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Topic: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here).. (Read 200 times) previous topic - next topic
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Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Yahoo Message Number: 160262
We live in FL and at over a decade from retirement. Most of our time to camp/travel will be limited to 3-4 times a year (but we hope to get around FL and even GA to make the most of our purchase). We are disheartened to learn that our Mazda CR5 cannot be towed :-( Assuming we found an older LD (to make this most affortable) that is no more than 23 feet, would driving it around for sightseeing (St. Augustine, FL for example) be unorthodox?? We plan to go West 1 trip per year (more in future), and will get a different vehicle to tow then (as we assume a toad will be necessary in AZ, etc) We plan on Smokey Mt trips 1 x per year and will have to stay put for at least one year (but woudl like to travel in town, say Nashville or Asheville). Is that crazy?? Also, what does insurance and 'basic motor maintenance" run, in your experience (eg. 2000+ model). As you can tell, we want to be sure the cost lines up with something sound (and not 'emotional,' of course). Our alternative is a TT, but that can be a losing venture too. Thank you for your help and offering info!!!
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160263
Good you are thinking so far ahead.

We replaced our 1996 Toyota Rav4 in 2011 with another one, after looking at the CRV and Forester not planning for a LD. Chagrined to find it wouldn't flat tow- know well your feelings. I would suggest looking at floorplans rather than focus on length. A Towd makes getting around easier but there are alternatives. Some have gone without a toad and rented a local car to sightsee.

Get the LD or SOB (Some Other Brand) that fits your lifestyle and consider the toad later. Figure about $3,000 to hook the up the toad- tow bar, base plate on the toad, and braking system. Toad maintenance isn't that much different: oil changes base on miles driven, transmission/rear end changes based on driven + towed miles etc.

Consider storage. Can you park it at home? If so, 3-4 times a year might be augmented with the occasional long weekend (mission creep).

Ask questions.

Joel & Mary Charlie & Dora 2013 31 IB/ 2011 CRV towd

Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160264
Hello Doreen.
We lived in FL for a great many years and travelled in a 27' model with no tow vehicle.
It's quite doable as long as you're not adverse to walking say 3-5 blocks or so.
St. Augustine. Just a few blocks west of the main tourist area is lots of on-street parking.
We've parked in the French Quarter NOLA, driven St. Charles and parked at the far end.
Toured the Pike Market in Seattle.
Visited Savannah, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, On and on.
Anyplace a semi can make deliveries or a city bus or garbage truck can manage, so can I.

The key to visiting big cities is in the timing. Avoid rush hour, etc. I like to go into the city early in the morning, find a great parking spot then have breakfast. In NOLA we had beignets and coffee at 7am.

Find a parking spot where you can't be blocked in. I like parking near a fire hydrant or bus stop. Most drivers respect those no parking signs. If they don't, and you're blocked in just call 911 and have them towed. :-)

We now drive a 24' rig. An absolute piece of cake.

Insurance cost varies dramatically based on value, use, coverage and where it's garaged.
If you budget somewhere between $500 and $700 per year you should be OK.
Annual maintenance. That's a tough one. Replace a transmission? $3,000+. Have a decent year? $500 maybe. Need new tires? Another $1,000. A brake job? On and on. RVing can be an expensive proposition. Do yourself a favor, and budget on the high side.

A tow car is very, very convenient, no doubt about it. We towed for several years. But traveling without one is quite workable with some planning.
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160266
Your plans sound like the beginning of a great adventure. Without question, if you make 3-4 trips a year in and around FL and GA, you'll gain an immense amount of experience during those years. And you'll be well prepared for those "Go West" trips.

A good number of folks travel without a towed vehicle and they report having a great time without too much trouble. Some people have said they use public transportation once they arrive at their destination or rent a car for a few days. Others just drive their motorhome, stopping for for food and supplies while they are out and about. It's actually a smart strategy if one wants to "sneak" into the RV travel experience before they send money on towing equipment and a braking system. And good towing equipment and a braking system are a somewhat expensive proposition.

As you know, insurance premiums depend on the age of the driver, the number of various other policies with the insuring company, value of the vehicle, driving history, and other factors. Our insurance policy is about $700 per year with a $1,000 deductible. Hope this helps.

Ed & Margee '09 MB
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160271
Hello Doreen, With a few years of active weekend and vacation RVing, you will be an old hand by the time retirement rolls around! You will learn more about your travel style and personal preferences, so your RV/travel model may evolve.

We have used a big truck camper, a big TT and now a 26.5 Lazy Daze. With the camper and the TT we had the pickup for driving around once we camped, but found our style is more well suited to the coach, without a toad, at least for now. We go to a place, park and walk or ride, then move on. In the LD we are very conscious about keeping it ready to roll, and find packing up for a side trip takes only minutes. This year we looked all over coastal California at real estate, and were surprised how nimble the 26.5 foot coach with bike rack on the back is. Didn't find any place we wanted to go that we couldn't drive. It is not much bigger than the dually pickup (used for the camper and towing the TT) we drive all the time.

So for us, a toad is not yet in our future. OBTW, we spend 6-8 months a year on the road. Next fall we my go longer, and never say never.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160272
We just moved from San Diego to Florida. We have a 1997 23.5 TK LD. We have towed our 22' sailboat across the country several times now, in fact we're leaving the Sarasota area today heading to Ft Walton Beach with the sailboat in tow for a few weeks. Later this summer we're towing the boat up to Michigan for several weeks of sailing on the Great Lakes. Last summer we towed our toad, (Fiat 500c, manual transmission), from San Diego up to Portland, then across to Michigan, then slowly made our way back west. The Fiat worked wonderful! Easy to hook up, and all you do is leave it in neutral. We've only seen one LD since we've been here in Florida. Snowbirds from Mass in a 26' mid bath LD.

Don
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160273
Very helpful info, thanks to all that responded!! As you can tell, we are in our infancy of this whole thing ad gauging it against costs of a 'good' (actually desirable) TT. I may not have been in any LD yet, but I do know a workable/desirable floor plan and that 26 mid bath (twin kings) is MOST desirable by us. The only place we have looked is RV.trader to price LDs and a 2005 is $40,000 (60 thou miles), so I am afraid we would be looking at something a bit older. What are your suggestions on where to look? Should we find a reputable dealer in town (contradiction in terms, perhaps) and let them know what we are looking for? I do know we would have to utilize someone to assess one when we get to that point, but we aren't sure what to do from the point we are at now (esp since there arent any local)!
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160274
Hi Doreen. We have a 27 mid-bath, and do not tow. We have been out west a couple of times, and last summer made the trek to Alaska. We have taken the LD to small towns for museums, restaurants, and shopping. We even parked it at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot. We have taken the LD to several western and eastern National Parks, over mountain passes, and other tourist attractions. We have not felt the need to tow on any of those trips. We like to walk, and we are comfortable taking public transportation if available. And, yes, we have rented a car on a few occasions. Our costs to rent a car, to date, are far less than buying the components to set up for a tow. That said, many on this forum like to tow for their own reasons and wouldn't do it any other way. Nice to have options while enjoying your RV.

Bob
2011 MB
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160275
We have a 23 foot LD and don't tow because of the age of our LD. You can take it any place you can take a car, you just have to find a bigger parking space. Ours has been taken into Old Town in Albuquerque, NM. I've seen an LD parallel parked on a street in the Gaslamp District in San Diego. If we are staying someplace for a while and don't want to take the LD we just rent a car which is what we did when we stayed in Phoenix, AZ for a week.

Someone with a new model will have to speak to gas mileage, etc.
We have enjoyed our RV despite the money we've put into maintaining our 30 year old RV.
Cindy Adata and the Girls 1986 23 foot

Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160276
Wow! Everyone sharing how some only tow on occassion and 'get around' town has put new life in our "prospective plan" of small C RV! I can now see that we could do our "no-tow" camping and some travel plan options for one full year (then we can sell our current Mazda CR 5 for a towable option if desired)!
1. Are there smaller versions of LD in the 'rear lounge (aka twin-king bed) besides the 26 footer? In other words, do that have that option in the 23 or 24?

