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Topic: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin (Read 1606 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #25
Hey, Jay would you (and Greg) mind moseying over to your forum profile and rejiggering your profile photo. We'd like to see you and Shari "upright".  :)
Chris

Chris, every since I've added this particular photo it keeps rotating for some reason, at least on my devices. I'll go ahead and replace it.

Edit: replaced
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #26
That right Bob we all have choices in life and LD layouts. I prefer to do things at the dinette in our 30' IB. I.e. Computer work, reading, drawing, mapping out new routes etc. 🚐😁
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #27
Chris, every since I've added this particular photo it keeps rotating for some reason, at least on my devices. I'll go ahead and replace it.

Edit: replaced
Thanks, Greg. I have had the "rotating" problem before and never have been able to figure it out. Maybe a photo buff on this forum and educate us.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #28
Hello - we visited the Factory last February and are on "the list".  We have also visited Winkler Manitoba and toured the Leisure Travel Van factory.  Been to the closest Airstream dealer in Minneapolis - a half dozen times.  We keep coming back to the realization that we love Lazy Daze.

When we visited the California factory we reviewed the 27' mid bath.  It was wonderful to be able to simply be in the unit and "pretend" to use it. However, we feel the 27' rear bath or even better yet, the 31' Twin might be the best. Is there anyone in the upper Midwest who has a 31' we could view?  We were told we could probably view the 27' rear bath when we visit the factory again this January...

We like the idea of a made-up bed and I like to go to bed earlier than my wife.  We are planning on retirement in 5-7 years from now.

Looking for advice or a possible review of a privately owned 31' in our area - Fargo North Dakota.  Within the 3-4 state area...

Thank you - Jay


Jay,

You private messaged me back in April so I've told you my experience with LDs.  I have has a couple Mid-Bath models, a Rear-Bath and now the 31 Twin Bed.  We are in Northwest Illinois near Moline,Illinois if you get over this way.

Jeff
2011 31' TB

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #29
"Thanks, Greg. I have had the "rotating" problem before and never have been able to figure it out. Maybe a photo buff on this forum and educate us."

I don't qualify as a photo buff, but can relate that I see this phenomenon within the telephone on occasion.  It seems to happen when the scene looks one way to the software, as opposed to how the picture clicker sees it.  I've taken a photo in landscape mode that happened to have some vertical object in it, and the camera would make it portrait mode unbidden.  I tried yelling at it, but . . .

My solution has been to take it into Photoshop (or whatever you use), and do the rotating and saving there.  Then you can use it for the original purpose . . . probably !!!  ;->

   Virtual hugs,

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

   Today:  Provolone Pizza
   *****************************

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #30
I will just put my Bank photo for my profile...

I'll find a better one of me and Shari...and maybe it won't go round -n- round...
Respectfully --  Jay & Shari

2022 — 31’ Twin Bed


 
Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #32
Thank you Chris.

Mrs. K posed the question to me over our Saturday morning coffee "Do you think anyone has had difficulties with a 31' at state or national park campgrounds"? ... "Would a 27" be much, much better than a 31' for campgrounds"?

As stated earlier - our thought for the next years prior to retirement would be visiting state parks in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota...
Respectfully --  Jay & Shari

2022 — 31’ Twin Bed

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #33
Jay, I've noticed in my limited travels that frequently the cut-off for many public campgrounds is around 27-28 ft.  Yes, you can certainly find sites to accommodate longer RV's but the choices are limited.

Perhaps others with more experience will speak up?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #34
We travel in a 27' MB. Mostly we use state and federal CGs. We find the cutoff is around 25'. We have had issues only once that I can recalling in hundreds of nights. But in some I would not want to go any bigger.

The overhang behind the axle saves us by running the rear end out over the bumpers on the back end of the sites that are 25' or less.  When we travel we log all the sites in camps that we like, and pace them off to see if we could fit.  Rarely, but sometimes there is an obstruction like boulders that prevent this. We found Joshua Tree to be one such place. Boulders border the sites. Trees sometimes do too. And in a few spots overhanging trees keep us out, but these are usually noted. 

The rangers, hosts and reservation people can't tell us whether a particular site is measured up to the bumpers, or if ours will actually fit.  What we find on the ground is usually, but not always, at variance with what is listed.  On some of the forest roads in the mountains I would not want the extra 3' overhang as the turns are rather acute. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #35
Just to "stir the pot" some, I wonder if the 27-28 ft might be for a travel trailer being pulled by a car/pu? If so, the site may be 50-55 ft deep. Although it might not be very level the whole depth. It would be nice if all campgrounds would state the actual length of their sites. Just a thought.
Dave & Sandy
2014 MB

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #36
In reference to table sitting,  our 2007, 31 foot bought new, we chose the 2 swivel barrel chairs.  In our  opinion, besides being

comfortable, they provide the most room in that area.  Ours still function like new, still original upholstery which looks

and feels like new.  Others may disagree, but that is why we all have choices.

