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Topic: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze. (Read 1398 times) previous topic - next topic
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Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Hi All!

After extensive research I have decided to purchase the 30' Lazy Daze (used). I have two large dogs so the 30'er should accomodate all 3 of us.  Im selling my house and going into the world of full time rv-er.  My goal is to sell my house and be on the road by Jan 2020.  I would appreciate any recommendations from you experienced owners as I move into purchasing my motorhome.  I have to say I have researched many other make/models ( the 32' Country Coach being a serious contender).  In the end Lazy Daze has won my heart.

I hope to see some of you on the road in the year 2020!

Thank you,

April
April
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #1 –
If you are going for the 31 Island Bed, as your dogs age they may have trouble joining you on the bed.
There is room on the other side of the bed for a stair or ramp to assist them.   It works for my smaller dogs nicely.
See you down the road.
joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #2 –
April, if you do hit your mark of LD ownership by January, you might want to plan to come to the March LDO gathering at Morro Bay State Park; the official dates are March 6-8, although most people arrive earlier and stay later. There are many LDs at this gathering, and people are always happy to answer questions and share information and tips.

If this might work for you, be sure to reserve a site soon. 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #3 –
Quote from: aprilssong  - 
Hi All!

After extensive research I have decided to purchase the 30' Lazy Daze (used). I have two large dogs so the 30'er should accomodate all 3 of us.  Im selling my house and going into the world of full time rv-er.  My goal is to sell my house and be on the road by Jan 2020.  I would appreciate any recommendations from you experienced owners as I move into purchasing my motorhome.  I have to say I have researched many other make/models ( the 32' Country Coach being a serious contender).  In the end Lazy Daze has won my heart.

I hope to see some of you on the road in the year 2020!

Thank you,

April
April, you didn't mention your level of RVing experience. Here is a link that might help: Getting Started - A Primer For The New RV'er

Welcome to our Lazy Daze Owners' Group. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as you hit the road. What year is your 30'?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #4 –
April,

As a full timer, you should be prepared to carefully monitor your weights and weight distribution.  The 30" LDs have the most room, but also the lowest OCCC (Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity).  If you don't already know about terms like GVWR and GAWR, I'd recommend doing some research to learn about RV weight limits.  When we went full time in 2015, we decided we wanted a lot more room, capacity to carry everything (nothing in storage) and the capacity to tow whatever vehicle we wanted.  So we ended up with a class A diesel pusher.  But lots of people full time in LDs of all sizes.  It really comes down to how much space and stuff you need.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Older_Fossil  - 
As a full timer, you should be prepared to carefully monitor your weights and weight distribution.  The 30" LDs have the most room, but also the lowest OCCC (Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity).  If you don't already know about terms like GVWR and GAWR, I'd recommend doing some research to learn about RV weight limits. 

Very wise words.  Just because there is room for stuff, doesn't mean there is weight capacity for stuff.  The 30 footer is a great coach, but not necessarily the best option for a full timer.
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #6 –
I appreciate all of your helpful words!
The thoughts about GVW are very helpful.  It looks like the weight available on the 30IB after all tanks are full is 1800 ibs.  Me and my dogs weigh about 350 total.  The biggist weight I would be adding is solar panels ...about 200lbs including batteries?
Totaling 550 lbs. leaving 1250 lbs.  I think that is doable for me, especially if I am weight conscious.
A little bit about my rv experience.  In the 90's I had a 30' class A Pace Arrow.  From 2012- 2016 I had an awesome little 25' fifth wheel. after that I had a little 18' fun finder with a slide. I traveled all up and down California and into Arizona and New Mexico.  Im a Colorado River Adventure member which has nice little camping resorts throughout California (from Pollock Pines down to the border of Mexico.  It is my desire to expand my travels and move into some boondocking and exploring.

At one time I had a little tent trailer and did some camping in Morro Bay.  That is an awesome campground there!  I would love to make it to the gathering in March!


April
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #7 –
"It looks like the weight available on the 30IB after all tanks are full is 1800 lbs."

Engaging in speculation will give you a ball park conclusion but the only way to make sure of the actual situation is to have the rig weighed! Until you know for sure what the front and rear axels weigh and how your load is carried side to side all else is a guessing game. There are many threads on this forum having to do with the benefits of and procedures for a weight check.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #8 –
Good to know you have some RV experience!  What vintage LD are you considering?  Be aware that before about 2008 the chassis GVWR rating was only 14,050 lbs as compared to 14,500 for a newer chassis.  I'd strongly suggest that you find a place that can do 4 corner weights.  It is not that hard to be under GVWR but have one wheel position overloaded.  From the factory, LDs are pretty well balanced, but it is a good idea to really know where your weight is and where you might have some reserve.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #9 –
Quote from: aprilssong  - 
I appreciate all of your helpful words!
The thoughts about GVW are very helpful.  It looks like the weight available on the 30IB after all tanks are full is 1800 ibs.  Me and my dogs weigh about 350 total.  The biggist weight I would be adding is solar panels ...about 200lbs including batteries?
Totaling 550 lbs. leaving 1250 lbs.  I think that is doable for me, especially if I am weight conscious.
A little bit about my rv experience.  In the 90's I had a 30' class A Pace Arrow.  From 2012- 2016 I had an awesome little 25' fifth wheel. after that I had a little 18' fun finder with a slide. I traveled all up and down California and into Arizona and New Mexico.  Im a Colorado River Adventure member which has nice little camping resorts throughout California (from Pollock Pines down to the border of Mexico.  It is my desire to expand my travels and move into some boondocking and exploring.

At one time I had a little tent trailer and did some camping in Morro Bay.  That is an awesome campground there!  I would love to make it to the gathering in March!



April, what year is your 30'? I'd like to add it to your forum profile.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
April, what year is your 30'? I'd like to add it to your forum profile.

Chris
Perhaps I misread your first message, thinking you had already bought a 30'. I guess you are still looking.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #11 –
Bear in mind that, as a fulltimer, you will be carrying more than a weekender.  I carry tools, supplies, equipment, books, electronics, and so forth.  My '08 MB has more cargo carrying capacity than your IB, but I am within a few hundred pounds of my CCC.  It is amazing to me how quickly the weight goes up.

Ideally, when you think you are loaded the way you will be traveling, fill all tanks, get to a scale and weigh your rig, getting separate weights for the front and rear axles, to make sure each is within its allowable range.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #12 –
Again thank you all so much!  Chris I have not bought a motorhome yet.  I am so glad I've come here to this forum.  Over all, Im getting the feeling that Lazy Daze is not recommended for full time living.  I would really appreciate opinions on this.   Art thanks for the heads up on the GVWR for LD's before 2008.
April
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #13 –
Ken,  I love my tools.  Ill be letting go of alot.  Part of the reason I am doing this is to travel (through life) more lightly.  However, having the right tools on hand make life so much easier!  So yes,  I need to consider tool weight.
April
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #14 –
Obviously, it's critical that a buyer understand weights and weight terms and their variations, including GCVWR if one plans to tow; there are several websites which explain these acronyms.

In a perfect world, accurate 'dry'/unladen rig weights (and what is included in that base weight calculation, e.g., LPG, fuel, water....) and all other weight calculations and figures and maximums would be clearly stated on the rig's spec sheet. Lazy Daze does a pretty good job of this for a new LD, but if one buys a used LD, these numbers can vary quite a bit. Again, in a perfect world, one should weigh the potential buy before making a deal; JMHO, but I would not buy a used rig, LD or other, without getting at least the weights of the front and rear axles with a full fuel tank, full LPG, and about a half tank or so of water.

Weighing the 'sitting' rig at each corner, i.e., a 'four corner' weight (to determine if one or more 'corners' is over or substantially different from others), is definitely preferable to any other weighing protocol, but this may be difficult to accomplish. Four corner weighing services are few and far between; a few RV repair shops, e.g., Henderson's, may offer the service, and some events sponsored by Escapees, FMCA, RVSEF usually offer four-corner weighings, and there may be a private weighing service (if one can get the rig to the 'weigher'!) that can be done. (Oregon has quite a few roadside weigh pads with 'always on' scales; even if one can't wiggle the rig around to get a weight on each corner, at least one can usually get front and rear axle weights; a lot better than guessing.)

However, this is not a perfect world; I don't know of any dealers which offer a four corner weighing, and, and on the basis of simple practicality, I see few (or no) private sellers being able (or willing) to offer a prospective buyer four corner weighing, even if that service may be conveniently located - which it likely is not. So, a buyer of any model and year of used LD, but particularly the 27' and the 30'/31', is limited to what the spec sheet indicates for that model and year, maybe weight figures done by the seller, and/or maybe the opportunity - if the seller is agreeable and there is a weigh scale location of some sort close by - the get front and rear axles weights. Otherwise, buying a used rig with the assumption that  the rig will not be over the GVWR when loaded with passengers, supplies, equipment, add-ons, animals, and whatnot is an after sale 'load it up, cross your fingers and hope for the best' deal. What does one do after one buys a rig, loads it for fulltiming, and discovers post-purchase that the rig is very close to, at, or over the GVWR? Not a scenario that I'd want to experience, but, as always, YMMV.


