Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: We will take all advise seriously  (Read 577 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
We will take all advise seriously
We are looking to buy an older LD which we believe we might have found . Before we spend the money to have it fully checked on we would like,  "very appreciate"  any and all advise given from the information that I  was given. Thank you Michele and Peter in the Netherlands 
The Ad
1995 Lazy Daze 26.5 MID-BATH - - $14,900
Would you like to own the highest rated class C motorhome in America and not pay a fortune? This quality-built 1995,26.5 foot Lazy Daze Mid-Bath has 127,000 miles, runs like a dream,burns no oil and looks great.All maintenance records are available for this no smoking no pet,1 owner rv. This rv has been maintained according to the Ford E-350 Severe Duty Maintenance Schedule and only synthetic motor oil has been used every 3000 miles and every Spring and Fall.The motorhome has the following: -Newer Michelin tires with air valve extensions ,Bilstein shocks,newer fuel pump -Onan 4Kw generator -Newer fridge,water heater and house batteries ,Whole house 1000 watt Heart Interface inverter/3-stage charger that powers the fridge when driving -Extend-A-Stay propane fitting ,Wave 3 quick-disconnect propane attachment inside , Welded-on hitch with skid protection , 12 foot awning,13000 btu roof- mount AC,15000 btu furnace Fantastic fan,CB radio. All roof seams have been eternabonded and all windows , body seams, and end-caps have been sealed to prevent water leaks.
Michele and Peter in The Netherlands soon to RVing in North America
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #1 –
Are you planning an extended trip to the U.S. and want to try buying - later reselling - instead of renting? If this is the case, you should find an experienced surrogate buyer to check the rig completely for hidden damage and overall condition. That said, the tire date stamps should not be more than 5 years old, and if tire code is within the Michelin tire recall range, they can be replaced for free. If the tire valve extensions are the flexible type and original, they are vulnerable to failure, and newer ones are even worse. The inverter set up to power the fridge is non-standard, and the procedure for activating it may risk inadvertently draining the batteries. The owner should go over that in detail with you.

Although Lazy Daze is an excellent brand for coachwork, this rig is far older than anything you would rent, and you don't want to risk repairs and down-time interrupting a relaxing vacation.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #2 –
The LD you are considering sounds well loved.  Lots of things that likely wore out have been replaced.  It has the older E350 frame and suspension so you are limited to 11,500 lb. vehicle weight.  It also has the older V8 but by that year the engine has been equipped with fuel injection which helps with fuel milage and power. This could be worth a closer look.  I understand that you are far away and would need a third party to look at the RV.  I would not put a deposit on a RV this old with out a very close look at the house part by someone competent as well as a close at the truck side.

As much as I like Lazy Daze I should mention that for around the same money ($15000-$20000) there are much newer RV available.  Though the build quality of the Lazy Daze when new was likely much better new, 8 to 10 years worth of time could be an equalizing factor.  Also worth considering is how long are you planning to use the RV.  Are you just coming to visit the States, or are you planning to relocate (long term visa or coming home for example)?  No need to answer, I mention this because if you are just visiting it may be more difficult to sell a older RV when you return to the Netherlands.
John

I really like my Mid Bath and think this is worth a closer look. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #3 –
Michele and Peter, welcome to the forum! I hope you find a great RV, and have a safe and happy time while in the USA. 

I own a Lazy Daze like the one you are asking about, only a little older, a 1992. Mine was used very gently, though poorly maintained.  It required a lot of work to fix the damage done by leaking seams.  A close personal inspection is important to verify that this unit is solid and in good shape.  If it is, I think the price is fair. 

The chassis is a good one, though doesn't carry as much weight as new ones, and this is a lot of mileage. If I were looking for a vohnmobile in Europe, I would want to be most certain not to have mechanical failures, so for me this is the priority. As you probably know, the spaces in North America put a lot of demand on the engine, transmission, etc., and desserts nor mountains are good places to wait for service. 

Good luck in your search- what brings you to look at a Lazy Daze? Is this brand something you specifically want, or one of many you are looking at? In any case, tell us more about your plans, we all like travel stories.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #4 –
I agree with John. If you are planning on buying/selling an RV rather than renting, then the issue isn't so much build quality but mechanical functionality. In other words, get a newer RV made from some other brand.

The reason older LDs are popular (ours is a '93) among residents is because they can be worth the time & effort of fixing & using. But for a relatively short visit - even if months long - the last thing you want to be doing is restoration & repair.

Flip the question - would you recommend an older car (which has character and is popular) in Europe to a US visitor? Or would you advise them to simply get a newer boring auto (eg Toyota*) that has a reputation for trouble free operation?

* We've got two Toyotas. After a lifetime of wrenching (now transferred to our LD), I love "boring".
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #5 –
Hi Michele and Peter.  Welcome to the forum, and we hope you will come to the US for an RV vacation.  A couple of points to keep in mind with respect to traveling in the US.  Without knowing your plans, I offer these thoughts.  You could be traveling in parts of the country where there is no cell phone (mobile phone) coverage.  You could be traveling in parts of the country where there are few repair facilities.  So the point is, you may need an RV that is in good shape mechanically and is reliable.  If you will be here only a short time, a rental RV could be a better use of your money.  Good luck with your plans, and if you wish, share some details for more information. 
2011 MB
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #6 –
Don't be discouraged- the advice here is offered only with the intent of your well being. If you are experienced in this sort of thing, we don't know from your original post, so tell us more, please. 

When my wife and I have considered extended stays on your side of the "pond" we have always considered used cars, or even camping cars. If the car has character, I will tolerate occasional unplanned service stops. On the other hand, when we are touring others with us, or when time is critical, we always lease a car.

