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Any info on 2018 LD
Anyone ordered a 2018 LD? I am wondering if there are any new items or upgrades available and what the are the prices?

We are on the list. Todd stated orders should start in July.

Ron Sarzynski
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #1
I'm also on the list, but can't get any information about pricing or options. If anyone has an option sheet, let us know what's on it!
Laurie - 2018 RB

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #2
We were at the Mothership in mid-June.  I asked Todd for the latest info, and he gave me 2017 spec. info saying that is "all we have now".  Stay tuned.
2011 MB

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #3
I would not expect LD to make many changes, other than to increase the price.
The chassis is basically the same as last year. Ford's literature shows little change from last year's,  2017 model.
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/products/trucks/e-series-cutaway/2018-e-series-cutaway.pdf
At some point, one would hope some of the technology, from the F-series pickups, would filter down to the E450.
Guess it's going to be the same old chassis until Ford ceases production in..........

It seems no one in the industry's has a clue as to what Ford's plans are for the E450.
Either it's going to be more Sprinter-like or a modern version with an up to date drivetrain.
Here is a description of the F450's engine.
"The new 2018 Ford F-450 is going to be designed with 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine with 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft . of torque, with potent ten speed automated Powerstroke transmission. "

That would work very nicely in a redesigned E450.

Waiting
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #4
"...V8 turbo diesel..."

Yuk! Stinking Coffee Grinder!

That will definitively take me out of the market if there is no gas option. I should not live so long.  >:(

 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #5
I got a call from Vicki of LD last Monday. She asked if we were still interested in a 2018. Yes, of course! She said they are still finalizing details and will send out a package. They want to start ordering the chassis.

Ron Sarzynski
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #6
I have never owned a diesel. But, I drove a F350 last year with the knock you back in seat acceleration engine. Smooth, less noise than the V10. I would buy one in a heartbeat.

The 3500 Transits seem ideal for a 22-23 footer.

I doubt Steve will build on anything but the E450. I am thinking he will cash in when the E450 ends its run.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #7
I agree that the end of an era is coming up fast.   Could be anytime if Steve should develop health issues.  The property will sell in a heartbeat at a good price.  If you want a new one, order it today and have a plan B in case it doesn't get built.
plan B - 2023 Travato

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #8
With Born Free closed, and Bigfoot out of the picture years ago, what would a plan B be?
Laurie - 2018 RB

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #9
"...V8 turbo diesel..."
Yuk! Stinking Coffee Grinder!
That will definitively take me out of the market if there is no gas option. I should not live so long.  >:(

Maybe you missed the 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque part (the V10 has 305 HP and 440-lb/ft of torque).
I'm tired of being passed on long, steep upgrades by diesel pickups pulling 40' 5th wheels.
What really gets to me is their getting better fuel mileage too.

Modern diesels are much different than the ones in the past.
Once inside the cab, you have a hard time telling it's not a gas motor until, as Don point out, you put your foot in to it.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #10
A diesel pickup owned by a group of lunkheads, idling for a very long hour in a deer camp way before daylight was enough to sour me on that form of locomotion years ago. They shut the beast off after hearing my vindictive through the wall of our popup camper. The sound that my rifle makes when you rack the action may have had something to do with it as well. :-(

They still stink!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #11
When purchasing our LD, Todd mentioned the greatest selling point of having a gasoline powered engine-Ease of service. It's good to know that I could get a repair done just about anywhere in the US.

Maybe things have changed in the last couple of years, but that's ok too. And while more power is always nice, I really don't care for the smell of diesel fuel either before or after it's burned.

My DW on the other hand seems to find the aroma intoxicatingly appealing. Oh my, to think that Diesel could be the new fragrance of the year scares me. It makes me want to run for the hills. But hey, I'm usually heading that way anyway so it's all good.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #12
"The 3500 Transits seem ideal for a 22-23 footer."
----
Currently, Thor and Winnebago offer 23' and 24' models built on the dual-wheel Ford Transit cab chassis with the diesel engine.  (Sportsmobile does, too, but theirs are classified as "B" rigs, IMO, a much more appropriate application for this chassis.)

Real world weight specs are very difficult to come by with the Thor and Winnebago products; the GVWR of the dual-wheel Transit is 10360 pounds. I went through a Winnebago Fuse last fall; I looked very carefully for any indication of any number that could be construed as a "dry weight", but found no information on the rig itself or on the website.  (Of course, I was assured by the very cheery, eager salesperson that a manufacturer would never overbuild on a chassis; no worries! Plenty of CCC! Look at all the compartments and storage!  And the slide! ::) )

I agree that the Transit could serve as a platform for a small, short, "slideless" rig that offers adequate and realistic CCC while staying well within the axle ratings and GVWR of the chassis, but, IMO, I don't see this happening. RV manufacturers are well aware of what sells, and (again, IMO; YMMV) for most buyers, "shiny stuff" trumps weight and capacity issues every time.

