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Topic: Thank you I've made my decision (Read 43 times) previous topic - next topic
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Thank you I've made my decision
Yahoo Message Number: 156407
Because of all you LD enthusiasts, I've -finally- decided to find my own, well traveled LD.  I can't thank you enough.   All my lurking has been worth every minute.  Because I plan to full-time, I was worried about getting claustrophobic moving from a house into a small rv but, I realized something.  It's the house that's small, not the rv.

So, in my hunt for my first rv, ever, how old dare I go?

Thanks to a great group of people!
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156408
Hi.

Not sure where you're from but right now on Ebay, there seems to be a heck of possible deal going on.  A person in New Jersey listed a 2003 30' IB, 44,000 Low Miles with NO RESERVE price.  From all indications its in great shape, but if it were me and I lived anywhere close to NJ I'd run over for an inspection before bidding.  Only 5 days left on the auction and high bid is currently $7,600!

There's also a cute little 1991 22 footer listed with very low miles and a ton of photos, but it has a Swamp Cooler instead of A/C.

Bud (in Ohio... for now)

Please click on my blog link below and follow!  ItsJustBudsStuff:  http://ohiobudd.blogspot.com
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156409
We recently went through the same search for our Lazy Daze 27 MB.  After we decided that we wanted a LD, our next criteria was to find a floor plan that would suit our travel plans and lifestyle.  Next, we used the information at http://www.andybaird.com/travels/LD-guide-web/changes.htm to decide which model years had upgrades and features that we found important.  After we decided on a floor plan and a range of model years that we wanted, we focused on LD's that had been properly and regularly maintained with most documentation. Finally, we planned to search for 6-9 months and prepared ourselves to travel anywhere in the lower 48 states. Btw, that travel and coordination plan can be quite a project all by itself!

Our next and last step turned out to be the most important.  We asked members of this LD Yahoo group for their help as we checked 4-5 RV search websites everyday.  We hope this information can be helpful to you.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156411
We are glad you have found this forum helpful, Opuntia (is that your name?.-we encourage folks to sign their posts with a name). Is your question how to go about finding a used Lazy Daze? Where to find used LD listings, etc.? Clarify that for us and I'm sure you will get some responses.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156412
My personal recommendation would be to try for one with the one-piece aluminum roof and fiberglass (windowless) front cap..  I believe that would be 1990 or newer.

But I have seen some very nice units from the mid eighties that I would be proud to own.
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156413
Man, that 1991 22' is just like mine only NICER.  I thought mine was in excellent condition but THAT one is like new!   If I was in a better position I would buy that one and sell mine!  New owner.will be lucky.

(although I do like my twin king setup better than the rear lounge :) )
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156415
We have an 87 on a 86 chassis.
I think 87 Chevy chassis are the first for fuel injection. I'd go for fuel injection.

Sent by iPhone
2018 24' Twin King (replacing 1987 22' TK)
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156418
"...in my hunt for my first rv, ever, how old dare I go?" --- Age is only one of several critical factors used to judge whether a used rig is a good buy and whether it's a good buy *for you* and a fit for your intended use. In your case, this use is apparently fulltiming, and since whatever you get will be your home, I hope you will take the time and opportunity to learn as much as you can before making a choice.

I suggest starting your hunt with number; how much can you afford to pay for a motorhome? Factor in a "cushion" for the inevitable repairs and/or "immediate need" component replacements, e.g., tires; unless you are very lucky, it's very likely that whatever you buy will need some  degree of TLC. Use these figures to get a model and year range that will work for your situation. For example, if the purchase and "fix/replace" figure is $25,000, use the "LD Asking Prices 2015" as a *general guide* to the year and models in that price range. (This file is in the "Buying and Selling" folder linked from the message board.)

If you have certain needs or wants in a rig, e.g., engine, floor plan, etc., check this link:

http://www.andybaird.com/travels/LD-guide-web/changes.htm

The primer "How Do I Shop for a Used LD?" will be helpful, as will this checklist of what to look for when buying a used RV. Some points, e.g., slides, don't apply to Lazy Dazes, but the list is a good comprehensive tool for inspecting a used rig.

