just joined July 04, 2017, 08:47:38 am Hi, I am still a dreamer, trying to figure out what RV to get as soon as I sell my house.I would love to have some feedback on why the Laze Daze is the best one. I would be operating it on my own, and I need something reliable and safe. Are there some good websites to go to with research and reviews?thanks allPam (PHR)
Re: just joined Reply #1 – July 04, 2017, 02:13:56 pm PHRWelcome to the best RV forum on the net, LDOF.The primary reason for owning a Lazy Daze is 'Build Quality'... there's no match out there! 4 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #2 – July 04, 2017, 02:14:07 pm Quote from: PHR - July 04, 2017, 08:47:38 amHi, I am still a dreamer, trying to figure out what RV to get as soon as I sell my house.I would love to have some feedback on why the Laze Daze is the best one. I would be operating it on my own, and I need something reliable and safe. Are there some good websites to go to with research and reviews?thanks allPam (PHR)For starters, I suggest you go to the search function (under Community) and type in " Lazy Daze Reviews". Not every past message will help you, but you may find some useful threads. Others will chime in with info. Also, type in the same words in Google for some reviews.Chris 1 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #3 – July 04, 2017, 02:54:43 pm Quote from: PHR - July 04, 2017, 08:47:38 amHi, I am still a dreamer, trying to figure out what RV to get as soon as I sell my house.Welcome to the LDOs neighborhood. I think you'll find as much information and guidance in this forum as you'd want. It's like an encyclopedia on all things related to Lazy Daze, Class C RVs, and everything in between.As you'll soon learn, the "house" part of the LD is made in southern California by a family that started building RVs sometime in the 1950's. In fact, that family may be responsible for creating the Class C motorhome. In other words, the Lazy Dazy builders have more than 60 years building LDs and as a result use materials and construction techniques that create a RV that lasts a very long time. The Lazy Daze Companion: History of Lazy Daze . In addition, independent RV reviews have ranked LDs among the top Class C RVs for many years because of the quality and durability of the build.As you might expect, there are wonderfully made trailers, Class A MHs, Class B MHs, and of course Class C MHs. Experienced RVers will often advise "dreamers and RV searchers" to read, ask questions, and explore all types of RVs with the intention of just learning. If you can, spend time in a variety of RVs and imagine that is your home. While inside a variety of RVs, try to develop a sense of which floor plan works for you and which features cause you trouble.Here are a couple of LD related websites that should help you with many of your questions.Lazy Daze Pocket Guide and The Lazy Daze CompanionAs you gain knowledge and insight into what you want and need, you'll also begin to see and "feel" what's going to work for you. Please know that this is a slow process at first, but a solid RV education will pay dividends for you later on. Hope this helps. 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #4 – July 04, 2017, 03:55:29 pm Welcome Pam. Other than build quality which is very important and apparent after looking at a few other brands on the market, we like the rear lounge with the large windows and having a separate living/sleeping area.
Re: just joined Reply #5 – July 04, 2017, 05:09:12 pm Hello and howdy,What is the best RV? <smile> I don't know. But there is a company that reviews them. Yes it will cost you but you'll have the most unbiased information IMHO. And it will be cheaper then the cost of a new/used RV you after buying you don't like. RV Consumer Group 1 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #6 – July 04, 2017, 05:15:20 pm Thank you for the replies. The one thing LD doesn't have is a slide, and they seem to add so much more room.I've pretty much decided on 26-27 ft with a mid bath.
Re: just joined Reply #7 – July 04, 2017, 06:13:56 pm Quote from: colddog - July 04, 2017, 05:09:12 pmHello and howdy,What is the best RV? <smile> I don't know. But there is a company that reviews them. Yes it will cost you but you'll have the most unbiased information IMHO. And it will be cheaper then the cost of a new/used RV you after buying you don't like. RV Consumer GroupAnd I'll just comment: Three years ago I started researching RVs and bought the RV Consumer Group ratings. I searched for the best manufacturer across Class A, Class B and Class C RVs. Wanna know who is #1? Across all three categories?? Yup, Lazy Daze. So, I started my search for a LD. Coincidentally, I took ownership of it 2 days ago!! I finally own one! My first RV. I bought a previously-loved Rear Bath. I'm so happy. And I have so much to learn. If you decide to go with an LD, this site is sooooooo helpful. I haven't asked much on this site, because all I have to do is search and I find a wealth of information. The folks here are so very knowledgable and friendly. Good luck in your research, and Happy 4th of July!!Denise 5 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #8 – July 04, 2017, 06:41:23 pm Pam, welcome and good luck in this important journey. The information here certainly addresses questions about the Lazy Daze itself with uniquely helpful insights about the RV. As a resource I believe it is the best on the internet. Also interesting is that some of the most prolific and respected posters here are women who full-time alone. Just reading JCT (Joan's) comments is like a graduate course in RV common sense and technical help. Also search for posts related to Ladeze, and new full-timers like Optunia (Mimi) to see how people progress from initial inquiry to veteran happy campers. The community is as important to me as the RV. And that's from a non-social personality. 1 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #9 – July 04, 2017, 08:16:19 pm Before we bought our used 2006 31" Anniversary Edition we went to all RV forum websites and asked a mega amount of questions regarding LDs. Every website had LDs at the top of their list for durability, construction and quality. Then we went to the factory and went on a tour of the plant. We were sold. We were fortunate to get one here in California and have not looked back. BTW, thank goodness we had driven an RV (not LD), before we test drove our future LD. I am so happy we did that because just driving the previous RV and then being able to compare it to the LD we purchased, I could not believe how quiet and not rattling the LD was compared to test RV we drove. We had never driven any RV before but that we our deciding point on buying the LD. 1 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #10 – July 04, 2017, 09:02:39 pm Quote from: PHR - July 04, 2017, 05:15:20 pmThank you for the replies. The one thing LD doesn't have is a slide, and they seem to add so much more room.I've pretty much decided on 26-27 ft with a mid bath.Ditto to all that has been said so far. I'll add that, yes, slides do add much more room. My last RV was a trailer that had one and it really opened up the RV but it also adds more weight and another point of complexity and potential failure. Just read on this, and other RV forums, of all the issues associated with them. In addition, cutting a huge hole in the side of a moving vehicle greatly reduces the structural integrity of the unit.I would hold off making a final decision on length and model until you've actually had a chance to see them in person. Many, including myself, have thought they wanted a certain model only to change their minds after actually experiencing the different floor plans in person.Oh, and welcome to LDO! 1 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #11 – July 04, 2017, 10:19:33 pm Quote from: PHR - July 04, 2017, 05:15:20 pmThank you for the replies. The one thing LD doesn't have is a slide, and they seem to add so much more room.I've pretty much decided on 26-27 ft with a mid bath.Pam,I agree with HiLola. Try to see several different floor plans. While, frankly, I could make all of them work for different reasons, you may find one that 'rings your bell." I did not choose the RB by looking at the floor plans, in fact I thought I also wanted the MB. But when I saw the RB, wow, the living area is just so open. And the bathroom area is huge!! I had to see it to really appreciate it. Plus, I was buying used, and the previous owner took fantastic care of my RB, and did many great upgrades. So, happy shopping. Of course, if you're buying new, LD has some (not sure all) floor plans on display.Cheers,Denise 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #12 – July 04, 2017, 11:32:42 pm Hi Pam,A lot of information has been presented to you in a very short time. Overwhelmed? Don't be. There has been a shift in the Top Tier of manufacturers of High Quality Class C motorhomes. Two major players have ceased their production of Class C's or have shuttered their doors. Lazy Daze has always been in the top three, now, more than ever, it has risen closer to the Top in my humble opinion. Used motorhomes by other manufactures are in great abundance and for many reasons. Lack of build quality or customer dissatisfaction being two reasons. Lazy Daze motorhomes are not among those. LD's are not in great abundance on the used market. Make no mistake, they are out there and hit the market frequently but although Lazy Daze has been manufacturing Class C motorhomes for decades they are produced as special order coaches one at a time unlike the assembly line motorhomes spat out by the other guys. It is useful to know, also, that just because it's a LD, not everyone takes great care of their RV. So when checking out used rigs of any ilk do so with a decerning eye. It may be good to know, also, that it can take quite some time to find that perfect coach be it LD or SOB (some other brand). Some on LDO have searched for over a year while others have been more fortunate and purchased their perfect Lazy Daze in short order. You stated that you are on the hunt and plan to make your final decision or purchase after you sell your home. All budgetary constraints aside purchasing new from the factory may actually take as much time as finding that diamond among the for sale signs. Like others have said, I would encourage you to see as many LD's and SOB's as possible before making your final choice. It's an exciting adventure you are about to embark upon (and not cheap, even if purchasing used). Have fun with it and get what you want. Your in good company at LDO.Enjoy the journey. Oh, and Happy Fourth to all of us. Kent 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #13 – July 05, 2017, 05:43:26 am Hi Pam, and welcome to the group. One thing to consider, not mentioned yet, is to visit an LD rally held at various sites around the country. While there, you can visit the different types of LDs and check out the floor plans quite easily, as well as picking the brains of the owners.For example, DW and I belong the the North East LD club and our next gathering is in September on Cape Cod. If near the NE part of the country, you are certainly welcome to join us, and explore LDs (and the cult) in detail. There are like events taking part in other parts of the country.Best wishes in finding the best RV for you. 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #14 – July 05, 2017, 10:44:20 am Hi, Pam -- You and the others on this forum are no doubt familiar with the "K.I.S.S." principle, and we applied a similar philosophy to our order of an LD Rear Bath. We applied the "K.I.S.O.T." way of thinking; that is Keep It Simple, Old Timer. We are old vets at RVing, having at one time or another enjoyed a variety of modes, ranging from the fabled VW Vanagan to Airstream trailers, to Hawkins Diesel Pusher (still one of my favorites), to Winnebago Class C (still one of the best production line manufacturers, IMHO). We knew well what we wanted when we placed our order, because we had nearly 40 years of RV experience to draw from, as did/do many folks on this forum. We figure that this will be our last RV -- looking at things realistically. That is one of the primary reasons we selected LD. With reasonable care, we can expect at least 20 years of comfortable, nearly care-free RVing out of the Rear Bath we have on order. Back to the KISOT theory, we ordered this rig because what we consider great options to order in other RVs come standard in an LD (such as a basic gas oven, good interior venting, lots of interior natural light, etc). We also deliberately have taken a pass on more problematic options, such as electric steps. While I am a reasonably handy fellow and can fix lots of things, I am not so sure that I want to be crawling around under the chassis or on the roof so much these days. ALL RVs will require fixing things, regardless of who makes the rig. It's just a reality.All Rvs are essentially a bunch of independent systems rolling down the road attached to a vehicle chassis. The primary systems are plumbing, electrical, and sewage. Just as in your home, all require regular maintenance and repairs. The less complex each system is, the easier that should be. That is why we will not miss the slide, electric steps, leveling jacks, dual a/c, outside shower, etc. By the way, LD still builds on the very capable and time-tested Ford E450 chassis, but I have read that Ford will soon stop manufacturing that chassis, probably by 2020. 3 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #15 – July 05, 2017, 11:26:59 am On the topic of slides- we went from backpacked tents and hammocks to truck camper to 34' trailer with two slides, to a 26.5' Lazy Daze Mid Bath. As for the RVs we have owned, the camper had no slide, and was great fie short trips. Two weeks or longer felt a little cramped in it. Hugging each time we passed in the 20" wide aisle was getting less and less fun over a long rainy stay. The trailer was a working mobile office and home, and we marveled at how big it was, loading it to maximum weight capacty and working out of or in camps for weeks at a time. I kept the slides well maintained and never had a leak, but did have to have some repairs done when they scraped across the floor as they went in and out. Learned almost all slides are made by Lippert, or companies they own, and that the worry about leaks was continuing. Most people we associated with had leaking slide issues. We specifically looked for a no-slide RV when we sought to go with a smaller RV. Trailers didn't fit the bill, too big, too small, too many with slides, and Airstream. Much as we like the Airstream look and feel, and the AirForums are a great support community, but after seeing them built we couldn't figure out why they are so expensive. Having not had a motor home, we went with a low cost used LD. It appealed because of floor plan, size, reputation and simplicity. No slide had become a certain requirement. In the MB we have two very separate living areas that support our needs when we are out for months at a time. Our travel style is to spend long periods of time only at the beach. Other than that we get itchy feet after a week in a single place. We do our sightseeing as we drive from place to place, and when in camp we enjoy everything we can walk or ride to. The LD has proved as nimble as we want.