2. I see several that responded that have an older LD (in the 90s), so what is your 'upkeep? how did you determine that the 90s was a mechanically sound? (I know this is a loaded question that would have a plethora of responses due to individual experiences, but we would need to start SOMEWHERE in our search and only know to look at mileage and the Leak issues for the 'cabin' portion. I would love to think a solid 90s option would work knowing we would automatically put xx amt $ aside right off the bat for expected issues, but would like to have a better idea on "whats a solid and good LD in the 90s to 'chase') THANKS MUCH!!
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160279
"What are your suggestions on where to look?" ---- The first place to look for a used LD is the Buying and Selling folder on this forum; on the message board's website, click on "Files" and go to the Buying and Selling folder. I don't know how many of the ads are current, but if you find something of interest, you can call the seller.

Also look on RV Trader, Oodle, and Craigslist (the aggregate site). You may find a used Lazy Daze at a dealer or a consignment lot, but, IMO, these "deals" will always cost more and, depending on the dealer, I doubt that you would receive any advantage over buying from a private seller.

If you have an opportunity, try to attend an outing of a regional LD group to get an idea of models and floor plans; looking at the real thing can present a very different experience than an "on paper" layout. LD people are friendly and usually happy to show their rigs. Maybe someone from a regional group will post as to when their get-togethers are scheduled?

Look at the "LD Asking Prices" folder in the Files section; this table provides *rough* figures on asking prices for all models and many years of LDs. This chart will provide a starting point to help you set your budget for purchase, but understand that you will also need to budget for any repairs, replacements, upgrades, and maintenance issues that the rig you buy will likely have, particularly if the model is "older". As with any vehicle, the purchase price is just the beginning, and with motorhomes, definitely more so!

Take your time and do the homework; learn as much as you can about what to look for when buying a used RV before pulling the trigger. There are several good "how to" sources on the web; a search will bring these up and you can start your learning curve! This a good one to start with; yes, it's detailed, but knowing what to look for and adhering to the checklist points will likely help to save you from buying a POS.

http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml

Re: to tow or not to tow. I have a 2003 23.5' with almost 95k; I don't tow, and never have. Candidly, there have been many times over the years and miles (in this rig and previous ones) where *not* having a tow has been inconvenient, but the times when I have been very happy not to have been dragging something behind me have outnumbered these. I suggest that you take the advice of a couple of previous posters and wait until you find the rig for you and have some experience in discovering your own camping and travel style before deciding whether to go with or without a toad. The "toadless" way works for me; the "baby LD" is maneuverable and can navigate and park where a longer rig might have a bit more difficulty. Like others, I've rented a car on several occasions where I "based" in one place and needed a small vehicle to explore an area's attractions. Occasional inconveniences aside, this choice has worked for me, but it does not for others.

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160280
You can rent a small car a lot of days for what a good towing setup costs (I am budgeting around $3k to have one installed, I may be able to save some but don't want to go cheep on a part that will cost me a car later). I drive a 26'6" mid bath. I will eventually tow the car I just bought, a Forester with a 6 speed. Because we get around so well without a towed car, I do not see the need to rob money from another project around the house, or run up the credit card in order to accomplish buying a nice towing system.

I retired a couple years ago, but my wife has a few years to work yet. For now our trips together are short, or she drives up to meet me. When I go on longer trips alone I generally do not visit places where I can not park the RV. By the time my wife retires I will have the Forester set up to come with us. By then we will want to take longer trips that will include sight seeing.

For now it is enough to just learn about RVing. Weekend trips together, then for me solo trips lasting a couple weeks to a month. I seem to learn something every trip. Of course it could be that I learned it then forgot it - but for now I stick with the first story.

If you think you will like the RV lifestyle I believe a decade out from retirement is a good time to start RVing. I think we may have waited a little to long - purchasing the RV only 2 years before I retired. I do not worry about the costs to much. They are what they are. While RVing is not inexpensive, for us it is a better value when compared to flying or driving around and renting nice hotels and paying for dog sitting. And it is very nice to be able to travel with our dogs as they are a big part of our family. Besides having the Lazy Daze is so much nicer than camping out of the back of a MINI Cooper.
John 07 Mid Bath link to picture of wife and one of our dogs in the rv. http://dac.smugmug.com/Camping/First-year-with-DaVee/i-6ChRsgz/1/L/IMG_0134-L.jpg
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160282
I suggest looking at a trailer for now. With such limited use of the LD, you will have deal with engine maintenance issues unless you are willing to start and drive it periodically. The motorhome can always come later. Of course, just what you will use the pull the trailer with may kill this idea.

Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160284
We had a 24', 2004 LD until this year when we went up to a 27'. We never towed a vehicle in our travels all over the country and never had a problem getting around. The only roads we couldn't get on was the road to the sun in Glacier and a road in one of the redwood forests. After a few trips it is like driving a large suv.
2015 27' Mid Bath
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160290
I know I sound like a broken record, but why not try driving separately until you find out that this is not a good option? It actually has many advantages when you think about it. We started out doing this in 1988, and have been doing it successfully since then through all kinds of RV's - Volkswagen campers, rental units, two Lazy Daze units (22- and 27-footers), and a 40-foot diesel pusher! It just NEVER seemed the best choice to hang a vehicle on the bumper.

Mind you, we were fully prepared to do it, if that seemed the best choice, but it never was! ;->

Virtual hugs,

Judie
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160292
1. Are there smaller versions of LD in the 'rear lounge (aka twin-king bed) besides the 26 footer? In other words, do that have that option in the 23 or 24?

Yes, the 23/24 ft (depending on year) TK models have the same dual couches in the rear with the surrounding panoramic windows. The couches can pull together for a king bed if desired, and a fold-up table is fitted in between the couches. This has been a great fit for the two of us for 8 years. We don't tow, but about half our trips are with our Vespa racked on the back. --

Jon & Loni ('06 TK Albatross)
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160293

I know I sound like a broken record, but why not try driving separately until you find out that this is not a good option? It actually has many advantages when you think about it. We started out doing this in 1988, and have been doing it successfully since then through all kinds of RVs - Volkswagen campers, rental units, two Lazy Daze units (22- and 27-footers), and a 40-foot diesel pusher! It just NEVER seemed the best choice to hang a vehicle on the bumper.

Mind you, we were fully prepared to do it, if that seemed the best choice, but it never was! ;->

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160321
"Are there smaller versions of LD in the 'rear lounge (aka twin-king bed) besides the 26 footer?"

Yes--the aptly named 23.5'/24' Twin/King model. See the Lazy Daze Pocket Guide website for specs, floorplans, and changes from year to year. It can be a big help when shopping for a used LD. Happy hunting! :-)

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #18 –
Is there anyone in FL with a Lazy Daze that wouldn't mind us coming to see your Lazy Daze?   This would help us not spin our wheels.  We are being very calculated and not in any hurry, but we keeping going from "Stick w an Airstream and reliable, new truck" vs.  "...but towing isn't pleasant up mountains either, so maybe we should consider a more sound, RV option.  Trekking out of state from FL is long and when did ever consider an 'F150 or 250" super comforable in the past?"  Then, we got intrigued by the GMC (there is a great support 'shop'  that rebuilds those in Orlando -rides like a car? super floor plans and yea....cool!).... hence, our round n' round for the  most sound, financially responsible  option.  We have a friends that just grabbed a good deal on an 97' Outlander (too big for us) and for 15 grand feel they got a deal and don't care what happens to it.  We are not RVers as you can tell so hence, I am picking your brains for some help here.  Maybe we should consider the "Winnies and Phoenix cruisers that are in our budget range??"  (even though they are ugly especially if they CAN POSSIBLY give reliable transportation at the 9 yr old mark)?  I am going round n' round her so, perhaps you could share your thoughts and suggestions and if you are in FL  - and wouldn't mind a visit please let me know.  Thanks!!
 
Re: Not sure if pursuing LD is right (so looking for info here)..
Reply #19 –
I will be driving down to a town near Melbourne in mid July.  We will celebrate my wife's birthday (she is flying down) so I will be tied up visiting family and friends with her until I start wandering trip home on July 24th.  That trip will take me west to a friends home in Beverly Hills FL.  I will stay there a few days then meander north following no real time schedule or route into and through GA eventually making my way home going up through the Blue Ridge.  For now how fast I will be moving is mostly based how much I miss the dear wife, daughter and dogs. 
So if you have not seen a mid bath by then I could work something out with you guys. 
I have a 07 Mid Bath.  For now with out a towd.
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath