Custom Options for New Lazy Daze Orders

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Custom Options for New Lazy Daze Orders

August 19, 2018, 11:57:22 am

Having just retired - how sweet is is.... And, having researched motorhome options, we are about to finalize our order for a new (2019), Silver & Charcoal MidBath - Yahoo!

We intend to travel the SouthWest and West Coast both Summer and Winter (but not full-tiime), staying mainly in public campgrounds/lands. Hence, we will be boon docking a fair portion of the time. We selected the following options based both on our reading of past posts from the LD Owner's Forum, and our experience RVing (mainly in truck campers but most recently in a LD TwinKing.

Before finalizing our order, we would appreciate any suggestions on factory installed options/customizations we may have missed.

Options selected:

Battery Disconnect Switch given we store in an enclosed garage with no electricity,

Bilstein shock absorbers - the factory shocks in our 2015 TK were just a bit soft for us,

CB for communicating with other LazyDazers and between the coach and dinghy (Jeep Wrangler). We wonder whether anyone has experience having the Mothership install a HAM radio antennae as well?

Second Solar Panel - Steve advised against having aftermarket installers add panels given their lack of knowledge where the structural roof components are located and consequent risk of coach damage. On a related note, we do intend to install an inverter to power TV, WiFi appliance, and microwave. Has anyone had the Mothership install an inverter?

Ultraleather Seats - Todd advised that the upgraded seats are a bit more comfortable than fabric - "whole seat is reworked". I hope this is helpful to my wife who has hip issues.

Backup Camera - Favor the factory, wired installation over aftermarket

Heated/Power Mirrors - Both for ease of adjustment and the safety of side-mounted turn indicators

One extra 12v outlet in the rear.

Many thanks,

White Elk, aka Warren & Sue

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #1 – August 19, 2018, 12:21:29 pm

Looks good........we have a 31 TB.....the one thing I wish I ordered was 2 extra 12v in the rear instead of just one

We were considering the upgraded seats but decided not to because I remember getting a couple of comments that they can be "hot and sticky" in the heat....not sure this was super accurate but we decided to not chance it.

I'm a huge hockey fan so I needed my satellite radio connection

We didn't do the Navigation system but went with a fantastic Garmin (that has lifelong updates)

Good luck!

Bill

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #2 – August 19, 2018, 12:41:22 pm

Congratulations Warren and Sue! I'm watching this post since we will be submitting our order for our 31 IB as soon we get our "purchase package" - can't wait!
Connie and Kevin

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #3 – August 19, 2018, 01:09:51 pm

Quote from: pdl2win - August 19, 2018, 12:21:29 pm

Looks good........we have a 31 TB.....the one thing I wish I ordered was 2 extra 12v in the rear instead of just one

We were considering the upgraded seats but decided not to because I remember getting a couple of comments that they can be "hot and sticky" in the heat....not sure this was super accurate but we decided to not chance it.

I'm a huge hockey fan so I needed my satellite radio connection

We didn't do the Navigation system but went with a fantastic Garmin (that has lifelong updates)

Good luck!

Bill

My 07 has the ultra leather, but not sure the same material is being used now. The up sides is that the dogs paw prints wipe clean. The down side is it is a little less comfortable than the car I have with cloth. I have considered getting sheep skins, but to be honest the seat material does not bother me that much (the new seats after 08 seem much more comfortable, enough so that I may one day switch mine). I rarely drive more than 400 miles a day, and more often less than 300. The longest day was almost 600 miles. Also I stop often enough that my back and backside have time to cool. The overhead compartment keeps the sun off the seats most of the day so comparison with car seats is not real accurate.

I have a factory nav system in one of my cars in the past, a MINI Cooper. I will never get another navigation system that is integrated in the dash. Once they become obsolete it is difficult to update the maps. I like the Garmin RV GPS backed up with the WAZE app. My new radio has apple car play but I was disappointed to see I could not easily bring WAZE up on the screen. It would be interesting to know if the new LD radio has the ability to mirror cell phones. I am learning to use the Apple mapping but I am not as happy with it so the Garmin is still on the dashboard stuck to the window.

I wish my MB had extra 12v plugs in back. one is good two would be better. Both my wife and I like to charge our phones overnight and it would be convenient to have the plugs near where we sleep.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #4 – August 19, 2018, 01:23:56 pm

John's comment about the 12v mirrors our reality and "if I had to do it all over again"

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #5 – August 19, 2018, 01:37:51 pm

Hi Warren and Sue. I put in a combined 12vdc plug, and two USB port chargers, but had to put a switch to turn it off. It fit in a 'Decora' outlet, but always draws a small bit of current, even when not in use, and the green LED was really annoying, especially at night. Better would be at least two 12v outlets on each side of the rear fold down table. It is more convenient to have 'car chargers' for cell phones to plug in where ever. Will you have 12v outlets on each side of the mid dinette table also?
Since you have had a TK, I'm guessing that you ordered the fold down table for the rear dinette, as an option. I found that the rear dinette was the focal point for lounging with guests. (It's about the windows). Being able to seat six at the rear table is a good feature for our TK. Our camper friends join us when the heat/rain/or mosquitoes are too much outside. RonB

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #6 – August 19, 2018, 01:42:23 pm

Now is an excellent time to pose the questions.

Backup camera is critical IMO.

I don't know how much the CB is used anymore.
For intra vehicle comm, there are Family Radio Service walkie talkies

Minimum 2 solar panels- I am dropping several 'RV dollars' because the single 100W panel I specified is inadequate.

Seats: we have always added seat covers to every vehicle. LD has sheepskins as well.

A 110 plug in the entertainment center in our 31 IB would have had great value. An extension cord from under the Driver Side table isn't the same.

Electronics don't go to bed with me, so I don't miss a 12V plug in the rear. It would be a good idea if you have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that needs a repeater, or want to run something else back there.

Power mirrors are worth the expense for ease of adjustment and turn signal indicators.

Joel

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #7 – August 19, 2018, 03:23:33 pm

Hi Warren & Sue,

Congrats on the retirement and ordering a new LD.

Since you've already had a LD, you probably have a good idea of what is important to you.
If it was me ordering a new rig, I would make sure to order the electric step. I realize some on this message board are against this option but I have found that as we have gotten older, that electric step is even more important to us. Especially since we exit through the coach door quite often. And we often enter through that door when shopping and don't want to exit to raise the step then walk around to the cab door, especially in inclement weather.

If it was as problematic as some folks make it out to be, I would think it would NOT be standard on the most expensive 31' rigs.

Good luck,
Steve K.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #8 – August 19, 2018, 04:01:20 pm

Quote from: Steve K. - August 19, 2018, 03:23:33 pm

Hi Warren & Sue,

Congrats on the retirement and ordering a new LD.

Since you've already had a LD, you probably have a good idea of what is important to you.
If it was me ordering a new rig, I would make sure to order the electric step. I realize some on this message board are against this option but I have found that as we have gotten older, that electric step is even more important to us. Especially since we exit through the coach door quite often. And we often enter through that door when shopping and don't want to exit to raise the step then walk around to the cab door, especially in inclement weather.

If it was as problematic as some folks make it out to be, I would think it would NOT be standard on the most expensive 31' rigs.

Good luck,
Steve K.

We recently replaced the motor on our 06 step. We like the step, however, one issue is that you can't turn it off and prevent it from coming out when you open the door.

This became a problem years ago when at a dump in a state park in New Mexico. It was a tight fit bordered by curbs. When the door was opened we didn't realize how high the curb was and the step jammed on top of the curb. Fortunately, there was no damage when we carefully pulled away and the step didn't retract but did once we got free.

It's something you need to think about before opening your door. We've parked along curbs and gotten close since.

Jim

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #9 – August 19, 2018, 04:22:21 pm

Congrats on retirement and your LD order...
I got as many regular and 12 volt outlets as I could (Ld only let me add a few) just, not sure how many I need, but we travel with teenagers and their iPhones etc. We added extra rear seat belts just in case our teens bring a friend. The factory shocks are too soft for me so far (one month in) Got the second solar panel, extra table extension, outside shower, backup camera that seems expensive until you back into something, then it seems cheap lol I may edit my post later if I think of other options to suggest

I do not like my satellite TV dome, I can't believe it not high definition at the cost it was, TV is fuzzy compared to home Direct TV.
I can probably get a better picture when local stations are available. Loving my 27" Midbath so far.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #10 – August 19, 2018, 04:57:35 pm

" We like the step, however, one issue is that you can't turn it off and prevent it from coming out when you open the door."

I found that statement puzzling and not quite factual. So, I went out to my side yard to try it on my own...

Just inside the coach door there is a panel of four switches, the second of which is labeled "Electric Step". Normally this switch is left in the 'off' position and the step is controlled by the ignition switch and the screen door 'reed' switch.

