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Topic: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze (Read 362 times) previous topic - next topic
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Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Hi all- total newbie here (to lazy Daze, not RV ownership).
I'm going to be checking out a 2003 26' mid-bath Lazy Daze this week.   I've been looking for one for a while now, and, from the pictures at least, this one looks like a beauty.
I'm wondering, though, if there are any common problems that Lazy Daze's have that I should be paying particular attention to.
Thanks in advance!
Livin the dream, one nightmare at a time.....

2003 26.50MB, Blue
Re: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Reply #1 –
You are looking at an old LD and unless it has been stored indoors all its life, it will have potential problems.
The most common problem with old LDs are leaks, normally caused by the lack of proper maintenance.
A 15 year old LD should have had its roof resealed by now and probably the windows and many of the end caps too.
Look for indications leakage in the front and rear corners of the rig, both inside and out, also checking closely around the windows too.
A sagging or discolored ceiling is automatically disqualified, it is too expensive and complicated to repair.
Many times the only indication of leakage is soft interior paneling .
The end caps commonly pull away from the body and unless they have been properly resealed, the resulting gaps allows water to enter the wood framing. Water in the framing is the kiss of death for an LD.
Another area to check is the rear wall, under the window. I have found many LDs with a rotted rear wall, check from beneath the rig, looking at where the bumper attaches to the wall, see if the bottom of the wall is intact and not soft. An ice pick is perfect for testing wood for rot.
Leaking end cap damage | Flickr
Cabover leaks and rot | Flickr

Have the owner turn the refrigerator on before you arrive so you can determine if it is getting cold. It takes a long time for the refrigerator to cool down to operating temperature, usually several hours.
Run the water heater and check all faucets. Operate the furnace and rooftop A/C.
Open the awning to see what condition it is in.

Besides the coach, there is the chassis to inspect and unless you are a mechanic and bring a jack and other tools to inspect the brakes, suspension and other mechanical parts, you need to have it inspected by a professional. It can be easy to overlook thousand of dollars of needed repairs, if you don't know what to look for.
A few examples. A new set of tires-$1500, new batteries- $400+, worn out brakes- $1500-2500, worn ball joints $600+, inoperative A/C $400+.  New radiator and heater hoses $400-600, rotted exhaust $1000+.
Nothing is cheap to fix on these rigs and it can be difficult to find a qualified mechanic that will work on them.
Many maintenance items may have been deferred or never done.  A well documented maintenance history is a plus.

If you have a RV knowledgable friend, take him or her along, another set of eyes is never a disadvantage.
Finding a professional RV inspector would be even better.

Happy hunting
Larry
 

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Reply #2 –
This "inspection checklist" (see link below) will help to focus the points to look at, but, as Larry points out, if one is unfamiliar with what red flags to look for in any or all of the hundreds of potential issues a used rig, particularly an "older" one, might have, a professional inspection could save a lot of surprises, disappointment, and repair/replacement costs. 

There are a lot of components, systems, and parts to be evaluated; a thorough inspection of the entire rig should take several hours, if not a day or more, particularly if there are few or no maintenance records. Below (the link to inspection points) are links to two "RV inspection" services; I have no experience with either, but the sites may be helpful to those considering buying a used RV.

RV Inspection Checklist

Professional RV Inspections - NRVIA Certified RV Inspector

RV Inspection Connection | Professional RV Inspections All Across America! –...
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Reply #3 –
Thanks to you both! Lots of great information there!
The LD is at a used RV dealer that has a really wonderful reputation; I've had a number of conversations with them and have a pretty good degree of confidence that they are above board. But I work at a car dealership and I know that all of that can be faked :-)
Thanks again for all of the info!
Laura
Livin the dream, one nightmare at a time.....

2003 26.50MB, Blue
Re: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Reply #4 –
Hi Laura, if you are lucky your seller will have maintenance records available for you to look at. My 2005 had been owned by two parties who are related to each other and the amount of paper, receipts and notes that came to me (all organized in a big folder) was incredible. In addition, before I traveled to look at the unit, the seller took it to a big dealership for an inspection, which, of course, I paid for. (About $300) I had a long telephone conversation with the dealership  and was able to ask them questions that confirmed for me they had actually inspected it carefully. This gave me a bit more confidence before I bought a plane ticket to look. At the same time, for units of this age, I think we have to assume there will be some significant expenses in our future. Meanwhile, mine is running like an angel and everything on it works perfectly!! Fingers crossed!
Good luck!
MJB
Marcia Boynton
2005 26.5 RK
Adrian and Northport, MI
 
Re: Advice on checking out a used Lazy Daze
Reply #5 –
Quote from: frayednot  - 
Thanks to you both! Lots of great information there!
The LD is at a used RV dealer that has a really wonderful reputation; I've had a number of conversations with them and have a pretty good degree of confidence that they are above board. But I work at a car dealership and I know that all of that can be faked :-)
Thanks again for all of the info!
Laura
In answer to your question, I always suggest you take the LD operating manual, which is quite thorough, start at the beginning and go through every item, one by one. Test every appliance and mechanical function to ensure they work. 

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB