Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions December 01, 2020, 07:06:54 pm Hi Folks,I am in the process of ordering my first RV. After much research and rentals of a variety of class C RV's from other manufacturers I am convinced I am purchasing the best rig which holds it value.Question: Are there any options I should include (must have not want to have)? I am ordering it with an extra Solar panel and backup camera.The current lead time is currently 2 years. So I will continue to rent RV's until mine is delivered.Does anyone rent LD's?Thank you for your input.
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #1 – December 02, 2020, 12:30:11 am Quote from: winnie114 - December 01, 2020, 07:06:54 pmHi Folks,I am in the process of ordering my first RV. After much research and rentals of a variety of class C RV's from other manufacturers I am convinced I am purchasing the best rig which holds it value.Question: Are there any options I should include (must have not want to have)? I am ordering it with an extra Solar panel and backup camera.The current lead time is currently 2 years. So I will continue to rent RV's until mine is delivered.Does anyone rent LD's?Thank you for your input.Welcome, Winnie, and good luck on your wait for an LD. Here is a link to an options thread: Choosing Options As for renting LDs, this question has come up before and I don't recall a positive answer. Best bet would be to use various internet search functions.Chris
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #2 – December 02, 2020, 10:46:48 am I'm impressed that anyone would wait two years for an LD. That takes a lot of patience and such a wait for a new one is probably why used ones command such a high price. Good ole supply and demand.I have to wonder if the old adage of losing thousands the minute you drive off the lot is applicable here. Almost seems as if you could order an LD then immediately sell it at a profit to someone who didn't want to wait two years.
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #3 – December 02, 2020, 02:15:52 pm Quote from: Sawyer - December 02, 2020, 10:46:48 amI'm impressed that anyone would wait two years for an LD. That takes a lot of patience and such a wait for a new one is probably why used ones command such a high price. Good ole supply and demand.I have to wonder if the old adage of losing thousands the minute you drive off the lot is applicable here. Almost seems as if you could order an LD then immediately sell it at a profit to someone who didn't want to wait two years.Best to check the actuary tables before you order. <grin>Chris
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #4 – December 02, 2020, 05:07:41 pm Winnie, which model are you considering? If it is a 24' model the Bilstein shocks are not used but they can be considered on the larger units. The backup camera and extra solar panel is a good choice. Some of the options I added for our 27' rear bath are: (1) Remote control heated mirrors. I couldn't do without these as my wife also drives having a different setting for her. The heated glass is great when they are fogged. (2) Battery disconnect switch. This is a good safety feature if there is ever an electrical problem.(3) We like the Sirius radio where we are not always searching for stations while moving about.(4) The Ultraleather seats are comfortable and the ones we had in our previous LD held up well for ten years.(5) I appreciate the electric step because you don't have to take the long step when first opening the door before pulling out the manual one. Doing that in the rain is also no fun. The electric step we had in our previous coach held up well also.(6) I have found the outside shower useful on occasion. Some others don't. Just personal taste. (7) We had the satellite dish before but not this time. We don't miss it at all. " " "( Driver assist package. Again, personal taste rules. I used it on another vehicle and found it to be more than annoying. (9) Entertainment center. We always sleep in the cab over bunk bed which is also a good storage area when not in use. Personal taste again.(10) We like the hardwood dash and the top storage pockets. Looks good also. (11) Unlisted options: 120VAC outlet near the TV for a DVD player. Also a 12VDC switched outlet there too. (12) CB radio. Personal taste. We don't have one.Above are my personal opinions and others also have other views that fit their needs. Good luck in your travels. You won't find a better motorhome than a Lazy Daze! 6 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #5 – December 02, 2020, 06:57:40 pm Quote from: Chris Horst - December 02, 2020, 02:15:52 pmBest to check the actuary tables before you order. <grin>ChrisJust for fun let’s do a real life test with Winnie 14 who says they will rent RVs for the next two years while waiting for their LD. This could end up costing thousands of dollars depending on how often and for how long Winnie goes RVing in the interim.So Winnie my question is if you saw an add for a brand new never driven anywhere except from the factory to the owners driveway LD and it was basically the one you wanted would you pay more to get it immediately instead of waiting two years? If so how much more? I need to know if my quick buck scheme is viable. LOLBy the way to answer your question I’d say outdoor shower. 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #6 – December 02, 2020, 07:30:06 pm Winnie, you might want to look at RV Rentals - Direct from Local Owners | #1 RV Rental Site for rentals from private owners. I doubt that an LD would be available to rent, but you could look. I have a TK; you made a good choice! 😉 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #7 – December 02, 2020, 08:19:07 pm "The current lead time is currently 2 years. So I will continue to rent RV's until mine is delivered."We rented RV's for about five years before jumping into the Lazy Daze world with both feet. During that time, though, we had two different Volkswagen campers, and used them AND rental RV's. We took the opportunity to rent all manner of sizes and brands. These were very enlightening experiences, and proved to be fiscally sound as well.At the time, there always seemed to be a "special" going on at Cruise America, and we were able to rent units for ~$39. a day, something that is probably not possible these days. Although I have seen relocation offers that would be fiscally useful if one isn't picky about venue, but rather just wants to have the experience of RV'ing.A quick peek just nowOne Way Rental, RV Rental Deals - Cruise Americashows a whole passel of opportunities to do this, especially if one lives close enough to the Seattle area to make it work. Depends on how much time you want to spend on your own getting back to the starting point.Looking back on our own experience, I can see that it was an extremely advantageous learning period for us as newbies, but for someone who has already solidified the brand and size, it might not be as useful. Getting a rental unit on the road with your own things in it is more complicated than just hopping into your own unit that is (hopefully) right outside your door.When we were ready in 1991, we bought a six-year old 22' Lazy Daze (Twin King) that we kept and used for ten years. We then spent the next 8+ years in a 40-foot fulltimers' diesel pusher unit before returning to a 26.5-foot Lazy Daze in 2009. We still have this Rear Bath model Lazy Daze.The world is different now than it was 30-35 years ago, so what was a sound plan then may not be workable now, but the pleasure of a Lazy Daze remains the same! ;-> Wishing you the best of all worlds. Virtual hugs, Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West Today: Less Meat, More Protein ************************************ 7 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #8 – December 03, 2020, 12:58:38 pm Quote from: winnie114 - December 01, 2020, 07:06:54 pmQuestion: Are there any options I should include (must have not want to have)? I am ordering it with an extra Solar panel and backup camera.Thank you for your input.The problem with this question is th answer is very personal. The suggestions I give are from my rv/camping experience yours may not be the same. We enjoy boondocking and going deep into the forests of the Pacific Northwest. If you enjoy camping in RV camp grounds then most of my suggestions will be off base. Also how handy are you with tools and assorted electrical equipment. With that in mind.....1. Extra solar panel. a must either you ask Lazy Daze to install or you do it yourself or have another company do it. IMHO there is no such thing as too many solar panels. 2. Heated mirrors. Being able is adjust your mirros from inside the cab is a blessing. Able to adjust to see crubs on the right side when backing into a parking spot.3. Assist Tech. Not available when I ordered our LD. In my opinion a diver needs all the help they can get. Driving a 7 ton truck is a full time task. 4. Back up camera. Good from backing in to camp spots and seeing what is behind you on the road. 5. Battery disconnect switch. Factory is a bit cheesy so either they or you need this safety device. 6. Electric entry step. The newer ones are a bit more able to put up with abuse of use. <smile> once you get one in your hands I have all sort of 'additions' that the factory will not install but are must haves.gln 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #9 – December 03, 2020, 01:14:44 pm Thank you all for the many wonderful responses. I plan on boondocking 80% of the time as I find it far more relaxing. I tend to be a bit of an introvert.Having recently retired, I pray I will still be healthy to enjoy my new home n two years. 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #10 – December 03, 2020, 01:21:12 pm Hi Sawyer,I would be open to all possibilities. Renting would only allow me periodic trips within the New England/ NY area. Therefore, substantially limiting my travel and finances. What did you have in mind
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #11 – December 03, 2020, 01:27:37 pm Specifics on the rig:24 FootRear twin/KingPlanned on adding another solar panel and back-up cameraCruise America is not an option for rental. I have looked at their rigs (found them dirty and unkept) and have met people who were renting them; very unhappy customers. Rental reviews have not been very good overall. It m ay depend on where you rent.
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #12 – December 03, 2020, 02:42:07 pm Winnie,If you're open for a different 24' model, Angie McIlwaine has a 2019 front dinette for sale in NJ2019 24’ Front Dinette for sale in Middletown NJ listed in the classified section of the forum. 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #13 – December 03, 2020, 05:40:39 pm Quote from: winnie114 - December 03, 2020, 01:21:12 pmHi Sawyer,I would be open to all possibilities. Renting would only allow me periodic trips within the New England/ NY area. Therefore, substantially limiting my travel and finances. What did you have in mindNothing in my mind of substance. Just mulling over if someone would pay extra for a new LD that they could get immediately instead of waiting two years. There was a car I heard of not too long ago that had a waiting list and people were selling almost new ones for well over the price of a new one purchased from the showroom. For the life of me I can't remember what car it was though.
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #14 – December 03, 2020, 05:44:15 pm Quote from: winnie114 - December 03, 2020, 01:27:37 pmSpecifics on the rig:24 FootRear twin/KingPlanned on adding another solar panel and back-up cameraCruise America is not an option for rental. I have looked at their rigs (found them dirty and unkept) and have met people who were renting them; very unhappy customers. Rental reviews have not been very good overall. It m ay depend on where you rent.To me a big part of RVing is having my own home on wheels that's not contaminated with god knows what from god knows who. Renting an RV kind of defeats that goal.
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #15 – December 03, 2020, 05:55:15 pm Winnie,I’ll not review options as the prior threads linked above cover the topic adequately. I do offer another perspective on the 2019 for sale.When we were on the waiting list to order our coach, a member suggested we consider buying a used LD while we wait. The idea being that we would the be able to experience a nearly new LD and thence decide whether to proceed with the order or keep the second hand coach. We purchased the lightly used coach and, after a lovely summer of camping, decided that 1) Lazy Daze was definitely the brand for us and 2) our order for a Mid Bath model was the right choice for us (the nearly new coach was a Twin King). We sold the TK for exactly what we paid (to some very happy new owners I might add), and took delivery of our new MB the next Spring. My advice is therefore to consider a second hand coach as an interim solution to help your decision making while enjoying your retirement a bit sooner!Cheers,Warren (White Elk) 4 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #16 – December 03, 2020, 06:06:04 pm "Cruise America is not an option for rental. I have looked at their rigs (found them dirty and unkept) and have met people who were renting them; very unhappy customers. Rental reviews have not been very good overall. It m ay depend on where you rent."Time never stands still; things have a way of becoming different when one is not watching carefully. Back then Cruise America was basically the only option. We found nothing to complain about with their service or vehicles. Now there are other possibilities.One member here knew they were in for a long wait, so they purchased an interim Lazy Daze until their own was available, and sold the original one for a price that made them happy.About five years ago, I read about a very enterprising lady, recently retired from the high pressure arena of having been a flight controller at a busy airport, that wanted to try out the lifestyle AND go to Alaska. So she combined the trip with an experiment. One summer she flew to Alaska and rented a regulation van there. She then outfitted it with the basics and toured around Alaska for a couple of months. She then donated the equipment, gave back the van, and flew home a happy lady.This told her that yes, indeed, she would like to become more of an RV'er, so she ordered a Phoenix Cruiser and embarked on a series of adventures, which she is still doing, albeit on a smaller scale. She also combines RV travel with cruises and other organized land adventures.Currently she is doing the most marvelous art work and enjoying time with her elderly parents, which seems to suit her fine after some years of constant travel.Over the years she has been seriously into night sky observing and photographing same; native American flutes (collecting and learning to play), and other endeavours that escape me at the moment, but that were inspiring to read about at the time. Whatever she embarked upon seemed to give her great pleasure, and she became quite skilled at the execution of her discoveries.All this to say that RV'ing is not ONE thing; sometimes it is just a gateway to many aspects of life that are opened up through experiences that one might not have been exposed to while remaining in one place for many years. Virtual hugs, Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West Today: Store Bought Pizza ************************************ 5 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #17 – December 03, 2020, 06:11:43 pm I tried to get in the waiting list with my hot little deposit in hand, last month...I was told LD is not taking any deposits at this time...too many on the list at the moment. Frustrating, I might add. 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #18 – December 03, 2020, 08:59:14 pm WinnieYou are experiencing what most of the LD owners and searchers have felt in their quest for their coach. Frustration! We looked seriously for almost a year before finding a gem, and have not looked back. Time isn't on our side.If the Mothership produced 20 or more units a month, every one of them would be scooped up as fast as Todd could do the delivery protocol.But.....that's probably never going to happen. We realized that early on, and decided to take the leap on a slightly enjoyed model. Never looked back. Every time we are at a site, or parked somewhere and folks unfamiliar with LD approach and ask about that beautiful RV - I am as proud as a new father. We LD people are different in a special way I think. We drive an RV that isn't perfect, but it is perfect for us.This LD Owners site really says it all, and I am proud to be a little bitty part of it. And I ain't ashamed to say it!Cheers!Tony R. (aka codefour) 9 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #19 – December 04, 2020, 04:40:57 am Thank you all for the fabulous feedback. I have been pondering all night about the LD weighing the pros and cons. I have to agree the pros of the well loved unit far out way the con of layout. I guess my next step would be checking availability and financing options.I love this forum. It's so nice to get insight from experienced owners. 2 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #20 – December 04, 2020, 04:41:40 pm options: my two cents worth on a few thingsbattery disconnect - very handy way to isolate the batteries when you leave the rig parked for a timecb radio - used it very little automatic steps - convenient but there can be that reliability issueoutside shower - didn't need itsecond solar panel - worth getting Sirius radio - well worth it to meback up camera - pricey but an important safety feature Frank 2 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #21 – December 05, 2020, 07:52:53 am Here are some LD rentals - Just did a quick google search so I dont have any firsthand knowledge of these listings. 1990 Lazy Daze Lazy Daze Motor Home Class C Rental in Santa Ana, CA | Outdoorsy2004 Lazy Daze Mid-bath Class C Rental in Orlando, FL | Outdoorsy2008 Fleetwood Lazy-Daze Motor Home Class C Rental in Stanton, CA | Outdoorsy2004 Lazy Daze Mid-Bath Class C Rental in St. Cloud, FL | Outdoorsy 1 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #22 – December 05, 2020, 08:35:55 am Thank you so much
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #23 – December 09, 2020, 10:37:18 am Quote from: spartan11 - December 03, 2020, 06:11:43 pmI tried to get in the waiting list with my hot little deposit in hand, last month...I was told LD is not taking any deposits at this time...too many on the list at the moment. Frustrating, I might add.A couple of months ago, after searching for a 24’ Twin King for several months, I requested to be added to the waiting list for a new one, and Todd instructed me to try back again in about a year. He told me (these are my words, not his) that the list was kind of out of control, with people adding and then deleting their names. Being a retired geek, I wrote back and offered to help whip that list into shape, but Todd didn’t think they needed any help with that.In the meantime, my great karma kicked in after posting a WTB in the Classifieds on this very forum, and I was able to buy a low mileage 2019 located only three hours from where I live! For the past three weeks I have been the happy owner of my first RV, dubbed the Taj Mahal. I drove it home, put it into storage a half hour away, and two days ago brought it out to exercise the generator and start to teach myself how to use the various systems. My plan is to get it out every two weeks, weather permitting, and continue to learn it before taking it out overnight. I am finding that the Taj has some issues based on having sat so long, even though exercised monthly. For example, the rear Fantastic fan won’t start, which means I need to go up on the roof and see if the switch is stuck in the down position. The cabinet door with the hydraulics, the one above the stove, opens and closes loudly while in transit, so I need to add a latch or something to prevent that. The right closet door won’t close properly...it looks like the hinges are bent. I’m sure I will find many other things as time goes by.As for your original question, although a total newby I am already seeing that I wish the Taj Mahal were wired with more 120v and 12vdc receptacles. I would put one of each above the cab on the driver’s side for CPAP and iPad, add a 12vdc above the kitchen counter for my electric toothbrush, and a 120v plus a 12vdc by the cabinet at the door for a central electronics charging station. I would have asked for an articulating arm to be added above the cab on the driver’s side for my iPad, so I can read without dropping it on my face. I wish the Taj had a battery cut-off switch. I will be traveling with my cat, Roswell New Mexico, so I would ask for a cat door to be installed for bathroom access. I have already decided, based on what experienced RV friends are telling me, to get a central hydraulic leveling system...possibly the Bigfoot. The Taj only has one solar module...I will ultimately add more. As for HVAC, I know the factory would never do this, but I wish they would redesign for a minisplit instead of the RV AC and propane furnace. This would improve aerodynamics, eliminate that massive roof penetration, and leverage the solar. 3 Likes
Re: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions Reply #24 – December 09, 2020, 11:14:28 am Good that you found your LD; now you can start repairing, replacing, adding, deleting, and generally "personalizing" all the bits and pieces! If you had bought this rig new from the factory, they may have agreed to add a couple of 12V outlets and possibly do a couple of other minor changes, but "factory direct" is not the same as a "custom build". A battery cut-off switch was offered as an option, but you would have been making most of the aftermarket changes and additions and upgrades, e.g., the articulating arm for an iPad, a cat door, etc., anyway. I don't know many owners who haven't been in pretty consistent "multitweak" mode on every system and component with their LDs. There probably aren't many customizing projects that haven't been done by LD owners on this forum; I suspect that you will get plenty of input in response to questions! 2 Likes