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New model option suggestions
We are over the moon to have made it to the next stage of the waitlist. We are looking to order the 27’MB option. We are in the Midwest and have only seen one LD driving down the road. All/any thoughts comments regarding whether the following options are “must haves” or not would be appreciated.

- sealed 12V house battery disconnect switch
- Second solar panel
- outside shower
- electric coach entry step
- automatic in motion enclosed compact dome satellite antenna

Any other ordering suggestions? Thank you!
Waiting to order Mid Bath

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #1
We are over the moon to have made it to the next stage of the waitlist. We are looking to order the 27’MB option. We are in the Midwest and have only seen one LD driving down the road. All/any thoughts comments regarding whether the following options are “must haves” or not would be appreciated.

- sealed 12V house battery disconnect switch
- Second solar panel
- outside shower
- electric coach entry step
- automatic in motion enclosed compact dome satellite antenna

Any other ordering suggestions? Thank you!
There are some tips in this thread: Preparing to Order a 24 ft Twin King LD - Options Suggestions and here: Choosing Options
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #2
Absolutely must have the backup camera, either factory or aftermarket.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #3
I would add the heated power mirrors also.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #4
In all the various RVs that I have had I used the outside shower once, and that was just to see if it really works..  :-X
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #5
In all the various RVs that I have had I used the outside shower once, and that was just to see if it really works..  :-X

I used mine once in 19 years to wash off a muddy dog. However, it was standard on the 30'

Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #6
My outdoor shower has gotten a lot of use through the years cleaning off sandy dogs and grandchildren. However it also makes a great outdoor dishwashing station with my portable table and a dishpan when we have large family gatherings
2007 MB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #7
Got the battery disconnect switch - used it a few times, would get again.
One solar panel is inadequate.  I went from 100 to 560. Two MIGHT be adequate.
'Backup Camera' has saved many thousands of dollars in repair bills. A must have
Heated Mirrors also let you adjust them while sitting. - a must have
Dome satellite antenna. I don't watch TV, rather buy a bicycle for a fish.
Electric Step - Two camps on it.   I got it, am satisfied.  It hasn't broken . . . yet.

Outside shower came standard on 30'

More 12V outlets - think about where you will be using things
More 120V outlets toward the front.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #8
You'll need to be very honest with yourself as in 'how do I 'camp/rv'?   What is a must have for me is just a total waste of money for you.   <smile> I have a garage full of stuff I knew was important but is now a dust magnet. 

Once that's out of the way ....
Solar - There are those that think you can't have too many solar panels.   The question is how handy are you,  how willing  are you to learn/work with this issue.   I love the learning so I've upgraded my system.  It's not very complicated.   Bottom line you'll pay either in sweat or money.

Sealed battery switch - Yes.   If you plan to do any electrical work.   Factory one is ok after market is better. 

Outside shower - nope.   IMHO just another point of failure. 

Electric step - opinion is I think about 50/50.   I like mine.   They will fail (see Murphy's Law).  Let me say the porch jumped out in front me when I was backing down the drive way.  That's my story and I'm sticking with it - no other witnesses where on hand.

<smile> since I've only turned on the RV TV is see if it works this is one of the few places I have no opinion.

The heated mirrors and backup camera are great safety tools.  Saved me big $$$$$ more times then I can count. 

glen 

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #9
Many have been where you are - pondering what options to get.  It all depends on you and how you will be using your rig. 

Solar - I have 5 panels.  Six would be better.  I have yet to hear someone complain that they have too many panels, but many have looked for aftermarket people to add more solar.  Bear in mind that the factory's panel placement may not be optimal if you are going to add more.  If that is the case, you may want to stick with one panel (or none, if the factory allows it) so an aftermarket installler such as AM Solar has maximum flexibility for panel placement.

Outside shower - I have never used mine and wished I had not gotten it, but there are some here who do use it, primarily in situations when they are muddy or have muddy dogs.  I think people showering outside is quite rare.

I am no help on the other two options you asked about.  I strongly endorse the comments about a backup camera.

I do have a suggestion.  My '08 MB came with a Jensen 12v TV.  There was no 120v source near it.  I have a DVD player, a DVR, and after the Jensen failed, a 120v TV.  Running 120v wires to them is a pain.  I wish I had a 120v outlet behind the TV area.

Ken F in NM
Powered step - some like this.  Even though I have some disability, I have no difficulty with the manual step, and simplicity means fewer things to give you problems.
'08 MB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #10
Outside shower - I have never used mine and wished I had not gotten it, but there are some here who do use it, primarily in situations when they are muddy or have muddy dogs.  I think people showering outside is quite rare.

Still on the fence on an outside shower on my upcoming TK.

I recall it being useful with three kids on trips years ago, but as an adult maybe not so much.

What space am I giving up on a TK for the shower?
Dave

2017 TK

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #11
Satellite dome for Direct TV. We had it on our previous rear bath but not on our new RB. It would not receive when there was morning dew on the dome, receiver had to be repaired when about 3-years old ($$$$), no signal under trees, and our basic service package cost was $94/month!  I just replaced the 28" Jensen LD TV with a 32" Samsung smart TV which in addition to watching over the air local TV we can also watch over the internet TV via our iPhone hotspot with unlimited Verizon internet  service. The Samsung does require a pure sine wave inverter for power. Now if we can just stay awake at night to watch the TV. Today we just discontinued Direct TV at our ranch as we now have high speed internet and 51 local over the air digital stations.

I have always had the electric step which is most useful during a rainy day. Also one has to be already outside to extend a manual step. Yes, I have had to replace the gear drive once but doing that was not complicated. The electrical plug connections are now better weather sealed than in the past. One just has to lube the sliding metal parts occasionally.

The house battery disconnect switch is important for stopping DC power in an emergency or while working on the DC wiring.

I have had the two 100 watt solar panels on both our LD coaches and am currently tooling up to add a third 200 watt panel next week. That is the max amperage the 10-gauge wire from the roof through the controller to the converter can safely carry. 
 The solar controller amperage limit is 400 watt. That should be adequate for our coach lithium battery bank.

I have had occasional uses for the outside shower with our former LD and did keep that option with our new coach. Just a personal preference.

The electric outside mirrors are a must. There is not a easy way to manually adjust the passenger side mirror, and having the defrost is important.

This is the first time we have had the backup camera and find it to be essential for backing into tight campsites (along with my DW spotter using the two-way walkie). It is also good to keep an eye on our Cherokee toad.

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: New model option suggestions
Reply #12
  I just replaced the 28" Jensen LD TV with a 32" Samsung smart TV which in addition to watching over the air local TV we can also watch over the internet TV via our iPhone hotspot with unlimited Verizon internet  service. The Samsung does require a pure sine wave inverter for power. Now if we can just stay awake at night to watch the TV.

I kept the 28" DC TV and added an Amazon fire stick, making it a smart TV.  I stay awake most nights watching streaming TV from my hotspot as I've always been a night owl.

Linda
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #13
Getting a bit off track here but I've noticed the speaker quality of the stock Jensen TV is mediocre at best.  Has anyone upgraded their sound?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #14
Before ordering the outside shower, ask where it will be located. on many models, it is located on the driver's side.
IMO, the shower should be close to the coach entry door, so wet feet do not pick up and track in dirt and mud. We would have liked to have one next to the door for rinsing our feet and legs of beach sand.
A spray nozzle was added to the storage compartment, next to the door, for this purpose.
Exterior water spray | Flickr

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: New model option suggestions
Reply #15
"What space am I giving up on a TK for the shower?"
---
Good question; I that that new(er) TKs have an additional driver's side compartment, but I would not like to give up any compartment space for an outside 'shower'. I'd definitely ask LD where this is located, in addition to giving a lot of thought to how important this option might be for one's travel and use plans.

