Is 96,000 miles too many? August 12, 2020, 03:05:08 pm Hi folks, I saw this ad below for a 2005 LD mid-bath with 96k on it and am curious whether folks think that is quite high for an LD. I fully realize that it's down to how the owner maintained it, and we would definitely have an inspection done, but I'm wondering if in general at 100k LDs tend to go downhill significantly or not. My family and I plan to full-time RV for a year at least. We love LDs and particularly want the MB floorplan. Thanks a lot!Sasha https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2005-Lazy-Daze-26-MID-BATH-5013443401 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #1 – August 12, 2020, 04:54:54 pm The V10 is a well known engine that has been manufactured for a long time. Many of them live long lives when properly cared for. Of course, the engine isn't the only thing that wears as the miles add up. You might find this interesting:Mileage of Ford's V-10There are a number of similar threads in the archives. I have just over 80K miles and I know I have some maintenance items to deal with at some point on the road to 100K. I expect that I can invest the time and money and keep my coach running for many years to come. The used value of the RV means that you don't run into a common situation with cars of that age where the repair costs more than the value of the vehicle.Rich 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #2 – August 12, 2020, 05:13:16 pm Thanks a lot, Rich. The engine thread is helpful (and encouraging). I kind of like the fact that this RV has higher mileage, meaning it hasn't been sitting around. I bought a low mileage classic Corvette once that gave me tons of headaches, and the mechanics told me that was partly due to it sitting around too much. 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #3 – August 12, 2020, 05:52:30 pm In commercial use, such as airport transit buses, 200,000 miles from the V10 is common. A Ford Certified replacement runs about $8000.A lot depends on how well the engine has been maintained.Transmissions can wear much faster, especially if used for towing a car. Many are replaced at around 100,000 miles, although some go much longer. Replacements go from around $4000 to $6000, depending on the quality of the rebuild.Full transmission fluid flushes, synthetic fluid, and installing the largest transmission cooler possible are good ways to extend transmission life.By 100,000 miles, many LDs need front end work including ball joints, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, tie rod ends and swaybar bushings.The parking brake is mounted on the transmission, have the mechanic check the fluid level and general condition of its bearings, it if runs out of oil, it can be an extremely expensive repair if it destroys the transmission at the same timeThe driveshaft's u-joints and carrier bearings need to be checked, many need replacement before 100.000 miles.Rear axles gears and bearing occasionally wear or break.Brake are expensive to work on, costing double or more compared to cars, have them checked them out.It's worth paying for a through mechanical inspection along with having an RV tech check the coach for problems.It's also smart to have an emergency fund sufficient to cover any major on-the-road emergency.Also have a well-funded fund for renovations and repairs that will be needed after purchase. Think batteries, tires, maintenance, etc..Repeat after me, "RVing isn't a cheap lifestyle".Larry 3 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #4 – August 12, 2020, 06:23:09 pm “Repeat after me, "RVing isn't a cheap lifestyle".Say it over and over before you take the plunge. I knew it intellectually before I bought my LD but I have to admit I still wasn’t ready for the reality. RVs are money pits pure and simple. You have to weigh and balance what you get out of them against what you put into them and of course have sufficient funds available in the first place. 5 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #5 – August 12, 2020, 07:05:22 pm more free advice.... have a significant amount of cash in reserve for repairs. If you are lucky, you won't have to spend too much of it before you turn it over to someone else. Also, if you have the means buy something newer. Frank
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #6 – August 12, 2020, 09:12:36 pm Thank you all so much!! Very helpful. Indeed not cheap but better than the 100k for a new one... My bigger q is if someone can do the repairs in the DC area where I live (where there are no LDs). But I’m guessing (Hoping) the answer is yes, given the prevalence of that engine not only in RVs but other vehicles.
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #7 – August 12, 2020, 11:38:22 pm Our Lazy Daze has about 130,000 miles. We maintain it properly and fix whatever needs fixing. Most work has been the routine stuff you'd expect. Only major item was a transmission rebuild at 100K (we always tow a 4000 lb Jeep Wrangler). I think it could easily go twice as far as it has without unusual problems.Anything mechanical can usually be fixed at reasonable cost, including mechanical items in the coach. What I would want to avoid is problems with the structure of the coach, particularly any water intrusion. There are coaches that have been stored in a garage or similar, as ours has. Other things being equal I think those are your best bet if you can find one. And of course it would be best if you could store the one you buy that way. Protection from sun and precipitation are the keys to a long life for any vehicle. 2 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #8 – August 13, 2020, 01:20:50 am Quote from: survivor92 - August 12, 2020, 09:12:36 pmThank you all so much!! Very helpful. Indeed not cheap but better than the 100k for a new one... My bigger q is if someone can do the repairs in the DC area where I live (where there are no LDs). But I’m guessing (Hoping) the answer is yes, given the prevalence of that engine not only in RVs but other vehicles. Call Restless Wheels and manassas and see of they repair themHave you seen this rig in person? 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #9 – August 13, 2020, 01:29:47 am Our 2004 30IB has 103K miles and is still running strong. Routine maintenance is key. +1 to the sentiment of repairing the engine and transmission versus $100K+ and possibly a ~2yr wait for a new one.-Joel
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #10 – August 13, 2020, 12:09:48 pm The 2005 with 96k may be a good buy if, as others have said, consistent, timely, and appropriate maintenance has been done from the get go. A thorough inspection of the chassis, systems, "box", and appliances is the minimum, and, if possible, the seller should provide service records. My 2003 has 118k and is in very good shape; I expect it to last a lot longer than I will. However, it's in good shape because it has been diligently maintained; any repairs and/or replacements were usually done before the indicated time or mileage, and several maintenance services that are not included in Ford's schedule were/are also done as the miles accumulate(d).I'd probably hyperventilate if I calculated the maintenance, repair, and replacements $ tab over the past 17 years. RVing can be a wonderful lifestyle, but, as been reiterated many times from quite a few people on this (and other) forum(s), it is not an inexpensive one. I think that many potential buyers do "listen" to the caveats and advice offered by owners, but perhaps minimize the value of the counsel because they have done little or no research and have no real experience or frame of reference to judge the accuracy or applicability to them of the cautions. If a "seeker" says to me, "I've always wanted an RV; what kind of mileage do you get on that?", I am pretty sure that this person will be in for quite a few reality checks if he or she actually buys an RV. YMMV, as always. 5 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #11 – August 13, 2020, 01:05:22 pm Quote from: Terry Burnes - August 12, 2020, 11:38:22 pmOur Lazy Daze has about 130,000 miles. We maintain it properly and fix whatever needs fixing. Most work has been the routine stuff you'd expect. Only major item was a transmission rebuild at 100K (we always tow a 4000 lb Jeep Wrangler). I think it could easily go twice as far as it has without unusual problems.Anything mechanical can usually be fixed at reasonable cost, including mechanical items in the coach. What I would want to avoid is problems with the structure of the coach, particularly any water intrusion. There are coaches that have been stored in a garage or similar, as ours has. Other things being equal I think those are your best bet if you can find one. And of course it would be best if you could store the one you buy that way. Protection from sun and precipitation are the keys to a long life for any vehicle.Did you beef up the tow hitch?@ 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #12 – August 13, 2020, 02:02:42 pm Our 2003 Mid Bath has 130,000 miles and is going strong. Have it maintained by a certified garage. Burns no oil between changes. Personally, I don't think it gets broken in well.Towing does strain the transmission. Engine probably doesn't even feel it.Check if they towed and what. 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #13 – August 13, 2020, 09:39:21 pm Thank you all a million!! Super helpful reality checks. Going to look at it this weekend. Fingers crossed!!! My family and I are really stoked about becoming LD owners and getting on the road. Sasha
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #14 – August 14, 2020, 12:11:33 am We did not beef up our receiver hitch to tow our Jeep. LD made some improvements to the receiver hitch not too long before our LD was built. We've had no problems with it. 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #15 – August 19, 2020, 07:16:42 pm All - thank you a million for your replies to my questions. We’re now the proud owners of an 05 MB LD!! Had it all inspected and drove it back home yesterday. A life dream coming together... We live near DC, for now. I hope to meet many of you in person at some point. Cheers! Sasha 6 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #16 – August 19, 2020, 08:54:07 pm I also live near the DC. If you are in Virginia be sure to register the LD as a motor home. Then if you store it in Louden County you get around the personal prosperity tax. That county considers motor homes as real prosperity but the value is below the taxable amount. Needles to say there are a lot of boats and RV stored there. The kicker is if you register it as a truck or van you can’t change the title with out real difficulty, and you get hit with the personal prosperity tax. Also check out the North East Lazy Daze. They have fun trips. The last two have been on hold due to the COVID but that will change some day. John 1 Likes
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #17 – August 19, 2020, 09:45:55 pm Great tips, John, thanks! I hope the rallies can happen again soon.
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #18 – August 20, 2020, 03:17:00 am Quote from: John DaCrema - August 19, 2020, 08:54:07 pmI also live near the DC. If you are in Virginia be sure to register the LD as a motor home. Then if you store it in Louden County you get around the personal prosperity tax. That county considers motor homes as real prosperity but the value is below the taxable amount. Needles to say there are a lot of boats and RV stored there. The kicker is if you register it as a truck or van you can’t change the title with out real difficulty, and you get hit with the personal prosperity tax. Also check out the North East Lazy Daze. They have fun trips. The last two have been on hold due to the COVID but that will change some day. JohnRegister at dmv or county? I am in fairfax
Re: Is 96,000 miles too many? Reply #19 – August 20, 2020, 11:38:41 am Quote from: NovaGuy - August 20, 2020, 03:17:00 amRegister at dmv or county? I am in fairfaxDMV to register. I live in Fairfax but store the RV at Holly Acres, 13270 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge VA 22192. So the way it works in VA is when you register a vehicle with the State DMV you tell them where it will be garaged or stored. This is easy to change by the way, unlike the type of vehicle that is on the registration. Holly Acres does some rv work. They resealed my roof vents and everywhere I didn’t tape. They replaced the escape hatch that I got from the mother ship. They did the first winterizing (I arrived in Feb and didn’t want to learn as a cold wave was about to hit). Feel free to call me for questions. 703-283 one one seventeen is my cell number. 2 Likes
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