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Topic: 24' TK to a 27' MB... (Read 687 times) previous topic - next topic
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24' TK to a 27' MB...
We currently have an '06 24'TK and have been pondering selling it to get a 27' MB.   This coach recently took us to New Hampshire and back from NM and performed flawlessly.  Our only issue, after being gone on the road for almost two months, was the size...  it's fine for trips around two to three weeks but we find for longer trips, a larger coach would be preferable.

So, my question is, who on this forum has gone up from a 24' to a 27' and what motivated you?  What pros & cons did you experience, any limitations?   We mostly boondock enjoying this land of enchantment, New Mexico.  Would a 27' be as limiting any more so than our 24' (we don't do extreme...  too old for that 😎)?   We do tow a jeep wrangler.  How about difference in maneuverability due to the size increase?

We love our TK, just thinking a rear lounge + a front galley/dinette would be a good addition, plus the additional storage.

Comments, thoughts?

TIA
Zia, our 2006 24’ TK
570 watts solar, 300Ah lithium
SKP Lifetime member #105622
Land of Enchantment

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #1
Oh what a topic and often vigorously discussed.   Without a doubt, every model manufactured by Lazy Daze has had their ardent supporters.  Of course, those in the know … know that the most beautiful and most functional is the 27’ MB in blue and white with swirls.   😂 However, we could have been just as happy with stripes!

Now to the point.   Some of the MB positive features IMO are the large rear lounge windows with twin couches.  We also appreciate the ability to use the bathroom door to separate the inside into two (2) rooms which comes in handy for those with different napping and sleeping schedules. 

The MB has six (6) outside storage compartments which holds more than we have.   Last time we weighed our LD was the day before a long trip, fully loaded. We came in at about 13,300 pounds and this Ford E450 is rated at 14,500 pounds.

The bathroom is more than adequate for our needs but certainly not as spacious as that glorious Rear Bath LD.

We tow a 2010 Subaru Forester that weighs about 3,300 pounds when loaded for a trip.  We only notice the extra weight when starting from a stop.  The length of the LD towing the Subaru hasn’t even been an issue.   We always disconnect at the entrance in tight or unfamiliar campgrounds to avoid any problems.

In conclusion, we haven’t felt that we needed more space in any of our 2-3 month trips.  Hope this helps. 


Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #2
I agree with Ed and Margee...
I knew I'd need a "real" kitchen with pantry space equal to a house, so the "entertainment" cabinet replacement for the overhead bunk in front was perfect for me, with stained glass panels on the doors.  I have lots of storage inside and outside, and not only a permanent bed in the back, but a second bed for a guest.  In all the years I've driven this rig, nearly always towing a car, I've never put the dinette down to a bed, but I certainly could if necessary.  I prefer having separate areas for things like writing, or watching films, even sleeping, and of course a private bath.  I knew from the beginning that a smaller and easier to drive shorter LD would never be good enough for me, even living alone.  This MB has been perfect, and I've had gatherings of more than two dozen people for Happy Hour at my RV on the beach, with outside sunscreen, hammock and even a firepit.  For years I spent half the year in Mexico for the winter, and stored the LD in Arizona for the summer, while I lived at home in Alaska for the other six months.

I think it all depends on personal lifestyle choices, not the issue of being able to drive the rig.  There are certain national parks that have a limit of 30 feet, when there are deep dips in their roads, but I can still manage those.
Kristin
1997 MB

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #3
Still firmly in camp TK, after 10 weeks on the road last summer, and 13 weeks this summer with 5 more to go.  Can’t believe I’ve already driven 20,000 miles!  It is perfect for me alone, especially after installing a swivel on the passenger seat, providing that crucial extra seat in the house.

I won’t lie, when I had a companion for 10 of those weeks this summer, it’s a minor challenge space wise, but I still fit in every place I go, adding those three feet would eliminate too many places for me.

Those three extra feet are tempting though, but you do lose carrying capacity with the MB over the TK, they share the same chassis, and those three extra feet adds weight, so it’s ironic that you have more space in the MB, but less carrying capacity.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #4

Those three extra feet are tempting though, but you do lose carrying capacity with the MB over the TK, they share the same chassis, and those three extra feet adds weight, so it’s ironic that you have more space in the MB, but less carrying capacity.

Dave, I could be wrong about this, but in around 20+ years of following the Lazy Daze groups, I don't think I have ever read about anyone having difficulty with the weight carrying capacity of a 26-27 foot long Lazy Daze on the Ford E450 chassis. *Maybe*  one exception is the lady full timer who collected rocks from every place she visited🤣 Lorna? Sound familiar?

On a side note, did you ever solve the engine misfiring issue in Alaska?

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath


Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #6
Thanks all for your input, helpful insights.  We really like our 24' TK as we can literally almost go anywhere in it - mountain switchbacks are no problem and the ground clearance gives us a lot more choices of where to go.  In city traffic, the 24' handles easily.  Our previous coach was a 36' Foretravel so this coach drives like a dream in the city! 

But...  I'm thinking the additional space and storage afforded the 27' might win out, not to mention the extra roof real estate for solar.

Ed, Margee & Kristin - precisely what we've been thinking as to benefits.

