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Topic: Buying an LD for fulltiming (Read 9 times) previous topic - next topic
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Buying an LD for fulltiming
Yahoo Message Number: 87181
I am planning on getting an RV and going fullltime and will be traveling solo.  I participate in a number of outdoor activities which requires I carry quite a lot of gear.  I also plan on towing a vehicle.
I though that  I would like to get Lazy Daze 26.5 midbath.  I was considering a 1998 or newer model which would give me the E450 with greater cargo carrying capcity and the 4-speed automatic transmission.
I have notice there are also a number of rear bath models for sale and would consider them but according to the new specs sheets they have one less exterior compartment than the MB and if the unit has barrel chairs it decreases the number of exterior compartments by one.

I have read through much of what is posted on this site and it has been extremely helpful.  I realize that this is really a matter of personal preference, but I would still like some input from others who already own one of these rigs and may be fulltiming before making a committment on which model would suit me best.

Thanks

Jim

Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming
Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 87184
"I have notice there are also a number of rear bath models for sale and would consider them but according to the new specs sheets they have one less exterior compartment than the MB..."

Counting compartments is probably not the best way to choose a floorplan. All LDs have good total storage space, and most items can be stored either outside or inside (indeed, most storage compartments are accessible both ways). You'll find places to put your outdoor gear, if not in the rig then in your towed vehicle.
 But there are many differences between a rear bath and a midbath that affect the way YOU will feel living in it. Some folks strongly prefer one, while other folks prefer the other...and still others prefer a different floorplan entirely.

My suggestion is to spend time in each of the models you're considering--not just looking at the factory's bare-bones diagrams, but actually inside a rig. The best ways to do this are to visit the factory if that's convenient; or to attend one of the get-togethers of the regional Lazy Daze group nearest you. There you'll find a variety of LD models, and most owners will welcome you into their rigs.
 That's what you really need before making a decision: a firsthand look.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 87185
Jim,
 We had a 23 1/2' TK and when it was time to move to a bigger rig, we were SURE, SURE, SURE that we wanted a midbath. And then, we saw both a rear bath and a midbath. We were in the rear bath less than a minute, and we knew that this was the rig for us. If we had only seen the midbath and bought it, I don't think we would have enjoyed ourselves rv'ing nearly as much as we do.

The paper floorplans don't do justice to the real thing.

I would look at several models before buying.

Kathy

Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 87186
We also were sure we wanted a midbath from looking at the floorplans, however when we walked into the 30 footer, I knew I wanted that living room and kitchen combo (we are close to full time).

While we loved the front of the 30 footer, the island bed really didn't appeal to us at all, so we bit the bullet and b ought a 30 foot twin bed without ever seeing one in person, and for us it was the perfect choice.
 I woukd say looking at the floorplans in person is a must.  Then you have the chance to stand, sit, lie and squat in the various places in the rig and make sure you're happy with the layout.

Do let us know what you finally decide.

Kate
 http://cholulared.blogspot.com &

http://www.cholulared.com

Want to find us? Click below, we're #3096 http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=3096

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Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming reply
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 87193
Hello Jim, We have been full timing for the past four months fresh out of the chute so to speak never having driven an RV in the past.  We have a 1998 Midbath LD and love it.  For my wife and I as a couple, it provides enough space so that one person can be working in the kitchen/dinette area with computer, cooking, whatever, and the other person can relax in  the back doing their thing.  Of course, you have more choices going solo.
 We have not had a problem with storage and we have an inflatible tandem kayak in the front cab area and two bikes on a rack outside in back.  I am now working on a top rack to hold a 12 foot Old Town Pack canoe as a solo boat.  We sleep in back moving the couch into a double bed which allows the other one to be free for stuff overnight (books, etc). One of the important items we appreciate is that it does have two solar panels which frees us for boondocking up to two weeks (TV, computer, and lights in the evening).
 We have talked with lots of people along the way and the MidBath is perfect for us...but this is of course personal preference. Definitely not so crucial as a single traveler. I remember one Class A traveller who owned a 38 footer.  He was sure that my wife and I would kill each other within a few weeks after being in such a small space. However, we find it very cozy and the size is perfect for our outdoor lifestyle. We did attend the "Life on Wheels" classes in Moscow, Idaho for prep work before purchase, and then an FMCA Conference the week after we bought it to double check everything.  So far it has been like new (at 56,000 miles).

Good luck on your eventual purchase.  Best, David

j4t7m j4t7m@...> wrote: I am planning on getting an RV and going fullltime and will be traveling solo. I participate in a number of outdoor activities which requires I carry quite a lot of gear. I also plan on towing a vehicle.
I though that I would like to get Lazy Daze 26.5 midbath. I was considering a 1998 or newer model which would give me the E450 with greater cargo carrying capcity and the 4-speed automatic transmission.
I have notice there are also a number of rear bath models for sale and would consider them but according to the new specs sheets they have one less exterior compartment than the MB and if the unit has barrel chairs it decreases the number of exterior compartments by one.

I have read through much of what is posted on this site and it has been extremely helpful. I realize that this is really a matter of personal preference, but I would still like some input from others who already own one of these rigs and may be fulltiming before making a committment on which model would suit me best.

Thanks

Jim

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Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming reply
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 87217
Quote
We have not had a problem with storage and we have an inflatible
tandem kayak in the front cab area >
 David:  we're interested in getting a tandem inflatable as well, and would appreciate any advice you might have.  Do they work well?  I've looked at various brands on the internet, but there's no way to determine performance without trying one out, which for the most part can't be done before purchase.  Thanks, Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄

 
Re: Buying an LD for fulltiming reply
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 87219
Hello Jon, Regarding kayaks and canoes.  One of the most challenging and frustrating problems of having an RV without a tow vehicle is how to have a kayak and/or canoe on board.  We have owned many Old Town canoes which we love (Tripper, Penobscot, and Pack).  But I am only now working on a rack for the top of the LD that might hold a hardshell tandem or solo canoe.
 To answer your question, we researched many sites for inflatible kayaks/canoes and checked them out