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Topic: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Yahoo Message Number: 119597
Hello, I'm new to this group.  I feel like I've learned so much already, just by reading all your helpful posts.
 I am going to fly over to buy a 23' 1982 LD mid bath, T/K.  It's in Phoenix. This is a huge step for me.
 My question is this:  if this has been up for sale for two weeks, why hasn't anybody bought it yet?  Has anyone seen this LD 'in person'?  What's wrong with it?  It sounds great to me, but I'm a total wide-eyed newbie, and I suppose I'm pretty gullible.    He already told me that the refrigerator doesn't work right, and that makes me feel like he's pretty honest.  I can fix the refrigerator later.  Just having the chance to actually buy a Lazy Daze is pretty exciting to me.
 Mainly I want the engine and transmission to be strong, so I don't get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.  I'm an older solo woman, and not mechanical.  The seller says that the vehicle runs strong.
 But all this talk about leaking and rotting wood makes me take pause!  Plus, all the other stuff that I don't even know that I don't know!
 Has anybody seen it?  What do you think?  I don't want to 'jinx' it, but I don't want to be a dummy either.

Thanks so much for your wisdom and advice! Lisa - Confetti
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119598
Quote
Hello, I'm new to this group.  I feel like I've learned so much already, just by reading all your helpful posts.
 I am going to fly over to buy a 23' 1982 LD mid bath, T/K.  It's in Phoenix. This is a huge step for me.
 My question is this:  if this has been up for sale for two weeks, why hasn't anybody bought it yet?  Has anyone seen this LD 'in person'?  What's wrong with it?  It sounds great to me, but I'm a total wide-eyed newbie, and I suppose I'm pretty gullible.    He already told me that the refrigerator doesn't work right, and that makes me feel like he's pretty honest.  I can fix the refrigerator later.  Just having the chance to actually buy a Lazy Daze is pretty exciting to me.
 Mainly I want the engine and transmission to be strong, so I don't get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.  I'm an older solo woman, and not mechanical.  The seller says that the vehicle runs strong.
 But all this talk about leaking and rotting wood makes me take pause!  Plus, all the other stuff that I don't even know that I don't know!
 Has anybody seen it?  What do you think?  I don't want to 'jinx' it, but I don't want to be a dummy either.

Thanks so much for your wisdom and advice! Lisa - Confetti
Lisa, STOP!  I won't say much except IMHO you are making a BIG MISTAKE in buying an LD this old when you admittedly are "not mechanical" and have not even seen it yet.  At the very least you should have a qualified RV mechanic check this LD out before parting with your money - and have it done before you buy a plane ticket.  Others will have more to say.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119599
First...leave the checkbook home. Do not make arrangements with your bank or any other entity to transfer funds.

Second...go to look, not buy. (Perhaps redundant vis-a-vis "First")
 Third...take a good look at the floor plan with an eye to how it works for you. The mechanics of the RV are best left explored by a qualified (as in "expert") RV inspector. Tim Pease, is one of them. "Larry" (sorry, Larry, don't immediately recall your last name) could be another. If you are serious about this vehicle, or any other, be in touch with either or others directly.
 Fourth...Open both eyes...do not be swayed by promises by the buyer...or your desires to be away directly in your very own LD...take your time. Trust us all...there's another one just around the corner.
 As for the rest of the technical inspection requirements...I leave that to others...I speak only to not being swept away by an opportunity...which may or may not be as represented.
 I am not a sour old bat (well, closing in on the old part), but am a very happy LD owner and traveler and do not want a sister traveler to be disappointed at the beginning of a what may well be a very delightful journey.
 As my very multi-millionaire (no kidding) uncle always counseled...Keep a Cool Tool.
 But...as always and forever, YMMV...with or without the "uncle" part,

TinaP 2006 MB "Wild Thing" (wildest thing we ever did...well, financially speaking)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
2006 MB
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119600
At 07:38 PM 1/14/2011, you wrote:

Quote
Has anybody seen it? What do you think? I don't want to 'jinx' it, but I don't want to be a dummy either.
Lisa, I'm sure others will have more specific information, but here's a sort of overview.

First, RVs are a hard sell in the current economic climate, and selling a 23-year-old one is even more difficult, so don't think that being on the market for two weeks means there is necessarily something wrong with the unit.

However...if you are not particularly mechanical and plan to drive solo, you might want to consider a newer unit. Even with excellent maintenance a 20-year-old vehicle is going to need some fairly expensive replacement and repair items.
 Most important, download and read the article on how to buy a used LD from this group's file section. Plan to spend some money on a thorough inspection by an experienced mechanic and someone who is familiar with RV construction who can check for the kinds of worrisome things you are thinking of, like dry rot. Could be the same person; might not be. Research the model year and the engine and decide if it's one of the "good ones." An underpowered unit will make you uncomfortable about climbing hills, towing anything, etc. Try to avoid that if possible.

If this unit is truly a bargain and you want to go ahead with the purchase, budget at least a couple of thousand dollars for repair and replacement items even if it's in great shape. Tires, belts, etc., plus whatever mechanical repairs are needed.

You will undoubtedly get lots of more experienced advice...be prepared to do a lot of reading! Folks here are extremely helpful.
And enjoy the hunt! You should have a wonderful time ahead of you when you find your "new home."

Sonsie
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119601
Lisa, Tina's advice is good, but I agree with Chris: this is not the motorhome for you. Any motorhome that's almost 30 years old--yes, even a Lazy Daze!--is going to have plenty that needs fixing, and it's going to cost a bundle to make those repairs. you could spend $3,000 for the motorhome and then end up spending another $5,000 to $10,000 just to get it in livable, drivable shape... or more likely, abandoning the project after sinking several thousand into it.
 With a rig this old, leaks and "dry rot" wood damage are not just possible, but very likely. From your description of yourself, this is not a project you want to undertake. Heck, it's not a project *I'd* want to undertake, and I'm an experienced RVer who's handy with (and well supplied with) tools.
 Stop. Back away from this deal. Take a deep breath. Then talk to us about your needs, your travel plans, and your budget. Take a look in this website's Files > Buying & Selling section, where you'll find a helpful article called "How do I shop for a used LD?".
 Take your time, figure out what you can afford (allowing extra money for repairs), and shop around for a newer rig that won't be so trouble-prone. We'll help you all we can... we don't want to see you end up with a "money pit" RV!

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: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119602
Lisa
 Having inspected as many LDs as any member of this forum, I completely agree with the previous comments.
You would be a fool to buy it without having the coach and mechanicals inspected by both a competent RV and auto mechanic(s). Very few RVs this age will be in decent condition and the potential repairs could cost several times more than what you pay for it.
Experience is the key and you do not have it.
Please do not put yourself in the position of having us say' we told you so'.
RVing is not necessary a cheap way to travel. Replacing the refrigerator, which is probably worn out, could cost up $1500, or more, alone.
All the other appliances are likely to be worn out.
The older LDs have small engines and NEVER ran strong. Most require a rebuilt engine and transmission by the time they reach a 100,000 miles or earlier.
I would not buy a Chevy-based LD earlier than a 1991, when fuel injection and the 4L80E overdrive transmission were introduced.
The later model Ford V-10s are a much better drive train and normally last much longer.
 Keep saving your money while you look  so you can afford a newer model in good condition.
Happy hunting.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119604
Hi Lisa! just my 2 cents. I am also a single female looking for a LD and I just want to say this to you. I've spent 25 years renovating an old house by myself and I therefore do have the skills and the tools to deal with an RV of this age (not the automotive end though) but I'd never consider something of this age because it does have the potential to empty your bank account, break your heart and shatter your dreams. I feel that considering something of this age you really are asking for some serious problems and your intention
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119605
Thank you so much to all of you for 'talking me down off that ledge'. I certainly was ready to take the leap. I hardly ever see LDs for sale, so I thought that this was my only chance. And it's so cheap! And he keeps lowering the price (so that's why I think there must be something or many things wrong with it), but nobody buys it. I was sure somebody would grab it right away.

I have been wanting to go full time RVing for about 7 years. I actually got a wonderful 5th wheel and it's been in storage for 4 years, but I've been stuck for 2 reasons. 1) I'm still trying to get a dependable portable income (internet marketing), so I can work on the road.  2) I haven't been able to afford a big enough truck to safely tow it with. And now I'm starting to lose my nerve about the whole towing and hitching thing, etc.

