New Purchase Advice August 05, 2017, 05:45:12 pm Hello all, I went to look at a Lazy Daze today and really liked it. I was hoping to get some advice from more experienced people here though about what I found. I was pretty thorough and found while crawling underneath that there was wood rotted just forward of the rear bumper. You can see laying on the ground and looking up just forward of the bumper. It looks like the wood that makes up the rear wall. The interesting thing is that I couldn't find any leak points above it. The rear hatch behind the decorative cover was all solid. Anyone have any experience with this or know how big of a repair it is? Another thing I found is that the motorized entry step seems to be soft on the right hand side facing the coach. Does the entry step attach into wood or steel? Has anyone had that happen before?The other thing I found, purely cosmetic, is that from the heat where we're at some of the interior decorative vinyl coverings are pulling away and bubbling. Has anyone ever made a successful attempt at fixing that and if so where did you get the faux wood vinyl covering and the glue?Has anyone ever repaired the charge controller/panel? It is displaying some wonky voltage like 850.7 volts and it doesn't appear to be charging the coach batteries with the solar panel.There was no apparent interior damage (both visual and pushing on the walls and ceilings) so either it never leaked or it was fixed up pretty well by the previous owner. The previous owner indicated that they resealed the roof with factory sealant following factory directions.Any help is most appreciated as this would be my first Lazy Daze! The main thing I am concerned about is the rotted wood in the rear.Thanks
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #1 – August 05, 2017, 11:37:27 pm Quote from: Angilica - August 05, 2017, 05:45:12 pmHello all, I went to look at a Lazy Daze today and really liked it. I was hoping to get some advice from more experienced people here though about what I found. I was pretty thorough and found while crawling underneath that there was wood rotted just forward of the rear bumper. You can see laying on the ground and looking up just forward of the bumper. It looks like the wood that makes up the rear wall. The interesting thing is that I couldn't find any leak points above it. The rear hatch behind the decorative cover was all solid. Anyone have any experience with this or know how big of a repair it is? Another thing I found is that the motorized entry step seems to be soft on the right hand side facing the coach. Does the entry step attach into wood or steel? Has anyone had that happen before?The other thing I found, purely cosmetic, is that from the heat where we're at some of the interior decorative vinyl coverings are pulling away and bubbling. Has anyone ever made a successful attempt at fixing that and if so where did you get the faux wood vinyl covering and the glue?Has anyone ever repaired the charge controller/panel? It is displaying some wonky voltage like 850.7 volts and it doesn't appear to be charging the coach batteries with the solar panel.There was no apparent interior damage (both visual and pushing on the walls and ceilings) so either it never leaked or it was fixed up pretty well by the previous owner. The previous owner indicated that they resealed the roof with factory sealant following factory directions.Any help is most appreciated as this would be my first Lazy Daze! The main thing I am concerned about is the rotted wood in the rear.ThanksWhat year and model?Chris
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #3 – August 06, 2017, 08:55:47 am You are right to be concerned, and I would worry about the 'soft' step mounting too. These are items that could be very expensive to repair - possibly the roof re-sealing did not come in time. Leaks can also occur around the rear window - or any of the windows for that matter. If you do decide to go for it, the Heliotrope charge controller is not worth repairing - replace it with one of several better options from Blue Sky and others.Steve 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #4 – August 06, 2017, 09:30:15 am Quote from: Angilica - August 05, 2017, 11:44:00 pm2002 30ibI have a 2002 IB and none of what you mention is apparent in my LD. I would keep shopping. Where do you live?Chris 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #5 – August 06, 2017, 11:48:24 am On my rig at least, I had to replace the original plywood under flooring two years ago due to dry rotted plywood under it. We had to counter-sink the bolt heads w/washers in the top layer [mine had TWO sheets of ply wood, and I used 5/8ths sheets.] Unfortunately, that weakened the top layer, and add us "fluffy' folk who tend to step out on the same lead foot, it has slowly compacted that top layer. My step does sag on that corner. I have more than a few visitors that step down HEAVILY as they exit the rig, also 'fluffies" ... grin ... so, until I can get that flooring permanently replaced with a metal support layer, I put a few of the yellow plastic blocks under to keep it from compacting any further. It's not a big deal, but yes, if it is wood rot, you will have to replace the support flooring. If it's just compacted, there easy 'make-do' options until you can deal with it permanently. Dropping the step assembly isn't hard, but it IS heavy, and unwieldily, and beyond my arm strength. I used various, blocking, jacks, etc. to hold it back up when re-bolting the retaining bolts, etc. It can be done by someone less strong, but it would be easier to have a nice muscular fella do it! At 05:55 AM 8/6/2017, you wrote:QuoteYou are right to be concerned, and I would worry about the 'soft' step mounting too. These are items that could be very expensive to repair - possibly the roof re-sealing did not come in time. Leaks can also occur around the rear window - or any of the windows for that matter. If you do decide to go for it, the Heliotrope charge controller is not worth repairing - replace it with one of several better options from Blue Sky and others. SteveYou can reply to this email and have it posted as a topic reply. LDO Links:index.php?action=notifyboard;board=3.0 Regards, The Lazy Daze Owners Team~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire "CHERRYOTTE" our litte red home on wheels "Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional." 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #6 – August 06, 2017, 11:56:22 am I am in Florida. Lazy daze are very rare here. I've only seen 2 in the last year. It's in good condition inside. No evidence of leaks. No softness and discoloration.All damage seems to be on the outside wood. But I understand that the water might be coming from the top. Is it possible to have a roof leak that would not show at all on the inside? I'm thinking of taking it to rv dealership to get an estimate of repair. Of course if the current owner will let me.Thank you.
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #7 – August 06, 2017, 12:55:14 pm Having a 'soft' feeling step isn't always that bad. A 2001 MB I'm working on had a step that sagged a bit when stepped on. One of the bolts had lost the lock washer and nut. Replaced the washer/nut, and tightened the other three, (they were all loose), and it is good as new. So you can get lucky once in awhile. RonB 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #8 – August 06, 2017, 02:28:49 pm The rotten piece, a 2X4, at the bottom of the rear wall is indication of a serious leak in the rear wall. It's big piece of wood to rot away.Could be caused from leaks in corner moldings, the rear window, a roof leak or a incorrectly installed spare tire bucket By the the the bottom piece rots, there is probably is rot in rest of the rear wall.The step is mounted into wood, other than Ron's suggestion that the step may have loose or missing hardware, rot is likely and once again, tough to fix. The back of the step is exposed to the elements.Unless you are real handy, don't mind working on rotted framing and get a great deal, I would continue looking or a least have a pro inspect it and provide an estimate of the cost of repairs.Larry 4 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #9 – August 06, 2017, 03:06:58 pm As far as the Solar Charging Panel we had to replace ours in a 2006 Ann ED last year. Got two estimates and both places said the quality wasn't there and they are now made much better then before. We paid $178.00 for the new Panel and I think the labor was $52.00. We sold that Lazy Daze and now have another 2006 Ann Ed and the Solar Charging Panel is working great!Sandra 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #10 – August 06, 2017, 05:24:44 pm Thank you everyone for wise words. I will try to get a repair estimate. I am not handy. But willing to repair it by hiring a professional. What is the right price for a unit with rot?Thank you.
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #11 – August 06, 2017, 05:31:22 pm Any pictures and more info mileage and what extras does it have.