However, starting with the switch on, screen door closed and the steps retracted you can reach through the screen door access panel, turn the Electric Step switch to the 'off' position and the steps will remain retracted and inoperative.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #11 – August 19, 2018, 05:17:18 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - August 19, 2018, 04:57:35 pm

" We like the step, however, one issue is that you can't turn it off and prevent it from coming out when you open the door."

I found that statement puzzling and not quite factual. So, I went out to my side yard to try it on my own...

Just inside the coach door there is a panel of four switches, the second of which is labeled "Electric Step". Normally this switch is left in the 'off' position and the step is controlled by the ignition switch and the screen door 'reed' switch.

However, starting with the switch on, screen door closed and the steps retracted you can reach through the screen door access panel, turn the Electric Step switch to the 'off' position and the steps will remain retracted and inoperative.

What was I thinking? You are correct. Our problem is we don't think to turn it off which is what happened in NM. I would edit that out but I think I should leave the comment as is to share my mistake with the LD world.

Jim

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #12 – August 19, 2018, 08:21:40 pm

Hi Clark. Maybe this should be on another thread, but it is certainly something that Warren and Sue should think about now.
   I'm not an expert on this, and not much experience, because I don't have one. I have been thinking about getting one. Direct TV takes a 3 LNB receiver to receive HD TV. The Lazy Daze antenna isn't compatible. Direct doesn't cater to RV's as much as Dish. They will sell service to a second receiver that you can take with you when you are on the road. I don't know how responsive they are if you have issues while traveling.

   Dish Network on the other hand, advertises more to the RV crowd. That doesn't make them better of course. You can receive HD with a single LNB receiver. So it should be possible with the LD roof mounted satellite antenna. They have a monthly plan so that you can turn your service on and off as required, and you can call them, if you have service, to get them to 'authorize' your service at a remote location.
To counter that I have one friend who travels in their RV, and said that Direct TV was a far better system to set up, than Dish that he switched from. Another friend with Direct at home couldn't get his spare receiver to work at all on the road.
   I would prefer HD reception when possible, I was going to get the 'Traveler', mounted on a cradle on the roof. Removable, when desired, to sit on the ground. Self detecting and aiming. HD receiving. I'm good with going up and down the ladder, and I planned to rig up a way to lower the antenna to the ground easily, and put it back up. Security of the antenna could be an issue, maybe a steel cable...
DISH® Playmaker® Portable Satellite Antenna, Winegard PL-7000 - Camping World   and    DISH Playmaker Satellite Antenna Roof Mount Kit - Winegard RK-4000 - Antenna...
RonB

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #13 – August 20, 2018, 07:08:08 am

You might consider an in motion satellite and a 120 plug in entertainment area. We also had LD provide an extra wire for our tailgater when roof satellite is blocked by trees. We like our electric steps.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #14 – August 20, 2018, 09:48:17 am

Thanks for all the input. It is appreciated.

One area where We are struggling, whether to proceed with the two solar panel factory install vs deleting the solar, +/- factory wiring, and having AM or another reputable firm install panels, inverter, etc.... I’ve read the earlier posts on this but am ambivalent given the Mothership’s advice against aftermarket installations.

Thanks again,

WMSM

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #15 – August 20, 2018, 03:51:15 pm

I think what really matters is what are your plans. From the research I have been conducting it appears as if two factory panels are optimum for most normal needs. If you plan on traveling during the weekends and mostly staying at RV parks with access to shore power while occasionally boondocking and looking to minimize use of your generator a few panels seems fine. Alternately, if you are looking to go full time while enjoying the flexibility of not rushing from one RV park to another and plan extended boondocking you may desire to invest more heavily into your solar system. Maybe you will require four or more panels depending on your actual use.

My plans are to spent maybe 25% or so in RV parks with the rest elsewhere. I have no desire to annoy others or myself running a generator for several hours per day so I intend to invest heavily into a solar system. Without knowing much about my actual energy use and habits I will start off with four panels and build in the capacity to extend the system by at least 50%. As you might imagine - I will limit the factory system to the single panel and will most likely remove it along with much of the wiring and possibly other components.

One more consideration - there is no such thing as 100% solar power for normal use of an AC system. It's just too heavy of a load for most any level of use.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #16 – August 20, 2018, 04:39:51 pm

I agree with Chet.....we don't full-time...never go to RV Parks and the only time we "hooked up" was at Watchman Campground at Zion NP....we travel mainly West/Southwest and find that the two panels is sufficient for us...if plans change once I retire, then I'll head up to AM Solar and invest some $$ there

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #17 – August 20, 2018, 05:28:46 pm

Congrats Warren & Sue,

I’m on my second week of retirement and still think I should be heading back to work. Actually had a dream last night about the owners of my “former” place of employment. I pretty much told them they were cheap “Some Other Brands” and walked away with a smile on my face.

Now for the good stuff...

We do have the second solar panel and it does fine for our meager needs. I’m thinking of a work around for a Suitcase 200 watt add-on, but I’m really ok with the system as it is. Going on 3 years and haven’t run out of coach power yet.

We didn’t get the electric step but I can understand why folks like them. My concern was the possible lag time for deployment. I didn’t want my DW thinking the step had deployed before it had. That’s just me.

CB radios don’t appear very popular any longer. I’ve read here that some have kicked themselves for purchasing it and never having a use for it. Personally, climbing into the coach from the captains chair is already a tight fit and if the CB is mounted on the dog house by my legs I’d never get back there.

I do wish I had added another 12v outlet in our RB but we manage just fine “time sharing” the one under the dinette. Besides a cheap inverter can help share the load although it’s a bit less power efficient than the LD’s 12v plug.

You may want to consider the front window cover. We paid $150 for it and it adds a lot of privacy without having to close the little curtains underneath the overhead sleeper.

We also had them add the snap on vent covers that go on the inside of the rig. With a little home made pad to stuff inside the vents you add both insulation and a block from the morning sun.

We do make use of the outdoor shower since we have dogs with dirty feet plus it’s nice to have access to water while BBQing outside.

We do have the ultra leather seats in the cab, the “wood” dash kit and the powered heated mirrors. For what I paid for the LD, I just couldn’t see any reason for not adding these features. The seats are comfortable and I’ve never felt that they were hot even after climbing in on a hot summer day.

We do have the battery cut off but not the bilstine shocks. Todd suggested letting the Ford shocks die then upgrade when I’m ready and save the money for something else. I’m happy with them for now.

There you have it. My 2 cents. Don’t bother going to the bank with it. They probably wouldn’t know what to do with it. 😉

Kent

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #18 – August 20, 2018, 05:55:03 pm

we also bought the front windshield cover and the vent cover....well worth it IMO

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #19 – August 20, 2018, 06:08:54 pm

"I didn't want my DW thinking the step had deployed before it had."

Human reflexes are not quick enough to beat that step... unless you're half snake.

"CB radios don't appear very popular any longer. I've read here that some have kicked themselves for purchasing it and never having a use for it."

I guess I fall in that group, but I do value it for the Weather function.

"...climbing into the coach from the captains chair is already a tight fit and if the CB is mounted on the dog house by my legs I'd never get back there."

My CB control head is hung on the dash. To assist with the transit from drivers seat to coach I mounted a rubber molded grab handle to the under side of the overhead just aft of the rear view mirror.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #20 – August 20, 2018, 06:35:18 pm

Steve said...”To assist with the transit from drivers seat to coach I mounted a rubber molded grab handle to the under side of the overhead just aft of the rear view mirror”.

Absolutely brilliant. That’s right up there with the grab bar you initiated LD to install just inside the coach door.

Kent

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #21 – August 20, 2018, 10:07:45 pm

I forgot about the windshield cover. It goes on anytime the rig is parked more than one night.
Helps insulation and better clutter storage in front.

Didn't know about the vent covers for some reason. Guess a call to the mothership is in order.

joel

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #22 – August 20, 2018, 10:14:38 pm

If this is not the exact handle it is a very close copy.

Amazon.com: attwood 2054-5 Vinyl Grab Handle - Black: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: What Are We Missing from our Order?

Reply #23 – August 20, 2018, 11:38:59 pm

Quote from: joel wiley - August 20, 2018, 10:07:45 pm

I forgot about the windshield cover. It goes on anytime the rig is parked more than one night.
Helps insulation and better clutter storage in front.

Didn't know about the vent covers for some reason. Guess a call to the mothership is in order.

joel

The vent covers are just right and work well.

Chris

Re: Custom Options for New Lazy Daze Orders

Reply #24 – August 20, 2018, 11:45:37 pm

NOTE: This has turned out to be a valuable thread for new LD buyers; thus, I have changed the title to reflect how the factory defines "extras" in its brochure. Custom Options, etc. This will make a search easier and more accurate.

Chris

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