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Manual transmissions?
Yahoo Message Number: 58409
I've been searching the group message archive to get some more background in preparation for ordering an LD.  While I see a lot of spirited discussion about diesel motors as an option in the archives, I don't see anything on transmission options. The "Changes in LD models over the years" file doesn't mention anything but automatics.
 Is there, or has there ever been, an option for a manual transmission on Lazy Daze RVs?  I really loathe automatics.

Thanks.

Joe O'Malley

Re: Manual transmissions?
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 58411
Quote
I've been searching the group message archive to get some more background in preparation for ordering an LD.  While I see a lot of spirited discussion about diesel motors as an option in the
archives,
 
Quote
I don't see anything on transmission options. The "Changes in LD models over the years" file doesn't mention anything but automatics.

Is there, or has there ever been, an option for a manual
transmission

Quote
on Lazy Daze RVs?  I really loathe automatics.

Thanks.

Joe O'Malley
Joe,
 There isn't an option for a manual tranny. Since the '05 models, the Ford LD chassis has a 5 speed automatic with tow/haul feature. With tow/haul engaged, all you have to do is tap the brake and the transmission downshifts to maintain (approximately) your selected speed. It's really a nice feature. This, coupled with the smooth shifting tranny, makes a nice package. Id really hate to get stuck in heavy stop-and-go traffic with a manual trans on the LD.

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer

Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Manual transmissions?
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 58416
Quote
Is there, or has there ever been, an option for a manual transmission on Lazy Daze RVs?  I really loathe automatics.

Thanks.

Joe O'Malley

Joe,
 There isn't an option for a manual tranny. Since the '05 models, the Ford LD chassis has a 5 speed automatic with tow/haul feature. With tow/haul engaged, all you have to do is tap the brake and the transmission downshifts to maintain (approximately) your selected speed. It's really a nice feature. This, coupled with the smooth shifting tranny, makes a nice package. Id really hate to get stuck in heavy stop-and-go traffic with a manual trans on the LD.

bumper
That's what my wife said when we moved to Honolulu.  Traffic is a nightmare here.  I drive a Honda Element with a manual transmission, and I honestly don't notice it; operating the gearshift doesn't take conscious thought.

When I'm driving an automatic, I always feel like the vehicle is shifting in the wrong place (way too early, in order to eke out as much fuel economy as possible), and I always feel like I'm fighting the motor when slowing the vehicle.  The features you mention should mitigate those annoyances.

I'll just have to test drive one sometime after I get back to the mainland in January.

Joe

[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Manual transmissions?
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 58419
Quote
When I'm driving an automatic, I always feel like the vehicle is shifting in the wrong place (way too early, in order to eke out as much fuel economy as possible), and I always feel like I'm fighting the motor when slowing the vehicle.  The features you mention
should

Quote
mitigate those annoyances.

I'll just have to test drive one sometime after I get back to the mainland in January.

Joe
Joe,
 I have a little Honda S2000 sports car. It has a 6 speed manual with shifter that's been likened to the precision of a bolt action rifle. I don't think manual shifters get much better. In heavy traffic, it really isn't that much of a bother either, except that the peaky little 240 hp engine, with 9,000 rpm redline, doesn't understand the concept of "go very slow" please! (It doesn't have an overwhelming amount of low-end torque.)
 The LD, on the other hand, is a substantial vehicle, lots of weight to get rolling and stop again in the typical California grid-lock that I left behind in the move to Nevada. That kind of traffic is no fun no matter what your driving, but I feel it would be worse in the LD.

I goofed in my explanation of the tow/haul feature, and didn't say that it's when going down hill that you tap the brakes to have the tranny maintain speed. Saves having to use the brakes and is a real pleasure to use. Of course, it also changes the shift points to optimize things when towing or in hilly country. Speaking of which, at least with the 26, the powertrain is pleasantly capable in the hill climing department.

bumper YONDER (and a glider trailer with the plate "WYLDBLU") Minden, NV
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer

Re: Manual transmissions?
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 58425
"Is there, or has there ever been, an option for a manual transmission on Lazy Daze RVs? I really loathe automatics."
 Others have answered your question; I'd just like to add my own experience: I drove nothing but stick shifts for the first thirty+ years of my life. My Lazy Daze was my first automatic, and I approached that aspect with some trepidation.
 It didn't take long, though, to convince me that I'd much rather not be bothered with manual shifting when driving a five-ton motorhome. It isn't a sports car, and the automatic suits it much better than a manual would--that's my humble opinion as a lifelong manual transmission lover. :-)

Andy Baird

Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Manual transmissions?
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 58438
Hello Andy!!!

Yes- there was manuel transmissions on LD's; back when he and his partner, harold hamm, were producing "slide-in's"

Hope this helped,

Best wishes,

Jeff Newton Paul's Son

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Re: S2000 as a toad?
Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 58444
Quote
I have a little Honda S2000 sports car.

Bumper,

Have you ever used your S2000 as a toad?

Jeff in NC
Jeff,

No, I haven't. Since we have a 26 MB, we have gone without a toad.
My wife also has a Miata, which would be a more suitable car to tow, if one wanted a small car.

One of the problems with the Honda S2000, is the tires are sticky soft, so they get relatively low milage and don't work well when wet. They are also different sizes front and rear, so one cannot go far while using the spare, and they are expensive. This is all good for spirited cornering, but probably makes the car less than ideal for towing 4 down.

We are looking to buy a new small SUV, and test drove the, popular to tow and reliable CRV. However, creature comforts and doodads won my wife over, so now we're leaning towards a Toyota Highlander for it's extra space and snow handling ability. Toading it isn't in the plans . . .
 Anyone want a very low milage (14K I think) 2001 emerald green Miata with most all the options?

all the best,

bumper Yonder, Minden, NV bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer