Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership (Read 519 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Well, I am not exactly sure how I am going to do it although I have a bit of time to figure out the details!

Ten days ago on June 14th I spoke with Todd Miller and placed my name on the waiting list. Todd mentioned that the current wait is approximately eighteen months and he would be calling me around one year from now, or maybe sooner, to review details and talk about me possibly visiting. I am quite sure a 27' MB will be perfect for me but I have read many times where others have changed their minds after examining the various plans in person.

For me my next logical step is to begin learning about the different options available so when it is time to choose I can make well informed decisions. Thank you all in advance for creating this amazing resource and I am very excited to begin planning my purchase and future adventures!

Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #1 –
Welcome to the group.  I hope your wait goes by quickly.
  My LD does not have a backup camera. I wish it did.  It is my understanding that there are better backup cameras available when compared to the factory option, but to me the deference is not enough to out weigh the advantage of having the rig wired from new for a backup camera.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #2 –
Where do you live?  The North East Lazy Daze Caravan Club has members throughout the mid Atlantic states and are often willing to show their units to what we refer to as "wannabes".

Also, we will be holding our Fall Rally this September in Vermont.  Most every length and floor plan will be represented and we usually schedule an Open House on Saturday morning when we know prospective buyers are coming.

2003 MB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #3 –
Yes, welcome!  You are in good hands with this resourceful group.  The opinions on the floor plans and options will be varied and just as valid.  It boils down to tastes, preferences, expected use, where you reside, etc., so you are wise to ask about these options and enable yourself to make a final informed decision.   If you have prior RV ownership experience, that will certainly help you relate to the opinions of the rest of us.  Here are mine.

We took delivery of a new 2017 RB this past January. Our wait was just 7 months, but ours was also one of the very last 2017s to roll out of the factory -- maybe the last RB.  This RB is our 9th RV, so we have extensive use background.  Even before ordering our new rig, we pretty much new exactly what we wanted -- and what we didn't!   We went in wanting value, reasonable size, and simplicity.  The LD Rear Bath met all of those criteria and more.  There were compromises (translation: I married a strong willed woman!)  For instance, I wanted a 24' model, she a 30 foot.  We settled on the 27 rear bath, and we are both pleased as punch.  

As for options, again, we knew for certain what we DID NOT want, based on prior experience.  Those were CB radio, custom upholstery and dash, entertainment center, outside shower, electric step, Bilstein shocks (We'll upgrade after the stock product needs replacing), roof-mounted sat dish, in-dash nav, and sat radio.  The whys are too numerous to list, but suffice it to say we have had past experience with most of these items and either never or seldom used them (CB radio and outside shower) or they were problematic maintenance and repair wise.   We did opt for what I consider to be safety enhancement options.  We bought four of those options.  They are powered mirrors, rear camera, and battery shut off switch.  (I know that some may argue that a CB radio can qualify as a safety enhancement -- especially for boondockers, but in the cell phone and sat phone age, I minimize that aspect).  For convenience while boondocking -- which we do most -- we also opted for the extra solar panel.

We are very happy with our rig and can tell you it will be worth the wait.  Others will no doubt weigh in here, and all will have excellent reasons why they did or did not opt for this or that.    Read on and enjoy.
2017 RB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Ray S.  - 
Yes, welcome!  You are in good hands with this resourceful group.  The opinions on the floor plans and options will be varied and just as valid.  It boils down to tastes, preferences, expected use, where you reside, etc., so you are wise to ask about these options and enable yourself to make a final informed decision.  If you have prior RV ownership experience, that will certainly help you relate to the opinions of the rest of us.  Here are mine.

We took delivery of a new 2017 RB this past January. Our wait was just 7 months, but ours was also one of the very last 2017s to roll out of the factory -- maybe the last RB.  This RB is our 9th RV, so we have extensive use background.  Even before ordering our new rig, we pretty much new exactly what we wanted -- and what we didn't!  We went in wanting value, reasonable size, and simplicity.  The LD Rear Bath met all of those criteria and more.  There were compromises (translation: I married a strong willed woman!)  For instance, I wanted a 24' model, she a 30 foot.  We settled on the 27 rear bath, and we are both pleased as punch. 

