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Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
[Topic title edited to be more descriptive and reflecting a discussion topic, not a "wanted" ad - Michelle]

I am new and doing my research before buying.   I like the mid-bath 26.5.  We have gone and seen one with the two couches in the back (2003, 105,000 miles).  This was a 2nd owner.   I could tell from what she was saying it WAS a very pampered RV.   But sadly, they kind of let it go and the seller didn't really show signs that she appreciated what she has.   I asked her about the roof and she told me you just wait until it leaks and then you fix it.   It was parked on a slight incline.  We saw it in the rain.  I went under it and it was leaking off the back off the bumper and the wood was rotted where the rubber glue was suppose to be.   I would say about a foot worth.  The rest of the glue was intact.  Inside it had a distinct smell in it as well.   At first I thought it was pot, but then I realized it was garlic and she agreed.   The owner was casual and didn't even offer a test drive had nothing turned on.   There was no proud showcasing her rig.   I told her I would think about it and left.  I attached a couple photos of the back rot.

The next one we went and saw it was stored under an carport (2004, 40,000 miles).  It had the rear kitchen and two couches up front.   The current owner got it from a dealer a few years ago.  He was a bit of a do-it-yourselfer on repairs.  He bought it and knew the previous owner had left the antenna up and so there was a leak at the antenna.   He said he put a new antenna and caulked it.  The ceiling was soft inside and he duct taped it tastefully with white duct tape (ha ha ha).  Also the trim pieces of the back window were peeling up and he said the sink leaked all the way to the back window.   The wood look compromised, but not rotted.  I also noticed bulging horizontal lines outside like one foot long and another one under it a bit shorter.  It was on the passenger side under the couch window.   I passed even for a test drive because I am novice and I do not want a money pit. 

I would be mainly traveling with my 13 year old daughter, 14 year old son, my adult brother and my boyfriend (on the larger size).   So, that is five.  The two kids don't get along well so we know we need to separate them.   We all have already traveled across country in a Toyota Sienna a couple times and it is a real headache with those two.   So,  I was wondering if anyone had any pros and cons about both models and what they liked about their model to help me make the decision on what I should be looking for that would best fit our family.   My daughter wants to sleep over the cab.  She loves to be up high.   Has anyone heard of a the 30 footer having a over the cab bunk  two couches and a island bed in the back?   I'd appreciate any feedback. 
1998 MB in Sunnyvale CA
Re: Looking for a LD
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Joansie  - 
I would be mainly traveling with my 13 year old daughter, 14 year old son, my adult brother and my boyfriend (on the larger size).   So, that is five. 

My daughter wants to sleep over the cab.  She loves to be up high.   Has anyone heard of a the 30 footer having a over the cab bunk  two couches and a island bed in the back?   I'd appreciate any feedback. 

30 ft LDs were only built with an entertainment unit in the cabover, never a bed.  Any model originally built with the entertainment unit also cannot structurally support being converted to a bed.

You also need to be aware that a 30' LD has the lowest OCCC and it would be challenge for 3 adults and 2 near-adults to travel together and still have weight capacity for fluids, food, etc.
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #2 –
Only two seats in every Lazy Daze are crash engineered to Federal standards, the two front seats.
None of the coach seats are built to any crash specifications, The couches and barrel chairs sit sideways and can cause severe spinal injuries even in minor crashes.
The lack of safe coach seating is a major concern for me.

While the front seats are comfortable for long trips, the rear seats are not, especially for adults. Sitting in the rear lounge of a Mid-bath, the most common floorplan, is a very bouncy and rough ride.
Then there is the sleeping issue. A Mid-Bath can accommodate up to five, someone is going to have to sleep in the dinette, a tight fit except for small persons.
As mentioned the 31' models do not have bunks.

My contention is none of the LDs floorplans are well suited for your needs. You might be better served with a four-door pickup pulling a longer travel trailer.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
My contention is none of the LDs floorplans are well suited for your needs. You might be better served with a four-door pickup pulling a longer travel trailer.

Larry

I was thinking fifth wheel with a bunk house and a sleeper sofa or dinette that converts to a bed.  Pulled by a crew cab pickup.
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Joansie  - 

I would be mainly traveling with my 13 year old daughter, 14 year old son, my adult brother and my boyfriend (on the larger size).   So, that is five. 

A Lazy Daze isn't the rig you're looking for. 

My wife and I have 3 kids and bought our LD when they were little (ages 4-7).  They have grown up with the LD, but are now 6' tall and closer to 18 than 8.  All 5 of us traveled together when they were little, but more recently ~3 of us will travel in the rig to a festival or event or whatever.  4 is crowded.  5 is not much fun for anyone.

In addition to sleeping space, a Lazy Daze doesn't have the tank capacity for 5 without some serious compromises.  Teens who aren't used to RV life won't be interested in the compromises regarding personal space, bathroom use, showers, and electricity usage.

Best of luck finding something that work for you.  I doubt your crew would be happy in a Lazy Daze.

Rich
 
 
2003 MB
 
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #5 –
I'm taking in everyone's comments and thank you for all of them!   I have thought about the fifth wheel or a travel trailer, but the quality is definitely compromised.  We own a travel trailer my brother lives in and I immediately could tell the quality difference with an LD and his Sunnybrook.    We would use bathrooms at the KOA like when we rented cabins traveling with the Sienna.   The kids also want to travel in a RV and when they get older I would use it without them.   Can someone comment on their front couches versus the rear couches?  The rear kitchen versus the middle kitchen.   I still have my mind on a LD. 
1998 MB in Sunnyvale CA
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #6 –
Hi,
We had a midbath when our two boys were little and loved the floor plan due to it having two separate areas for sleeping but now that they both are grown we now have a 32 footer for my wife and I and love it.  Good luck in your decision.
                  Jody
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Joansie  - 
I'm taking in everyone's comments and thank you for all of them!   I have thought about the fifth wheel or a travel trailer, but the quality is definitely compromised.  We own a travel trailer my brother lives in and I immediately could tell the quality difference with an LD and his Sunnybrook.    We would use bathrooms at the KOA like when we rented cabins traveling with the Sienna.   The kids also want to travel in a RV and when they get older I would use it without them.   Can someone comment on their front couches versus the rear couches?  The rear kitchen versus the middle kitchen.   I still have my mind on a LD.
You are absolutely correct about quality.  We tried a TT for 2 years.  That was enough and went back to LD.  We have a MB (rear couches so 2 grand children can be in the front.  1 in cab over 1 in dinette. 
2004 MB Lazy Daze, Jeep Wrangler Sport 2 Door
Previous LD: 92 22RB, 98 30IB, 15 27RB
Previous TT: 2020 Lance 2185
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #8 –
Joansie, in my opinion you are trying to fit too many people in a relatively small space.

You mention about Lazy Daze quality compared to travel trailers, well if you purchase the highest quality pair of shoes that don't fit your feet, it just won't work. Two adults and two teens *might* be workable, but 3 adults????

If you are insistent on a Lazy Daze, I would think the Mid-bath would be workable if you pulled a pop up trailer behind for your brother and son to sleep in. Your daughter could enjoy the cabover. Not the answer you probably want, but....

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Only two seats in every Lazy Daze are crash engineered to Federal standards, the two front seats.
None of the coach seats are built to any crash specifications, The couches and barrel chairs sit sideways and can cause severe spinal injuries even in minor crashes.
The lack of safe coach seating is a major concern for me.

Just a random question;  at least there are two seats in class B/C motorhomes that meet federal safety guidelines.  Are there any in class A rigs?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #10 –
Hi Greg;  Crash safety standards are mostly aimed at passenger vehicles.  It also involves intentional crashes with the 'infamous' crash test dummies, and involves high speed cameras to investigate the results.  So those tests haven't been done on RV's.   (Lets crash 10 Prevost 45 footers, and see what happens!)
 Results of real world crashes after the fact have too many variables, both known and unknown, to be a reliable predictor.   Weight is to your advantage.  Belting to keep you inside, and in one place is essential. Vehicle integrity makes any crash more survivable. Soft insides, less glass, no hard things that can come loose. etc.  I wouldn't have those magnetic knife holders for instance. (Blades covered, inside drawers!)
   For Joansie; Steve K. had a good suggestion. Tow a 'Teardrop, behind the MidBath, and you have the extra sleeping area.
   Or step up the size, there are many not 'too harshly' used class 'A's out there. Something in the 30-34 foot range with the right floorplan, about 2006- 2014 range might suit your needs better. After the original sale maintenance is more important for older RV's.  Avoid Thor, and Fleetwood.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #11 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Just a random question;  at least there are two seats in class B/C motorhomes that meet federal safety guidelines.  Are there any in class A rigs?


Class A's and DP's are not the same, the bare chassis comes with only the steering wheel and instrument panel.
Class A's do not have the same crash engineering that goes into the E450's cab. They come without seats, seat belts, airbags, and any rollover protection. Unlike the E450, Class A's and DP's do not have Federal crash regulations
If I'm going to accidentally roll an RV, let it be a Lazy Daze.
Ford F53 Class A chassis
https://www.fleet.ford.com/is/image/content/dam/vdm_ford/live/en_us/ford/nameplate/strippedchassis/2020/collections/dm/20_FRD_CSC_48016.tif?croppathe=1_21x9&wid=1440
Diesel pusher chassis
https://campaddict.com/wp-content/uploads/Freightliner-diesel-pusher-motorhome-chassis-wbg.jpg

We have had this discussion so many times before. The lack of any safety engineering in the rear of most (any?) motorhomes makes it an unsafe place for passengers in case of an accident.
In reality, most RVs, including our beloved LDs, are two-passenger vehicles from a safety point of view.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #12 –
I absolutely agree with Larry. The driver and passenger seating position is really close to the front windows. The whole structure can be barely attached to the frame.  Older metal bus conversions may be the best bet.
   Class 'C's, still really close to the engine, are more tested. Good seat belts, air bags! It's a wonder any of us older RVers survived this long!  We travel with just the two of us in the front seats with just 3 softer 12 poundish, untethered projectiles.  (they are in the cabover, and we travel with the bed folded down)  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Joansie  - 
    Can someone comment on their front couches versus the rear couches?  The rear kitchen versus the middle kitchen.  

Rear kitchens were only made for a few years and are rare and not very often seen for sale.
For passenger comfort. the Rear kitchen couches are located forward and have a smoother ride than the Mid-Bath.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #14 –
"I would be mainly traveling with my 13 year old daughter, 14 year old son, my adult brother and my boyfriend (on the larger size).   So, that is five.  The two kids don't get along well so we know we need to separate them.   We all have already traveled across country in a Toyota Sienna a couple times and it is a real headache with those two."

With all those adults at hand to drive, and a Sienna in the mix, is there not some way to combine these two vehicles' capacities and amenities to provide you with what you need?  This would also provide a way to preclude unhappy interactions between siblings.

You can use a Lazy Daze to provide the core of your "home environment", whilst the minivan would provide additional safe riding accommodations, and sleeping space.

There are many possible driving and sleeping arrangements that utilizing a minivan could provide for your particular situation.  For examples, have one of your female members of the family join a women's car camping Facebook group to ask questions and read the voluminous files of information provided.

Have you already done a dry run with this plan utilizing a rental RV to test the viability of your plan?


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie



Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Rear kitchens were only made for a few years and are rare and not very often seen for sale.
For passenger comfort. the Rear kitchen couches are located forward and have a smoother ride than the Mid-Bath.

Larry

Larry,
I am lost.   Which one is the smoother ride?  Dual couches in the rear  or the dual couches in the front near the driver?  
Thanks!
Joan



1998 MB in Sunnyvale CA
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Joansie  - 
I am lost.   Which one is the smoother ride?  Dual couches in the rear  or the dual couches in the front near the driver?  

The Rear Kitchen's dual couches in the front near the driver have a smoother ride.
Unfortunately, Rear Kitchens are very rare were and discontinued many years ago.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #17 –
Further clarification, the reason the ride is bumpier in the back area is because of rear overhang.  Typically, the more overhang, the bumpier the ride.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #18 –
3 adults, 2 teenagers....
Maybe a LD pulling a very light-weight trailer like a Casita.
Teens in back.....
Depending on the teens,  maybe a padlock on the outside ?  ;)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #19 –
Why not buy a mid bath and tow a teardrop? 😀
2002 MidBath
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #20 –
Quote from: aokcal  - 
Why not buy a mid bath and tow a teardrop? 😀

That combo would add bed space, but not seating, tank, living, or fridge capacity. 

You could also run into restrictions at campgrounds that specify one camping unit per site. 

Rich

2003 MB
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #21 –
Quote from: aokcal  - 
Why not buy a mid bath and tow a teardrop? 😀

The lack of safe seating in the coach is still an issue.
In the coach, the seatbelts are bolted to the plywood floor, a structure insufficient to keep the belts from pulling free in the event of an accident plus most of the seats face sideways.
If the OP wants to carry their passengers safely, drive a second vehicle.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The Rear Kitchen's dual couches in the front near the driver have a smoother ride.
Unfortunately, Rear Kitchens are very rare were and discontinued many years ago.

Larry

So then technically the rear bath would have the same comfort since the couches are behind the front cab? I don’t consider any LD to have a “smooth” ride if you are riding in the house section.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #23 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
So then technically the rear bath would have the same comfort since the couches are behind the front cab?

Yes.

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: Looking for a LD that can accommodate a family of 3 adults and 2 teenagers
Reply #24 –
Bottom line there are no Federal or State rules/law regrading Any type of RV/Trailer construction or use as a highway vehicle.   We users are in a buyer beware area.   We have to trust a group of folks that only want our money and have NO concerns of anything else. 
All rules are regulated by home construction policy's.  As the RV industry has had the Federal government classified RVs as living spaces.  

glen

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