So a couple of months ago I decided as a compromise that I would buy a small, cheap, older class C motorhome, so at least I could occasionally live my dream, a week or two at a time. Sort of like my RV training wheels! Naturally I was thrilled when I found this '82 Lazy Daze for sale, and I could almost afford it.

This experience has opened my eyes to new possibilities, and I feel very comfortable about getting a small Class C, and a dependable brand like Lazy Daze makes me even more confident.

I look forward to reading more about the different years, engines, models, and the "how to shop for a used LD" articles. Thank you for suggesting that. And I will definitely hire Larry or Tim or an RV inspector check a LD out first.

I am also rather vertically challenged (5' tall), so finding a model where I can easily reach the pedals is going to be essential. So any advice anyone can give me about "short person friendly rigs" will be a big help. I also don't live on the mainland, so I can't just go look at RVs, I have to fly there, so it's a really big deal.

Thank you all again for helping me let go of my attachment to this particular LD. I will take your advice, and keep saving up for a newer, more appropriate one. But I'll keep reading this forum and learning as I wait. (Did I mention that I'm really tired of waiting?)

Does anyone have one I can rent for a week in the meantime? Seriously.

Thanks so much, you are all so wonderful, Lisa

p.s. Andy Baird - I am enamored with your website! It's the best website I have ever seen! For real. And your photography is amazing. I have a lot to learn from you.
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119606
Lisa: I read your Sat morning story and I may be a bit out of line with LD owners, so I hope they don't come down on me too hard. A year ago I bought a 1991 Toyota Seabreeze Motor home and flew to Oregon to get it and paid $5000.00. Everyone, after seeing it, said I stole it.  My Toy had 50,000 miles on it and came with 3 beds. A queen above the cab, a fold out sofa to fit 1 adult and a dinette that seats 4 amd can be folded down to a bed for 2 kids. I have a refer, 4 burner stove, double ss sink, vanity and a separate shower. A storage closet and several cabinets. The mpg is good and it is a V6 so hills/mountains are ok.

I had a total major tune up, new hoses belts (including timing) fluids all flushed  as soon as I got it home, I bought 6 tires (dual axle) for about $1500 total.  I then added a 2.8 Onan generator rebuilt and installed for about $1,000. (may not be a mandatory item).  I want a few more things but I can get along the way.

This Toy can park
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119612
Lisa, from what you're saying ("I was thrilled when I found this '82 Lazy Daze for sale, and I could almost afford it") I get the impression that your budget is very limited--probably too limited to afford a motorhome that doesn't need a lot of work. Meanwhile, you have a 5th wheel trailer that you're not using, and is costing you money to store and insure.
 It seems to me that you need to make a decision and follow through: either get a truck for that fiver, or go with a smaller class C motorhome. If you go the class C route, it makes sense to sell the fiver and use the money to buy a decent motorhome.
 In short, choose one course or the other, and focus your energies and finances on that. A class C motorhome is a popular choice with solo RVers, especially women, because it's easier to deal with than a trailer. But as others have said, you want one that isn't going to swallow your traveling budget. That means paying more up front to get a rig that's in good condition. (And yes, pre-purchase inspection is a must.)

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: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119616
Hi Lisa - please heed all the good advice you're getting from this group.  I looked for 2 years (was torn between a Chinook and a Lazy Daze).
 Finally settled on an LD and found a really clean looking one (in/out) nearby, but didn't read the "how to buy" and/or have it checked out, or I would have found the mold and dry rot under the mattress in the cabover above driver and passenger, the water pump that wouldn't quit cycling, been suspect of all the new screws on one side of the cabover, the two rolls of Eternabond tape to seal roof seams, and all the goop already up there, and the fact the cab AC didn't work (only old hoses and a charge, thank goodness), Since then I've gotten a lot of help fixing her problems (thank you Larry), but it does cost more $'s that might not have been necessary if I'd been smarter and more patient.
 She's also a 1992 Chevy 350, and came with 78,000 miles.  At least she's got throttle body fuel injection and a seemingly strong tranny.  Doesn't climb the grades like the newer Fords, but then I'm a VW campervan driver, so doesn't bother me.
 Anyway, Lisa - wish you luck and hope you hold out for something that gets a clean bill of health.