2003 TK has a new home

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #13

My DW on the other hand seems to find the aroma intoxicatingly appealing.

You should get her one of these, Kent:

Amazon.com: I Love the Smell of Diesel in Morning - Stacks Trucker Black...
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #14
Powerstroke in an E450 would make me eager to go to a new LD.  With the new technology, it is hard to tell by listening or sniffing if it's a diesel or gasser.  But the performance!

It was hard to get used to the big gasser in my old Midbath slowing down as we climbed hills, while reassuring y wife that nothing is wrong, it is normal to lose speed on inclines. She had never seen such a thing in the old F350s, no matter what we hauled or towed. In fact, it was an event if those monsters even downshifted while climbing.

Perhaps the Transit will be built up to replace the E450, but for now it is really an F150 equivalent, as I see it.  A great B, B+ platform, which is a fast growing segment of RV market. Not a capable C or mini A class chassis yet. 

Remember,  Ford announced in 1999 the end of the Crown Victoria model, and the last one was built in 2011. Change is inevitable, both to the Transit/Promaster/Sprinter van type and the C Class type RV. As long as there are box vans, there is an RV platform. I don't see Ford ceding that segment to Mercedes, Ram or Chevy. But Lazy Daze may not stay in the game. Good to know they last for decades. I would consider a new one with a Powerstroke, that would last longer than me.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #15
IMHO, the problem is the E450 chassis isn't long for this world.
So, I will not invest in another E series for my next RV.
Too many things that can be improved just by going with a truck chassis instead.

I just hope Lazy Daze decides sooner rather than later to go with an F series Ford chassis for the future.
Then, we that would like diesel and 4wd can have those easily enough.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #16
I just hope Lazy Daze decides sooner rather than later to go with an F series Ford chassis for the future.
Then, we tchassis hat would like diesel and 4wd can have those easily enough.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for LD to switch.
A F-series has the advantages you mention but also has the disadvantage of adding several feet to the overall length.
The crawl-though, from the front seats into the coach, is awkward at best and would be impossible for less nimble folks, especially with an extended or crew cab.
What is needed is a redesigned E450.  When it happens, the RV builders will need a year or two to convert.
I have seen no information on if and when this could happen or what the plan is.
I can't believe the market will be left with only Sprinter-size RVs, especially when the long term fuel market looks stable.
Steve will probably be retired by the time Ford introduces the E450's replacement.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #17
Coming from a 45' diesel pusher my MB is a sports car going up the mountains!  The 45' weighed in at 54000# pulling the full size truck but also got between 7 and 8 mpg but 6% grades would slow me down to about 30-40 mph.  And with a much larger fuel tank could go about 1500 miles on a full tank.
Huge difference but shows the capability of a diesel vs. gas.
FYI Tiger builds a neat little motorhome on a truck chassis.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #18
Coming from a 45' diesel pusher my MB is a sports car going up the mountains!  The 45' weighed in at 54000# pulling the full size truck but also got between 7 and 8 mpg but 6% grades would slow me down to about 30-40 mph.

I bet you had some very interesting events with 65' total and all that weight ... bridge crossings,  tight turns, or whatever.  Margee and I have had exactly three (3) interesting events in our 27' towing a Subaru in the last two (2) years.  And each event is very clear in my memory to include guidance from DW!    Gulp ... :(


Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #19
I would like to see a Lazy Daze on this chassis




Lynn and Lori

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #20
Too big!
2003 MB

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #21
I don't think Ford is replacing the E450 with anything.
The Econoline series is done and over with. Cutaways won't be made that much longer.
Transit is the future for Ford vans.
I would rather have the F series anyway for an RV considering some of the advantages.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #22
Dynamax is coming out with a new Isata 5. The 30FW is 32', not horrible.

Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #23
The problem with me even considering another RV is our LD would follow us home after the sale and we'd never get it to stay with the new owners.  And more importantly, DW (Margee) would trade me for a newer model.   Finally, our three (3) adult children and our grandchildren have made it clear that they should inherit our rolling home.   And that's what I've got say on this subject.  :)

Re: Any info on 2018 LD
Reply #24
So are the pictures of the Jayco and Dynamax above just unfinished box chassis, generic renderings, or are they actual finished vehicles with almost no windows? 

They do look stout.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge