proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

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proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

November 24, 2017, 06:36:35 pm

Well, we took the leap and bought a used LD. Wife was actually impressed, this being her first time in a LD. She was very surprised how clean the unit was for being almost 12 years old. I'm a long time lurker on these forums and I want to thank everyone for the treasure trove of information available. It was very helpful in deciding which model to get and what to look for when checking out a used coach. There are some repairs in my immediate future but I'm looking forward to getting her fixed up and on the road. I've been searching RV options for a long time and boy am I glad that is over.

Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #1 – November 24, 2017, 07:13:35 pm

Welcome Bob/Mary,

Congratulations on your Nutou (can I acronymize New To You?) LD. Do you mind sharing color and renovation/repairs you have planned?

Sometimes it’s just fun reading about someone’s new toys. Kinda like show and tell. Pictures are always nice.

Have fun.

Kent

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #2 – November 24, 2017, 07:13:43 pm

Now the fun begins. Get to it.

Larry

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #3 – November 24, 2017, 07:43:06 pm

It's a 26.5, 2006 rear kitchen painted in Dodger blue. There are some immediate repairs like tires, shower skylight, generator but down the line I need to get it ready for towing. Also will be replacing all the lights with leds. Adding filtration to the water supply.

the roof is a concern. I was walking on it today and it does seen marginal. sealant around the various protrusions is very old looking but the biggest issue is that the roof appears to bubble. May not be the correct description but there are some areas where the top layer seems to float over what ever is underneath. There is no evidence of water intrusion anywhere in the coach but I will be keeping an eye on it and planning on a trip to the factory for a resurfacing job next year. Other than that the coach is in very good condition. Engine is solid. AC, fridge, propane and water delivery all function. I love this site and will undoubtibly find a alot of good advice.

Thanks
Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #4 – November 24, 2017, 08:05:19 pm

Quote from: rprice - November 24, 2017, 07:43:06 pm

It's a 26.5, 2006 rear kitchen painted in Dodger blue. There are some immediate repairs like tires, shower skylight, generator but down the line I need to get it ready for towing.

the roof is a concern. I was walking on it today and it does seen marginal. sealant around the various protrusions is very old looking but the biggest issue is that the roof appears to bubble. May not be the correct description but there are some areas where the top layer seems to float over what ever is underneath.

The sheet aluminum floats on top of the plywood roof, it expands and contacts a lot and would not stay glued to the plywood underlayment for long.
Go up on the roof, on a hot, summer day, and the aluminum will have visible waves. on a cold, winter day, it will be as tight as a drum.
The edges of the roof is where you need to keep an eye on. A 2006 is ready for a reseal.
The Mothership does it for around $2000+ or you can DIY it, using Eternabond tape.
Clean and overcoat the vents and antennas's sealant with either polyurethane or Dicor.
Check the LD Companion for more details.

Other than the roof, the other points of leakage, in a rig of your vintage, is from pulled edge caps or leaking window frames (the gap between the frame and other wall).
The rear window is most prone to leakage.

Larry

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #5 – November 25, 2017, 10:56:04 am

We have owned 3 Laze Dazes (1999 MB) and 2 different 2006, both 30ft IB, Ann Ed. - Love them! We had to replace the Shower Skylight on the first 2006 LD. The Factory sent a new one and my husband replaced easily and sealed it. Also, the first one the electric step motor went out and the Solar Panel Gauage had to be replaced. Both 2006's needed New Tires of course. First LD we put on Michelins and then our RV Repair told us Not to put on Michelins too many problems but Bridgestones for this LD. The Mechanic shop that checked it in the city we bought it found an Axle leak in the back and recommended to buy a new Engine Battery.
So for it being older our 2006 now is holding up pretty good. We have owned it less then a year. This one has 62,000 miles.
I am sure you will enjoy fixing it up and traveling because the LD are built so well. Congrats!!!
Sandra

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #6 – November 25, 2017, 01:42:57 pm

"First LD we put on Michelins and then our RV Repair told us Not to put on Michelins too many problems but Bridgestones for this LD."
----
I've heard this 'avoid Michelins' comment before, but always in very broad generalizations; I've not heard any specific reasons for the advice, nor whether the 'no Michelins' applies particularly (or only) to a certain tire age, size, load range, application, or anything else.

IMO, there are far too many variables involved with tire choice (and selection of appropriate applications and tire care!) to arbitrarily dismiss an entire brand as a poor choice.

I have had no issues with three sets of Michelins on my 2003 (106k); it's close to replacement time again; unless I learn of a better tire choice (supported by real world evidence) or of documented Michelin tire 'failures' and the specific reasons for those failures for LT225/75R/16E M+S Michelins, the next set will be Michelin Defenders.

YMMV, as always.

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #7 – November 25, 2017, 04:20:38 pm

Speaking if tires. The ones on this coachare vintage '09. Replacing them is the first item o the to do list. I also want to replace the current valve extenders. Any recommendations on tires or any to avoid?

Also along the same line does anyone think pressure monitor systems are a worthwhile purchase? I've very little experience driving a rig with 4 tires in the rear so seems to me a good idea.

Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #8 – November 26, 2017, 08:37:51 am

We bought Michelins for our first LD 1999 MB, and travel many miles with it, no problems and on our 2006 30ft. we sold in 2016. We bought these new tires, (we bought another 2006 30ft in 2017) which were Not cheap, at Discount Tires in AZ. and the same company in CA. is called American Tires. We like their service and have an AIR Garage Space you just drive up and they check the air and seem to be knowledgeable about RV's and what is needed to weight and climate,etc.
Why we bought Brigestone's this time because our RV Repair Co. and when I checked Costco prices they each said go with Bridgestone Not Michelin. (Costco guy told me they get Michelins cheaper, make more money but he recommended Bridgestone and that is what he bought for his Truck) I got no specifics but each said that the last few years Michelins seem to be having some problems. American Tire basically sold them, for the same Warranty and price.
Sandra

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #9 – November 26, 2017, 11:46:41 am

A tire pressure monitoring system is very worthwhile. Get weighed as you go out on a trip so you know what tire pressure to use as a base setting. There are several good tire pressure monitoring systems. They are much discussed on the forum here. The TPMS I purchased requires metal valve. Not extenders and not the typical rubber valve purchased at tire shops. I got mine from the Tire Man; Borg also sells a quality set. Don’t skimp on the valves. Rubber or valve extenders likely will not handle the weight load the sending unit places on stem.

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #10 – November 26, 2017, 12:15:22 pm

Quote from: rprice - November 25, 2017, 04:20:38 pm

I also want to replace the current valve extenders. Any recommendations on tires or any to avoid?

Also along the same line does anyone think pressure monitor systems are a worthwhile purchase? I've very little experience driving a rig with 4 tires in the rear so seems to me a good idea.

Extended stems kits are sold by The Tire Man and by Borg Tire. Be sure the kit you buy matches your LD's wheel style.
Tire-Man: Products
Duallyvalve Kits for Ford, GM, Dodge - Class C

I'm a fan of TPMS systems. It is tough or impossible to know if one of the rear dual tires is flat until it's too late.
If you plan on a toad, I consider it a necessity, there is no other way to monitor the toad's tire pressures, while on the road.
Flats on toads can cause a lot of damage if not detected immediately .
My favorite benefit is being able to quickly check the 6-10 tire pressures each day without leaving the cab.
This also prevents the loss of air, during tire pressure checks and reducing air ups.
You will appreciate owning a TPMS on cold, rainy mornings.

Larry

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #11 – November 26, 2017, 12:20:45 pm

Quote from: rprice - November 25, 2017, 04:20:38 pm

Speaking if tires. The ones on this coachare vintage '09. Replacing them is the first item o the to do list. I also want to replace the current valve extenders. Any recommendations on tires or any to avoid?

Also along the same line does anyone think pressure monitor systems are a worthwhile purchase? I've very little experience driving a rig with 4 tires in the rear so seems to me a good idea.

Bob/Mary

A long discussion of various tire pressure mgt systems has been added to The Lazy Daze Companion. The Lazy Daze Companion: Tire Pressure Management Systems (TPMS)

Chris

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #12 – November 26, 2017, 03:08:59 pm

I’ve been using the Tire Minder TM66 since we started traveling in our LD. https://youtu.be/FA1ZHbWcEnc Along with the TPMS, be sure to pick up an accurate tire pressure gauge that you will need to insure the TPMS accuracy.

My first choice of pressure gauges was the Tire Minder Analog (needle style read out) gauge but found that accurately assessing the pressure very difficult. This required me to take the tire stem sensor of the TPMS off several times before I could find the right pressure. Very frustrating to say the least.

I recently purchased the Tire Minder Digital pressure guage and while I haven’t used it yet I can only imagine how much easier it will be to see what pressure I have added to the tires. https://youtu.be/DopVLHn1iyc

Picked mine up on Amazon for $25 it’s the best price I have found for this particular guage. I believe the video states the guage is accurate to +/- 1 psi but the package states it to be accurate to +/- 2 psi. Still not bad and a better option than its analog kin.

