Our First LD - 31' Island Bed

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September 08, 2020, 12:10:17 am

We are 95% there, selling our current C class for a LD 31 IB. We live close to the LD factory and we've seen LD in person, waiting for a 31 IB to take a closer look; we want this to be our last motor home, this changing after just 3.5 years is way to costly. I've been doing a lot of reading on the forum and I've compiled a few questions I'm hoping to get some input on. I know no motor home is perfect, but I just want to make sure I fully understand all aspects of the LD 31 IB.

>> I read something on the mid-bath toilet / black tank. The run from the toilet to the black tank is long and there is a shelf in tank, so solids don't drop straight into the tank. If this is correct, it sounds like a source of clogging which not be fun to resolve.

>> I've read that some have chosen to not use the LD provided awning and add something different after taking delivery. Is the LD supplied awning a good one? Do they use a long awning on the 31 vs the shorter models? No mention of the length in the specs.

>> I've read that some people have added a flush device to the tank so a hose can be connected to clean out the tanks. Is there room on the 31 IB to add one of these to each tank.

>> Has anyone ever eliminated the barrel chairs and added there own chairs. I figure this would be very difficult to do once I take delivery. I assume they put the chairs in early in construction to get them inside; maybe through the window opening.

I appreciate any and all input.

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #1 – September 08, 2020, 12:30:03 am

Quote from: dshaffer - September 08, 2020, 12:10:17 am

We are 95% there, selling our current C class for a LD 31 IB. We live close to the LD factory and we've seen LD in person, waiting for a 31 IB to take a closer look; we want this to be our last motor home, this changing after just 3.5 years is way to costly. I've been doing a lot of reading on the forum and I've compiled a few questions I'm hoping to get some input on. I know no motor home is perfect, but I just want to make sure I fully understand all aspects of the LD 31 IB.

>> I read something on the mid-bath toilet / black tank. The run from the toilet to the black tank is long and there is a shelf in tank, so solids don't drop straight into the tank. If this is correct, it sounds like a source of clogging which not be fun to resolve. I have the 30' but based on being on the forum for many years, I've heard very few stories about Mid Bath toilet clogging. Most folks are aware of the potential problem and prepare accordingly when flushing.

>> I've read that some have chosen to not use the LD provided awning and add something different after taking delivery. Is the LD supplied awning a good one? Do they use a long awning on the 31 vs the shorter models? No mention of the length in the specs. All RV awnings are inherently susceptible to wind damage because they are a sail. Personally, I think the Fiamma is more inclined to wind damage than other brands, but I can't prove it. The 31' gets a longer awning.

>> I've read that some people have added a flush device to the tank so a hose can be connected to clean out the tanks. Is there room on the 31 IB to add one of these to each tank. Yes.

>> Has anyone ever eliminated the barrel chairs and added there own chairs. I figure this would be very difficult to do once I take delivery. I assume they put the chairs in early in construction to get them inside; maybe through the window opening. Yes, folks do swap out the barrel chairs. Not sure how they get in, but you can get them out. It's hard to find a comfortable chair to fit in that space, but they are out there. Most folks live with the barrel chairs.

I appreciate any and all input.

Chris

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #2 – September 08, 2020, 02:12:00 am

Quote from: dshaffer - September 08, 2020, 12:10:17 am

>> I read something on the mid-bath toilet / black tank. The run from the toilet to the black tank is long and there is a shelf in tank, so solids don't drop straight into the tank. If this is correct, it sounds like a source of clogging which not be fun to resolve.

>> I've read that some have chosen to not use the LD provided awning and add something different after taking delivery. Is the LD supplied awning a good one? Do they use a long awning on the 31 vs the shorter models? No mention of the length in the specs.

>> I've read that some people have added a flush device to the tank so a hose can be connected to clean out the tanks. Is there room on the 31 IB to add one of these to each tank.

>> Has anyone ever eliminated the barrel chairs and added there own chairs. I figure this would be very difficult to do once I take delivery. I assume they put the chairs in early in construction to get them inside; maybe through the window opening.

Our stock awning is 18 years old, and we use it often. If you take care and never leave it up when you are gone from camp, it can survive for a long time. There are stronger awnings but most have arms permanently attached to the passenger side of the coach, something to catch on tree limbs and bushes.
LD installs longer awnings on the longer floorplans.

AFAIK, all the holding tanks have spots where flushers can be mounted. They may not always be in the optimum position, it's still worth doing.

Many 31' owners have replaced their barrel chairs, search the archives. The chairs usually disassemble and can pass either through the coach door or through a window, with the screen opened. Our 23.5' FL barrel chairs come apart and pass through the coach door.

Larry

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #3 – September 08, 2020, 03:52:44 am

Hi uh...d?; The MidBath toilet run to the black tank was problematic because of the wheel well for the rear axel. The toilet is raised, but the pipe has a 90 degree fitting, and not much of an incline. Using more water at the right times can flush cleanly into the tank. The problem is only in the MidBath. As far as I know, all models can be fitted with a flush fitting, although some floorplans may not have access at the best places for the fitting. I don't need a flush nozzle for the TK, don'tneed it.
I don't use my awning all that often, but I've only had two problems in 20 years. I've hit a sign in front of my house because it sticks out into the street. High enough to miss cars, but while I'm watching my tires and the curb backing up I forget about the sign. (going to take a sawzall to it some night). Just scratches the paint. I did mess up the anchor for the center rafter, fixed it, but the 23.5 is so short I don't use the rafter, and it stays home in the garage. RonB

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #4 – September 08, 2020, 08:04:38 am

I read something on the mid-bath toilet / black tank. The run from the toilet to the black tank is long and there is a shelf in tank, so solids don't drop straight into the tank. If this is correct, it sounds like a source of clogging which not be fun to resolve.

With the 27' Rear Bath the toilet is directly over the black tank with no obstruction for the solids drop. Also you can see directly into the tank through the toilet's open ball valve to check the water level. The Rear Bath also has just one holding tanks dump hookup whereas the Mid Bath has two (one for each tank). I have no knowledge of the 31' units setup.

I've read that some people have added a flush device to the tank so a hose can be connected to clean out the tanks. Is there room on the 31 IB to add one of these to each tank.

I have added the Camco Quickie Flush 40123 w/back flow preventer (see link) to the black (and current grey) tanks in all the motorhomes I have had over the years. It is a simple device that saves a lot of grief when dumping the holding tanks. I have also found that adding a small packet of Cascade dishwasher soap to the black tank helps keeping the solids buildup on the tank surfaces to a minimum.

<Amazon.com: Camco 40123 Quickie Flush with Back Flow Preventer: Automotive;

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

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #5 – September 08, 2020, 09:24:55 am

Regarding barrel chairs, I have seen a picture of them in high back version. They looked really comfortable. Can’t find the picture though. Maybe someone has one. I would definitely consider them due to the higher back.

Ron

Re: Our First LD - 32 IB

Reply #6 – September 08, 2020, 10:08:21 am

I think Lazy Daze is a wise choice! As far as the barrel chairs go, I wanted to remove one in my little 22’ to put a dog bed there. I wasn’t confident in my ability to remove a window, so I simply turned it upside down and unscrewed the base. Both pieces came out through the door, no problem.