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Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Yahoo Message Number: 58292
We picked up our 2005 26.5 RK on Tuesday the 20th of September. As luck would have it, business took me to Boston on the morning of the 21st where I am typing this during the evening of the 22nd. So when I say these are only preliminary comments; they are, sadly, just that.
However, I have some initial observations that others might find interesting.

Our pick-up appointment was at 12:30 PM. Getting away during a particularly busy workweek was difficult and we arrived about twenty minutes late. My first observation and bit of advice to share is to not be late. There is much that Dave, a retired police officer, needs to cover in the four-hour orientation. You'll need all the time you can get and then some. Of particular interest to those of us who are relative new comers to the RV life style is that Dave has 35 years of RV experience...Give the man some time to talk and offer some opinions.
 My second observation was is that our coach is beautiful. We had only three minor cosmetic nit-picks to make and those were fixed during our orientation or while we did the paper work. In times past and again while we cursed our way through traffic for pick-up I wondered why LD doesn't offer the flexibility of a Saturday pick-up to make it easier for busy career people. It struck me while our nit-picks were being addressed that it is during weekdays that LD has people on site to address the concerns of finicky new owners.

With respect to the options we ordered on our LD, Dave said that in his year and a half of doing orientations, we had the record at 28.
His previous high had been 19. The standard options we ordered included everything except the electric step. Dave wondered why we had skipped the electric step and pointed out that we wanted to be careful to never drive off without retracting the manual step. (Ed had convinced Mindy that the electric step was problematical and would fail to retract at the most inconvenient time. I had acquiesced despite giving more weight to the same concern Dave had. We'll keep you posted.)
 Stealth options included the usual like extra seat belts and also more unusual options like a chase/mounting point for future antenna's and a second pair of coaxial inputs and outputs for a tri-pod mounted internet satellite dish and a back-up remote mount satellite TV dish (in case we have a problem with the automatic dish or are blocked by a tree.)
 We have the entertainment center option and will also need to power an energy efficient Bose 321 home theater system off of the same 400 watt Xantrex inverter that all of the Sharp LCD TV's are now powered by (Sharp killed the 12-volt LCD TV's that LD was using causing Steve to go back to inverter powered TV's.) We took all the 12-volt power LD offered including two solar panels and the T-145 upgrade. We're going to live with what power we have for a while to determine what aftermarket upgrades we really need…

Possible options include a WFCO three-stage converter/charger ala Joanna, or what I think of as a "bumper special" upgrade (2000 watt inverter/charger, four batteries, four solar panels) or something in between. At one point I was certain we would go all the way with the "bumper special" on the principle of minimizing generator run time. But during orientation Mindy and I were so impressed with how quickly the generator started, and how quietly and smoothly the generator ran that I'm thinking that we can live with running the generator for an hour in the morning with the WFCO upgrade to give the solar panels a head start for $300 rather than invest in a bumper special for $3000. We'll keep you posted. (I will likely, however, immediately swap the AM Solar RV-22 MPPT solar charge controller for the `B' version that has a manual 13.2 volt float option.)
 The drive home from Montclair to northern Orange County was short but long enough to make several observations. The LD drove very smoothly and quietly. The LD certainly lives up to its reputation for being a solidly built motor home. Based on what I'd read here, I had anticipated that the light load and high tire pressures LD sends you home with would make for a jarring ride particularly when equiped with the optional Bilstein shocks. Instead the ride from the drivers seat was quite comfortable. The coach stopped well, cornered well, didn't sway, and I always felt safe. That was the good news. The bad news was that driving the LD was a bit more fatiguing than I anticipated. Let me see if I can explain…
 Part of this experience might be unique to me. I drove the LD home in rush hour traffic and was very conscious of the LD's wide body, vehicles in the adjacent lanes and the big wide trucks I passed or that passed me. At 45 miles an hour, the LD seemed to track straight on any road surface. However, as the speed increased to 55, 60 or 65 miles per hour to keep up with traffic on the freeway I noticed to various degrees on various freeways that the LD seemed to move back and forth from the left side of the lane to the right side of the lane on its own volition as it tracked what I assume were ruts or groves in the road. This drew attention to the steering that felt somewhat imprecise and did not, at least for me, have enough of a center feel to allow comfortably confident corrections. The coach width combined with the tracking, steering and the constant close proximity of other vehicles did make the ride home a bit more fatiguing than I expected.
However, I want to emphasize again that even though driving the LD was more fatiguing for me than I anticipated I always felt the LD was safe (and a heck of a lot less fatiguing and a whole lot safer than the SOB E350 based coach I used to push around the country).

When I get back from this road trip I'm going to make an appointment with Henderson's for November. Is the silver Safe-T-Plus and alignment going to be enough to resolve what I described or am I going to need the IPD's too?

Any feedback greatly appreciated...

