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Topic: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis? (Read 23 times) previous topic - next topic
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How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Yahoo Message Number: 103132
I'm thinking of biting the bullet on a new one but we live in Idaho and it snows.  The rig will live outside.  Haven't read too many bad things here but there is still the potential for trouble with wood frames and floors.

Any other issues to be aware of?
 I know LD's are well thought of and I've been to the factory twice but living in a different environment to where most LD's reside, I need to keep asking questions. ;)

Thanks,

Chris
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103138
Quote
I'm thinking of biting the bullet on a new one but we live in Idaho and it snows.  The rig will live outside.  Haven't read too many bad things here but there is still the potential for trouble with wood frames and floors.
I know you asked about newer rigs, but LD construction doesn't change much so IMHO an older one is an even greater testimonial to Lazy Daze quality.  As with timber-frame "stick houses," water is the great enemy.  If you maintain the seams and caulking, your LD will not suffer from the weather.
 I'm the fourth owner of my LD; the others lived in New Hampshire and in Massachusetts. I don't know where it spent its winters with the first two owners, but the third left it in a NH snowbank without even the most basic of winterizing. It needed a new tank, water heater, and one faucet, but the rest of the plumbing etc. survived.
 Since 2005, it has wintered in the Boston. The only problems I have encountered are rot in the cab entry steps, a dime-size area of electrolysis that has grown to the size of a quarter in the past 4 years, and a leaky window frame that did result in water damage and the need to replace a square foot of framing below the window.

Joanne in Boston NE-44 1994 TK
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103140
Quote
I'm thinking of biting the bullet on a new one but we live in Idaho and it snows.  The rig will live outside.  Haven't read too many bad things here but there is still the potential for trouble with wood frames and floors.
I agree with the wood/water concern. Worried me also since our LD lives outside.
 Well, we live in South Florida and during the summer it rains & rains & rains. Plus the humidity runs in the high 90's. Plus the 2000 MB took three direct hits by hurricanes. Did I say it rains in FL? We're on our second LD. No issues, to date, with leaks. Even after the hurricanes, the inside was as dry as can be.

Ed & Carol.
In Shipshewana, IN, Eating our way through Amish Country.
Oink, oink.
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103142
Quote
I agree with the wood/water concern. Worried me also since our LD lives outside.
 Well, we live in South Florida and during the summer it rains & rains & rains. Plus the humidity runs in the high 90's. Plus the 2000 MB took three direct hits by hurricanes. Did I say it rains in FL? We're on our second LD. No issues, to date, with leaks. Even after the hurricanes, the inside was as dry as can be.

Ed & Carol.
In Shipshewana, IN, Eating our way through Amish Country.
Oink, oink.
That's good to hear, Ed.  You get a lot more moisture down there than we get up here.  I know I could buy a cover or put it in storage but I'm lazy. ;)
How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103143
I'm thinking of biting the bullet on a new one but we live in Idaho and it snows. The rig will live outside. Haven't read too many bad things here but there is still the potential for trouble with wood frames and floors.

Any other issues to be aware of?
 I know LD's are well thought of and I've been to the factory twice but living in a different environment to where most LD's reside, I need to keep asking questions. ;)

Thanks,

Chris

Chris:
 I live about 12 miles north of Coeur d'Alene and in a "cold belt" where it is always colder than in town.  I would not be afraid of wood frames and floors in winter.  What would scare me more about leaving a rig outside is the roof.  I remember when we had our fiver and it iced over on the roof.
With about 5 inches of ice the extra weight on it was not good.  I scraped down as far as I could and was so grateful there were no solar panels on it.
So the only thing I would worry about it getting lots of snow with ice under it on the roof.  We now have a pole barn built for Dog Daze to park under it (just her size) so there is no worry about snow and ice on top of the solar panels (which was especially great this last winter with 8 feet of snow).  I still get the sun on the sides but occasional waxing will take care of the finish.  DD also gets outside when it is very sunny in order for the solar panels to do their thing for the batteries.  Hope that helps.

Judy Wms.

Blue '07 RB  "Dog Daze"

And all the fur kids

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103151
We have an '06 Anniversary Edition. While we live in Florida, we generally spend December up in South Carolina for Christmas with our daughter and her family. Cold, not too much snow, but no problems. We headed up to North Carolina in late April this year, while no snow, it was quite chilly. A few nights just below freezing. No problem. We did have moisture build up a night or two, until we opened the overhead roof vents enough to rid house of the moisture.
 We do have a bit of corrosion on a couple of screws in the shower area - our curtain is still on. I checked with the factory and I was advised that the condition is normal especially in colder climates. This issue should not cause any problems down the road.
 Compared to other rigs, our LD stands the test. This is our second LD. I have two brothers with SOBs and they all marvel at how well the LD is constructed as compared to their motor homes.

Good luck with your decision.

Bob and Kathy, 30IB, SE5

__
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103192
While we think Lazy Daze makes the best Class C out there, but nobody's perfect!  On May 29th we spent close to $3,400 at LD for repairs to the aluminum skin.  This is not report about a newer rig - the rig is 12 years old, however, this problem probably started as soon as the rig left the factory... and the report is about leaks as well as faulty construction process.
 Last month we discovered that there were 4 approximately silver dollar size blemishes in the aluminum in the right side of the middle real panel, including one under the tire storage door.   Prior to this , I do not recall seeing any imperfections in the paint when washing.  But I concede, there could have been – we back the LD into our storage area and do not look at the back that often.   When we pealed the paint we discovered white/grey chalky corrosion under the paint with HOLES in the aluminum. My friend, who owned a body shop for 30 years said it was due to improper surface preparation – or contamination prior to painting.  He said my options were to cosmetically place a filler, which would probably not work for long or replace the aluminum.  I drove down from the SF Bay area to LD.  Vince looked at it and said that it was due to the "environmentally friendly" undercoat that they had experimented with when the rig was made.  No choice but to take the rig apart.
 Vince also said he discovered LD had not sealed the wood prior to placing the aluminum, this caused the wood damage.  Working on the theory that they all eventually leak, they now seal the wood on all new rigs.

Here is the report from LD on what they did: "Replaced bottom 24 x 91 rear panel & found water damaged 2 x 2 on outer edge of back wall and on 2 x 2 under winder.  Replaced all bad 2 x 2's & also luan (?) on lower section of backwall.  Insulated with Styrofoam in all exposed area of backwall.  Sealed all raw wood under rounds and reinstall rounds with MA 820 (all four rear rounds.).  Left all wires connected except for trailer plug on pare tire cover.  Tested trailer plug – ok.  Right rear top round had crack in plastic prior to repair – sealed crack."
 They were able to do the repairs in two weeks and they did a great job, but I am very disappointed that this happened.  I wonder how many other have had or will have this problem.

Steve Holmstrom "Bob" 1998 Teal 30IB
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103197
Seems like this was a manufacturing defect according to Vince.  If you are the original purchaser, and even if not, shouldn't the factory should have paid for the repairs, 12 years old or not?

Chris

I drove down from the SF Bay area to LD.  Vince looked at it and said that it was due to the "environmentally friendly" undercoat that they had experimented with when the rig was made.  No choice but to take the rig apart.
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103198
I agree, but when suggested, Vince just said that I was not the original purchaser and they would do nothing.  He was proud to keep the job close to his initial estimate.  I was stuck... and I really do not feel like pressing the issue.  I am glad that he was honest with me anyway!
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103203
Quote
"I agree, but when suggested, Vince just said that I was not the original purchaser and they would do nothing.  He was proud to keep the job close to his initial estimate.  I was stuck... and I really do not feel like pressing the issue.  I am glad that he was honest with me anyway!
 
 Seems like this was a manufacturing defect according to Vince.  If you are the original purchaser, and even if not, shouldn't the factory should have paid for the repairs, 12 years old or not?"

Chris
I think it would be unusual for any RV manufacturer to warrant its original work for 12 years.  That said, I infer from Steve's statement that LD would have fixed this problem gratis had Steve been the original owner.  Is that true, Steve?  If so, that's good news.

Chris Horst
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103205
At 07:28 AM 6/10/2009, you wrote:

Quote
They were able to do the repairs in two weeks and they did a great job, but I am very disappointed that this happened. I wonder how many other have had or will have this problem.
What impressed me about your story was not just the good repair work, but the fact that they readily admitted to it being THEIR problem when the rig is old enough that they could have just fobbed it off on your care of it, or some other thing, and disavowed any responsibility for fixing it. And I think that's what a lot of companies would have done.
 I'm sorry you had to go through all that, but really glad that it was handled so expeditiously and honorably.

Sonsie
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103206
Quote
... I think it would be unusual for any RV manufacturer to warrant its original work for 12 years.  That said, I infer from Steve's statement that LD would have fixed this problem gratis had Steve been the original owner.  Is that true, Steve?  If so, that's good news.
It's right on the Lazy Daze web site, on the "Workmanship" page: "The Lazy Daze frame, located between the inside and outside walls, is backed with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. This unique warranty helps substantiate the fact that we manufacture a rugged product, with built-in longevity for years of trouble-free enjoyment."
 By the way, this is only the second major paint misadventure I've ever heard about regarding LD's, and the other one coincidentally was also made in 1998.  The "white" upper portion of a gray/silver unit was slightly greenish when delivered, and over time the rig has become mintier every year. It's easy to spot at a rally!  The owner reports that small lumpy/rusty  flaws that have appeared in the finish have prompted an expert to tell him that the paint was contaminated when applied.

Joanne in Boston NE-44 1994 TK
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103207
But Sonsie, admitting it was their manufacturing defect then making Steve pay for it because he was not the original owner *is* "fobbing" it off.
 I understand the warranty is to the original owner but I'm not sure that LD comes off looking very good when the problems were caused by their own building techniques.  At the least, I would have expected them to not charge their full shop time (assuming they did).

Chris
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103213
We have the same mentioned issues. Not just the rot recently found in the shower window area, but issues on the skin in various areas(pitting) and my husband says rot in the rear bumper support( Luckily we don't  tow). so that repair will coming once these other issues are addressed.
 Before we bought our LD which was our first RV, I researched & researched. We felt so confident in getting the LD. Unfortunately these recent issues have begun to disillusion me. Not everyone can be fortunate enough to afford to buy a new unit, and I know that we do and have done the recommended care, but since the factory now knows about why some issues that are occurring in the coaches that are 10-15 yrs old are occurring I agree that they are amiss in NOT offering some reduced repair rates. I'm scared to think what it would cost us to travel from FL to have this work done! I had taken photos of the window rot (uploaded to my photo site) & sent a link to the factory to Vince's attention, thinking he or someone might have had a comment or recommendation, but to date not.
 As I write this, the shower window is getting ready to be reinstalled. Some frame wood has been replaced; other wood Get Rot treated, sealed the sides & bottom with aluminum tape and are using the new window gasket material that we ordered from the factory. Time will tell.

Sylvia

"The DogHouse" '96 30 IB
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103214
Quote
...
And yes, we have one of the "goofy greenish-white" rigs!  ;-) ...
Wow, IIRC, the owner of the "minty" one I'm familiar with thinks he has the only one!

Joanne
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103215
Quote

 Last month we discovered that there were 4 approximately silver dollar size blemishes in the aluminum in the right side of the middle real panel, including one under the tire storage door.  Prior to this , I do not recall seeing any imperfections in the paint when washing.  But I concede, there could have been – we back the LD into our storage area and do not look at the back that often.  When we pealed the paint we discovered white/grey chalky corrosion under the paint with HOLES in the aluminum.
Vince also said he discovered LD had not sealed the wood prior to placing the aluminum, this caused the wood damage.  Working on the theory that they all eventually leak, they now seal the wood on all new rigs.

Here is the report from LD on what they did: "Replaced bottom 24 x 91 rear panel & found water damaged 2 x 2 on outer edge of back wall and on 2 x 2 under winder.  Replaced all bad 2 x 2's & also luan (?) on lower section of backwall.  Insulated with Styrofoam in all exposed area of backwall.  Sealed all raw wood under rounds and reinstall rounds with MA 820 (all four rear rounds.).  Left all wires connected except for trailer plug on pare tire cover.  Tested trailer plug – ok.  Right rear top round had crack in plastic prior to repair – sealed crack."
 They were able to do the repairs in two weeks and they did a great job, but I am very disappointed that this happened.  I wonder how many other have had or will have this problem.

Steve Holmstrom "Bob" 1998 Teal 30IB
Hi, I am a little confused. I concure about the substandard primer, but if the paint had not broken it's seal, how did the water damage happen?
 I too had a water damaged rotted wood and flooring replaced and new skins installed and painted. It cost about $3500 also(a bargain actually), but it was definately because of a broken water tank vent hose. Small bubbles could be seen in the fresh water tank area, but in my case the water was held in.
 Could your damage be caused by sweating of the fresh water tank, with moisture migrating and eating through the skin from the inside and then causing the paint to bubble?

Terry Terzian
'92 TK 23.5'
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103220
Quote
Here is the report from LD on what they did: "Replaced bottom 24 x 91 rear panel & found water damaged 2 x 2 on outer edge of back wall and on 2 x 2 under winder.  Replaced all bad 2 x 2's & also luan (?) on lower section of backwall."
Steve:
 Were they able to determine the source of the water that caused the damage? A leaking window? End cap separation?

Thank you:

Ed
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103236
I am not sure how he determined this.  He did say there was water damage to the wood - that had to have come from the end cap and he felt the window was not leaking.  There was no damage on the inside of the coach or
 
Re: How are the newer rigs holding up with leaks or electrolysis?
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103237
Good questions - no mention was made about a broken water tank vent hose, hopefully he looked.  The damage however was on the passenger side, our water tank entry and vent are on the driver's side.  I know they had to look at that hose as they replaced the entire middle panel.
 Apparently, aside from those 4 holes, they did not find any corrosion in the panel that was replaced or the panel below or above.  If it had been a leak/sweating, one would think the damage would have extended to other panels.  He said he checked.
 I did have two other thoughts, which Vince and my expert Bruce dismissed.  1)  I am a scuba instructor and routinely hung my drysuit on the ladder to dry.  But just in case, I won't do that anymore! ;-)  2)  We are parked next to an orange tree.  Likewise, I'll make sure it is trimmed back & has no future contact with the rig.

Steve