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Topic: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze (Read 2103 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #50 –
(Mike, let us know what you end up doing, the Factory TPMS sensors changes everything and the conventional extended stems are not going to work. I would hate having to return to using the old-school flexible hoses.)

Larry,
I agree about those hoses. I had the crimp-on end fall off one that was almost new. Had others leak at the crimps, so they all went into the trash.
I will advise about the new Ford wheels after I return home later October and can get a friend  at a tire shop to check out the wheels.
For what it's worth, I have had a couple of times no amount of wheel balancing could eliminate the front vibration after getting new tires. I learned that not all tires are perfectly round when installed on the steel wheels and the only solution was to have the tread shaved to true round. Problem solved!! It is sometimes hard to find a competent tire shop that have the equipment and skills to do this as I found only one in mid-Florida that had the service. Very little tread depth is lost and it will make no difference on length of service the tires will give.
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: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #51 –

I think we do need an adaptor for air pressure winterizing. Is this one the correct part Amazon.com: Vibrant Yard Company Winterize RV, Motorhome, Boat, Camper, and... I also saw another version of this part with female water connection as well.

Thanks

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #52 –
Hi,

I have done the research on toad requirements but not sure where I can go for the setup.

I had to buy a new car anyway and I usually buy when new year models start showing up (of course to get biggest rebate for leftovers and recent stock rally does not hurt either). I looked at all the flat towable cars in the list which are less then 4000 lbs. and are either four wheel drive or all wheel drive (if nothing else, this will give me additional ground clearance). Seems like only choice is Equinox, which I bought yesterday.

Now the question, if I decide to drive to CA (from NJ) in this car to pickup LD, is there any place between NJ to CA where I can go to make new car tow ready? I have read tow discussion here and am aware of the options, I will not mind spending some extra money to get as easy towing (and breaking) setup as possible. Do tow equipment vendors have garages where they put the baseplate and breaks and do required electric work (just like hydraulic levelers vendors) ?

Is my assumption that setup is needed on the car and not on the motorhome is correct?

Thanks in advance.
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #53 –
Unless things have changed, Ford does not recommend towing for the first 1500 miles.

You only need the tow bar and electrical cord from LD to toad.  The toad will need a baseplate, breakaway and lights to chord installed.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #54 –
Quote from: Muhammad  - 
Hi,

I have done the research on toad requirements but not sure where I can go for the setup.

I had to buy a new car anyway and I usually buy when new year models start showing up (of course to get biggest rebate for leftovers and recent stock rally does not hurt either). I looked at all the flat towable cars in the list which are less then 4000 lbs. and are either four wheel drive or all wheel drive (if nothing else, this will give me additional ground clearance). Seems like only choice is Equinox, which I bought yesterday.

Now the question, if I decide to drive to CA (from NJ) in this car to pickup LD, is there any place between NJ to CA where I can go to make new car tow ready? I have read tow discussion here and am aware of the options, I will not mind spending some extra money to get as easy towing (and breaking) setup as possible. Do tow equipment vendors have garages where they put the baseplate and breaks and do required electric work (just like hydraulic levelers vendors) ?

Is my assumption that setup is needed on the car and not on the motorhome is correct?

Thanks in advance.
Search for hitch installers which usually have their own garages. Why not get that chore done before you leave NJ? Yes, tow device goes on the car. Make sure the tow cable plug is compatible with whatever LD is using now. 6 pin? 

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #55 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Make sure the tow cable plug is compatible with whatever LD is using now. 6 pin?

Chris
Thanks Chris. My first choice toad was Wrangler and I was not successful finding a hitch expert in my area, perhaps I did not look harder. I think LD has six pin interface  but I will read this section of the manual again.

I got a call from my coach and perhaps I do need to think my strategy to accommodate LD beak in period of 1500 miles.

I thought LD will have a transmitter to send breaking signal to a receiver in the toad but then I have not seen this system yet. Thanks for confirming that LD does not have any installation piece.

Regards,
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #56 –
Quote from: Muhammad  - 
Thanks Chris. My first choice toad was Wrangler and I was not successful finding a hitch expert in my area, perhaps I did not look harder. I think LD has six pin interface  but I will read this section of the manual again.

I got a call from my coach and perhaps I do need to think my strategy to accommodate LD beak in period of 1500 miles.

I thought LD will have a transmitter to send breaking signal to a receiver in the toad but then I have not seen this system yet. Thanks for confirming that LD does not have any installation piece.

