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Mothership sends me feedback survey
I was surprised to get this feedback survey from the mothership given their reputation for not being inclined to modify their build to suit customer request. (We are RV newbies and just bought our 31 IB in December.) 

I wondered if anyone here would have a comment for:
  #8  What specific feature(s) would you like to have had available at time of purchase for your new motorhome?
#15. Please comment on any item you would like to see improved on for future models.

Maybe I can include some good ideas on my response form - an opportunity to give some feedback from the experienced LD community.
2019  31 IB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #1 –
"I was surprised to get this feedback survey..."

Ah ha! Looks like they have resurrected an old policy. This, or one like it, was SOP prior to 2004. Wonder why they dropped it then and brought it back to life now?   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #2 –
Thank you VERY much for providing us with this request.  Steve and family while providing a quality motorhome could have easily done better if the cared to.

Having owned 2 other MHs' prior to our 2007 31 foot, we do have some experience as to what was available.

One of the big annoyances has been no water pump switch in the bath room.  How many times have we all gone in there only to have forgotten to turn the pump.  Our previous MH had such a switch.  Driver's seat does not go back far enough.  Using  standard RV industry key locks on outside compartments,  just about anyone can open these compartments.  A ceiling  vent- 2 way fan over the bed compartment!  Option, carpet or wood floors.  Well,  this is enough for now, if I think of something else,will chime in.

Bob

2007 31 IB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Bob Wilson  - 

One of the big annoyances has been no water pump switch in the bath room.  How many times have we all gone in there only to have forgotten to turn the pump.  Our previous MH had such a switch.

I added such a switch to our '83, which had plumbing fittings prone to developing cracks with resulting leaks. Our '04 has more reliable PEX plumbing, so the pump is on whenever we are on board and not enroute.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #4 –
We actually received the survey with our ‘15 RB. I couldn’t think of anything to add so I kept the survey as a memento.

Now I wish we could have been able to open the fridge door while the closet door closed off the bathroom area. Ya never know when you’ll need a cold drink while taking that 6 minute shower. ☔️

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #5 –
#8 - extra electrical plug ins listed as an actual option rather then an apparently unlisted option. 
        -four batteries instead of two when this is practical as a factory install on some models 
        -more solar power as an option
        -an additional battery monitor that gives a percentage read out as an option

#15-a redesign of the end caps to make them less prone to cracking

Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
 
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #6 –
The best suggestion I have is to slightly dome the roof and eliminate Lake Newton.

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
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #7 –
Right on Frank and Larry.

Bob
2007 31 IB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #8 –
Replace the side coach entry door that is prone to warping at the top with one similar to what Phoenix Cruiser now uses that is a more solid design with home-style latches (see photos). In place of the screen door PC uses a roll-away screen curtain. That type of screen may not work with pets though.  I think that the retaining clip at the top of the LD door to hold the door open may play a roll in the warping over time. Possibly a retaining bar at the mid door position would help this warping issue.
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #9 –
Bring back the traditional Lazy Daze striping and what Larry said!  👍👍
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #10 –
We got the survey after picking up our 17 LD.  Our comments were to go to winegard auto satellite system from TracVision, go to a a different local antenna, find a better converter system that the fan does not run all the time, and a stainless steel sink would be nice.  Most of these requests are now in the new LDs.  The fabric we got was flawed, but they replaced most of it.  Perhaps better fabric if this continues to be a problem.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #11 –
1. Add the 'Andy Baird' cabinet. 
2. Air stream covers on all roof vents.
3 (smile) cat door on bathroom door.

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The best suggestion I have is to slightly dome the roof and eliminate Lake Newton.

Larry
That was one of the things I wrote to Steve about back in 2008. They adopted most of the items on my list, though I doubt my letter was the cause of the changes.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #13 –
Quote from: cgoochee  - 
I was surprised to get this feedback survey from the mothership given their reputation for not being inclined to modify their build to suit customer request. (We are RV newbies and just bought our 31 IB in December.) 

I wondered if anyone here would have a comment for:
  #8  What specific feature(s) would you like to have had available at time of purchase for your new motorhome?
#15. Please comment on any item you would like to see improved on for future models.

Maybe I can include some good ideas on my response form - an opportunity to give some feedback from the experienced LD community.
Stay-close drawers.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #14 –
Go big or go home:

Provide the option to build the Lazy Daze on a chassis with a limited slip diff. 

Dream bigger? 4X4 with a bit more ground clearance would be nice.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #15 –

If I were ordering a new Lazy Daze now, there'd be a lot of things I'd want improved: a meaningful battery monitor (Balmar's new SG200 looks like a good solution), optional added solar panels and LiFePO4 batteries, and more.

But the first priority by a long shot should be minimizing leaks. The end caps need to be rethought--preferably made from aluminum, so their expansion rate is the same as the body's. And for heaven's sake, drain Lake Newton!

When you have a wooden frame, any water intrusion is potentially disastrous. The roof should have been changed from flat to cambered decades ago. It's inexcusable that water pools up there, especially around the air conditioner. And the solution is not to slather on great globs of sealant that will need to be replaced in a few years, as the factory does now. It's to reengineer the roof and end caps so that water doesn't sit up there.

This needs to be at the top of LD's list.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #16 –
When the right end cap on our rig was replaced a year or so ago, I asked Vince why they were not made of aluminum.

“Cost to the consumer”, was his response.
Lazy Daze did not want to add the extra cost to price of a LD figuring it would deter buyers. I kind of doubt that would have done much to sway me from buying our rig.

