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Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Hi, everyone. I'm new to the forum. My husband and I are selling our large farm and the plan is to move into an RV and travel full time for at least a few years. We've been looking at RVs for a long time and just recently identified the Lazy Daze as the RV that we want. It has all the features we've been looking for. We are looking at either a 24' TK or a 27' mid-bath (or the older 26.5). I think the 27' would be more comfortable for us and the occassional guest (like our daughter and her husband, who love to hike). But since we've never owned an RV, there is appeal in getting something as compact as possible for driving. And I know some national parks don't allow RVs over 25'. Correct? has anyone been limited by their 27' rig?

I have a few questions, if any mentors/experienced folks in this group are feeling talkative....

1. Is there a big difference in the feel of driving/manuevering the 27' vs the 24'?
2. We have a chance to get a 2003 27' mid-bath at a decent price. However, my husband is something of a car snob. (Currently drives a 2016 Subaru Outback) He balks at the idea of a 16 year old engine/system. I don't think there would be that much difference in the RV body, as long as its in good condition, but what about the engine and dash? Are there a lot of improvements in the more recent models? Do the newer models have things like back-up cameras, side cameras, blue tooth, etc, or not really?  Are there advantages to the older motors? Is it harder to get them serviced?
3. How many miles of life do the 2003 engines have in them? The one we're looking at is 66000 miles. Can you get 200K out of them?
4. We'd want to tow a small car. Our ideal would be to park someone natural (like a state park) for a few weeks and run around in the area doing hikes and bikes. So we'd need a smaller car. Something like a Jeep or Ford Fiesta with manual would be fine for us. Is there a difference in what the 24' vs 27' can tow?

Anyone have experience with the 2003s vs new models? If we wait for a newer model, we'd probably be looking for something 2010+ but not brand new, both due to wait time for a factory model and cost. I know those rigs are extremely hard to find.

Best regards,
Jane in PA
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #1 –
Quote from: jensenholmes  - 
He balks at the idea of a 16 year old engine/system. I don't think there would be that much difference in the RV body, as long as its in good condition, but what about the engine and dash? Are there a lot of improvements in the more recent models? Do the newer models have things like back-up cameras, side cameras, blue tooth, etc, or not really?  Are there advantages to the older motors? Is it harder to get them serviced? How many miles of life do the 2003 engines have in them? The one we're looking at is 66000 miles. Can you get 200K out of them?
IF the drivetrain has been well cared-for 200k is not an issue. If the previous owner towed, then that is extra stress on the transmission - the heavier the toad the more wear-and tear. The 2003 and earlier may have a sparkplug issue you may want to correct. Later models do not have the issue. However, the coach needs maintenance and should be carefully inspected. Appliances also undergo more stress in an RV, and these could fail and need replacement
Quote
4. We'd want to tow a small car. Our ideal would be to park someone natural (like a state park) for a few weeks and run around in the area doing hikes and bikes. So we'd need a smaller car. Something like a Jeep or Ford Fiesta with manual would be fine for us. Is there a difference in what the 24' vs 27' can tow?
A world of difference in weight and function in those two vehicles. We tow a Fit with our '04, similar in weight to the Fiesta, but also limited to roads that do not have clearance issues. Expect to spend money doing needed preventative maintenance and adding upgrades you want - things like rear camera, solar, upgraded converter, etc.

Steve


2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #2 –
Jane, welcome to the forum!

I’m going to answer part of your question from the approach of, “what would I do if it were me?”  Moving from a large farm to a small RV full-time is an extreme move so I would opt for the longer model, especially if you have pets or the occasional overnight guest.

As far as the driving difference between the two lengths, no actual experience between the two but I’ve been told by others on this forum that the difference is not significant. Instead, think of how much time  you will be parked vs. how much time is spent driving. I think the longer model wins out there.

Also, I would get the newest model you can afford.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #3 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Jane, welcome to the forum!

I’m going to answer part of your question from the approach of, “what would I do if it were me?”  Moving from a large farm to a small RV full-time is an extreme move so I would opt for the longer model, especially if you have pets or the occasional overnight guest.

As far as the driving difference between the two lengths, no actual experience between the two but I’ve been told by others on this forum that the difference is not significant. Instead, think of how much time  you will be parked vs. how much time is spent driving. I think the longer model wins out there.

Also, I would get the newest model you can afford.

Good advise. Thank you!
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #4 –
From the standpoint of having been a passenger in both lengths, I can tell you that there is a world of difference in comfort with the longer model.

