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Topic: Lots of interest to buy right now (Read 2386 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #25 –
Due to the closure of the LD Mothership, the Tiger Adventure Vehicles Provan Bengal has become the new plan B.

The F450 instead of the E450 is very appealing. Since this group is not afraid of giving their opinion, I welcome any comments.
Sam
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Wingersky  - 
Due to the closure of the LD Mothership, the Tiger Adventure Vehicles Provan Bengal has become the new plan B.

The F450 instead of the E450 is very appealing. Since this group is not afraid of giving their opinion, I welcome any comments.

That looks like a nice vehicle, although at a base of $110,000 plus the cost of the chassis, it's rather expensive.  If you do get it, I have a friend who has a rig with that recessed 2 burner stove.  She says because it's recessed, you can't get pans on both of the two burners at the same time.  Definitely opt for a 3 burner cook top or the 3 burner plus oven choice.

I really feel for you not being able to get your hoped for new LD, but I'd be burning down the internet for a good used one if I were in your shoes.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #27 –
Quote from: Wingersky  - 
Due to the closure of the LD Mothership, the Tiger Adventure Vehicles Provan Bengal has become the new plan B.

Sans the obvious advantage of four wheel drive on a F450, and higher ground clearance, the Tiger is effectively a 24’ TK space wise, in which there is a 2020 TK for sale right now, practically brand new, for less than a Tiger.

Getting a low mileage newish TK was (is) my plan B.

If I hadn’t found a TK new enough, a Tiger would have been my next choice, though it would have stressed my budget significantly, as well as placing me trying to locate a new F450, still not easy.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #28 –
Why not buy a new or used truck and simply put a camper shell on it?  The Tiger appears to be very small inside. 
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #31 –
The Tiger is essentially a “truck camper” rig. Comparing it with truck campers may be helpful.

I would compare the Tiger with a one ton class pickup with an Arctic Fox or similar slide in camper.  I’ve owned a couple of Truck Camper rigs and hence can speak knowledgeably to this option.

-Perhaps most notably, the Tiger is a dedicated rig whereas a truck camper serves both as a truck and when needed a camper.  If you have use for a pickup truck the later may be worth considering.

- the Tiger is considerably more expensive than a pickup camper rig. A 4x4, one ton truck, we’ll optioned, would cost around $70,000 and a nicer camper between $30,000 and $40,000. So, at $100,000 to $110,000, the truck camper option would cost considerably less than the Tiger

- Both the Tiger and truck camper are considerably smaller and less accessible (more stairs outside and inside) than a motorhome.  That said, the Tiger’s entry is a bit lower to the ground than the “landing” of a truck camper (imagine five or six stairs leading from the ground up to the landing of a typical truck camper and then another one or two to enter the coach).  The reason for this is that the truck camper sits in the bed of the truck and most truck beds are three feet or so off the ground.  This consideration (accessibility) was the main reason we sold our truck camper and bought our first Lazy Daze (we’re now on our second).

- Truck campers seem to be more readily available than the Tiger. And, Northwoods, a long standing, quality independent manufacturer, may have more staying power in the current climate than a boutique manufacturer like Tiger.

- Weight and handling: Truck campers are heavy and, even with suspension modification (Torque Lift for example), these pickup-camper rigs don’t handle terribly well (subject to roll and porpoising). Perhaps the Tiger would handle better being built on a 1.5 ton chassis? We’re I considering this option I would seek to test drive one to test handling.

Good luck to you and keep us appraised of your findings!

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #32 –
Quote from: Wingersky  - 
Due to the closure of the LD Mothership, the Tiger Adventure Vehicles Provan Bengal has become the new plan B.
The F450 instead of the E450 is very appealing. Since this group is not afraid of giving their opinion, I welcome any comments.

If you actually plan on using your RV offroad, the F450 has advantages.
-Better ride due to the longer wheelbase.
-Available Powerstroke diesel, something would definitely want.
-The coach is narrower than a LD, allow better access through trails
 -Wide range of available options in the cab and chassis from the manufacturer and the aftermarket, including a wide variety suspension upgrades. The coach is better equipped than a LD, including an upgraded electrical system.
-Available with single-wheel rear axles. This allows using much wider wheels and tires that allow running at reduced tire pressure when operating on rough roads, it really make a difference in ride comfort.
Our E450s are stuck with the narrow rear dual tires and there isn't a solution to smoothing out dirt roads with bigger tires. The small tires limit the use of 4X4 conversions. Driving on rough roads is not a pleasant experience in the LD.

Disadvantages
-It's less maneuverable than a T/K due to a longer wheelbase.
-The Bengal has about half the fresh water holding tanks of an LD, limiting time spent in the backcountry
-The coach is more cramped, due to being narrower and having smaller windows than an LD. The narrowness is a plus for backroads.

The Bengal has a modern look and is better equipped than an LD and is primarily designed for backroad travel.
You might be surprised where a short LD can be taken, especially after a quick survey of the road with our Jeep. The dual rear tires provide better than expected
While there are places I would like to take our LD but realize we can explore so much more by getting the LD in as far as practical and using the Jeep for day trips to explore even more remote and rough roads. For us, it's the perfect combination.
The Bengal does have the option of pulling a small Jeep or another offroad toy, such as a Razor for deeper exploration.

If ordering a Bengal, I would consider not having a pass-thru from the cab into the coach. This would eliminate having to listen to the nosey racket of everything rattling in the coach, it is very annoying.
On such an expensive vehicle, I would hate to see the scratches that will occur if actually used on narrow trails, sometimes known as "desert pinstriping?
Every vehicle and RV has advantages and disadvantages, none are perfect.