Regards,
What do you mean "I got a call from my coach..."?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #58 –
Hi,

Still working on post couple of days ago on towing setup.

Roadmaster do have 1) Nighthawk tow bar 2) Direct connect base plate 3) InvisiBrake and all of these components seems to be at least as good as other components from competitors lite Blue Ox and Demco. I do not see any reason to mix and match vendors.

Another vendor NSA also have integrated system with tow bar and breaking system called Ready Brute Elite 2 but in this case I might have to go with Blue Ox base plate.

Sometime having option does no help especially when you do not have enough knowledge to make the right decision. NSA solution has no electronics and look pretty simple to me. I saw RVgeeks video on Roadmaster system and that system seems pretty straight forward to operate as well. At least I narrowed to two options and depending on who I get for installation will dictate the final solution (I am kidding myself, I think Roadmaster is supperior solution and I will go with it unless I hear otherwise).

Cheers
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #59 –
Muhammad

You may want to consider the "Stay-in-Play Duo" system for your auxiliary braking system. Many of us have it. Once it is installed there is little else that's needed, it's fixed in place... no replacement or removal necessary each time you tow. I have had it on two different tow vehicles over a several year time span and have never had a problem with it!

Stay-IN-Play DUO | Demco Products
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #61 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Muhammad

You may want to consider the "Stay-in-Play Duo" system for your auxiliary braking system. Many of us have it. Once it is installed there is little else that's needed, it's fixed in place... no replacement or removal necessary each time you tow. I have had it on two different tow vehicles over a several year time span and have never had a problem with it!

Stay-IN-Play DUO | Demco Products

I am a newbie to towing products also. So other braking products require installation and removal every time you tow?  Sounds like a hassle! Does the towbar brand matter with this product?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #62 –
If you don't have the knowledge to select towing equipment, maybe spend some time on The Companion and see how others tackled it. It sounds like a DIY install is beyond your experience, so getting a good installer is critical.

I am biased for the Stay-in-Play. I would ask Demco for an installer in your area and let him handle all of it for you. FYI, you are looking at $4,000+ for parts and labor.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #63 –
RoadMaster's Invisibrake seems to be a 'clone' of the Sta-N-Play Duo from Demco. I wonder if the copyright expired?
   A link:  https://www.roadmasterinc.com/products/braking/invisibrake/index.html
The removable Brake Buddy type has the advantage of being removable to use on your next 'towed', or if you have two 'towed' cars you can put it where you need it. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #64 –
Don,
Reason for trying to stick with one vendor is to seek vendor's help to get the installation done by right folks. Video I mention from RVgeeks, they went to Roadmaster's headquarter and got everything installed there and I am hoping to achieve the same. As for 4+K price tag, I will be happy if total cost stays there, prices of components are well advertised I am worried about labor cost and I also read about horror stories of wrong installations (of course folks who are happy will not document).

All,
On paper Ready Bruit look very simple and not only components are cheaper I think installation cost will be significantly low. Question is, how good is this system compared to permanently installed electronic break control? There was some discussion about this system here couple of weeks ago but then it moved to SMI break system. Anybody with first hand experience?

Don,
According to my research, both SMI and InvisiBrake work same way but InvisiBrake is more time consuming installation. How, I have no idea ...

Regards,
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #65 –
A humble suggestion:

You don't need to have every single detail figured out before your rig is delivered.  In might be better not to try.

You will learn SO MUCH from your first few trips.  You will meet people and see different toad systems and some people will be glad to show you all of the parts and pieces while explaining in person what they like and where they had it installed.

I understand the drive to get everything just right, but we've watched so many new rvers jump in with two feet only to realize 6 months later that something completely different is a better fit for their travel style.

Just a suggestion.  Get some travel under your belt before making any big commitments.

Rich
 
2003 MB
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #66 –
Rich,
You are a wise person. Thanks.

I will continue with full speed 1) I do not have enough time :-( Had stroke few months ago, had four bypass surgeries last year, have 12 back surgeries since 2008, have blood cancer,  etc. etc. etc. I should have gone long time ago, this is bonus 2) my plan is to sell LD in five years after going through all the NPs and Alaska and buy an expedition vehicle and ship it across the pond, but I will be totally fine if LD is on sale in 6 months (mostly by my wife) or we keep it for 10+ years, but I like to keep a flexible plan for ten years 3) as for this type of travels, Google time line shows that we are in 80+ countries in last four years and we survived most of these travels with only what we can carry (LD is a big upgrade). We were supposed to be on silk route right now from Istanbul to Bangkok, oh well  ... 4) and as for resources, we are blessed, with recent market vitality , all this expense is just the delta on daily portfolio value. I am still struggling building and using spending muscles, bee building savings muscle for too long.

As a wise person recently commented here different stroke for different people. All of us are on this forum because of our love for travel/nature/history in general and LD in specifically but all of us are different and have a different story to tell.

Rich again, I thank you for taking time to advice me and this is the reason I am here. All of you are very generous with your time to share your experiences. I will continue to ask dumb questions but do promise that I will research in advance.

Regards,
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #67 –
FYI, Ron B, The Stay-In-Play can be transferred to another toad. I moved ours from our Liberty to the Rubicon.

I would not be focused on one vendor. Just pick the best or let the installer's knowledge work for you. Toad brakes and tow bars are different animals and do not work together.

I am not a fan of Roadmaster customer service. I tried for some days to get someone to answer the phone there. I went there and was blown off. Products are fine,  but I would not let them do an installation, knowing that might be the last time they would talk to me.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #68 –
"I went there and was blown off."

And I went there for sticky slide bars and had an entirely different experience. An hour in the shop and they came back out virtually new. Five Stars for Roadmaster!   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #69 –
"Toad brakes and tow bars are different animals and do not work together."

Generally true, except for NSA's Ready Brute and Ready Brake products (mentioned earlier in this thread), which are towbars with built-in toad braking. I know of at least one LD owner who bought the ReadyBrute system and was happy with it last time I saw her.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #70 –
putting a closure on this topic from my side ...

I did talk to NSA and 1) All the hardware is packaged and internet pricing is 1800. Only piece missing out of this package is the wire between LD and toad. I think LD has six pins plug and NSA rep constantly saying seven pins. I need to send him the picture for manual to make sure that there are no surprises 2) Installation, he did break the work into four pieces but bottom line, installation is around $800 and I think it include everything. There may be some surprises but I do not expect any thing major.

Base plate on Equinox will be around 16 inch above the ground. I need to call LD to find out hitch height from the ground. In the worst case I will need some type of an adaptor.

NSA person was very apologetic that their factory is pretty expensive as far as installation but he was not willing to give me a break :-)

I did look at few more videos on NSA system and I think I like this simpler design and most probably I will go with it ... oh and one thing more, they will need at least two weeks notice to schedule the installation and all the installation is on the car.

Regards,
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #71 –
Muhammad, did he say where the factory is?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #72 –
I am another Demco Stay-In-Play Duo devotee. 

The product is of proven design and quality.  From my perspective, this translates to higher reliability, a key selection factor when it comes to something as critical as brakes!  When I selected my brake device, I searched the LDOG forum and the Lazy Daze Companion and found that the most frequently mentioned /recommended brake device is the permanently installed variety, eg; Stay-In-Play Duo.  To the question of Demco vs RoadMaster, I spoke with one of the top tow brake installers in Southern California who informed me that he sees far fewer Demco devices in for repair as compared with the RoadMaster Invisibrake.

Based on Don’s and Larry’s advice, I chose to install the Stay-In-Play myself so that I would be able to repair/adjust it when/where needed.  During the install, I came to appreciate Demco’s technical support team, who were responsive, knowledgeable.  To Don’s suggestion to contact the manufacturer for a referral to an installer, I had an issue that I couldn’t solve while traveling.  Demco took my call on a weekend referring me to a couple of excellent Tow & Hitch shops in the vicinity.

My advice is stick with a proven product and trust the advice of the senior members of this forum - in this case, in favor of Demco.
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Picking up and outfitting a new (to you) Lazy Daze
Reply #74 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Muhammad, did he say where the factory is?
About Us And Our Products (and yes it took a minute on google)
445 W. Lincoln Rd. Iola, KS  66749

and if you decide to take this route let me know and i can PM you the contact person info as well. as said here couple of times, though you will find very happy long term users on the internet but comparatively speaking this is not a safe bet unless there is some compelling reason to take the risk. in my mind, installation is a bigger factor and i will look for competent installer hopefully folks who make the system, vendor or technology is secondary in this case, all these systems are out for years and if there is any serious safety risk they will be gone long ago.