I asked my husband (the driver) if he found our current 26.5' RB to be any more difficult to drive than our former 22' TK, and he said that there was basically no difference in practice, although one must be more aware of where the corners are on the longer vehicle.

He also drove a 40-foot DP when we were fulltiming, so that is yet another experience.  I must say that he seemed much less comfortable with the extreme size of the 40-footer, but considered the two Lazy Daze units to be not much more difficult to drive than a regulation vehicle.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Cranberry Cornbread
   *********************************
 
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #5 –
1. PLEASE don't buy an older machine unless you are forced to by your financial situation.  It's not like buying a used car.  How long the motor might last would be the least of your worries with an old rig.  You would have many other problems to deal with.

3. You want a 27'.   You don't want anything smaller.  Trust me on this.  I bought a 2016 MB new.

4.  When you buy a tow car, pay close attention to it's weight
.
5.  Stay in touch!    Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #6 –
Our 2003 Mid Bath (26.5) is in it's 17th season.  Picked it up from the Mothership in April '03.

Has 124,000 plus miles and I expect at least 200K.  I maintain it well and don't try to drive it 85 mph.  Have spent 680 nights in it and hope for a lot more.  We do not tow.

To me, age is not as much a factor as how it has been maintained.  Check the maintenance records closely.  If they aren't available, walk away.  And be very careful if the work was done by the owner.  I prefer records from a pro.

Also, look out for "garage Queens" (older but with little mileage).  Sitting eleven months out of the year is IMHO worse than driving it nine months.

Lastly, go with the larger model.  Your marriage will last longer in a 27 (or 26.5).


 



2003 MB
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #7 –
We would also suggest that you strongly consider the 27 foot LD rather than the smaller one from the point of view of comfort on the road and each having some private space, especially in bad/rainy weather and on longer trips. I  (Jean) drive our 27 foot LD after having driven nothing bigger than my Subaru Legacy and find it easy to handle. LDs have very good road manners! One suggestion - we took professional driving lessons from the RV driving school and that made a world of difference in our comfort and safety in handling the larger vehicle. They have instructors all over the country. We took ours from Steve in Lancaster, CA after picking up our new LD from the factory in 2015. He was wonderful and we still think about "stevisms" - like breathe - and own your lane - when we are on the road. If you can, you might want to go to a LD rondy to see the different models and feel how you would live in one. We found that really helpful. LDers are a generous group and very willing to share their experiences.
Welcome to the forum.
2015 MB
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #8 –
Quote from: SilverFox  - 
One suggestion - we took professional driving lessons from the RV driving school and that made a world of difference in our comfort and safety in handling the larger vehicle. They have instructors all over the country. We took ours from Steve in Lancaster, CA after picking up our new LD from the factory in 2015. He was wonderful and we still think about "stevisms" - like breathe - and own your lane - when we are on the road.

Wonderful suggestion!  Here is their website, and quick check revealed your instructor is still with the school:

RV School
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #9 –
Hi Jane in PA.  This is Bob in PA.  We have a 27 mid-bath that we use quite a bit.  It is a 2011 model year, and we expect it to turn near 85,000 miles later this year.  The two of us feel quite comfortable in this size rig.  When we have our two adult daughters join us periodically, it gets a little cramped.  A couple of times we have slept five in the rig.  I have driven a couple of shorter LDs while at rallys, and for me, I didn't notice much difference between driving the two lengths.

We have been in many National Parks with our LD, and have not had any problems with size.  This is not to say there will not be any issues, but we haven't found any yet.  This also includes at least 3 cross-country trips, and one trip to Alaska.  Once we wanted to eat at a restaurant in a small town in Colorado.  When we called for reservations, I asked about parking.  They didn't have any parking, and there was no street parking permitted.  But, they told us if we didn't mind walking a few blocks, there was a grocery store nearby that had parking and perhaps we could fit there.  And that is what we did.

As others have noted, most likely the engine and tranny are OK if properly maintained.  The big concern in any older RV is water intrusion through seals that have broken down on the roof, windows, or other areas.  The interior of any RV under consideration should be thoroughly inspected for water damage and wood rot, especially around the windows and cab over.

Any RV under consideration will likely need to have all tires replaced no matter how good the tread looks.  Check the date codes on the tires and replace them if they are older than 6 years.  UV rays kill the ability of the tires to handle weight and speed of RVs after a period of time.

Agree with others, you might need to take any year LD to a "hitch shop" to make sure the hitch and towing components can handle the weight of the towed vehicle.

Good luck with your search.  BTW, the North East LD Caravan Club is having an outing near Cumberland Maryland in May.  We presently have 24 rigs coming I believe.  You are cordially invited to attend, if you like, to see what owners have to say about their LDs and have your questions answered.  Send me an email on this forum if you are interested, and I will pass along the details to you.



2011 MB
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #10 –
Quote from: rm2011ldmb  - 
Hi Jane in PA.  This is Bob in PA.  We have a 27 mid-bath that we use quite a bit.  It is a 2011 model year, and we expect it to turn near 85,000 miles later this year.  The two of us feel quite comfortable in this size rig.  When we have our two adult daughters join us periodically, it gets a little cramped.  A couple of times we have slept five in the rig.  I have driven a couple of shorter LDs while at rallys, and for me, I didn't notice much difference between driving the two lengths.

We have been in many National Parks with our LD, and have not had any problems with size.  This is not to say there will not be any issues, but we haven't found any yet.  This also includes at least 3 cross-country trips, and one trip to Alaska.  Once we wanted to eat at a restaurant in a small town in Colorado.  When we called for reservations, I asked about parking.  They didn't have any parking, and there was no street parking permitted.  But, they told us if we didn't mind walking a few blocks, there was a grocery store nearby that had parking and perhaps we could fit there.  And that is what we did.

As others have noted, most likely the engine and tranny are OK if properly maintained.  The big concern in any older RV is water intrusion through seals that have broken down on the roof, windows, or other areas.  The interior of any RV under consideration should be thoroughly inspected for water damage and wood rot, especially around the windows and cab over.

Any RV under consideration will likely need to have all tires replaced no matter how good the tread looks.  Check the date codes on the tires and replace them if they are older than 6 years.  UV rays kill the ability of the tires to handle weight and speed of RVs after a period of time.

Agree with others, you might need to take any year LD to a "hitch shop" to make sure the hitch and towing components can handle the weight of the towed vehicle.

Good luck with your search.  BTW, the North East LD Caravan Club is having an outing near Cumberland Maryland in May.  We presently have 24 rigs coming I believe.  You are cordially invited to attend, if you like, to see what owners have to say about their LDs and have your questions answered.  Send me an email on this forum if you are interested, and I will pass along the details to you.
There are a lot of good points in the above post.  When we were looking to buy our first RV I went to the show in Hershey PA and then to a North East LD meet the following week.  At the time we thought we wanted a 24 (then 23.5) foot rig.  But at the show there is time set aside for people who want a Lazy Daze (aka wantabees) to explore rigs and listen to frank discussions about why people picked a rig and what they like.  We changed our mind to buying a Mid Bath.  Now I would be open to getting a Rear Bath but still prefer the 27 foot range for how we like to camp (neither of us want to overhead due to mobility issues).  
As to the OP's original post.  The Ford E-450 built after 2008 have a bit more room in the drivers cabin.  It is amazing the difference a few inches makes.  I found the cabin seats are more comfortable too. 
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Judie Ashford  - 
From the standpoint of having been a passenger in both lengths, I can tell you that there is a world of difference in comfort with the longer model.

I asked my husband (the driver) if he found our current 26.5' RB to be any more difficult to drive than our former 22' TK, and he said that there was basically no difference in practice, although one must be more aware of where the corners are on the longer vehicle.

He also drove a 40-foot DP when we were fulltiming, so that is yet another experience.  I must say that he seemed much less comfortable with the extreme size of the 40-footer, but considered the two Lazy Daze units to be not much more difficult to drive than a regulation vehicle.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Cranberry Cornbread
   *********************************
 

That's good to hear from someone who has driven them both. Thank you (and him!).
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #13 –
Jane in PA, welcome to the forum and the cult.
Too bad about your husband's 2016 Subaru; had it been a 2015 manual transmission, it could be flat towed. There are almost as many opinions about towing as there are rigs out there.

If you consider towing,  plan on a budget of about $3,000 to add tow bar,  baseplates to hook the tow bar, lighting, and auxiliary braking system. 

I have 37K on my 31' Island Bed and 36K was towing.  You are limited to 4,000 pounds without modifying the bumper.
I personally wouldn't be without the tow'd.  Others reach a destination and rent a runaround car.
Just something to keep in mind.
Welcome aboard.
Joel in CA
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #14 –
Thanks everyone for all the great responses & info. Helpful group!
Jane
 
Re: Question about 2003 model vs newer (2010+) model
Reply #15 –
Nice to see the Pocket Guide updated, a valuable resource!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264