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

Haunt the RV classified sites: the For Sale section on the LD message board, RV Trader, Oodle, eBay, RVonline, Craig's List, etc. Quite a few LDs in several locations; decide if you prepared to travel to check out a "live one", or if you want to limit your search to a specific location or area. You will very likely pay more buying from a dealer than from a private seller, and any after-sale "protection" may be as "unicorn-like" from a dealer as from a private seller.

There's a lot more to the process, but this should get you started on the learning curve ;-) Lazy Dazes are great rigs of high initial build quality, but like any other RV, they can have "warts", particularly if they have not been diligently and consistently maintained and serviced over their lifetimes.

Good luck!

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156420
Fuel injection happened for 1987 Chevy cabs with a 350 (I believe the 454 also got TBI that same year, but did LD use the bigger engine in the Chevy's)?

On the Ford side, 1988 cabs got fuel injection on the 460.
 I agree that fuel injection was a game changer for driveability (specifically with large elevation changes) for reliability, and milage was a good bit better too. I wouldn't say no to a charger model, but my strong preference is for fuel injection, even the rudimentary systems seen in the 1980's and early 1990's.

"Linda Kelly lrkelly889@... [lifewithalazydazerv]"  wrote:

We have an 87 on a 86 chassis.
I think 87 Chevy chassis are the first for fuel injection. I'd go for fuel injection.

Sent by iPhone
1989 MP
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156421
We just finished my "Post Retirement" travels in our 1997 23.5 LD. Logged a little over 14,300 miles, and the last trip we slept on board 103 nights. We have over 110,000 miles on our rig now, tight as ever, and doesn't use any oil. We've been pretty impressed with her!

Don
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156423
Are these stories posted somewhere that we can read them?

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156424
Hi Bud,
 I'm in SoCal.  I'm on the fence about the size.  I think 30 might be nicer for me than 26.5 but, since I'll be towing my Element, maybe shorter is better?  I want to hit National Parks so with a car, will the rig be too long?
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156426
Hi Ed and Margee,
 Thank you for that great information!  How do you know if the rig has been well maintained?  Can a regular car mechanic look over an RV and know what kind of shape it's in, or are there LD specialists who are willing to look one over?  It is a little scary buying one alone because I'm such a newbie.  I guess the engine and water leaks are the first things to check out, from what I've read.
 Andy's website has been wonderful!  I started with http://www.coxontool.com/ and that's how I found Andy's site.  I was on the fence about full-timing, then I found John's site.  He eloquently described why he started full-timing and it gave me pause.  He described exactly what I felt.  Then I went to Andy's site and found more support for my decision. They also provided the support I needed to settle on a Lazy Daze.  Thank you John and Andy!http://www.coxontool.com/

I think I've settled on the floor plan, but I plan to make some major changes to it anyway.  For resale, I have to be careful there, but I also want to be comfortable since I'll be living in it.  Do you think 30' with a car in tow is too long since I want to stay in National Parks most of the time?

Thank you for the great information.

Mimi
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156427
Hi Chris,
 I'm sorry about the name.  I forgot.  Opuntia Potwell is my nursery business name.  Mimi is my real name.  No, it's not a nickname. :-)
 I'm expecting to go full time in a year or so.  I'd like to find my LD within about 8 months.  I'm trying to give myself time to first, find the right one for me and then, have time to remodel it a bit.  It's difficult to find one to look at in person.  My neighbor has Andy's model (I think John has the same model) so that's the only one I've ever seen, in person.
 I have found quite a lot of LD's for sale, all over the country, but I'm concerned about buying one without having a professional look it over.  John Coxon describes his LD leaking.  He knew what he was doing in locating it and resolving the issue.  I'd like to avoid that if I can.  I can do minor repairs, but the problem involves water running down electrical wires, I'd probably move to a hotel.:-)  That said, I like the E450 engine, I think, with an addition that improves mpg and power (can't remember the name of it), so I thought I'd start there.  Does that make any sense at all?:-)

Thank you for your help.

Mimi
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156428
You know, I read something about the front window on the front overhead cap having a potential for leaking.  Thank you for the reminder and the date range.  I would like to avoid that front window, if possible.  I thought they all came with a one-piece aluminum roof.  Wow...I'm glad you said something.  I've seen some 1970's LD's on the Internet that are just beautiful, running like a charm with no issues but, I think for me, maybe a  bit newer would be better.  I was thinking of late 90's early 2000.  I wanted the E450 engine.  I like power! lol

Thank you for the great information.