Our 2011 31 TB also has the barrel chairs.  I think they look kinda goofy but I actually love the darn things.  We sit at the table fully retracted when we are just hanging out.  When we eat we extend it.  We have the big extension that allows people sitting on the sofa to use it too but have not had a need to set that up.  I love the 31TB!
2011 31' TB

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #37
Just as Paul said: YMMV!

I've been on the road since Oct 2004 with my 30'IB, utilizing mostly USFS and State Park facilities. Only once was I questioned about the length of the coach and after telling a fib found there were any number of sites in that State Park into which I could (and did) fit, regardless of their stated length limits.  ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #38
" I would not want the extra 3' overhang as the turns are rather acute."

I have crossed ALL of the mountain passes in the Sierra with the exception of Sonora (Hwy 108) and I am quite familiar with it, yet would not attempt to cross it with my 30'IB.

I have also crossed many other passes around the country, in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, etc. without a problem.  :)













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

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #39
Thank you Chris.

Mrs. K posed the question to me over our Saturday morning coffee "Do you think anyone has had difficulties with a 31' at state or national park campgrounds"? ... "Would a 27" be much, much better than a 31' for campgrounds"?

As stated earlier - our thought for the next years prior to retirement would be visiting state parks in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota...

After nearly 9 years full timing and camping primarily in USFS, national, state and local parks I can't recall having much of an issue with length. I recall at Big Bend NP they don't want you driving anything longer than 26' up to Chisos Basin, although the camp host there had something bigger. They had few large sites but their primary concern was the switchbacks driving up.

We never visited Chiricahua National Monument because a friend with a 26' LD who had been there thought we might have a problem with the overhang and the dips in the road driving in. Other than these two instances I can't recall site size stopping us relative to the 26' or 27'.

In many of the places we have seen with shorter sites we probably could not have gotten level in them.

As Paul indicated often the sites aren't measured taking into consideration the overhang.

Jim


Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #40
Thank you all for the good and kind counsel.

For discussion, with the current plan to use our motorhome for weekend trips close to home an the idea of spending a winter month or two in Arizona or Texas after retirement, may I ask the following?

If you care to look at my factory option outline (attached in my initial post), what options or additional equipment should be included?

We will be storing the coach in a heated garage adjacent to the home place.

Is any satellite tv equipment a good thing to install?  We have never had cable or satellite tv.  We use a roof top antenna for the local channels at home.
Are automatic levellers a good thing to add?  We don't pack heavy and live quite minimally.
Is holding tank insulation available from the factory?  Fall camping in northern Minnesota is very pleasant.
Any suspension adds besides the optional shocks?  North Dakota is very windy - and very flat...
We like all the exterior colors, but the gray silver seems modern and pleasing on a larger coach. Also the green interior seems restful.

I've started our spreadsheet, so when our "time" comes we will have thought it through. Planning and the ordering process of waiting is indeed part of the fun of any large purchase (I think).

Thank you.

Respectfully-  Jay
Respectfully --  Jay & Shari

2022 — 31’ Twin Bed

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #41
Jay, my two cents on a couple of your questions.  We bought a "floor model" 27 mid-bath, so we got what was already added to the rig, including a manual sat. dish.  It has never moved from its resting position.  I have found in most cases where we camp, I can pick up a signal either via the antenna or cable TV hook-up.  Sometimes, the channels we pick up are not worth watching, so we might pop in a DVD.  We bought a 12 volt DVD player at Walmart for a very reasonable price.  However, we are not "big" TV watchers because usually when and where we travel, there are things to do outside of the rig.  But, bad weather can strike sometimes, so the TV is a useful diversion.

With respect to leveling, we bought the "orange blocks" at Walmart, and use them as needed.  We recognize that not all RVers want to do that, especially in the rain, but that is our choice (and part of the adventure!).  The auto-levelers are heavy and something else that could go wrong or need repair.  Some RVers, however, may have physical issues that may make the use of auto-levelers a necessary option.

Good luck with your new purchase.
2011 MB

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #42

We like all the exterior colors, but the gray silver seems modern and pleasing on a larger coach. Also the green interior seems restful.

Regarding colors, my understanding is that the gray is the most likely to fade over time, followed by red, then green.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #43
Jay,

The waiting game is indeed part of the LD experience whether purchasing new or previously loved. But I venture that the anticipation of a new build with your chosen design features is a bit more exciting. We decided for a new build so hitting the high road would be far less problematic.

Options are always fun. While some on LDO have the powered levellers, this is not a factory option and can be added later if you find the need. Many times I have found that my home brewed levelling blocks or the risers sold at the Mothership do the job quite well. This past week in Big Bear required raising the drivers rear set a few inches. Quick and easy. However, this is not always the case. You will soon see if the added weight and expense of automatic levellers are your cup of tea.

