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Hypothetical Question
If Lazy Daze had to close up shop due to COVID (and the inability to purchase parts), what other brand motorhome would you purchase?
Sam

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #1
LOL....wait..........
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #2
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
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #3
If Lazy Daze can no longer purchase parts, hypothetically, what other manufacturers can get parts ???

That might answer the question 😁

2006 RB
2017 MB
LD alumni

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #4
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
1994 MB

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #5
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.
X
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #6
"I have my eye on the Dynamax Isata 5..."

One question, where are the windows?
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #7
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.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #8
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
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: Hypothetical Question
Reply #10
How 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.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #11
DITTO on the 4wd models.  Just can't have bathrooms without windows and fans.  Just saying....
2006 31' IB Anniversary Edition; Tow 97' Wrangler


Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #13
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
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags


Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #15
Mohammad, 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,

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #16
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,
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.
Sam

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #17
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.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #18
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-roader
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: Hypothetical Question
Reply #19
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
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: Hypothetical Question
Reply #20
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.     

A 24' LD, pulling a Jeep, makes a good combination.

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: Hypothetical Question
Reply #21
I replied to this post looking for additional comments.
Sam


Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #23
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
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

 
Re: Hypothetical Question
Reply #24
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 FREE
CHINOOK
COACH HOUSE
LAZY DAZE
LEISURE TRAVEL VANS
PHOENIX CRUISER
TRIPLE E
2003 MB