The ABS end caps is probably one of  LD’s weakest links.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Provide the option to build the Lazy Daze on a chassis with a limited slip diff. 

Dream bigger? 4X4 with a bit more ground clearance would be nice.

Why mess with a limited slip axle when you can have a locker.
DANA 70HD/80 ARB RD172 - 35 SPLINE 4 SERIES
Installing it is a bit of work, I thought about it when rebuilding the rear differential.
Axle rebuild-D70 HD | Flickr
If a limited slip is still wanted, the best is the Eaton Truetrac, it has no clutches to wear out. I have run them in several vehicles without any issues.
TT504038

If Ford designed a low profile 4X4 option for the E450, and increase the GVW to handle the added weight, I would want one,
The existing 4X4 aftermarket conversions are heavy and sit too high for RV use, IMO.
It has amazed me how the rig has pulled the Jeep through sand and snow without complaints. With the majority of the weight on the rear duals, it has a lot of traction, I have never experienced wheel spin, even in the snow.

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
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #18 –
"Why mess with a limited slip axle when you can have a locker."

I had a Detroit Locker on my '77 IH Scout. I played 'gopher' for the guy who did the install. That way I got an up close and personal view, wasn't all that hard to do even on his front gravel driveway and no lift.   :o    ;)

That Scout would nearly climb trees!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #19 –
My right end cap cracked immediately after purchasing my '16 MB.   Warranty would have applied except that I live in Idaho and don't get to southern California often.   I've assumed this has to be a factory fix.   I don't understand how the consumer is saving money with this weak link.  Maybe make the aluminum one an option!

I suggest sending some of these suggestions to Vince since he appears to have at least some interest in what we think.   Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #20 –
Larry,
Interesting suggestions and considerations for when the standard pieces wear out..

Too bad Lazy Daze wasn't able (or willing) to obtain the optional Ford 4:56 limited slip rear axle which is offered as an option on the cutaway chassis.  Here is the factory option for our 2014:

http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2014/2014_E350_E450_COMMERCIAL_CUTAWAY_CHASSIS.pdf
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #22 –

"My right end cap cracked immediately after purchasing my '16 MB.   Warranty would have applied except that I live in Idaho and don't get to southern California often.   I've assumed this has to be a factory fix.   I don't understand how the consumer is saving money with this weak link.  Maybe make the aluminum one an option!"


Hey Kool83704
We were told when we picked up our rig in December 2019 that if we found any problems that would be covered under the warranty that we should document them. Then we could contact the  factory and let them know about it and they would correct it next time we were in Montclair - even if it was a year or so later.  We live in the Philadelphia area (and retire in June) so  it would probably be a year before we got back to the West coast.  This information is also provided in the owner's manual under "Repairs & Limited Warranties". Maybe that was not the policy when you purchased your rig.
2019  31 IB
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 

But the first priority by a long shot should be minimizing leaks. The end caps need to be rethought--preferably made from aluminum, so their expansion rate is the same as the body's. And for heaven's sake, drain Lake Newton!.

I agree a better way of attaching caps is needed but it does seem that later models LDs do not have as big a problem with lifting and cracking. It may be matter of time.
What I would like to see is a better, permanent way of sealing the drain channel behind the end caps, so if the caps leak, the wood framing stays dry. LD attempts to do this by coating the wood with sealant but the sealant can and does fail.

LDs already have aluminum caps along the roof's front to back edges and I have never seen a roof cap crack or break loose.
There is a good chance LD has already tried using aluminum end caps and found they did not work or work any better.
Caps break from expansion, being forced to fit and flexing.
Flex is especially a problem in the rear end caps and one thing aluminum hates is flexing.  Flex aluminum and it will eventually, it does not have steel's ability to flex without damage, within a certain range of movement. Plastics are much more tolerant to flexing.

A bare plastic end cap is very flexible, allowing it to fit even when corners or an edge do line up perfectly. Each LD is handmade and slight variations in wall dimensions show up. Sometimes things fit together great, other times things are off a little and the discrepancy is adjusted by flexing and twisting the caps. Some rigs collect cap cracks, others never have an issue.
Our 2003 LD's end caps are still crack free, I have friends who LD's end caps cracked within a year or two of being new.
Holding higher tolerances during construction would be one way of reducing some of the problems .

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
Re: Mothership sends me feedback survey
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Bob Wilson  - 
Thank you VERY much for providing us with this request.  Steve and family while providing a quality motorhome could have easily done better if the cared to.

Having owned 2 other MHs' prior to our 2007 31 foot, we do have some experience as to what was available.

One of the big annoyances has been no water pump switch in the bath room.  How many times have we all gone in there only to have forgotten to turn the pump.  Our previous MH had such a switch.  Driver's seat does not go back far enough.  Using  standard RV industry key locks on outside compartments,  just about anyone can open these compartments.  A ceiling  vent- 2 way fan over the bed compartment!  Option, carpet or wood floors.  Well,  this is enough for now, if I think of something else,will chime in.

Bob


Hey Bob Wilson - I agree with your "water pump switch in the bathroom" - many times I found myself in the bathroom without remembering to turn on the switch. I also was not thrilled to hear that all the outside compartments could be opened with a standard key that anyone could get their hands on. We have some expensive items in those compartments - Viair compressor,  surge protector, tools, etc.  But I am happy to report that there is a 2-way fan over the bed (31IB), and the floors are a nice "wood look" linoleum  everywhere except the truck cab. So I am happy about that - much easier to keep clean.
2019  31 IB