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #12 – August 06, 2017, 05:49:20 pm Quote from: Angilica - August 06, 2017, 05:24:44 pmThank you everyone for wise words. I will try to get a repair estimate. I am not handy. But willing to repair it by hiring a professional. What is the right price for a unit with rot?Thank you.Angilica, the message we are sending to you is that buying an RV with potentially bad rot problems is not wise unless you can repair it yourself or are willing to cough up some big bucks for repairs. If you are really interested in this LD, perhaps you could convey to the seller that you would make him/her an offer AFTER the LD is repaired to your satisfaction. I doubt that anyone would suggest a selling price until the LD's defects are repaired.There is a 2000 30' IB for sale in Alabama listed on the Classifieds forum.Chris 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #13 – August 06, 2017, 05:57:11 pm "What is the right price for a unit with rot?"---IMO, this question has no answer. The only thing that has been revealed to us about this rig is that it's a 2002 30' with 'soft spots, apparently from dry rot. If you're considering this rig, a comprehensive inspection of the total unit, chassis, systems, box, and everything else, by someone experienced in 'RV wart finding' would be the next step. (And, unless you know someone with the skills and savvy to do this, you will have hire a 'tech'.) Buying a 'pig in a poke' rarely works out well, IMO.*If* this rig has the water damage that your description suggests is likely, it's also very possible that the rig has additional issues that may not be apparent from a casual inspection. You would also need to get at least a ballpark figure to repair what has been discovered so far, and be prepared to spend more money to repair and/or replace components. Going only from the very limited information provided, my suggestion would be to pass on this rig and keep looking. As ever, YMMV. 3 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #14 – August 06, 2017, 09:22:18 pm Whilst the wood rot issue may not have affected the inner wall integrity, this seems like a risky purchase without an extensive destructive inspection. The thought of rot/mold in my living environment makes me cringe., especially in a high humidity location like GA.Like others, I''d skip this one unless repaired to your satisfaction by the owner. Many have traveled out of their region to get a good buy, sometimes making a vacation out of the trip - You may wish to consider that as an option and better investment, if you are stuck on an LD.Just my thoughts. Good luck with whatever you decide.Matt 1 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #15 – August 06, 2017, 09:39:05 pm Thank you so much everyone for knowledge, support and advice. Will be skipping this one. Hope to find a cleaner lazy daze in FL in time. 2 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #16 – August 07, 2017, 05:02:45 pm "Hope to find a cleaner lazy daze in FL"I second what Matt says: look outside your state/region as well. If you confine your search to Florida, you're limiting your choices quite a bit. Most LDs are found in the Southwest or southern California. 2 Likes
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #17 – August 09, 2017, 02:50:59 pm Hi, Angilica--Echoing what Matt & Andy said, I had a wonderful trip from Kansas City to Fullerton, CA, when I found LDy Lulubelle, so I would certainly encourage looking outside of FL. LDy Lulubelle's previous family lived in Whittier, CA, (they even picked me up at the Amtrak station so I didn't have to rent a car & get lost in LA traffic) and a very generous member of the Forum volunteered to eyeball her (as to whether she was worth the investment of time/$$ to head out there to look at her more in-depth). Fortunately, she didn't live far from the Mothership, so we (her previous family & I) tripped over there for Vince to give me his opinion (she did get a new-style shower dome while we were there).Good luck with your search--you're certainly in the right place to be for the best of advice & encouragement.Lynne
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #18 – August 10, 2017, 04:35:34 pm Quote from: Angilica - August 06, 2017, 09:39:05 pmThank you so much everyone for knowledge, support and advice. Will be skipping this one. Hope to find a cleaner lazy daze in FL in time. if you see another one like this, you can go into the lower rear storage boxes and remove the rear facing white panel via 4 small screws. you can at least feel around in the rear of the light bucket cavity and see a little more than you can from the strip underneath. not the whole back wall, but it'll give you a better feeling on how far it might go.edit noticed this was an IB, not sure if it's the same but you can do this on a MB.
Re: New Purchase Advice Reply #19 – August 10, 2017, 05:04:12 pm Is this the unit in question?Lazy Daze - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale
Topic: New Purchase Advice (Read 816 times)
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