Hypothetical Question July 08, 2021, 06:29:40 pm If Lazy Daze had to close up shop due to COVID (and the inability to purchase parts), what other brand motorhome would you purchase? 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #2 – July 09, 2021, 03:44:35 am Probably a gently used Foretravel, or an antique GMC (restored by someone else). Of course, first, a gently used not very old Lazy Daze. Lots of other options too. RonB
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #3 – July 09, 2021, 08:25:50 am If Lazy Daze can no longer purchase parts, hypothetically, what other manufacturers can get parts That might answer the question 😁 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #4 – July 09, 2021, 10:52:51 am I look at it like almost all the needed parts for a Lazy Daze are available on the aftermarket sites. Most of the newer Motorhomes are not up to the Lazy Daze standards and quality.Jon 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #5 – July 09, 2021, 12:51:29 pm I've been living full time in my LD 23.5 FL for almost 14 years now. I'm ready for a change from the Ford E series chassis.I'd love another LD on a Ford F series truck chassis, that way you could get factory 4WD and lift it up a few inches for better ground clearance on forest service road. The places I tend to want to be.But, since that won't happen, I have my eye on the Dynamax Isata 5. the 28SS is the floorplan. Comes on a Ram 5500 chassis, diesel with facotry 4wd and I'd want it with the Explorer package. A $14,000 option that gives you 800 watts of solar, 400 amps of Lithium batteries, also dual pane windows and insulated tanks and storage bins. Making it more 4 season than others.Retail on one is about $230,000. but I've seen them advertised for around $170,000. Wait a few years for a nice used one and be into it for hopefully about $125,000. 8 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #6 – July 09, 2021, 01:53:07 pm "I have my eye on the Dynamax Isata 5..."One question, where are the windows? 6 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #7 – July 09, 2021, 02:14:54 pm I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to be making a lot of compromises when leaving the Lazy Daze fold.Either that or spending a lot more to have a custom made RV on the chassis of my choice.For that to happen, Bitcoin really needs to perform. 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #8 – July 09, 2021, 06:03:24 pm Most of the hardware is available elsewhere and so are most of the appliances.Repair parts, such as the curved caps used on the edge of the roof and end caps, and the front cap will not be available, other than whatever stock is left when close. Someone will buy it. Larry 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #10 – July 09, 2021, 06:58:34 pm Quote from: Muhammad - July 09, 2021, 06:32:12 pmHow about Tiger?Tiger makes a decent product. They have gone through a fair amount of changes over the years.Now offering one product instead of three in previous years. GXV makes some fancy high priced products that have off road travel in mind.And then there is Earthroamer, perhaps the top of the line expedition RV for US customers, well over $500,000.I don't need any of that, just 4wd, a bit more clearance and a diesel option.
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #11 – July 09, 2021, 07:09:24 pm DITTO on the 4wd models. Just can't have bathrooms without windows and fans. Just saying....
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #12 – July 10, 2021, 12:14:38 am Quote from: Muhammad - July 09, 2021, 06:32:12 pmHow about Tiger? Mohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #13 – July 10, 2021, 12:21:48 am We have come to the realization that it is difficult to find one vehicle that will do it all for all of our needs. So now we have to curb our expectations and go lightly with our LD into those situations it can not handle. We need other platforms/vehicles to handle the situation and do the job right. We need a cold weather vehicle 4X4 for snow storm skiing and could also go into back country year round but be shorter then our 98~MB but would have a wet bath. I think that one we will have to build or modify an existing unit ourselves. We are currently restoring our 82 VW vanagon camper for the short couple day van trips and we are keeping our eyes out for the right fit for our 4X4 or better known now as a $X$. Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #14 – July 10, 2021, 12:33:08 am Quote from: Wingersky - July 10, 2021, 12:14:38 amMohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?Tiger
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #15 – July 10, 2021, 02:58:16 am Quote from: Wingersky - July 10, 2021, 12:14:38 amMohammad, Can you give more information Tiger?I see that Jerry posted the link. I worked with owner for few months to designed a Tiger for myself on F450 with Lithium batteries. They have as loyal owners group as LD though not as active. Cost on F450 with Lithium I think was coming around 145K (I will say very comparable with LD). During our negotiations price did go up but Mark honored previous price. At that point he was able to deliver in 8-9 months (pre covid). Fact that Mark teach in a university and factory is in SC (or is it in NC) was an issue for his hands on involvement and impact on quality. Mark was ready to customized much more compared to LD.I backed out because my boss thought I will not be able to climb to the bed above the driver cab. Second issue was getting from driver seat to coach side. Tiger also have wet bath and overall have less space compared to MB. At this point I am not sure if our MB will ever get off the paved road and high ground clearance and 4x4 does not carry much weight for us. New E450 chassis has lot of options and I am not sure F450 cockpit will be very different from E450 but then I never drove F450.Somebody mention few other brands, they are expedition vehicles. They are in different tier and for our purposes and need, LD's comfort and support group here win even if price is not a barrier.Coach House is another good brand but does not make business case compared to LD price point.Regards, 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #16 – July 10, 2021, 09:26:44 am Quote from: Muhammad - July 10, 2021, 02:58:16 amI see that Jerry posted the link. I worked with owner for few months to designed a Tiger for myself on F450 with Lithium batteries. They have as loyal owners group as LD though not as active. Cost on F450 with Lithium I think was coming around 145K (I will say very comparable with LD). During our negotiations price did go up but Mark honored previous price. At that point he was able to deliver in 8-9 months (pre covid). Fact that Mark teach in a university and factory is in SC (or is it in NC) was an issue for his hands on involvement and impact on quality. Mark was ready to customized much more compared to LD.I backed out because my boss thought I will not be able to climb to the bed above the driver cab. Second issue was getting from driver seat to coach side. Tiger also have wet bath and overall have less space compared to MB. At this point I am not sure if our MB will ever get off the paved road and high ground clearance and 4x4 does not carry much weight for us. New E450 chassis has lot of options and I am not sure F450 cockpit will be very different from E450 but then I never drove F450.Somebody mention few other brands, they are expedition vehicles. They are in different tier and for our purposes and need, LD's comfort and support group here win even if price is not a barrier.Coach House is another good brand but does not make business case compared to LD price point.Regards,Thank you for all the information. My wife and I have been researching RVs since 2017. The LD is at the top, however, with everything changing (due to Covid), the manufacturing of LDS could stop. I always need a "plan B" or another options.We are finally coming close to the end of a major home remodel (which includes an RV garage), so the motorhome purchase is definitely in the near future. 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #17 – July 10, 2021, 12:06:36 pm My plan B should the worst happen prior to my time on the list, would be to find a used TK, spending the difference between new and used in repairs & upgrades. Will be quite disappointed if I have to settle for another manufacturer.Prefer the new chassis, and the Ford automation that goes with it. 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #18 – July 10, 2021, 06:22:19 pm RVs built on a 4X4 pickup chassis were at first appealing until I realized how long a wheelbase they have, compared to RVs built on an E-Series van chassis. Adding a few more feet of wheelbase renders them unacceptable for off-road use, IMO, making it too easy to high center on sharp dips unless a very short coach is added.Adding 4X4 drive to an existing LD will easily exceed the front-end GVW and add a lot of overall weight. It isn't possible to use wider wheels and tires and stay with the dual-wheel rear axle configuration and a single-size spare tire. This is a huge disadvantage. RVs and serious off-road use are not compatible unless one buys an RV built on a big military-style truck.FYI, we have seen several EarthRomers in our travels, never in the backcountry, always in RV parks or public campgrounds. Life-long off-roaderLarry 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #19 – July 10, 2021, 06:46:59 pm I wonder how many otherwise serviceable Class A RVs are permanently parked because the windshields are broken and replacements are not available? Parts and service availability is a major reason why we have stayed with Class Cs, we will be able to find parts for many years. I also appreciate that the cab is an engineered structure, designed to meet Federal crash requirements, something Class As and DPs cannot claim. I would prefer a rollover in an LD to any Class A or DP. The exception would be a Bluebird DP, built on a school bus chassis.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #20 – July 10, 2021, 06:53:00 pm Quote from: Karen & Liam - July 10, 2021, 12:21:48 amWe have come to the realization that it is difficult to find one vehicle that will do it all for all of our needs. So now we have to curb our expectations and go lightly with our LD into those situations it can not handle. We need other platforms/vehicles to handle the situation and do the job right. We need a cold weather vehicle 4X4 for snow storm skiing and could also go into back country year round but be shorter then our 98~MB but would have a wet bath. A 24' LD, pulling a Jeep, makes a good combination.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #21 – July 25, 2021, 05:08:37 pm I replied to this post looking for additional comments.
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #22 – July 25, 2021, 07:38:44 pm Quote from: Larry W - July 10, 2021, 06:53:00 pmA 24' LD, pulling a Jeep, makes a good combination.LarryMy dream! We got the Jeep now just need the LDCheers,Julie 1 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #23 – July 25, 2021, 09:28:57 pm Julie,I will reiterate Larry's comment that a Jeep and a Lazy Daze are a good combination. It is hard to beat for backroad and rough trail exploration.Good luck finding your Lazy Daze.Harold 3 Likes
Re: Hypothetical Question Reply #24 – July 29, 2021, 02:18:37 pm Although we are RVless and boatless the last few years we did keep a list of what we considered to be (in our opinion) the top Class C mass produced (not custom) RV's over the last 20 years. In no particular order........BORN FREECHINOOKCOACH HOUSELAZY DAZELEISURE TRAVEL VANSPHOENIX CRUISERTRIPLE E 1 Likes