Barb & Gypsy 1992-3 TK
1992 22' TK
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119619
All the respondents are spot on with their warning of BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE.  You didn't mention how many miles are on unit and if it has been stored indoors over its life.  A Phoenix based coach that has been sitting out all these years, I probably wouldn't want it if you gave it to me!!  Did the Seller's ad conta
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119621
"Thank you so much to all of you for ˜talking me down off that ledge"

Hi Lisa, You have received excellent advise here. I have some pictures to offer you of what a neglected exterior maintenance/sealing can look like on the inside.  Keep in mind that I was aware of this damage when I bought it as the upper bunk was pretty wet and the ceiling rippled around the hatch.  This was last April and now I am tearing into the repairs.
 http://picasaweb.google.com/mrfixit454/BunkRebuild?authkey=Gv1sRgCPXn3MGI6O_d2gE&feat=directlink

Good Luck...

Ramon
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119622
Hi Ramon, Wow, very sobering photos.  Takes all the thrill and romance out of getting a 'bargain', LOL.This group is great, I'm learning a lot, thanks again. Lisa
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119623
"I have some pictures to offer you of what a neglected exterior maintenance/sealing can look like on the inside."

Ramon

Gulp! Your user name,'mr fixit', is going to be put to the test.
I hope you are young and energetic and got a heck of a deal on the purchase.
I would build a cradle under the cabover to keep it from caving in as you remove the rotted framing from the sides, front and roof sheet metal.
Might as well pull the front and side windows out first to reduce the weight on the sidewalls. They need resealing anyway.

Good luck and take a lot of pictures.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119624
"Your user name,'mr fixit', is going to be put to the test.
I hope you are young and energetic and got a heck of a deal on the purchase"
 Hey Larry..  You are not kidding here with my user name.  I am at about my 1/2 life, maybe a little more ;) and yes energetic.  I have repaired two cabover slide in campers before (at my quarter life) so I have a little experience.  In private emails I gave you the price which was cheap...  at that time you were feeling sorry for me until you understood a little more about me and what I can do.
 I posted to your weather post yesterday that I might be sending you some emails.

Ramon
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119766
Quote
Hello, I'm new to this group.  I feel like I've learned so much already, just by reading all your helpful posts.
 I am going to fly over to buy a 23' 1982 LD mid bath, T/K.  It's in Phoenix. This is a huge step for me.
 My question is this:  if this has been up for sale for two weeks, why hasn't anybody bought it yet?  Has anyone seen this LD 'in person'?  What's wrong with it?  It sounds great to me, but I'm a total wide-eyed newbie, and I suppose I'm pretty gullible.    He already told me that the refrigerator doesn't work right, and that makes me feel like he's pretty honest.  I can fix the refrigerator later.  Just having the chance to actually buy a Lazy Daze is pretty exciting to me.
 Mainly I want the engine and transmission to be strong, so I don't get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.  I'm an older solo woman, and not mechanical.  The seller says that the vehicle runs strong.
 But all this talk about leaking and rotting wood makes me take pause!  Plus, all the other stuff that I don't even know that I don't know!
 Has anybody seen it?  What do you think?  I don't want to 'jinx' it, but I don't want to be a dummy either.

Thanks so much for your wisdom and advice! Lisa - Confetti
I was just looking at this same LD, thinking it might be a good deal. But, I'm glad I read the entire thread. The guy said he's having health issues, so he has to sell. I asked for more pictures, but I think we will back off too.
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119768
"The guy said he's having health issues..."
 His health problems are nothing compared to that coach's health problems! ;-)

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: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119787
Yep, it's the same one.  Also, he told me that the refrigerator only works on electric, something's broken so it doesn't work on propane. So glad I didn't buy it....'cheap' isn't really cheap after all.- Lisa
Re: Looking at 23' 1982 Lazy Daze - Need advice
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119810
Yes.  That is the same coach.  Key is that its location is actually Casa Grande, Arizona.
Cathy
 "Don't be encumbered by history. Go off and do something wonderful." - Intel co-founder Robert Noyce