Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? June 20, 2019, 04:16:44 am I think the answer is obviously yes.Had to renew my LD's registration and get it smogged. Took it in today and find out that someone somewhere thought it was a smart idea to put a non-compliant, wrong size cap on the air filter, and even better, install it upside down!The mechanic told me what the cap looked like, and I recalled seeing something I thought was a weird hubcap in one of the storage compartments. Turned out it was the original air filter cap. Thankfully my LD passed the emissions, and once the correct cap was back on, it passed the visual inspection. But why would someone take off the correct cap and incorrectly install a non-fitting cap?? Anyway, I digress. Driving my LD today I realized how much more comfortable I feel now...and started thinking about not selling it and maybe taking that drive up the coast to Victoria, B.C. I've been thinking about.I mean, at this point I have a rebuilt transmission, new front and rear brakes, suspension has been done, new tires, on and on. Am I crazy? Should I just sell her ASAP while the smog test is still good (90 days) and make a clean break? Whenever I get in my LD and see how awesome it is, I don't want to sell her! But when dealing with parking, repairs, etc. I want to tear my hair out.I don't know what to do!!Lisa 4 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #1 – June 20, 2019, 11:05:57 am Only you can decide whether to sell it or not.Crazy would be not bothered by these issues.What will you have if you keep it? Mobile office Retreat An RV to take you places Mobile kennel for the dogs Opportunity to spend more when things breakWhat will you have if you sell it? Net loss - you won't recoup all you put into it. Need for an office Opportunity to engage in other recreational/travel activities The dogsIf nothing else, what have you learned by the experience?What do the dogs say?Hope to see you at Morro Bay next March.Whatever you decide will be the right decision, maybe on a 60/40 split.Joel 4 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #2 – June 20, 2019, 12:30:17 pm Lisa, when your RV consistently becomes more of a curse than a blessing, then you'll know it's time to move on. As Joel mentioned, don't expect to get all your money back. Good luck!Greg
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #3 – June 20, 2019, 02:02:35 pm “Whenever I get in my LD and see how awesome it is, I don't want to sell her! But when dealing with parking, repairs, etc. I want to tear my hair out.“There are so many facets to consider - both good and bad. Lazy Daze and awesome just go together, for sure!When I am faced with this sort of dilemma, I try to think which of the circumstances are untenable, which are doable, and which are enjoyable. If you can eliminate the untenable by some means, would that make the other two facets more enjoyable?I don’t like to drive, so I think about having my Lazy Daze moved by a professional. Maybe if I did that once, it would spur me to take driving/parking lessons. Sometimes getting a boost in the “untenable” facet once or twice can help you over the hump. Virtual hugs, Judie 1 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #4 – June 20, 2019, 08:20:14 pm When a repair is needed in my sticks and bricks (occurring more and more frequently in a 33 year old house) I perceive this place more like a money pit with constant aggravations, not so much the safe, comfortable refuge it once was. When a repair or just the usual maintenance is needed in my LD, I easily brush it off as a small cost for the sheer joy I derive from it. Sounds like you are somewhere in the middle right now. You are smart to take some time to let the various emotions ebb and flow, as well as ask for different perspectives. Good luck with your decision.Mike Liner'08 24"FL towing Subaru Forester
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #5 – June 21, 2019, 01:49:52 am Well, I took it back to the place that fixed the rear brake issue because the brakes seemed to have too much play. Thought they just needed an adjustment but found out that the master cylinder is leaking. Waahhhhhhh!!They think it wasn't obvious before because it was leaking so much brake fluid into the brake rotors (?). Having looked a the master cylinder right before taking it in for the brakes, I know it really did NOT look bad then. Today there was fluid leaking all over it. It seems the repair to the rear brakes made the leak in the cylinder apparent because all the fluid was no longer going into the broken rotor.I can't sell it in unsafe condition, so I will get that fixed, too. At this point I feel like I'm not going to get anything near what I put into it, so may just keep it to avoid feeling like I shot myself in the foot.What next? The engine blows up? It's about the last thing left.Lisa
