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It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Yahoo Message Number: 99582
that new 32' Kodiak 5500 chassis Lazy Daze!  We got the tour this morning with Steve and we were able to pour over it, inside and out!
 Where to start?  The interior finishes are very very well done.  Steve has done a wonderful job with the aesthetics.  For this twin bed model he's chosen the onyx fabric in the coach with a very soft beige "leather" with soft black "leather" seats in the cab to coordinate with the Chevy dash.  There is a dark solid surface countertop and a black sink with a handsome brushed stainless faucet.

He designed a new table which deletes the pedestal and offers a shallow storage area under the tabletop and has a table-top extension, designed a "secret" bin in the step, there's now a interior hatch over the door (owing to the height of the new chassis), a deep wide drawer under the refrigerator, there are very handsome rocker switches on lights, he designed a new stove top cover which has a great latch to keep it out of the way and it is out of the counter top material. The 3 stove top burners are sealed and are more "domestic" in design and function.
 There is a front camera (due to the height of the hood) in addition to the rear camera.  There is a built-in navigation system which is wired up to the radio, your iPod, and is BlueTooth compatible with your cell phone.

What makes this beautiful beast so magnificent is how he's designed the storage bays underneath.  They are quite deep and wide and high (!!!) and the doors have not only a new and improved latching/locking system, but they also stay up with hydraulic openers. A couple of these bins are pass-thrus.
 The paint design is beautiful and really works...when standing next to it and the traditionally painted/decaled LDs on the floor, one can see the relationship between the old and the new.  It's all paint (no decals except for the Lazy Daze on front and rear), too.  He's chosen the silver-white exterior for this first one.

It is huge...there's an additional step to get into it.  It feels quite a bit larger inside, but Steve assured us it was the same as the nonKodiak LDs.  It is higher and Steve says when he's been out in it he can see eye to eye with the 18-wheelers and down on other RVs.

It has the 325 HP, 8.3L Chevy engine mated to a six speed Allison transmission. Steve says the tach reads 2000 RPM at 65 MPH versus the Ford's 2500 RPM at 65 MPH. He says it has good low end torque so it gets rolling pretty easily.
 Standard equipment includes a ProSine 2.0 inverter, an in-motion low profile satellite dome, convection microwave oven, heated compartment for the holding tanks. Still has the Onan 4 KW generator. Fresh water and electrical hookups are as currently provided but the dump is via a single valve (looks like it might be a ball valve versus the current knife valves. There is a San-i-flush on the black water tank. Steve hasn't decided what the final plumbing for the dump will look like - still a work in progress. It has an 80 gallon fuel tank and a 25 gallon propane tank.
 There is a separate thermostat for the furnace and for the A/C. Steve said that this will allow the use of the heat strip and the furnace at the same time. It looked like it was still 30 amp service and I didn't think to ask if it still had only one AC circuit for every AC outlet but the microwave and the AC. I also didn't ask whether the hot water heater was still exclusively gas. Tank monitoring gauges are still internal to the tanks. There is a standard 5000 pound receiver and yes it has ears for the safety chains.
 We know that there's more than all of the above, so if anyone wants to know more, be in touch and we'll try to answer accurately.
 When asked directly about the price, Steve said "$140,000.  There are no options, everything's on it."

For those of us who almost full-time, this is a great step in the right direction.  And for those who have a Class A and are looking to step to something a bit smaller, but a whole lot better...this is IT!
 It's a beauty and if we had a buyer at hand for "Wild Thing," you can bet this 32' Twin would be ours immediately!

Bill and Tina Pratt 2006 MB "Wild Thing" of the Silver Persuasion Currently Docked at The Mothership (B&T are at the HIExpress in Ontario Mills, however)
2006 MB
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99585
wrote: For this twin bed model he's chosen the onyx fabric in the coach with a very soft beige "leather" with soft black "leather" seats in the cab to coordinate with the Chevy dash. There is a dark solid surface countertop and a black sink with a handsome brushed stainless faucet.
--- I haven't seen the Kodiak, but "onyx fabric in the coach" means "black upholstery" to me; is this accurate?  And, a *black* kitchen sink?

Granted, my taste in motorhome decor runs strongly to the strictly functional and easy to clean and maintain; "dirt" is my first color choice and my standard of "elegance" is how presentable a fabric or surface will still look under whatever the furry, trash-magnet dog and I track in! But, as always, YMMV!  ;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99587
It's the usual RV type of pattern with black and silver and other colors...it really is quite nice. Steve has used the onyx pattern as more of an accent on the side chairs, the valances, a couple of throw pillows, and the headboards. The sink isn't shiny black and it really really works with the dark countertop. And it is a deep one bowl rectangular sink and there is a half-size cover that fits over it to extend the working space (
2006 MB
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99588
Sorry, no pix...we were mentally scattered by the time we got in the door...what with having to disembark for several days...so forgetting the camera was only to be expected...that and the Trader Joe brown grocery bags for luggage.
 When we were checking into the hotel we overheard a couple of fellows going in the opposite direction..."Great...they brought food!"
 With luck we'll do better on the pix when we pick up Herself on Thursday.

TinaP
2006 MB
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99589
".what with having to disembark for several days...so forgetting the camera was only to be expected...that and the Trader Joe brown grocery bags for luggage.   "

Tina,

You have my sympathy, it's a drag moving out of the rig!

We also had to move in grocery bags, at least yours are high class grocery bags!

Kate
 http://cholulared.blogspot.com http://www.cholulared.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/83282349@N00/

Want to find us? Click below, we're #3096 http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=3096

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99598
Quote
It's a beauty and if we had a buyer at hand for "Wild Thing," you can bet this 32' Twin would be ours immediately!
That's interesting. I wonder how many current LD owners would buy one of the new Kodiaks, or other units for that matter, if LD took in other LD's in trade.
 The "new" LD part of the Kodiak has, at least by LD standards, cutting edge technology. The chassis, however, is not the 2009 model year but about a 2005 as best I recall. Perhaps a trade-in incentive would get the three "new" Kodiaks on the street for others to see.
 Taking trades also generates cash flow. Not as much obviously as a no trade sale, but cash flow nonetheless. Important during very slow times.
 Steve could take in trades, put them in first class condition, offer a warranty of some type then sell them for premium prices.

One big obstacle for current owners who might want to upgrade to a newer or different LD is selling their current rig, especially in today's weak resale market. And then once you sell your old one you have to go to Montclair to pick up your new rig. That's a real pain unless you live in SoCal. How much simpler it would be to drive your current rig to Montclair, drop if off and leave with you new LD.
 So Tina, here's the plan. March into Steves office. Tell him that if he makes gives you a decent price for Wild Thing, you'll drive away in his first new Kodiak. ;-) Wouldn't that be a fun.

Ed
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99602
"Steve could take in trades, put them in first class condition, offer a warranty of some type then sell them for premium prices."
 I've always thought that was a good idea. Born Free has been doing it for years.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99604
--- On Tue, 2/24/09, Ed etdcaw@...> wrote:...So Tina, here's the plan. March into Steves office. Tell him that ifhe makes gives you a decent price for Wild Thing, you'll drive away inhis first new Kodiak. Wouldn't that be a fun. Ed

Ed:

You go first.

Tina

_.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
2006 MB
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99605
Quote
That's interesting. I wonder how many current LD owners would buy one of the new Kodiaks, or other units for that matter, if LD took in other LD's in trade.

Ed
Ed,
 Interesting concept but I still wouldn't trade up.  I find a 23.5 TK to be ideal size and configuration for me.  Small and manueverable, easy to park just about anywhere etc.

But I am sure there are others that would jump at the chance.

Terry R
23.5 TK
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99607
Quote
That's interesting. I wonder how many current LD owners would buy one of the new Kodiaks, or other units for that matter, if LD took in other LD's in trade.

 If the 30' TB had been available on the Kodiak chassis...particularly if the option for the Duramax/Allison combination were available...we might have strongly considered it when we decided to go back to fulltiming.
 Probably wouldn't have been interested in a trade (at that time, at least), since we would have made more money selling it ourselves.  In today's economy, who knows?

Linda Hylton http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Linda Hylton
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99635
Quote
that new 32' Kodiak 5500 chassis Lazy Daze!  We got the tour this morning with Steve and we were able to pour over it, inside and out!

Bill and Tina Pratt 2006 MB "Wild Thing" of the Silver Persuasion Currently Docked at The Mothership (B&T are at the HIExpress in Ontario Mills, however)
Bill and Tina,
 Thanks for the info about the 32' Kodiak Lazy Daze.  I am sure you know that as information is provided, more questions arise.  I am looking forward to some pictures of the interior and the outside storage compartments.
 Here are some of the many question that come to mind that I hope you might be so kind as to answer if you know the answers.
 I am still wondering if the new table is between a couple barrel chairs or part of a dinette.

Is there a TV arrangement in the back bedroom?

How big is the step down into the cab from inside the coach?
 I presume one pass through compartment is under the floor in the very back, but where is the other pass through compartment?
 Is the fresh water tank under the front couch?  Where is the fresh water fill cap located?
 Is there any storage under the living room couch from inside the coach?
 Does Steve plan to offer an Island bed also or just a Twin arrangement?
 Are the coach batteries located where it will be convenient to add additional batteries?
 I guess I better stop.  I think I have exceeded my quota of questions.
 Hope you get everything completed on your "Wild Thing" so you can get back on the road again soon.

Sincerely,

Jerry Howell 1996 26.5' RB Denver, CO Hoping to be full time before the end of this year.
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99643
--- On Wed, 2/25/09, Jerry jh9770@...> wrote:..Bill and Tina,
 Thanks for the info about the 32' Kodiak Lazy Daze.  I am sure you know that as
 information is provided, more questions arise.  I am looking forward to some pictures of the interior and the outside storage compartments. Steve has taken some nice pictures and is working on adding them to the LD website...he invited us to look over his shoulder on his computer to see them and the copy he's been writing on this model.

Here are some of the many question that come to mind that I hope you might be so kind

as to answer if you know the answers.

I am still wondering if the new table is between a couple barrel chairs or part of a dinette. The new table is between the usual barrel chairs.

Is there a TV arrangement in the back bedroom? There is a nice flat screen TV mounted (high) at the foot of the streetside bed.

How big is the step down into the cab from inside the coach? This model has a two step exterior Kwikee/Kwikee-type step...I am sensitive to this as I fell coming out of my sister's Class A literally 1 year ago and broke my ankle. There is no huge step to conquer and no surprises. On the inside, the step from the coach into the cab is just one gentle slope, no biggie. The seat headrests are low and have LD monogrammed into the leather!

I presume one pass through compartment is under the floor in the very back, but where is the other pass through compartment? WFP believes he recollects there are 2...one in the rear and one up front...these bins are huge, whether or not they are pass through. We were both extremely impressed with the exterior storage space, particularly how tall the bins are...the low height of the current LD bins is extraordinarily vexing to WFP.

Is the fresh water tank under the front couch?  Where is the fresh water fill cap located? We cannot accurately recall where the fresh water tank is, but since the fresh water fill is streetside, the tank may also be on that side.

Is there any storage under the living room couch from inside the coach? Yes, while the water pump is located inside under the couch (curbside), there is room under the couch for storage.

Does Steve plan to offer an Island bed also or just a Twin arrangement? The island bed would be available on another one. Steve mentioned that we could order an island bed as WFP tried the twin beds out for length...the floor model Kodiak we were in was already finished as a twin.

Are the coach batteries located where it will be convenient to add additional batteries? We didn't look for them, but Steve said there are 4 house batteries, 3 solar panels, and part of the output from one of those solar panels is a trickle charge to the truck battery. When he said it's loaded, he meant it!

I guess I better stop.  I think I have exceeded my quota of questions.

Hope you get everything completed on your "Wild Thing" so you can get back on the road again soon. Thanks..."Wild Thing" is just about ready for us...we're having to wait for paint to dry on a pilot error repair, and it's been foggy today and rained a bit on Monday, but Vince assures us we're on track to move back in, with our Trader Joe's luggage, tomorrow.
Forgot to mention...the kitchen counter, in order to accommodate the new stove/convection microwave, is 3" deeper. The overhead and undersink cabinets on that side of the kitchen are likewise deeper.

Sincerely,

Jerry Howell

1996 26.5' RB

Denver, CO

Hoping to be full time before the end of this year.
2006 MB
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99649
Quote from: Tina Pratt

Bill and Tina,
 Thanks for the additional info about the 32' Kodiak Lazy Daze.  It really sounds great to me.  I have deleted my questions and just left your answers in the attached part of this email.
 I was wondering if the spare tire is on the back or in a luggage compartment.

Thanks again for the great info you have provided.

Sincerely,

Jerry Howell

1996 26.5' RB

Denver, CO

Hoping to be full time before the end of this year.

FOLLOWING IS THE RECAP OF THE INFO FROM YOUR PRIOR EMAIL
 Steve has taken some nice pictures and is working on adding them to the LD website...he invited us to look over his shoulder on his computer to see them and the copy he's been writing on this model.

The new table is between the usual barrel chairs.
 There is a nice flat screen TV mounted (high) at the foot of the streetside bed.
 This model has a two step exterior Kwikee/Kwikee-type step...I am sensitive to this as I fell coming out of my sister's Class A literally 1 year ago and broke my ankle. There is no huge step to conquer and no surprises.
 On the inside, the step from the coach into the cab is just one gentle slope, no biggie.
 The seat headrests are low and have LD monogrammed into the leather!
 I presume one pass through compartment is under the floor in the very back, but where is the other pass through compartment? WFP believes he recollects there are 2...one in the rear and one up front...these bins are huge, whether or not they are pass through. We were both extremely impressed with the exterior storage space, particularly how tall the bins are...the low height of the current LD bins is extraordinarily vexing to WFP.
 We cannot accurately recall where the fresh water tank is, but since the fresh water fill is streetside, the tank may also be on that side.
 Is there any storage under the living room couch from inside the coach? Yes, while the water pump is located inside under the couch (curbside), there is room under the couch for storage.
 Steve mentioned that we could order an island bed as WFP tried the twin beds out for length...the floor model Kodiak we were in was already finished as a twin.
 Are the coach batteries located where it will be convenient to add additional batteries? We didn't look for them, but Steve said there are 4 house batteries, 3 solar panels, and part of the output from one of those solar panels is a trickle charge to the truck battery.
When he said it's loaded, he meant it!
 Thanks..."Wild Thing" is just about ready for us...we're having to wait for paint to dry on a pilot error repair, and it's been foggy today and rained a bit on Monday, but Vince assures us we're on track to move back in, with our Trader Joe's luggage, tomorrow.
 Forgot to mention...the kitchen counter, in order to accommodate the new stove/convection microwave, is 3" deeper. The overhead and undersink cabinets on that side of the kitchen are likewise deeper.
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
 
Re: It's A Beautiful Thing (Long Post)
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99684
Quote


Quote
Bill and Tina,

Thanks for the additional info about the 32' Kodiak Lazy Daze.  It
really sounds great to
 
Quote
me.  I have deleted my questions and just left your answers in the
attached part of this

Quote
email.

I was wondering if the spare tire is on the back or in a luggage
compartment.

Quote
Thanks again for the great info you have provided.

Sincerely,

Jerry Howell

1996 26.5' RB

Denver, CO

Hoping to be full time before the end of this year.

Jerry,
I checked with Vince when we picked up "Wild Thing". The fresh water tank is on the passenger side under the front of the sofa.
 The spare is in a side compartment - top rear compartment on passenger side. Considering the size of the compartments this is not the concern that it is with the Ford chassis.

Note that the GVWR for the Kodiak is 19,500 Lbs. Steve estimates that the Carrying Capacity will be beyween 2900 and 3300 lbs.

Bill