Diesel engine noise November 19, 2007, 05:39:07 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86099I am considering a Born Free motorhome with the diesel engine option. Does anyone have any experience with these engines in motorhomes? I am particularly concerned about cabin noise of the engine in the e450 chassis. Thank you, Robert Oak Harbor, WA
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #1 – November 20, 2007, 09:06:04 am Yahoo Message Number: 86122Hi Robert, Although I wouldn't be too surprised if you got an answer here, (this is an amazing bunch of folks), you might find more useful info regarding Born Free rigs at the Leap'n Lions RV Club (link below). http://www.bornfreervclub.org/
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #2 – November 20, 2007, 10:58:30 am Yahoo Message Number: 86134Thanks, I could not find the Born Free group before. I like the Lazy Daze a lot but am interested
Re: Born Free 24' Reply #3 – November 20, 2007, 01:13:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86146"[I] am interested in the 24 foot Born Free. The LD 22 footer is too small and the 27 footer too big."Are you sure you're looking at up-to-date information? Lazy Daze hasn't built a 22-footer in a good many years. The smallest 2008 LD is 24 feet--same as BF--while recent LDs are 23.5'.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #4 – November 20, 2007, 02:45:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86150Quote Thanks, I could not find the Born Free group before. I like the Lazy Daze a lot but am interested in the 24 foot Born Free. The LD 22 footer is too small and the 27 footer too big. Hi Robert,As Andy already posted, the 2008 Lazy Daze _is_ 24 feet. Do check the floorplans for the BF and the LD Rear Bath floorplans - they're almost identical. Plus you get the option of the very popular Twin/King and Rear Lounge floorplans which are not available with the BF.Also make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The LD includes generator, A/C, awning, TV, and other stuff which is optional at extra cost on the BF. And the weight of which must be deducted from the BF CCC. (All that equipment has already been figured into the LD CCC) Even so, the BF asking price is $15K higher.If you just prefer the BF for other reasons of course, you don't need to justify this to us or anyone, but do make sure you are making a valid comparison as to features, quality and price.I'm sure you will enjoy whichever rig you decide on: they're both top quality products.Ginger
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #5 – November 20, 2007, 04:18:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86155"I like the Lazy Daze a lot but am interested in the 24 foot Born Free. The LD 22 footer is too small and the 27 footer too big."Robert? ? ? ?The 24' BF Rear Bath and 23.5' Front Lounge LD both have almost identical floor plans except that the BF an entertainment center instead of an overhead bunk. Have you spent time in both of them?The LD has much bigger fresh water and gray water tanks. LDs comes standard with a generator, roof A/C, LCD TV and awning, all optional on the BF. The BF has added rear air bag springs to help offset its higher weight. LDs have no need of added air springs due to their lighter weight and better weight distribution. There has been a recent discussion about poor handling of BFs and problems with the air bags on the RV Net Forum. http://tinyurl.com/39uqo9>Spend some time examining the links below; you may be surprised.BF spec sheet- 24' http://www.bornfreemotorcoach.com/products.php?id=1#floorplans> Too bad BF does not bother to provide any useful weight measurements or cargo capacity, I wonder why? LD spec sheet Look at the 23.5' Front Lounge for a direct comparison http://www.lazydaze.com/FEATURES.PDF> 23.5' Front Lounge Floor plan http://www.lazydaze.com/Floorplans/235fl.htm> 23.5' Front Dinette floor plan http://www.lazydaze.com/Floorplans/235fd.htm>Check out the prices sheets while you are at it.Larry
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #6 – November 20, 2007, 05:55:07 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86159Quote Thanks, I could not find the Born Free group before. I like the Lazy Daze a lot but am interested in the 24 foot Born Free. The LD 22 footer is too small and the 27 footer too big.Hi Robert,As Andy already posted, the 2008 Lazy Daze _is_ 24 feet. Do check the floorplans for the BF and the LD Rear Bath floorplans - they're almost identical. Plus you get the option of the very popular Twin/King and Rear Lounge floorplans which are not available with the BF.Also make sure you are comparing apples to apples. The LD includes generator, A/C, awning, TV, and other stuff which is optional at extra cost on the BF. And the weight of which must be deducted from the BF CCC. (All that equipment has already been figured into the LD CCC) Even so, the BF asking price is $15K higher.If you just prefer the BF for other reasons of course, you don't need to justify this to us or anyone, but do make sure you are making a valid comparison as to features, quality and price.I'm sure you will enjoy whichever rig you decide on: they're both top quality products.Ginger Thanks, I actually prefer the LD because of all the positive comments on this group. I have been lurking for over a year. Also I do not want the Ford diesel, unreliable per reputation. I DO want a limited slip differential. Does anyone know if LD will build on a chassis with the limited slip? Thanks to all for the helpful posts. Robert
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #7 – November 20, 2007, 06:59:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86161--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "drradams" "I DO want a limited slip differential. Does anyone know if LD will build on a chassis with the limited slip?" ---- I think it's important to understand that Lazy Daze is a manufactuter of *factory-direct* vehicles, and not a manufacturer of *custom* vehicles; they don't build to a customer's specs except within LD's own parameters of available choices and options. *Currently*, the motorhomes that Lazy Daze produces are built on the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis; that's what there is. You could ask, of course; since Ed has retired, the "NO!" might be delivered at slightly less volume. ;-)The very basic specs for the 2008 E-450 cutaway are listed here:http://tinyurl.com/drsj3 .Joan
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #8 – November 20, 2007, 10:04:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86163It's a pretty easy aftermarket add to put a limited slip into a differential. Probably run around 600.00 for the parts and the install. Maybe more because it's a very large rear end. Places like Six States or any transmission shop can do them. Just curious as to why you want a LS?Quote Thanks, I actually prefer the LD because of all the positive comments on this group. I have been lurking for over a year. Also I do not want the Ford diesel, unreliable per reputation. I DO want a limited slip differential. Does anyone know if LD will build on a chassis with the limited slip? Thanks to all for the helpful posts. Robert --Dan Davis69 Bronco 351W SEFI My Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/utahbronco
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #9 – November 20, 2007, 11:49:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86164"I DO want a limited slip differential. Does anyone know if LD will build on a chassis with the limited slip?"RobertYou are on your own. Most MH manufacturers buy in bulk and special orders like this are not available as far as I know except, maybe, from a few custom builders. The easiest way to get one is to have it installed by an after market shop. In our many years of motor homing, we have never been in a situation where limited slip or a locker would have made a difference. If road conditions are so bad that I'm losing traction at the drive wheels, it's a situation that warrants getting off the road NOW. I'm more likely to try driving in marginal conditions in our 3500 Lb Jeep, not in a 14,000 lb motor home. I have found that a tight, limited slip or locker can cause unexpected handling on slippery roads. Instead of just spinning a rear wheel, many times the whole rear of the vehicle will slide violently sideways. That said, we have been in snow several times and the traction was amazing. Having 8000+ pounds on the dual wheels, combined with S&M rated tires (snow and mud for you perverts) have provided good traction. Add a set of chains or cables and you should be able to handle any reasonable weather condition.Larry
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #10 – November 21, 2007, 08:45:54 am Yahoo Message Number: 86169That's exactly what I was thinking, I don't think I've ever even spun a tire on the LD. Even in snow. And as you stated a tight LS can put you sideways quickly in the snow or ice, not sure about on an 11,000 # MH though. You just can't beat 3 tons for hooking up.
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #11 – November 21, 2007, 11:18:13 am Yahoo Message Number: 86170Quote It's a pretty easy aftermarket add to put a limited slip into a differential. Probably run around 600.00 for the parts and the install. Maybe more because it's a very large rear end. Places like Six States or any transmission shop can do them. Just curious as to why you want a LS? Thanks, I actually prefer the LD because of all the positive comments on this group. I have been lurking for over a year. Also I do not want the Ford diesel, unreliable per reputation. I DO want a limited slip differential. Does anyone know if LD will build on a chassis with the limited slip? Thanks to all for the helpful posts. Robert-- Dan Davis 69 Bronco 351W SEFI My Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/utahbronco Dan I live in the Northwest and frequently encounter icy/snowy roads. Thanks for the reply, Robert
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #12 – November 21, 2007, 05:17:43 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86183If it were me, I'd wait and see how it handles with an open diff before putting a LS in. Motorhomes are so heavy you really don't get tire sp
Re: Diesel engine noise Reply #13 – November 21, 2007, 05:27:47 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86184Heck, after putting in the Bank's Power Pack, I get tire spin on wet pavement all the time. If it's dry pavement or the wife's on the rear couch, it'll pop a wheelie (g). Uh oh! Oh Hi Honey, no I didn't mean it that way, and further, I was just typing this and sort of rambling. NO, no way was I going to send it. See, I'll hit the delete key now . .