Best regards,

Jay Reitz 2005 26.5 RB
As much as we enjoy our adventures the dogs enjoy it more. That's why the name on Horatio's dedication plaque reads "For the Boys" past and present: Rommel, Patton, Teddy, Tudor and Arthur.
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58320
Quote
We picked up our 2005 26.5 RK on Tuesday the 20th of September. As luck would have it, business took me to Boston on the morning of the 21st where I am typing this during the evening of the 22nd. So when I say these are only preliminary comments; they are, sadly, just that.
However, I have some initial observations that others might find interesting.

The drive home from Montclair to northern Orange County was short but long enough to make several observations. The LD drove very smoothly and quietly. The LD certainly lives up to its reputation .. The bad news was that driving the LD was a >bit
more fatiguing than I anticipated. Let me see if I can explain…

Quote
Part of this experience might be unique to me. I drove the LD home in rush hour traffic and was very conscious of the LD's wide body, vehicles in the adjacent lanes and the big wide trucks I passed or that passed me. At 45 miles an hour, the LD seemed to track straight on any road surface. However, as the speed increased to 55, 60 or 65 miles per hour to keep up with traffic on the freeway I noticed to various degrees on various freeways that the LD seemed to move back and forth from the left side of the lane to the right side of the
lane on its own volition as it tracked what I assume were ruts or groves in the road. This drew attention to the steering that felt somewhat imprecise and did not, at least for me, have enough of a center feel
 
Quote
to allow comfortably confident corrections. The coach width combined with the tracking, steering and the constant close proximity of
other vehicles did make the ride home a bit more fatiguing than I expected.

Quote
When I get back from this road trip I'm going to make an appointment with Henderson's for November. Is the silver Safe-T-
Plus and alignment going to be enough to resolve what I described or am I going to need the IPD's too?

Quote
Any feedback greatly appreciated...
Best regards, Jay Reitz 2005 26.5 RB
Hi Jay,
 Congratulations on surviving the order, the gestation period, and the delivery process. I've edited your post to a degree because I wanted to concentrate on the "fatique" you experienced and try to offer my perspective on some of the handling improvements you are considering.

I would suggest that you take a little time to get used to the handling and steering response of your rig before making any changes.
Your intial drive home was in heavy traffic on heavily used (perhaps heavily rutted) roads after going through the entire delivery process. All of that would fatique most people. I think most new owners have a similar feeling about the steering; I know I did. I think if you take a leisurely trip on some better quality roads, you will become more comfortable and confident with the handling.

I realize there are some folks on this message board who find it necessary to modify their rigs to improve their confidence level.
However, I also think the vast majority of us find that after fine tuning our tire pressures and getting the front end alligned, we become quite comfortable with our rigs just as they are.

That's just my nickels' worth; but then I don't like to throw money at a problem that may not even be there. Other's may feel differently.

Good luck with your "record setting" (with options) rig!;-)

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58329
Jay,
 Sounds like all-in-all you had a good experience with the delivery of your new LD.  It's quite an exciting event, isn't it?
 I have a comment about the steering concerns you mentioned.  I had read in the LD manual before our pick-up the suggestion to put one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel for a steadier feel.  I tried it on the way back across country and it really did help reduce the wandering feeling.  Not sure why.  And after a while, I became quite accustomed to the steering and I have no complaints about it now.

Ted H.
'02 FL  NE-12
 From: jreitz2001
 Subject: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback

I noticed to various degrees on various freeways that the LD seemed to move back and forth from the left side of the lane to the right side of the lane on its own volition as it tracked what I assume were ruts or groves in the road. This drew attention to the steering that felt somewhat imprecise and did not, at least for me, have enough of a center feel to allow comfortably confident corrections.
Jay Reitz 2005 26.5 RB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58407
Quote
"...That was the good news. The bad news was that driving the LD was a bit more fatiguing than I anticipated...
as the speed increased to 55, 60 or 65 miles per hour to keep up with traffic on the freeway I noticed to various degrees on various freeways that the LD seemed to move back and forth from the left side of the lane to the right side of the lane on its own volition as it tracked what I assume were ruts or groves in the road. This drew attention to the steering that felt somewhat imprecise and did not, at least for me, have enough of a center feel to allow comfortably confident corrections. The coach width combined with the tracking, steering and the constant close proximity of other vehicles did make the ride home a bit more fatiguing than I expected."

Quote
"Any feedback greatly appreciated..."

Best regards,

Jay Reitz
Jay
 What you've described is exactly what I experienced when I picked up my Lazy Bones last October. It seemed that I had to constantly correct the steering because of a preceived 'wander'. This was quite fatiguing.
 So, as you apparently plan, I went straight to Henderson's the first chance I had and asked them to do an alignment and to install a Safe- T-Plus stabilizer. That stabilizer performed a miracle, the Lazy Bones now tracks straight as a die. I can let go of the wheel for moments at a time and the LD will track straight down the middle of the road, or wherever I pointed her. Best bucks I've spent since I ordered the optional backup camera.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones

Quote
2005 26.5 RB
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58408
Quote
Jay

What you've described is exactly what I experienced when I picked up my Lazy Bones last October. It seemed that I had to constantly correct the steering because of a preceived 'wander'. This was quite fatiguing.