As for options, again, we knew for certain what we DID NOT want, based on prior experience.  Those were CB radio, custom upholstery and dash, entertainment center, outside shower, electric step, Bilstein shocks (We'll upgrade after the stock product needs replacing), roof-mounted sat dish, in-dash nav, and sat radio.  The whys are too numerous to list, but suffice it to say we have had past experience with most of these items and either never or seldom used them (CB radio and outside shower) or they were problematic maintenance and repair wise.  We did opt for what I consider to be safety enhancement options.  We bought four of those options.  They are powered mirrors, rear camera, and battery shut off switch.  (I know that some may argue that a CB radio can qualify as a safety enhancement -- especially for boondockers, but in the cell phone and sat phone age, I minimize that aspect).  For convenience while boondocking -- which we do most -- we also opted for the extra solar panel.

We are very happy with our rig and can tell you it will be worth the wait.  Others will no doubt weigh in here, and all will have excellent reasons why they did or did not opt for this or that.    Read on and enjoy.
Ray, thanks for this helpful report on ordering a new LD. I'm sure it will be useful to potential LD buyers.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #5 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
Welcome to the group.  I hope your wait goes by quickly.
  My LD does not have a backup camera. I wish it did.  It is my understanding that there are better backup cameras available when compared to the factory option, but to me the deference is not enough to out weigh the advantage of having the rig wired from new for a backup camera.

Thank you John - I hope my wait does not go by too quickly, I still need to empty my home, rent it, and figure out some way to semi-retire and support myself on my adventure!

Quote from: H. T. P.  - 
Where do you live?  The North East Lazy Daze Caravan Club has members throughout the mid Atlantic states and are often willing to show their units to what we refer to as "wannabes".

Also, we will be holding our Fall Rally this September in Vermont.  Most every length and floor plan will be represented and we usually schedule an Open House on Saturday morning when we know prospective buyers are coming.

Hello H.T.,

I live just across the water from you here in Yorktown, Virginia. This wannabe would love to tour some of the magnificent LDs and I just may drive up to Vermont to see a few since it will be a beautiful time of the year for a relaxing journey. Thank you for the invite.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Ray S.  - 
Yes, welcome!  You are in good hands with this resourceful group.  The opinions on the floor plans and options will be varied and just as valid.  It boils down to tastes, preferences, expected use, where you reside, etc., so you are wise to ask about these options and enable yourself to make a final informed decision.  If you have prior RV ownership experience, that will certainly help you relate to the opinions of the rest of us.  Here are mine.

<snip>

We are very happy with our rig and can tell you it will be worth the wait.  Others will no doubt weigh in here, and all will have excellent reasons why they did or did not opt for this or that.    Read on and enjoy.


Hello Ray and thank you for your valuable information.

Can you provide some additional information regarding the powered mirrors and battery shut-off switch? I would be interested to learn why you chose them and how they are able to help. My plans also involve a significant amount of boondocking so I am very curious regarding solar systems and how much power is actually necessary for different situations. Thank you in advance for your answers.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #7 –
If you search this forum, there is plenty of good information regarding the solar.  Some in this group even prefer another vendor for their solar systems, and they reference same.  It is very much worth the search to get all of the various opinions and other info before you place your LD order.  There are lots of very knowledgeable, experienced solar users in this group. 

As for the mirrors, we want to be able to adjust the mirrors from the driver's seat -- solo operator if necessary, and I also use them occasionally to scan lower along the side of the rig, such as when backing into a tight parking spot, etc.  In darkness, I sometimes adjust them slightly down to mitigate headlamp glare from rear-ward traffic.  My wife and I occasionally switch off the driving duty.  We are different heights, etc., and it is much easier to adjust the mirrors from the driver's seat each time that switch is made.
2017 RB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #8 –
Oh, I'm sorry.  I forgot to address the battery cut-off switch.  I wanted that to do just what it is designed to do, Cut-the solar power to the batt's should I find that necessary.   Faster, safer, and easier than other methods.  I may use very occasionally, but I feel better having it.  Not a deal breaker, but I like having it.  A lot also depends on how you will be storing the rig.  If inside or if you keep it outside in northern climes, it is a good idea to have one installed.
2017 RB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #9 –
"I forgot to address the battery cut-off switch. I wanted that to do just what it is designed to do, Cut-the solar power to the batt's should I find that necessary."

Someone seems to be confused here, not the least of whom is me! A Battery Cut-Off Switch does only that function, cut off battery voltage. It has nothing to do with the solar system. Or is my thinking screwed up?   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #10 –
True, it does.  When it will be most handy is when you want to isolate fully charged batt's from the solar, for instance when you are storing the vehicle under cover or inside.  Once the batt's a fully charged, cut the switch and place rig in storage.  Monitoring chare thereafter must be frequent, and probably restoring a charge would require  shore power or engine start-up.  If it sits outdoors in frequent sun, then the batt's should pretty well stay charged -- including the engine batt.  At least, that is the way I understand things to work.  
2017 RB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #11 –
Well, If you are storing the vehicle under cover or inside where the solar panels aren't charging the house batteries, then you don't need to disconnect the solar. Other loads like the radio memory, and propane detector would be discharging the battery. So in storage the disconnect switch would prevent your house battery from discharge. For Renegade who will be living in it, he likely would have no use for the shutoff switch. The Chassis battery should still be disconnected for storage, or have some type of maintainer to keep the engine computer powered up. If being lived in, that is also unnecessary.
   Hi Renegade, welcome. For extensive dry camping, you will want an extra pair of house batteries, and more solar panels, say in the 400 to 600 watts range. You will also need a controller capable of handling the higher current delivered by more panels.
A lot of those decisions depend on your anticipated power use choices.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #12 –
Welcome, we have been waiting 9+ months for our LD, and have received lots of help on this forum. We are grateful to have so many active owners willing to help us new recruits.
Nov 2023, 2012 31’ IB, white/green swoops & swirles, 2009 Mini Cooper, racing green convertible, toad 🐸

We ordered white/gray  2018 27' mid bath 1/3/18 and we are hoping for a July 16th 2019 delivery, sold, and tried a Lithium Travato, wish  I would have kept the Lazy Daze 27’
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #13 –

"Ten days ago on June 14th I spoke with Todd Miller and placed my name on the waiting list. Todd mentioned that the current wait is approximately eighteen months and he would be calling me around one year from now, or maybe sooner, to review details and talk about me possibly visiting. "

Hey Renegade242 - Just clarifying - I think you are saying that Todd put your name on the waiting list for you to place your order. He took our name back in March of this year - so we are waiting our turn to place our order (31 IB).  Once Todd calls you to actually place your order - is it an 18 month wait from then? Or is the 18 month wait from the time your name goes on the 'wait list' to place an order? Hope this question makes sense. Thanks!
2019  31 IB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Ray S.  - 
True, it does.  When it will be most handy is when you want to isolate fully charged batt's from the solar, for instance when you are storing the vehicle under cover or inside.  Once the batt's a fully charged, cut the switch and place rig in storage.  Monitoring chare thereafter must be frequent, and probably restoring a charge would require  shore power or engine start-up.  If it sits outdoors in frequent sun, then the batt's should pretty well stay charged -- including the engine batt.  At least, that is the way I understand things to work.

I don't think your engine battery will stay charged.  It has to be started from time to time to keep its charge up or maintained on a trickle/float charger.  Some people set up another small solar panel and connect it to their engine battery to keep it charged if stored outdoors.

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #15 –
Quote from: cgoochee  - 
Hey Renegade242 - Just clarifying - I think you are saying that Todd put your name on the waiting list for you to place your order. He took our name back in March of this year - so we are waiting our turn to place our order (31 IB).  Once Todd calls you to actually place your order - is it an 18 month wait from then? Or is the 18 month wait from the time your name goes on the 'wait list' to place an order? Hope this question makes sense. Thanks!
Hello cgoochee - Sorry for any confusion. Todd suggested that my delivery would be approximately eighteen months from now. As I understand the process I am on a wait list right now waiting to place my order.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #16 –
Thanks for the clarification - here's to future Lazy Daze travels for both of us!
2019  31 IB
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #17 –
Quote from: cgoochee  - 
Thanks for the clarification - here's to future Lazy Daze travels for both of us!
Copy that - this seems like a great group and I hope to cross paths and share laughs many times!
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
 
Re: hello everyone & my name is on the list at the mothership
Reply #18 –
When is the Northeast club meeting in Vermont? We are getting a new LD in October. (27' MB, Blue/white).  We live in the city but storing in NJ. 
2018 MB (taking delivery Oct. 2018)