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: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #33 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
“We bought a Coach House motorhome a few years ago.  They are a Class B about 24-25 feet, and are either on a Mercedes or a Ford.  They are a very high quality RV made from top of the line parts...“

Class B or C?  High quality, to be sure.  We considered a Coach House and Born Free (no longer in business) prior to buying our first Lazy Daze.  We easily selected Lazy Daze for the following reasons: 1) Lazy Daze are of comparable build quality, 2) at the time, Lazy Daze pricing was ~$100k versus over $150k for a Coach House or Born Free, and 3) of the three, Lazy Daze has a bright, open interior with picture windows that bring the outdoors in.

Here is Coach House’s website.  Pricing has continued to increase...

Home - Coach House | Luxury Class B-Plus Motorhomes

Warren

Love Lazy Daze but I would rank Coach House above them for a lot of reasons.  Everything they use in the coaches is top tier and boy do you pay for it.   My 4 favs are Lazy Daze, Coach House, Born Free and Bigfoot...too bad only one of these quality coaches is still made.   Crazy how the junk stays in business...
2003 Lazy Daze 26.5 MidBath
Professional Virtual Tour Photographers
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #34 –
“Crazy how the junk stays in business...” Cheap and easy seems to catch the worm. Some of us are a little more discerning.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #36 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
“Crazy how the junk stays in business...” Cheap and easy seems to catch the worm. Some of us are a little more discerning.


People want to get into RVing on the cheap and are not doing their homework before becoming dazzled by bright, shiny things, what Joan calls "having stars in their eyes". This applies to buying both new and used RVs.
RVing in a dependable RV isn't cheap but it takes a while for most of us to realize 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: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #37 –
"I would rank Coach House above [LD]for a lot of reasons."

Appearance is everything and Coach House, to me, looks like an amputee, somehow handicapped. Where's the cab-over section?   ::)  :'( 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #38 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
People want to get into RVing on the cheap and are not doing their homework before becoming dazzled by bright, shiny things, what Joan calls "having stars in their eyes". This applies to buying both new and used RVs.
RVing in a dependable RV isn't cheap but it takes a while for most of us to realize it.

Larry

By the time we had our 3rd, I finally figured it out!!  Slower than most I guess 😂🤷‍♂️
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #39 –
Friends of ours have a coach house on an E450 chassis.  It is well appointed, but when you go inside, it is like going into a cave with the rounded off ceiling corners and lack of windows.  He offered to trade for our Lazy Daze and we turned him down.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #40 –
Quote from: Ross and Beverly Taylor  - 
Friends of ours have a coach house on an E450 chassis. It is well appointed, but when you go inside, it is like going into a cave with the rounded off ceiling corners and lack of windows. He offered to trade for our Lazy Daze and we turned him down.

The quality, the window views, the price, and the overall design made LD the best class C. However, the LDs are no longer manufactured because of Covid (and perhaps other reasons). Since 2017, my wife and I have been researching and looking at RVs. We discovered Lazy Daze and were on the waiting list for almost three years.

Sam
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #42 –
Wondering if the Cheap Junk vs. Quality (LD, Coach House) dichotomy is just a classic case of RVs being viewed as a commodity vs. a luxury purchase comparison. There’s buyers who likely think price should be directly related to rig size and number of features with build quality being secondary while the other camp prioritizes the opposite things.
 
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #43 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 

If ordering a Bengal, I would consider not having a pass-thru from the cab into the coach. This would eliminate having to listen to the nosey racket of everything rattling in the coach, it is very annoying.


I understand the annoying rattling will be an issue, but I would prefer to have the pass-thru from the cab into the coach for safety reasons. If there is an issue, a person can move directly from their bed into the driver's seat.
Sam
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #44 –
The Knowledge it takes to be able to spot a quality build as opposed to a quick 'slap it together' motorhome isn't something a newbie would recognize. It took my parents a few rigs to settle down with Born Free. I had an older camper (late '60's), and a Lindy copy of my LD 'TK floor plan, before I ordered from LD. Until then I'd go to the local RV shows (free) in downtown San Diego.  The conditions of 'new' rigs, and older used rigs was astoundingly bad.  The oldest ones that were still in good shape were Lazy Dazes. The 'mauve' interiors were memorable, but discounting the color, were still remarkably well thought out and presentable.
    Renting one not a Lazy Daze, 26', with friends for a two week trip, taught me a lot about what not to get!    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #45 –
Here is a link to a new Class B+ motorhome.  This company is an offshoot from Phoenix Cruiser.  The former salesperson, Earl, and many employees of Phoenix Cruiser decided to start their own company.  It is factory direct purchase.  Could be another alternative for LD wanabees. 

Home • Hoosier Custom Cruiser RV

Ron
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #46 –
Quote from: Wingersky  - 
I understand the annoying rattling will be an issue, but I would prefer to have the pass-thru from the cab into the coach for safety reasons. If there is an issue, a person can move directly from their bed into the driver's seat.

Good point, I wonder if a sound-reducing door could be made?  I'm not joking about the noise, it can be intense of bad roads.

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: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #47 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
Here is a link to a new Class B+ motorhome.  This company is an offshoot from Phoenix Cruiser.  The former salesperson, Earl, and many employees of Phoenix Cruiser decided to start their own company.  It is factory direct purchase.  Could be another alternative for LD wanabees. 

Home • Hoosier Custom Cruiser RV

Ron


Everything but the kitchen sink . . . I don't see one.  ???


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #48 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 

Everything but the kitchen sink . . . I don't see one.  ???


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

Good eye Judie… If I were to guess, I’d say it’s probably at an angle next to the range.  Similar to all LD models sink placement except for the RB.

- John

Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Lots of interest to buy right now
Reply #49 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
Everything but the kitchen sink . . . I don't see one.  ???

The kitchen sink is not shown on the floorplan, it's located next to the stove.

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