Mimi
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156429
...if you plan to drive a fossil fueled engine, go fuel injected gas or diesel powered...no carburetor as they are simple but less fuel efficient...around 1989 there was a mega shift from carbs to fuel injection...so it depends on your miles per year!
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156431
Hi Joan,
 Great guidance for a naive newbie.  Thank you.  I am taking my time.  I've allowed one year for this process and have immersed myself in this wonderful group, along with Andy's, John's and other LD sites.
 I haven't yet figured out what to budget for a 25 year old, well maintained LD because there seems to be quite a range in pricing. I started to think that around 25-30k might buy me a decent older rig.  Is that accurate? I want to remodel it, so the less initial expense, the better.
 Thank you for all the great sites.  I haven't checked out all of them yet, but I will.  I do think I prefer a private seller vs, a dealer.  I'd also like to find a rig with one owner, but I guess everyone wants that and few find it.

Thank you.  I have a lot of investigating to do!  What fun! :-)

Mimi
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156432
It's not so much a power issue as it a much more efficient system.  An engine tends to start easier (no fickle choke to deal with), run smoother especially when cold, run better at altitude, and get better mileage.  Carburetor maintenance, such as rebuilds, can be expensive assuming you can even find someone who will still work on one.  Fuel injection is not a trouble free system but a major improvement over a carburetor.   Avoid carburetors if at all possible.   Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156433
Hi Jeff,
 I know you weren't responding to me, but your comment about the charger vs fuel injection caught my eye.  I read that the charger on the 454 was a huge improvement over previous engines not only for power, but for mpg.  Why do you prefer fuel injection to the charger?

Thanks...

Mimi
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156434
Hi Don,
 Congratulations on quite an accomplishment!  14.3K miles...wow.  That's really something.  You must have seen some beautiful places.  Where did you find your rig, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks.

Mimi
Craigslist Directory Search Technique---Re: Thank you I've made my d
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156435
lazy daze -directory site:craigslist.org
 ...in buying & selling rigs, I found using a craigslist directory search helped to educate myself regards $ relationship to age, quality, miles, etc.
...it seems to produce search results covering most of the USA.
 ...sometimes by tweaking the name of the product you are searching will produce additional results...ex- lazy daze motorhome, lazy daze coach, lazy daze RV, etc.
 ...recently found our newbie coach by this method...found it a couple hundred miles from home, our approximate search range.
...however studying values across our great land gave me additional purchasing confidence.

Best Wishes on your Good Hunt, Vaughn
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156436
Hi Mimi,

We are really new to this as well. Still so much to learn (and experience!).  As a couple, we chose the 30 footer for full-time living space. Heading out in May for that journey.

Towing a car with a 30' rig will definately limit where you can camp but most National Parks should be able to accommodate you.  I've always been one to think that smaller is better and I know there are quite a few single people in this group who full-time in rigs under 27 feet.  But for us, moving from a 1700 sq. ft. stick home, even the 30 footer seems small.  LOL

Best wishes on this exciting time in your life!

Bud (in Ohio... for Now)

Please click on my blog link below and follow!  ItsJustBudsStuff:  http://ohiobudd.blogspot.com
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156437
Quote
Do you think 30' with a car in tow is too long since I want to stay in National Parks most of the time? Even a 26 will limit your choice of sites in National Parks. The sites as a rule accommodate truck campers and the like. Also since you say you want to full-time, consider that National Parks have a two week stay limit. Usually enforced, but sometimes not too rigidly. Finally, National Parks usually do not have hook-ups. Are you prepared to dry camp?
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Thank you I've made my decision
Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156438
Hi Mimi:

You noted in one of your posts that you have only seen one floor plan and had some difficulty trying to find others to check out.  You might want to consider attending a LD caravan get-together in the SoCal area. Most groups welcome wantabees on a specific day to look over the various LD models.

The Cal. groups have a website "lazydazecaravanclub.org" that includes upcoming dates for gatherings and lists some info. for first time visitors. The next meeting is December 2-6 in Santa Barbara.

Best wishes for success.  Bob
2011 MB