Just my opinion, but in a perfect world, if I were ordering a new LD and the factory agreed, I would have the rig delivered as a 'strippy' and have the specific equipment and components that I wanted installed aftermarket from specialty installers. In my experience, the components that LD uses may not be 'state of the art' or the highest quality available, particularly since technology and component development/choices (even if LD might 'upgrade' some option during the long wait) can change a great deal in the 2 years that it takes to take delivery. Again, in my experience, LD installs what it has 'on the shelf', even when a better product may be available; the spec sheets rarely list a specific brand or model of a component, whether it's a TV, an audio system, a charge controller, a back-up camera, a solar panel, or whatever. One just ticks the box for a particular option and takes whatever LD installs (and how they install it).

Ordering the options that LD offers may work for some; I certainly understand the appeal and convenience of a 'turn key' deal. Some owners use the LD as delivered or with very few changes during the entire time of ownership, while others rip out, add on, replace, reconfigure, re-wire, re-plumb, and re-decorate, customizing their LD (often an ongoing project!) with a wide range of aftermarket equipment and components.

I suggest considering whether an LD-offered option meets the quality, cost, functionality, and usefulness standards for one's personal RV life/travel style. In other words, YMMV.



2003 TK has a new home

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #16
Hi Dave;  "What space am I giving up on a TK for the [outside] shower?";  I'm working on mine right now in the battery box area, and there isn't much room. As far as I know LD only offers that option on the longer coaches.  As Larry stated, it would be best around the entry door, but then you end up with a muddy puddle there.  It also adds to the winterizing chore.
    I replaced the external shower on a friends 2001 MB, and I wanted to put three way valves between the kitchen sink and the shower. That would have made it easy to remove water from the external shower plumbing. The piece of aluminized foam that I've seen to insulate the little shower door, IMO would be ineffective in most cases.
    On a TK, factory-wise, the best place for the external shower would be passenger side, just aft of the space heater vent, and behind the aftmost drawer.  Otherwise you would 'eat' into the space for the closet, or the storage compartment under the closet.
     Under the sink on the driverside isn't available because of the placement of the fresh water tank. Aft of that, there is the space where my electrical cord is.  The new plug fixture might have made that space available, since your cord needs to be stored elsewhere. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #17
Outside shower - on my '08 MB, the outside shower is on the driver's side.  It is mounted in a small plastic enclosure, fitted on the outside wall of the space under my kitchen sink.  It takes up little space inside, but, as hinted at above, it is an uninsulated space between my inside waterworks and outside temperatures.  I am a fulltimer.  Dealing with sub-freezing temps at night is not unusual.  My wish that I had not ordered the shower is based on two things - those shower valves are a potential freeze-then-leak point, and I haven't used my outside shower in 12 years.

Different years and models may have different locations for the outside shower, and different lifestyles may make it very useful.  You need to decide for yourself.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #18
 "I've noticed the speaker quality of the stock Jensen TV is mediocre at best.  Has anyone upgraded their sound?"

I haven't upgraded the sound on the TV.  However, because I have a hearing loss, I have connected the Sennheiser Flex 5000 to the TV.  It is a digital wireless audio system for headphones.  It is described as:  "Optimised crystal-clear sound combined with the highest comfort.  Turn your wired headphones into a wireless TV listening system."  I use the Flex 5000 both in the Lazy Daze and at home.  Without this I would not be able to understand any dialogue on TV.   Another advantage to it is that I don't have to blast the TV in order to hear it which is especially helpful in a RV when one has close campsites.  It costs about $200.

Sennheiser Flex 5000 - Turns your wired headphone into a wireless TV... 

Monica
2017 Mid-Bath


Monica
2017 MB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #19
"Any other ordering suggestions?"

In addition to some of the other suggestions for options, I had several 12-volt outlets installed.  I also had the Lazy Daze table that is in the twin-king models installed in the rear lounge of my 2017 mid-bath.  I love having the two tables.  I also had carpet put on the rear wall like my older 2003 twin-king model had had.

Monica
2017 Mid-Bath

Monica
2017 MB

Re: New model option suggestions
Reply #20
Ron, the outside shower is an option on the TK.  Not sure where it's located:

http://www.lazydaze.com/FEATURES.PDF
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264