a cheap RV for next to nothing, but I do want adventure and I can't do that in an 80's LD. I definitely don't want to set myself up to lose as much money as possible buying a LD. I will avoid the 80's. Maybe Judie is right. Get a camper van for the time being while I keep looking. It's definitely better than paying too much for a rig with problems.Thanks Larry. Great info and advice!
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #21 – February 05, 2017, 10:52:18 pm Quote from: Steve K. - February 05, 2017, 10:12:19 pmMimi,If you live in Socal, it would seem you have an advantage in finding a rig like a Lazy Daze. From my vantage point, living in NE Ohio, it seems like the vast majority of used rigs are either in Ca. or Arizona.Regarding used LDs, I personally wouldn't buy anything older than whatever year LD started using Fords with V10 engines. (97 or 98?) You say you like old looking things, heck any LD with the traditional paint scheme looks old fashioned. There are a couple rigs for sale in the classifieds that are from the early 2000's that are in your area of the country. Have you looked at them? I somewhat share your dilema in that I have been looking for a gently used newer rig to replace our 2003 midbath.If I was in your shoes, rather than investing in an old motorhome, i think I would invest in a good pickup truck and an older trailer like an Airstream. Then if you find you don't care for the lifestyle, you can avoid losing your rv investment and still have a good vehicle for the next chapter of your life.Good luck with your search and choices.Steve KI guess SoCal does have a lot of LD's for sale but no, I don't see the ones you mentioned. I think I'd stick with the one you have because you know the rig and so there won't be any surprises. I think you're lucky to be in such a position. In 2015, my neighbor (78) bought a LD from another neighbor for 20K. It's a 2000 26 1/2 MB and it had 49K miles on it. She zips around in that beautiful rig driving up to her cabin 1-2x/mo, goes on club outings once per month, or just takes it to the store for fun. Not one problem with it in 2 years. I'm happy for her, but jealous like crazy.:-) Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate it very much. It would seem I may not be able to buy a LD.
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #22 – February 06, 2017, 03:47:33 am Quote from: Opuntia - February 05, 2017, 07:28:44 pmI don't want to inherit a lot of problems with an old rig. I just like the way the old ones look. I love the Boles Aero and others, as well, but I'm not looking to repair and restore. Part of the appeal of LDs is that they all look similar, when painted in the original scheme, no matter the model year. Our LD was only two years old, when I was approached one day at a service station. The man congratulated me on doing such a nice job of restoring an old RV. With the original paint scheme, only the faithful know the truth, as to the year.You can buy a near new LD and still be styling with the retro look.Sometime in the early 1990s, LD switched from acrylic paint, for the stripes, to a two-part polyurethane paint. The old acrylic paints oxidized within a few years, unless garaged. The polyurethane paint, originally developed for heavy machinery an aircraft, has a much longer lifespan and will look fine for years longer, especially with care. It's another reason to buy newer.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #23 – February 06, 2017, 02:08:56 pm Mimi,Have you looked here, Lazy Daze. RVs & Motorhomes for Sale | Used Motorhomes & RVs on Oodle... for a Lazy Daze? There are a few listed that are located in CA. "A well cared for rig... how does one go about finding that?"You certainly have to approach any coach you're considering with a healthy dose of caution and full awareness of all of the things to look for and avoid. You've gotten a lot of good information here, so maybe you should consider, if possible, going and looking at some you're not really interested in. It would give you an opportunity to poke around, get a better idea about where things are, how things feel, sound or work, maybe see some damage so you know what to look for, and get familiar with the process. Then, when you are going for a serious look, you'll be more comfortable doing so. As you've learned here, LD owners take a lot of pride in their rigs, and most take very good care of them. I'm sure if you're patient and relax, you'll find one of those folks and get just what you're looking for (and probably know it right away). I live in Arkansas, wouldn't have bought sight unseen or from a dealer, and looked for about a year and a half before I found mine. The wait was well worth it!Good luck!
Re: Please talk me out of this... Reply #24 – February 06, 2017, 04:35:43 pm wow, thanks for all the advice on this thread. so helpful! I am definitely looking at an RV with a different mindset now. 1 Likes
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