A good TPMS is essential. Makes heading down the road so much more relaxing. You have enough to think about while driving your new LD. Like what’s for lunch or where is the nearest Starbucks.

Kent

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #13 – November 26, 2017, 03:33:33 pm

Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - November 26, 2017, 03:08:59 pm

A good TPMS is essential. Makes heading down the road so much more relaxing. You have enough to think about while driving your new LD. Like what’s for lunch or where is the nearest Starbucks.

Exactly what we should be worrying about, instead of the tire pressures.
Oh, what's for lunch?

Before getting a TPMS, we used to stop every few hours and I would check all ten tires with an infrared thermometer, looking for overheated tires, a sign under inflation. Now with the press of a few buttons, the pressures are displayed in real time.
Peace of mind has been our TPMS's biggest benefit.

Larry

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #14 – December 05, 2017, 09:36:22 pm

This is going to be fun and expensive. Sounds like I'm going shopping or something. Just trying to get my recent investment in rv'ing in working order. I knew there were some problems with the rig when I bought it and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

First up were new tires. Decided on Discount Tires here in Phoenix and the job went well until they rammed the back of my rig into a wall damaging the spare tire compartment. Oops. That's another story...

Second was to look at the batteries. Shortly after showing the rig off to a friend the low battery alarm started to come on. Existing batteries had absolutely no fluid. They were pretty old anyway so went to BattterPlus and got a couple of T105 look alikes by Duracell. Charged and installed. I'm now able to operate all that is DC. Have a couple of lights non-functioning but will be converting to leds anyway when I get to that on the to do list.

Spent some time next on the generator. No luck getting it started. After tinkering looks like the fuel pump and/or filter. I have the records from the original owner and some time ago he replaced the fuel line from the tank to the generator so I think that is in good shape. It really looks robust anyway. Pump and filter will be here in time to work on it this weekend. Really want the generator to come up so I can attempt to run the microwave, air conditioner and AC outlets. Need to know they work.

Propane system is good. Burners, oven, wall heater all work good. Not sure of the water heater as the water pumped died shortly after firing it up. Took a quick peek and it looks like the original. Back to Amazon...

The TV works. Yea!

Still need to check out the fresh water delivery system (after getting the pump system working). Grey water and black(toilet) water systems. The indicator panel shows the black water tank at 1/2 full. I sure hope that is an error. This rig has been sitting for nearly 3 years and if that is poop......

Thank goodness the truck does run pretty good. Drives true and shifts without effort. Brakes are in good shape. Will be getting a checkup shortly and wheel bearings packed just to cover those bases. I also purchased a TPMS and will install soon.

Yes, I'm having fun.

Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #15 – December 05, 2017, 10:11:30 pm

The sensors in the black water tank are likely to not be working accurately. It's a common problem. There are recommendations on Google to try to dislodge crud from the sensors. I had a 2005 LD and tried the recommendations without success. If all fail, Just hold the toilet ball open and shine a flashlight in the tank to see if it is full.

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #16 – December 06, 2017, 01:29:27 am

Hi Bob, and Mary. You don't need the generator running to test your microwave, AC electrical outlets or air conditioning. Plug in your shore power (Marinco) cable. That needs to be tested anyway. Check that your converter is running the house 12v DC, and trying to charge your batteries, and the AC voltage is present and working. Enjoy your new toy. RonB

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #17 – December 06, 2017, 01:30:43 am

If you’re going to be relying on your batteries heavily, I suggest you invest in a battery monitor so you know exactly what you’re using. Read handybobsolar’s blog (HandyBob's Blog « Making off grid RV electrical systems work). Even if you’re not going completely off-grid, he makes good sense in an industry that rarely does.

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #18 – December 06, 2017, 06:51:46 am

Welcome...welcome...welcome! Here's to many wonderful adventures in your new baby.

Lynne

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #19 – December 07, 2017, 09:52:05 am

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions. I'll plug in to shore power today to see what works and what doesn't. Very much want a working generator as I plan on mostly doing dry camping. There are two solar panels on the roof. Not sure of the wattage. I've only been up there once. I know some about solar. I installed a decent system on my pop up trailer couple of years ago. That was a fun learning experience. Looking forward to adding to the existing system on my LD.

Talked to Todd at LD service and they still sell the spare tire door, so that is a relief. Think I'll get that done same time I get the roof resealed next year.

Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #20 – December 07, 2017, 01:34:29 pm

Hey, Bob & Mary--

RE: "Talked to Todd at LD service and they still sell the spare tire door, so that is a relief. Think I'll get that done same time I get the roof resealed next year."

Don't know if you have a trusted/favorite body shop, but when I banged up LDy Lulubele's spare tire door last year (about a rough 1' diameter crunch, with three shards that I retrieved), Todd told me it would be just a plain black shell to the tune of $500+ for the shell + S & H, oh, and the decals aren't included in that. Since I wasn't having the work done there, I didn't ask about the charges for paint/striping/labor/etc., but I'm sure my independent guy's labor was less.

Since I knew I was going to have her painted (due to SoCal fading before she came to live inside a Missouri machine shed & repairing some dings from other crimes when I had failed to properly GOAL), I asked Cody if he could fix the spare tire door or if I needed to order the new shell. The invoice is in the rig & I don't remember how he itemized it, but it was way less than the $500 for just the unprepped black shell. Cody was able to fix it beautifully--he fit the shards back together, reinforced the inside with a small piece of plywood a little larger than the size of the crunch, and then covered it all on the inside with whatever magic goop body shop people know about, sanded down the outside & painted/striped it like nothing had ever happened to it. I did order the decals from the Mothership & Cody ordered the striping (the first roll of wide striping was somehow defective--he said it didn't adhere properly & he thought maybe it had been sitting on the shelf for a while, but Todd replaced it at no additional charge & paid for Cody to return the remainder of the defective roll). From the outside you would never know she'd suffered such abuse.

Lynne

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #21 – December 08, 2017, 03:09:07 pm

Lynne.

Discount Tires is paying for the repair. I'm going to be taking the LD to the factory next year and let them do the door replacement at the same time as the roof.

Thanks

Bob

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #22 – January 01, 2018, 11:01:35 pm

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year.

With the holidays and family hadn't a lot of time to work on the new rig but was able to make some progress.

New skylight is in and looks great.
Replaced water pump with 4008 shurflo and it works really good. Attempted a sanitization of the tank and will probably repeat as the first attempt did stink a bit.
installed fuel filter and pump in generator so gas is getting to carb but still not staying on. Purchased a new carb and will be intalling next week.
Flushed both grey and black tanks. Black tank showed 1/3 full so wasn't sure what would happen. Well it did have "stuff" in it but drained ok. Sensors are working correct now. My model comes with a black water tank wash inlet. Don't see anything in the manual referencing that so might be after market.
Water heater checks out but want to perform a more thorough clean before using.
Attempted to open awning and immediately one of those white plastic "shock absorbers" blew up. Ordered a new set and will replace next week.
Roof ac cover is cracked in mutiple locations. That's a cheap but nasty fix. I'll get to it soon.
Taking the rig into the truck shop this week to get a thorough going over. Want all hoses, belts, fluids replaced. tune up performed.
purchased a TPMS (EEZRV) but still need to install.
water filtration parts on order.
Last but not least setup an appointment with the mothership for July to get the roof re-done. They're also going to replace the rear spare tire door that was damaged at Discount Tires.

I have my first camping trip planned for end of January to shake out the systems. Hopefully the list doesn't get any longer.

Bob/Mary

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #23 – January 02, 2018, 12:12:51 am

That’s a good start Bob/Mary. I think you’ll find you’er always adding to the list 😁 even now on a camping trip of my own🚐 I see a few things that need fixing and perhaps a modification i’d Like to make. I’ll talk it over with Lazy Bones when I get home.

Re: proud owner of a new, to me, LD 2006 RK 26.5

Reply #24 – January 02, 2018, 08:36:33 am

"Roof ac cover is cracked in mutiple locations. That's a cheap but nasty fix. I'll get to it soon."
----
An AC cover that is weathered, cracked, and/or 'powdered' can break away and fly off when going down the road; the driver of the vehicle that loses chunks of plastic - or the entire shroud - might not even be aware that the cover has blown off, but those behind him/her on the road may be in the line of fire!

The AC shroud on an RV which had just passed mine on the freeway shattered and went airborne; large and small pieces hit the overcab and hood of my LD, then onto the road surface. Alarming; swerving and braking by the following traffic, and, I'm sure, a good deal of cussing; I sure did my share. The driver of the 'flying shroud' RV continued down the road, likely oblivious to the mess and the 'crash potential' for the drivers behind him/her.

Replacing a cracked, weathered/sun-damaged AC shroud is a 'priority fix'.

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