Re: just joined Reply #16 – July 05, 2017, 09:58:50 pm Pam,I'll add my welcome to the group, and offer some food for thought that my fellow members haven't brought up that I hope may be helpful.Do you plan to tow a vehicle, or will you just be traveling in the RV? Do you expect to spend more time in commercial campgrounds, or are public campgrounds (Forest Service, BLM, State or National Parks for example) more your style? In both cases, coach size matters. With regard to the former, if it's just the RV, having something smaller and a bit more maneuverable is often important when exploring the areas you're in, visiting cities, going shopping, attractions, parking, and so on. Regarding the latter, many of our public campgrounds can not accommodate longer rigs, often have length limits, so this too should be something to keep in mind as you explore all of the possibilities. Good luck with your RV adventure!Bill
Re: just joined Reply #17 – July 06, 2017, 10:25:10 am Here's our story - our first LD purchase was an '83 in 1993. We checked it out one day, liked it and put down a small deposit. The next day we went to the RV show in Pomona, CA, and checked our all the new rigs. The principal thing we noticed is that NONE of the new ones outside the LD exhibit felt nearly as solid and tight as the 10-yr old model we left the deposit on. Following day we went back and picked up our '83, which served us well for the next 19 years...Steve 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #18 – July 06, 2017, 11:39:22 am "I would be operating it on my own, and I need something reliable and safe. Are there some good websites to go to with research and reviews?"----Pam, you've received a great deal of detailed, accurate information and advice from experienced owners, and frankly, IMO, this forum is the go-to "website" for "reviews" because, unlike comments and opinions that often are posted on other sites, many, if not most, of the people offering their opinions and experience here actually own a Lazy Daze! That's not to say that one should ignore information from other resources, but do vet the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the source; there's a lot of smoke-blowing out there!Reliable and safe? On your own? Quite a few people, men and women, travel solo; AFAIK, there are more women traveling solo than men. Some do weekends and/or short trips, some do longer, multi-week or month trips, and some fulltime. Concerns about "reliability and safety" are definitely real, but can be minimized by taking one's time and proceeding deliberately and carefully along the learning curve, studying and reading and getting information from knowledgeable, experienced people, realistically defining one's personal needs, skill sets, limitations, and proposed travel style, taking a hard look at one's budget, including recognizing that the initial purchase price is only the beginning, and basically, kissing several RV frogs before a "prince" shows up! This forum offers several links and hundreds, if not thousands, of posts, past and current, on what to look for in a used LD, how to spot problems and assess quality, how to repair and maintain one's rig and just about anything having to do with Lazy Daze motorhomes. Search, ask, learn. Lazy Daze motorhomes are higher in initial build quality than other class C rigs, particularly now that Born Free is defunct, but initial build quality does not guarantee longevity if a unit is not maintained; diligent, timely services and maintenance of engine, all systems, and the coach are key. Owning an RV is not an inexpensive endeavor, particularly if one isn't able to do the maintenance services him/herself; those who ask the question "What kind of mileage does that thing get?" and think that covers the major cash outlay potential are in for some eye-opening experiences. Not saying any of this to discourage you; just offering a reality check based on enjoying the lifestyle and making my share of mistakes over many years! I traveled and camped in a tent, in the back of a couple pickups, in a tent camper, and in a small class C before the LD; it's now almost 14 years old and has 102k miles. I travel solo, and at 76, this is my last rig; I believe that it will last until I'm no longer road-worthy because it has been diligently maintained! I've learned an incredible amount from many on this board over the years, and continue to do so; my LD experiences would not have been nearly so enjoyable and successful without the advice, knowledge, and experience sharing of some very savvy, skilled, terrific people, nor would I have made highly-valued friendships without the medium of the LD board(s). I love this lifestyle and look forward to the next road adventure! 9 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #19 – July 06, 2017, 07:44:32 pm But initial build quality does not guarantee longevity if a unit is not maintained; diligent, timely services and maintenance of engine, all systems, and the coach are key. Owning an RV is not an inexpensive endeavor, particularly if one isn't able to do the maintenance services him/herself; those who ask the question "What kind of mileage does that thing get?" and think that covers the major cash outlay potential are in for some eye-opening experiences. [/quote]Just an example to Joan's excellent comments. My '06 rig is running very well, at least to my non-mechanic's ears. I took it today to a Ford truck dealer for essentially the 60,000 mile service. Oil & filter, coolant flush, brake line flush, transmission fluid changed and new filter, brake caliper slides lubed, fuel filter, air filter, general poking and prodding. $759, at Los Angeles pricing. I could have done several of these items myself, but my work area is the street in front of my house, so I'm limited. The thing is, unless the previous owner can show such things we're recently done, the foregoing are things you'd want to have done on even a well-running used rig that you might buy. On an iffy rig, 🤑🤑. -- Jon
Re: just joined Reply #20 – July 07, 2017, 01:02:34 pm Pam, Welcome to the Forum. Marie and I are newbies and just made our first trip in our 2017 27'MB that we picked up at the factory on June 12th. We made the trip back to Florida, visiting friends and family along the way in a 19-day trip. Although I was initially nervous about all the things that might go wrong, nothing did. The LD was amazingly smooth to drive and quiet despite some pretty rough roads along the way.I'll second the RV Consumer Group recommendation. When I started researching RVs in general, it was a great tool and lead us to Lazy Daze. Being out east, we'd never heard of it, but are so glad we did. We are now getting ready for our next trip, 110 days heading north in a week. Can't wait.Happy trails to you.David 2 Likes
Re: just joined Reply #21 – July 16, 2017, 10:05:46 am I, too, am hoping that a LD will be in my future! I hope that when I need to upgrade- around March, I will be able to find what I need and not need to buy a SOB! I think I will be looking for a 2002-2009- maybe a 26.5 or maybe the smaller one. I will live in it full time; I am in a trailer now. I have been reading the forums, and will continue to do so. I would just like to thank everyone for all of the valuable information here! To the original poster, Good luck on your search!
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