2003 TK has a new home
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #15 –
"I'm getting the feeling that Lazy Daze is not recommended for full time living."
----
I think that what's 'recommended' is what works for each person; people fulltime in many different kinds of rigs; vans, tiny trailers, truck campers to 45' Prevost beasts and everything in between. There are several fulltimers and 'longtimers' on this board in LDs of different ages, models, and all three sizes! 

I have a TK; it has worked very well for the the way I travel, i.e., solo, and with one medium-sized dog. If I were fulltiming, I'd keep the dog and still travel solo, but would have a mid-bath.  ;)

If you haven't actually seen and explored a few Lazy Daze rigs of different years and models, it can be difficult to make a decision on what might work best for one's anticipated life and travel style; gathering information for model choice from a one-dimensional floor plan, or a description, or even photos, can provide a less-than-complete picture of the actual living set-up. It's not uncommon for people who were set on one model to change their minds about which model might work best after seeing and 'pretend-living' in their first choice. The opportunity to see several different models and years is a big plus of any of the regional gatherings; if a factory visit is not feasible (I think there are 2 models on the floor now, a TK and a mid-bath; a recent visitor to the factory [or a phone call to the factory] could verify this.), someone interested in getting a Lazy Daze might want to make an effort to get to one of these outings.



2003 TK has a new home
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
(I think there are 2 models on the floor now, a TK and a mid-bath; a recent visitor to the factory [or a phone call to the factory] could verify this.)


That's what they had on the floor when we visited at the beginning of August.
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #17 –
Aprilssong-WELCOME
It sounds like you have lots of experience, way more than me. I would like to toss out my most thankful reason for finding my Daze...the way it handles on the road. It sounds like you will be on the move and I don't believe that there is a safer or more trustworthy rig. You will be able to hold your own on freeways, navigate twisty roads and perhaps the most important travel up and down steep grades.
Also there are those famous windows:) very nice to have when the outside is frightful.
Another plus is the quality of build, but you are already aware of that issue. Whatever you decide you will be welcome here.
2005 RK
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #18 –
"...before about 2008 the chassis GVWR rating was only 14,050 lbs as compared to 14,500 for a newer chassis."

As Art so artfully pointed out, the GVWR ratings do vary over time.

In my case, with the 2004 30'IB, my GVWR is 14,050lbs. Shortly after delivery in October of that year I took the rig to Henderson's Line-Up in Grants Pass, OR for a weight check and alignment. Those numbers have since been disposed of but most recently (2016) I had Henderson's redo the weight.

Here are the results:

Total Front = 4500, with left side at 2400 and right side at 2100.
Total Rear = 9500, with left side at 4700 and right side at 4800.
Left Side = 7100 and Right Side = 6900 for a total weight of 14,000lbs.

As you can see I am close to GVWR but still have a fifty pound cushion. No substantial changes have been made in the cargo I carry and so I have not had the rig weighed again since then. The above measurements were made with full fuel and LP tanks, ½ fresh water and empty black and grey tanks. 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #19 –
I've been a full timer since my 2003 Rear Bath rolled off the factory floor.  I am also a solo traveler so that 27' is *all mine*!!  If I had to do it all over, the only change I'd make is to order a Rear Bath with two couches so my son wouldn't have to sleep on the floor!  (Since I live in my LD year-round, instead of an upper bunk, I ordered the model with an "Entertainment Center" because of  the mega storage available in the nose cone.)

Although never quite running beyond its capabilities (14500 pounds), I imagine a full-timing couple might use more than a solo traveler...but maybe that couple doesn't collect rocks!

Lorna - 174K+ miles later
2003 RB
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #20 –
Although never quite running beyond its capabilities (14500 pounds)....
----
Your 2003 has a GVWR of 14050 pounds, not 14500; dump the rocks, girl!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Joan  - 


However, this is not a perfect world; I don't know of any dealers which offer a four corner weighing

NIRVC, at least their Lewisville, TX location, offers four corner weighing.  I'm guessing their other locations do as well.
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Lorna Dunham  - 
Although never quite running beyond its capabilities (14500 pounds), I imagine a full-timing couple might use more than a solo traveler.
The second traveler will be adding a good 100-250 lbs to the rig unless driving the towd  ;)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #23 –
I have been living in my LD full-time since January 2021 and it's been great.  When reality provides some experiences I'll  get back to you. 

Actually, I'm looking forward to it.  I can really see me full time living/travelling in my LD. 

Bob
2006 RK
Re: Will be going full time in a Lazy Daze.
Reply #24 –
Quote from: rprice  - 
I have been living in my LD full-time since January 2021 and it's been great. 

I wish our LD had the time travel option.
It opens up a lot of money making opportunities .

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