A road service membership like Coach-net is a good solution for road service.  I have used their service once, and am quite satisfied.  Of course, if you are experienced with a VW Westphalia, then you have forgotten more breakdowns than I will ever know!  ;)

But I would still shy away from an RV that old with that many miles. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #7 –
Thank you all for your good advise. Sorry for the late reply, due to work and time difference of 6 hours makes it difficult for me. I been told from a friend of a friend who works for the airport shuttle services in south florida. That there  E-350 vans have a 5.4L gas engine, and all had between 275,000 and 425,000 miles on them. They would put about 120,000 miles a year on each van. Talk about wearing out the tires, every 3-4 months! I know that my case is different being its a mother home and not a work machine. Now in a more personnel level. I am a naturalized american citizen. I used to have a fleetwood 35ft Bounder which I traveled with “now adult” children. I have done both coast from Baja California to Alaska in the early 80’s and the East coast from Key West to Montreal to Toronto. Both trips were done on 2 different RV’s, class B and my class A 35 ft Bounder. I do still maintain a small bungalow house in Miami Beach which my husband and I visit every year. It’s  rented but we stay in the in-laws section of the house. As for why a Lazy Daze, I fell in love with it and was told it is a well taken care and loved RV. I especially love the mid bath and those back windows, who wouldn’t! Our plans is to be in the south west. Enjoy the desert and coast line of California with maybe some trips to Oregon. This will be our retirement 'WHICH STARTS NEXT YEAR  :) "so we will be spending many years in the USA while our home here in southern part of the Netherlands will be rented to vacationers with the exception of the Brits and Germans ……They play  to hard  and I might not have a house left  :) So if anyone is iinterrested, I live in the town of Weert 15 min walk to city center.  Again, thank you all very much. I hope I was able to covered all your questions. A Big Thanks to Todd and Steve for offering free boondocking   I hope to hear more from you! Michele and Peter
PS; I will be having a professional inspection from a company named NRVIA. If anyone knows of another please let us know. Here is the link if anyone needs it NRVIA – Get An Inspection  . I also been told that a compression check as well as an exhaust analysis is a must.
Michele and Peter in The Netherlands soon to RVing in North America
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #8 –
Michele, you are on the right track to be searching for a Lazy Daze for your next adventure.

My wife and I find the MB to be the layout for us, and the single feature we treasure is the window space. Nothing better than sitting in that rear lounge with a three sided panoramic view!

Please let us know how your search is going - I can only imagine the challenge of buying an LD from another continent.  Though the time zone difference will let you get a jump on most people here with the morning internet search and emails  :)

It's true the small busses and commercial vans with the V10 engine run many many miles. I am not sure the one you are looking at has that engine.  Here is a link to the Pocket Guide to Lazy Daze changes. It is a great help when searching for your perfect LD.

Have you already found The Lazy Daze Companion?

Quite a few people have recently joined this forum looking for a used LD, and the posts that answer their questions will also help you. Some searching will turn up those threads. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #9 –
Hi Paul,

Thank you for the two links you sent us. They are very helpful.
You are right Paul with your remark about the time difference. That might just make a difference....   O:)   I don't know who runs/owns this site but I want to thank him/her for having such helpful group of people with good information,
Thanks again,
Michele and Peter
PS: Yes, those back windows how; can one not love them. I mentioned to my husband, it's  good place to run and observe those hungry black/brown bear mouths....     ;)
Michele and Peter in The Netherlands soon to RVing in North America
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #10 –
 :o
And of course the mountain lions.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #11 –
Hi Peter & Michele,   You've already gotten some excellent advice.    Another idea is to tell us where the Lazy Daze is located in hopes that another Lazy Daze owner in that same area might agree to go look at it.   As you will learn from this group, we are all particular about our rigs, know what it's supposed to look like, and know how it works. 
My husband and I had a  new 1994 26.5 MB for 11 years when we ordered a new 2006 26.5 RB.   We've had an assortment of other RV's and nothing compares to a Lazy Daze.    When we decided to order the 2006, I posted our 1994 on RVTrader.com at 6:00 a.m.    By 6:00 p.m. we had a buyer and a check.   It was in perfect condition.    I believe it's still on the road somewhere.    We waited almost 10 months when we ordered the 1994 and it was well worth it.    As an owner of that era, I can tell you it was a great rig and well built.  
I wish you success in your search!    Stay in touch,
Juli

Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #12 –
I need some help. I am about to buy a LD. I have pictures of the under  as well as inside and out.  Can anyone please look at the pictures and give me advise. The man mentions this to me in his letters which I will past bellow and the link to pictures too.

His Letters :
 some more photos.I had the hatch over the overhead cab bed removed when it started to leak.I wasn't going to let any water destroy the wood up there,that happens to alot of class C motorhomes.If you had to escape thru that opening ,it would not be a problem.A hatch could be installed up there for 200 dollars.Also,the awning works fine but it's missing a small cover on one side,see photo.The generator needs a new 80 dollar muffler.I sent pics of the underside and tires.Next,Ill send pics of the service records.
 Link to pictures
The RV LD Il - Google Photos

Thank you  Michele and Peter from the Netherlands
Michele and Peter in The Netherlands soon to RVing in North America
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #13 –
My advice is run (don't walk) ! This rig is a nightmare waiting for your arrival so the adventure can begin.😆
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
 
Re: We will take all advise seriously
Reply #14 –
Due to problems with the seller I feel it not to my best to buy. If anyone is selling an older LD from the 90's please let me know. I am looking for a 27 ft mid bath...  I will consider  60 thousand miles but no higher then 1,120.00 .My e-mail is michele.lacrete@gmail.com
Michele and Peter in The Netherlands soon to RVing in North America