We absolutely love our Lazy Daze!
.
Bill & Kim
Zia, our 2006 24’ TK
570 watts solar, 300Ah lithium
SKP Lifetime member #105622
Land of Enchantment

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #7
The cargo carrying capacity (CCC) on the 2009 24' TK is 3,370 lbs. and on the 27' MB is 3,095 lbs.    So there's not a lot of difference when considering how one might load their LD.  Btw, this information is from the 2009 Factory's Features and Specifications sheet.   Other model years will have different CCC numbers.

Hope this helps.

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #8
We have owned both sizes and would be very happy in either, going forward. I enjoy the nimbleness of travel and the ability of the cook to converse with folks on the couches in the TK. That being said, the division of space in the MB has its advantages.   For longer trips, you probably wouldn’t regret having the extra living area. Good luck with your decision.
Susan Wilson
'95 MB
'03  Front Lounge
'15   TK
‘21 MB

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #9
"So, my question is, who on this forum has gone up from a 24' to a 27' and what motivated you?  What pros & cons did you experience, any limitations?"

I had a new 2003 23 ½ foot Twin-King and sold it when it was close to having 100,000 miles.  I bought a new 2017 Mid-Bath.  I was happy with the Twin-King but am happier with the Mid-Bath.  The bathroom is much larger in the Mid-Bath but that isn’t important to me.  I didn’t mind the small bathroom.  Both LDs have the beautiful wrap-around windows in the back.  As an option I had Lazy Daze add an extra dinette table like the one in the Twin-King to the back of the Mid-Bath.  This way I have two dinette areas or can use the back table for projects.  I find there isn’t much difference with driving.  Backing up is more of a challenge with the Mid-Bath.  I don’t tow.  One thing that I really like is that when I have guests sleeping in the back, I still have a place to sit with the Mid-Bath.  I sleep over the cab and having the front dinette when I wake up early is very important to me.  I also really like the extra cabinet space in the kitchen area above the front dinette. 

Monica
Monica
2017 MB

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #10
One TK advantage I forgot to mention, the ability for the drivers seat to recline into the bathroom a few inches.  Makes a world of difference if you are tall (over 6’)
Dave

2017 TK


Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #12
One TK advantage I forgot to mention, the ability for the drivers seat to recline into the bathroom a few inches.  Makes a world of difference if you are tall (over 6’)

The difference in leg room between T/Ks and MBs is noticeable, both have less leg room than our 24’ Front Lounge.
31’ models and Rear Bath models also have more leg room.

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: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #13
"does that mean the driver can use the bathroom while driving?"

No, but with the little-known 23.5' island bed model, you could make dinner while driving, thanks to its innovative Cab-Over Kitchen! 😉
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #14
"...you could make dinner while driving..."

Shame on you Andy, you've got too much time on your hands!

Glad I scrolled down a bit before I made an a** of myself.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #15
This would have made a great small RV., does anyone see any issues with this floor plan?
We would love to have a queen bed in our 23.5’ LD.

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: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #16
"does that mean the driver can use the bathroom while driving?"

No, but with the little-known 23.5' island bed model, you could make dinner while driving, thanks to its innovative Cab-Over Kitchen! 😉
LOL, couldn’t stop laughing at that layout, especially the house entry at the bed.

Frankly, it’s almost possible if you eliminated the passenger seat and put the oven & sink there.  Refrigerator over the driver seat allows one to grab a cold one while driving.😇

Great one Andy!
Dave

2017 TK

 
Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #17
I believe the 23.5 IB had a very limited run and the specs may no longer be available on the Mothership site.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #18
I believe the 23.5 IB had a very limited run and the specs may no longer be available on the Mothership site.
Fyi - the Mothership site was taken down shortly after they discontinued being in business.....the site to find specs is searching this website...
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #19
LOL. This is not a real floor plan. I thought I would mention it since a few have commented on it. Look closely in Andy’s link of the LD brochure.
Johnny 5
Searching

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #20
That's the first model we looked at back in 2015.  Well it was a red 26.5 island Queen, we should have bought it but it had tremendous water leaks and corrosion in the back and sides walls.  We loved the layout except for the back island bed room, we would have changed that!

                                      Karen~Liam
                     98~MB - could have been 98 ~ IB
                                            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: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #21
What gave me the idea was the 26.5' Island Bed model, in which (according to the floor plan) the sofa normally seats one but expands to seat two, blocking the entry in the process. Imagine what would happen if there were a fire! I thought "That's about the dumbest idea I've ever seen." Then I thought "But hey, I can go them one better!" 🙂
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #22
If we had bought the 26.5 IB we would have traded that funky couch for an expanded counter and cabinets underneath.  I think there was a storage compartment reached from the outside underneath that seat.  I think if a decent one showed up we would consider buying it, but for now we are looking for a 30' twin bed.

          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: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #23
"If we had bought the 26.5 IB we would have traded that funky couch for an expanded counter and cabinets underneath."

Smart thinking!
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: 24' TK to a 27' MB...
Reply #24
[quote author=Andy Baird link=msg=252412 date=1694047865
Cab-Over Kitchen! 😉

 LB and I loved this model.   Our problem was getting it home from the factory......

glen

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