So, as you apparently plan, I went straight to Henderson's the first chance I had and asked them to do an alignment and to install a
Safe-
 
Quote
T-Plus stabilizer. That stabilizer performed a miracle, the Lazy Bones now tracks straight as a die. I can let go of the wheel for moments at a time and the LD will track straight down the middle of the road, or wherever I pointed her. Best bucks I've spent since I ordered the optional backup camera.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones 2005 26.5 RB
Could it be that the alignment alone would have done the job? My '05 "Yonder", delivered last November, had "vague" steering, but still acceptable as compared to our old 29' Pace Arrow. A front end alignment, along with reducing the tire pressures to the recommended pressure for our weight, made all the difference. Steering is precise, with no tendancy to wander, very much like driving a lighter vehicle. While driving solo down the interstate, I can darn near go back to use the head without slowing down.

So my recommendation would be to get the front end alighed first, and the wheels balanced while your at it (mine were off). Then if you're not satisfied, look into the steering add-on equipment. For Yonder, at least, it hasn't been necessary.

all the best,

bumper Yonder Minden, NV
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58413
Quote
"Could it be that the alignment alone would have done the job?"

all the best,

bumper Yonder Minden, NV
Bumper

Actually, I had a problem of which I was unaware until Henderson's discovered it. In trying to perform the front end alignment they had to have a reference, which of necessity was the rear end.
The "discovery" was that the rear end was out of alignment and would need to be corrected before they could proceed. During the process they determined that the nuts on the "U" bolts which anchor the spring-packs to the axle were loose. Whether this occured at Ford or Lazy Daze is unknown -- 30'IB, frame stretching, etc., but I'll leave it to your imagination. After the rear was aligned and the nuts tightened to spec they then proceeded to align the front. No test drive was performed between the alignment and the installation of the Safe-T-Plus. But, once out on the road for a test drive the rig was measurably better than it had been before.

So, was the alignment the only necessary correction or did it take both to do the job? I don't know but I was happy that I got more service from Henderson's than I had asked for and feel safer for the experience.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones (which is a 30' Island Bed, not a 26.5 whatever!)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58420
I can let go of the wheel for
 
Quote
moments at a time and the LD will track straight down the middle of the road, or wherever I pointed her. Best bucks I've spent since I ordered the optional backup camera.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones 2005 26.5 RB
For each owner, there are some things that are a problem and some that are not. Ruby has had a water pump replaced and the rear end caps are a bit of a nuisance. However, the steering has always been fine outside of a bit more play in the wheel than I would like. I can take my hands off the wheel for seconds at a time and she tracks right down the road. Plus, I basically drive with my left elbow on the door {I'm left handed} and my index finger and thumb doing the steering with a guide from my middle finger - not much different than a car really.

My advice would be to give your LD a chance to show her colors as far as the slight imperfections that will show and then make adjustments. I would not be inclined to spend more money than necessary if your rig turns out to be one that does not have the problem that some people discuss here.
 Finally, the need for a backup camera for a solo traveler would seem essential. However, there are few things more easy than backing up if you have a partner spotting you. Plus the Fresnel lense works fime if you need to see more than can be seen though the rear mirror unassisted.

My two cents.

Dave

Ruby the Red 04 RK
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58431
"...Ruby has had a water pump replaced and..."

Yes Dave, I've done the waterpump thing also but only after it emptied over 30 gallons of fresh water onto my bedroom carpet.

"...outside of a bit more play in the wheel than I would like. I can take my hands off the wheel for seconds at a time and she tracks right down the road."

Know what you mean, but after 2,471 miles I knew that something had to be done because I was not going to fight it any longer than that.
Now with over 5,000 miles she rides like she was on rails.

"Finally, the need for a backup camera for a solo traveler would seem essential. However, there are few things more easy than backing up if you have a partner spotting you"

Yes, I agree with you here as well, although my spotter has taken wing and gone home to her ancestors as of this past May. I now have to do things pretty much on my own.

My two cents.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: "Spotter"
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58432
[snip]"my spotter has taken wing and gone home to her ancestors as of this past May. I now have to do things pretty much on my own.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones"

Steve, I'm sorry to hear that.  I hope you are doing well now.

Sharon N.
 
Re: Pick-up Report...preliminary comments and request for feedback
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58485
Thanks all for the input.
 I've made an appointment with Pete's Road Service in Fullerton to have the Borg Extenders installed, front tires balanced, and front end aligned. We'll see how the alignment and proper tire pressures works for our 2005 26.5RK before planning a week's worth of vacation around a trip to Henderson's :-)

Jay Reitz
As much as we enjoy our adventures the dogs enjoy it more. That's why the name on Horatio's dedication plaque reads "For the Boys" past and present: Rommel, Patton, Teddy, Tudor and Arthur.