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #6 – June 21, 2019, 10:30:40 am Fix the brakes, wax and clean it until it glows and then sell it.Save your money and buy a LD that al least 20 years newer.Your rig belongs to a mechanically skilled hobbyist, one who loves to constantly repair and update.You, and the rest of us, haves gone too much emotional trauma dealing with the unending list of issues.For your own mental health, getting rid of this beast is a good idea. The RV market for older RVs is hot and you should not have a hard time selling.Larry 7 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #7 – June 21, 2019, 02:25:11 pm Just wait until the hydro-boost (coupled to the master cylinder) goes out, along with the power steering pump. In my estimation, you're only about 1/2 the way through. Still up is the heater core (shop rate runs around $700) that is located behind the dash board and the A/C system ($750). If the engine blows, short/long block + installation should run around $5k. (I think we're now over $15k in repairs - the rig runs great, but that's what it costs to get there.)I think I've mentioned my pet canned reply when people inquire about RVing. I ask them: (a) have they built a house/addition; and/or (b) rebuilt/restored a car, boat or airplane? If the answer is no to either, run, do not walk as fast as you can from RVing. If the answer is yes, then be prepared to spend (lots of) money bringing an older rig up to snuff vs riding the depreciation down on a newer vehicle.Now, to be honest, and I've indicated this is the past, the two #vanlife stalwarts (Sprinter & Transit) are really looking pretty interesting, especially if one is willing to go super minimalist. If you got a new, stripped one and took it up to AM solar (road trip!), they could install an integrated 500w+ system with maybe 200ah Li + controller to enable a nice 12VDC system. Once you had that in place, you 'd have LED lighting, USB re-charging, and the ability to run some devices (laptop/pad) for viewing TV/movies or just doing work.Throw in a marine toilet, a simple counter with wash basin, a 10g fresh water tank/pump + 5g grey water bottle, a portable propane stove (for outside use) and you're ready to roll. Get some padding, a sleeping bag and voila, you and your dogs are ready to rock n' roll. Throw a bike on an outside hitch rack, maybe get a small Honda/Yamaha 2k generator, and look who's styling with the 20/30-something van lifers. 2 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #8 – June 21, 2019, 03:22:47 pm Quote from: snerf - June 21, 2019, 02:25:11 pmNow, to be honest, and I've indicated this is the past, the two #vanlife stalwarts (Sprinter & Transit) are really looking pretty interesting, especially if one is willing to go super minimalist. If you got a new, stripped one and took it up to AM solar (road trip!), they could install an integrated 500w+ system with maybe 200ah Li + controller to enable a nice 12VDC system. Once you had that in place, you 'd have LED lighting, USB re-charging, and the ability to run some devices (laptop/pad) for viewing TV/movies or just doing work.Throw in a marine toilet, a simple counter with wash basin, a 10g fresh water tank/pump + 5g grey water bottle, a portable propane stove (for outside use) and you're ready to roll. Get some padding, a sleeping bag and voila, you and your dogs are ready to rock n' roll. Throw a bike on an outside hitch rack, maybe get a small Honda/Yamaha 2k generator, and look who's styling with the 20/30-something van lifers.I would assume Lisa doesn't have the 100K+ for a new Sprinter RV or have the ability to build her own Sprinter. If she had, she probably would not have bought a 28 year old, well used LD .For the price of many of the the Sprinters, you can buy a new LD that has more capacity in every way and is built to last. Other than the fuel mileage, what's the advantage of a micro-RV, besides than being able to park it in smaller spots? And if you decide to pull a toad, as many do, Sprinters are lacking in power. I don't think anyone would prefer lugging a Honda generator and gas cans around compared to a built-in generator that uses fuel from the gas tank? Storing the gas cans safely is a problem without any good answers.As I age, going minimalist looks less and less appealing, I enjoy the comforts of a full size RV and dislike having to make do.Downsizing to a Sprinter RV with its limited power, CCC and tank capacity doesn't have a lot of appeal after owning an LD. YMMVLarry 3 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #9 – June 21, 2019, 04:20:17 pm So Snerf, does Lisa's '91 Chevy chassis have hydro boost brake assist? Since you have a GM '93 chassis I'm assuming that you do also. I saw no mention of that in the 'changes by year' document. My '99 Ford still has the vacuum with cannister brake assist. RonB
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #10 – June 21, 2019, 04:51:03 pm Quote from: Larry W - June 21, 2019, 03:22:47 pmFor the price of many of the the Sprinters, you can buy a new LD that has more capacity in every way and is built to last. Other than the fuel mileage, what's the advantage of a micro-RV, besides than being able to park it in smaller spots? And if you decide to pull a toad, as many do, Sprinters are lacking in power. I don't think anyone would prefer lugging a Honda generator and gas cans around compared to a built-in generator that uses fuel from the gas tank? Storing the gas cans safely is a problem without any good answers.As I age, going minimalist looks less and less appealing, I enjoy the comforts of a full size RV and dislike having to make do.Downsizing to a Sprinter RV with its limited power, CCC and tank capacity doesn't have a lot of appeal after owning an LD. YMMVLarryAs a former Sprinter RV owner, I can confirm that you are absolutely correct. No appeal to me either.At 300 miles we absolutely had to stop for diesel (22g tank at 15 mpg), limited CCC. Never towed, didn't need that option. Generator ran on propane and wouldn't last a weekend. Other tanks were small and limited our duration.The "advantage" of the small footprint was never necessary in our travels. Meaning we never went someplace that a well equipped 26-28' class C on an E450 couldn't go also. And those can drive all day with a range over 500 miles with 55g tanks.I'm sure some folks love their Sprinter. I wouldn't say I hated ours, but I probably wouldn't get another one.As always, YMMVGood Luck Lisa, your choice is a difficult one. 2 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #11 – June 21, 2019, 07:08:20 pm As for using a Sprinter or Transit as a shell, these two sisters did something similar (to each other's builds), but both are quite doable, if you want simplicity.Cargo Van to Camper Van | Tinycamper's BlogTinycamper’s Tiny Camper Van | Tinycamper's BlogAnother lady friend spent a year going all over in her "camperized" 2007 Honda Odyssey - and that wasn't her first experience with this mode.Another dear friend made a home made, but more conventional, interior in his short-length Transit 150 XLT, using modules that he could change out to use the unit as either a Spartan travel unit, or as his handyman workshop. It had a stationary, closed-door bathroom, but utilized only a Porta-Potti. He had twin sofas in the back with a table between them, but neither was long enough to use as a bed. As a travel unit, it was just for traveling, not for camping. They stayed in motels at night. Virtual hugs, Judie•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #12 – June 22, 2019, 03:18:24 am Sprinter holds no appeal for me. I love the 22' foot LD. It has everything I need, including sufficient space for me and the animals and my stuff. I just wish there was an MP that was 20 years newer. I can't understand how this is not the most popular model they've made. Layout is perfect for two people, or one person who needs some space away from her dogs.I appreciate all the advice. I will get it ready to sell. I have been looking at newer model LDs. They are just TOO big!! And the one with a rear bathroom makes no sense to me at all. None! The rear lounge, the MP- those make sense because they take advantage of the windows. The rear bathroom is such a waste of a scenic opportunity. I personally don't want to look out on wide open spaces when I'm sitting on the toilet. Buy maybe that's just me.And that odd front lounge also seems like a waste of good space. Those swivel chairs and the janky dinette table. Why? WHY?!!I want a new 22' MP. With a hybrid engine that can run on solar but has the equivalent power of a v10.Lisa
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #13 – June 22, 2019, 09:17:44 am Lisa, yeah we all have our wish list - lol. I would like that engine also with lots of power to it.MP - what is it about the multiplan you like? They came in different setups, so if we knew what you liked there might be some modifications to a newer model that you could make to get you close. The lazydaze pocketguide has history on the different layouts. The 24' TK (twin king) has a door to separate the bathroom/entry area from the rest of the coach, but that only gives about 5'x3' for dogs plus the cab area. Maybe you could get a wide dog/child gate to give some separation from the dogs and put it across the kitchen area so the dogs had a larger area to hang in but still some space just for you.The 27' mid bath has that nice two area setup that many people like. If you don't want the dinette, maybe you could ask for a sofa or barrel chairs instead. While you can do that change, it would be a lot easier if the factory would do it for you. But it sounds like you might not want a rig this large.Does anyone know the last year multiplans were built?Jane 1 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #14 – June 22, 2019, 01:52:23 pm I love the MP because it has everything needed in the smallest size.The layout is great- you get a bedroom (over cab loft), a dining room/kitchen, and a separate living room (rear sofa). The bathroom sink is not in the shower and provides additional, usable surface area when covered. I didn't feel like I was stuck in same spot because I slept in loft, ate and worked at dinette, and in the evening lounged on the rear sofa to watch Netflix on my TV that I kept on the bathroom sink. When dressing during the day, I could close the door between rear living area and dinette, leaving me plenty of space in back to use get ready to go out while dogs has the dinette and front cab area. If Traveling with another person, it gives privacy while leaving dinette area to do whatever. For an office it gives space for meeting in the dinette, and space in back for others to meet. Or you can have people waiting in rear or in dinette while you meet with a client in one area or the other. The floor plan is great for the purpose I purchased it, which is free community legal counseling. I would have one or both dogs with me for safety- one in the loft and the other between seats in cab. Plus my MP has a 4 burner stove, which I much prefer over the newer 3 burners. I don't get why they'd change that.Oh, and there are THREE beds! I tried them all and found them all comfortable.
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #15 – June 22, 2019, 02:23:50 pm "my MP has a 4 burner stove, which I much prefer over the newer 3 burners."I'm just curious--what kind of meal requires four burners? 2 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #16 – June 22, 2019, 02:36:13 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - June 22, 2019, 02:23:50 pm"my MP has a 4 burner stove, which I much prefer over the newer 3 burners."I'm just curious--what kind of meal requires four burners?Thanksgiving. 3 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #17 – June 22, 2019, 03:21:39 pm My dad was telling me about the time he and my step mother had their trailer parked in a field in the middle of nowhere on Thanksgiving and they made a full turkey dinner in the trailer's kitchen. Including a turkey in the oven (I suspect it was probably just a turkey breast). 4 burners is more aesthetically pleasing. But also if you're making pasta for dinner, you need a pot to boil water, a pot for the sauce, a saucepan for sauteeing stuff, and maybe another pan for something else. So there.Seriously, when and why did they switch to a 3 burner stove?
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #18 – June 22, 2019, 03:50:12 pm Hi Lisa. Well a bigger pan will fit on the single front burner, and it has a higher output for more heat. The microwave could be used also to warm or keep warm other items. I've never needed a fourth burner, and of course if visitors bring dishes, that helps out. I have seated seven at the table in a TK. RonB 2 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #19 – June 22, 2019, 04:01:51 pm Ah, space for a bigger pan would be helpful. My cast iron pan does not fit so great on my 4 burner. Things to consider...
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #20 – June 22, 2019, 04:03:13 pm But I still need 4 burners for those days I want to boil eggs, rutabagas, chicken livers and pasta all at the same time.
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #21 – June 22, 2019, 04:06:05 pm I concur that the MP is the best (subjectively speaking) floorplan. My wife is so committed to ours that she refuses to even consider a new(ish) TK. When we were looking at different Airstreams, she dialed right in on the 25' FB and 27' FB (Andy's model) since they offer the same (semi) fixed dinette (can be converted to another sleeping area) that is separate from the bunk & aft sleeping quarters.Since I brought up van conversions, the ones I like once again create a dinette area separate from a rear fold out couch/bed. And, if you ever look @ SOBs, many of them follow the traditional MP layout. (Except they use fixed beds, completely cutting off rear access & wasting space with typical SOB lack of attention to use & detail.) Lastly, I recall peeking through old derelict 70s Dodge Sportsman parked at our storage lot. Wanna guess what the floorplan looked like squished in a 20' footer? LOL. there's a lot of history in the MP layout.I agree - I have no idea why LD stopped making them. Or, as birds suggest dinosaurs didn't go truly extinct, maybe the MB is the true descendant of the MP.PS As to keeping your rig, the one bright spot is that RVs are finite. I mean, at some point you run out of things to repair or replace. That's sort of where we are; we literally have a new 1993 G30 van. Now, 1993 vs today's technology/safety features is obviously different, but it still is running all new parts. 2 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #22 – June 22, 2019, 04:27:53 pm Funny how your pictures could have been taken inside my LD. Exactly the same. Except I have an old clock above the dinette where you have that wall hanging thing. And have you seen interior pics of the 1980's 20' LDs? They look like min MPs or Mini rear lounge models. I would LOVE a 20'. The only other RV I could really see getting is a Toyota. That's what I originally searched for, as the lower height and smaller overall size makes more sense in the city (which is probably why they are fairly common around here). But those are one of the most highly sought after RVs in this area, and they are ridiculously overpriced for the condition most are in. For traveling long distances in rural areas with intentions to stay mostly in the RV, I'd want an LD. For traveling in comfort between urban areas with the dogs, with most time spent in hotels, I'd prefer a Toyota. What's an "SOB." (assuming you don't mean the usual).
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #23 – June 22, 2019, 05:25:28 pm Quote from: meandthedogs - June 22, 2019, 04:27:53 pmWhat's an "SOB." (assuming you don't mean the usual).Lisa, I asked the same question shortly after I joined. Some Other Brand Joel 1 Likes
Re: Aaaarghh. Am I crazy? Reply #24 – June 23, 2019, 03:02:02 am As much as you like the MP, it was discontinued about twenty years ago due to declining sales.The MB became the most popular model.You love your MP because it's yours and it you have spent time in it and bonded..The other short floor plans, the FL and T/K work well two people and and are wonderful for the solo traveler.You need to spend time in them, and the longer floor plans, to appreciate what they have to offer, both short floor plans have great views, arranged differently.With the 24' FL, the bathroom door is normally left open, providing a spacious feeling cabin with views in all four directionsWe sleep in the bunk, leaving the lounge area set up for day use, with no daily set up or tear down of the bedding.The bathroom is one of the best LD produces, its roomy and with our wall mounted heaters, its' a comfortable place to take shower on a winter's night . Adding the heaters is not a huge project, the gas and electrical power are reasonably easy to access.Bath catalytic heater | FlickrThe 24' T/K has the same great rear view that the 27' MB and 31' TB enjoy, what's not to like, the MP does not have that type of view.Once again, it's a great rig for a single or couple. Its front passenger seat that can be equipped with a rotating base, allowing the seat to swivel and face the rear. The seat is a wonderful place to relax and read, providing a second place to hang out.With either the 24' FL or T/K, the chassis switched in 2003 to the E450, providing a much needed increase in GVW.The T/K had much smaller holding tanks than the FL, and other floor plans, until 2010, when the tanks were finally upsized.We owned a 1983 FL for over 8 years and the 2003 FL going on 17 years, we have a lot of experience in both the old and newer LDs. We cook a lot and never liked the four burner stove, it was too cramped and we never really had a need for more than two burners at a time. The three burner has more room to arrange things and a hotter front burner. I have never talked with anyone who has owned both the three and four burner stoves who preferred the four burner.As much as you love the MP and the looks of an older LD, ones in good condition are not available anymore. Even if you found a cherry, keeping it running is becoming more difficult, it's old technology. I call them hobby rigs, suitable for someone with mechanical skills and is happy to be constantly working renovating and repairing. Others call them money pits.You have already been down the well used LD road and it has cause you nothing but grief and monetary loss. Next time, you will be a lot better informed, a good education is rarely cheap.Larry 13 Likes
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