We purchased the manual sat dish. Haven't used it yet, but it's there when we need it. Carrying a portable dish will take up valuable space in the coach and adding a dish later may be something you may not want to pursue.

I generally pack some blu-rays for movie night. I also have the Smart hub in my Sammy Blu-Ray player that works especially well when near wi-fi. Not so well using the Hot Spot.

The additional solar panel is important. The extra charge rate makes for a faster charge. We have never dipped our battery reserve into the danger zone.

We had the optional outdoor shower installed. It's right outside the coach door and comes in very handy. It's great for the cleanup of BBQ items, dirty feet (both human and K9) and any outdoor needs. It's an option I would not be without.

The battery cut off switch is a useful option. Inexpensive and invaluable at times. Others here may have opinions on its usefulness but for me it's placement just makes sense.

The insulated holding tanks may be more useful up North than down in So Cal. But heat wrap of the dump valves is a sound after market addition and something I will be adding prior to my next trip to Big Bear.

So many options to chose from. The Bilsten Shocks is something Todd talked me out of. His reasoning was "See how she rides, wear 'em out and the go with the Bilstens if you feel the need for a stiffer ride up front". We skipped them and the rig handles fine for me. Windy roads? I just slow down a bit.

I like the wooden dash and Ultra leather seats up front. A little splash of class to Fords plastic interior design. Not cheap, but hey neither was the LD.

I will be setting up some Sun Sails to cover the LD soon. No matter the colour choice, the So Cal sun can ruin a vehicles paint. I just hope Code Enforcement agrees with my plan.

The options list really isn't too long and some things can be added later. We had a great time picking and choosing our options. I love every addition. Our Lazy Daze was the best Christmas gift I ever put under the tree.

Have fun.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #44
Thank you so very much for your kind invitation - rm2011ldmb!

This Jan-Feb we plan on visiting my boss who winters for eight weeks in Palm Desert California.  While there we will plan a trip to the "mothership" and view whatever models they have in production for us to view.  In talking to Todd Miller - it sounds like there are no other 31' in production prior to where we are on the list.  He stated that there will be 27' rear baths available to review in Jan-Feb - when we are currently planning a visit to California.

We are so far away from everything here in North Dakota!

The SoCal Caravan Club has outings in both January and February, with 30-60 rigs attending. Interested folks are always welcome to tour coaches, and just about all models are represented. Check the website for next year's schedule (not yet posted) for dates and locations. LazyDaze Caravan Club.org.  (Auto correct added some spaces and caps) -- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #45
We bought a used 2006 30 IB with 8200 miles on it for 1/2 price of a new one without a year wait.  Had a 20 footer as our first LD and loved it but really enjoy the "go to the rear for a nap or sleep without the climb up" now that I am retired.  Gets the same mileage and is a breeze to drive.  Only complaint is the fewer campsites that we can get, but working through those issues.  We have had 5 sleeping in it but it is really only made for 3-4, with only 3 seatbelts. Yes, our newer 50th anniversary upgrade is fantastic.

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #46
Our previous LD was the RB and we LOVED the windows!  And there were times that we put a table between the two couches and had 8 people eating dinner when the weather turned too cold to sit outside.  And then every evening we had to make the bed which included a foam topper.  As much as we loved the day time use, the evening and morning ritual became a pain. 

So now, we have a 31 with the bed in the back and I wouldn’t trade it for any other rig in the world.  We did replace the mattress with memory foam and sleep very well.  I truly appreciate the separation in the morning when I want to get up and no disturb my spouse. 

Have fun searching and best of luck.  I am in South Orange County, CA if you are ever in the area.

Happy Trails,

Jules
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #47
Jules -thank you (and my wife loves the anniversary paint colors)...
Respectfully --  Jay & Shari

2022 — 31’ Twin Bed

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #48
Back to thinking again,

Is the Entertainment Center a nice addition to a 27'?  Do folks with a 31' enjoy the larger, centrally located television in their Entertainment Center?
Respectfully --  Jay & Shari

2022 — 31’ Twin Bed

Re: 27' Rear Bath or 31 Twin
Reply #49
We don’t sleep in the over cab but find it very useful in our 04 RK as it is a repository of all things bulky but not particularly heavy. With the need to make up the king bed each night on the pulled together couches, where else would we store a king travasak, pillows and king memory foam pad? Again, there is more up there like our suitcase solar panel, spare water pump, shorty telescope and tripod, fan, and a few other things.

As stated above by others we put up with making and unmaking the bed for 13 years but are now looking at a move to a rig with a permanent bed. Hey, i’m 13 years older and all that climbing around and pulling things down is harder now at 59 than it was at 46!!! 😂
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon