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Topic: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes (Read 394 times) previous topic - next topic
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24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Hello,
After looking through the LD website specs, and other posts, I could not find any information on the size of the 4 outside storage compartments on the LD 24 TK.  I gather there are 2 large compartments under the twin sofas, and 2 other compartments.

Has anyone measured and recorded the size of these compartments (and door opening size if much smaller than the compartment)?  I'm just trying to get an idea of where I could store various items in the 24TK.  Wondering if folding lawn chairs (the old style flat kind)  could fit down there, as well as a folding Brompton Bicycle.

Another TK question:  If the over cab bed is in the "set up" position, that is with the panel over the cab in the down position, does it hinder driving, or use of the rear of the coach?  I know it would make it harder to crawl back there, but if I had it folded down to carry gear up there, would it be a real problem?

Also, how many seat belts in the back of the current TK, in addition to the 2 chassis seats?

Spoke with Todd at LD yesterday, it sounds like they currently aren't putting people on "the list" that they used to use prior to calling you to put in your order.  He wants to  work through the current list before it gets any longer.  I would imagine there is a bit of attrition from that list as people change their minds while waiting.  LD hopes to have floor models in place, and the showroom open at some point next year when Covid eases.  I guess I have to wait to move to the next steps!

Thanks in advance for the help, this Forum is a great help to the potential LD owner!
1999 Provan Tiger
2007 23.5 TK

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #1
Hi Bhoads; welcome to the group. I use the cabover with the platform down both for storage, and one cat rides up there.  It doesn't get in the way, and isn't much of a bother accessing the rest of the coach.  Mostly a problem getting my big feet past the engine 'doghouse'. Not so much a height issue.
     I have two sets of seatbelts on each side of the dinette in the rear for a total of 4. Combined with the two seats in front for 6. That gives you a choice of where to sit in the back. I can't see 4 people (maybe small kids) riding in back.
     My TK is on the E350 chassis, so I'll let someone else detail the storage compartments. The biggest problem is the doors heights are shorter than the compartments internal heights, so getting stuff in and out is an issue.  The length of the back compartment doors isn't as long as the internal compartments, so it's hard to see what is in there sometimes.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #2
The cabover bed is usually 'down' in our MB.  I can still get in and out of the driver seat, but it is easier with the cabover 'up'.  I think this is one of the things that you might want to try in person if you think it would be a dealbreaker. 

The puzzle of how to carry bikes and chairs is one that many of us think about.  My suggestion - find a bike and a chair to fit the RV you like.  Resist the urge to buy a RV that fits your current bike or chair.  RVs are more expensive and harder to trade! 

Rich
 
2003 MB

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #3
Thanks for the replies!

Now I just need someone to get me on the order list!

The layout and the large rear windows on the LD's really sold us on them, along with the time tested build quality.  It is amazing how many RV's built today have very few windows. 

Our current little RV is a bit like a mini LD.  It has aluminum skin over an aluminum and wood frame, and large windows in the rear as well.  The aluminum skin has held up very well (21 years).  It is only 16' long, so it is no longer than a little station wagon or SUV, and we are spoiled by the ease of driving.  It has all wheel drive and good clearance, so we can get out on some rough dirt roads.  I recently retired, so the thought of being able to take much longer trips has inspired us to look for something just a little bigger.  Here are links to a couple of pictures of the Tiger XL, if you are not sure what they are:  Shared album - Pat and Bill H - Google Photos
  Shared album - Pat and Bill H - Google Photos

No doubt I'll have more questions!

Bill
1999 Provan Tiger
2007 23.5 TK

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #4

as well as a folding Brompton Bicycle.


Hi Bill!
I just noticed that you specifically asked about whether a Brompton would fit in the TK compartments. I happen to have both a TK and a Brompton (awesome bikes!), so when I get home, I will see if I can stuff it in there and let you know.

I do know that the compartment openings are usually the deal-breaker - only a tad over 9 inches from top to bottom. But then, the Brompton get's pretty dern small and the pedals even fold, so m-a-y-b-e.

Stand by and I'll let you know later,
Jim Langley
Santa Cruz, CA

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #5
Thanks Jim!

The Brompton has been great for taking on work trips before I retired.....I was able to ride around a bunch of cities and it is a surprisingly good riding little bike.  I made a wood box for a receiver hitch, and I would use that with the Tiger.  I imagine with the LD I will also take a full sized bike in the cabover at times as well. 

I found your great website on your LD experience, and it is a great reference.  I also recognized your name from Bicycling!, as I've been an avid cyclist since I was young.  There sure have been many changes with bicycles over the years, most pretty good, and I'll say that my current setup on a Velo Orange Piolet sure shifts much better than my Atala Grand Prix with Valentino derailleurs did in the early 70's!

One other question about the TK; how does it drive on washboard roads?  For some reason our Tiger just doesn't do well on them, probably due to some combination of wheel base and suspension.  It is very capable on rough stuff, you just have to slow down the washboard.  I'm hoping the E-450 has better manners.

Thanks again for trying out the Brompton fit!
Bill
1999 Provan Tiger
2007 23.5 TK

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #6
Hi Bill!
My Brompton just barely does not fit. However, if I removed the rear rack, I am pretty certain I could get it in. So, if you don't have a rack, I think your bike will go in. It's not an easy fit. I tried in all directions and flipped it over, too, before I found how to get it to almost go in.

My Brompton is at least 20 years old, so there's that, too. You might have a new model and perhaps it's even smaller than mine. Then you'd probably be fine. The storage compartments' main limitations are the width of the openings. I can't tell you how many things we've wanted to take along that would fit fine inside the compartments, which are quite roomy, save for not being able to get them through the openings.

So, you're going to have to try it. In case it helps for your planning, we carry an e-mtb for my wife and an mtb for me on a tray-style rear hitch rack. Then, I carry another bike - my road bike inside on the cabover bed. I made a bike box into a holder for that road bike. I remove both wheels and put the bike in the box. That way, no matter how dirty the bike gets, no gunk or grease can get on the bed or wall. The wheels ride on top of the bike. It's a tight fit, but doable. Also, the box for the bike locks onto the cabover bed so in the event of a crash, the bike can't fall on us below. (Box is secured and the bike is secured in the box and wheels to the bike.)

You are absolutely correct about the changes in cycling and it's sure kept it interesting all these decades. Sounds like you're keeping up just fine with your Brompton and Velo Orange! Before the rules got so strict, I used to carry the Brompton on and stash it the overhead compartment on the plane. Then you'd get off the plane and ride to the hotel. It's definitely an amazingly versatile bicycle and I agree that it rides nicely.

Your question about how the TK works on washboard roads is something you might want to search the forum for a wide range of answers on. There's washboard and then there's w-A-s-B-o-O-oO-ooo-a-rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-d ;-) There's pavement and dirt, too. We pretty much baby our TK and tip-toe over stuff that looks bad or feels bad.

On one occasion, though, we got stuck on a 25 mile stretch of awful road and going slow was worse than going fast, so we ended up cruising over it at about 45mph, which smoothed the beating a little but still scared us.

One thing we worry about -though we've never hit it - is the sewer outlet that seems precariously close to the ground, even when it's rotated to its highest location. Again, we've never hit it, but I bet if you were tip toeing across a series of divots in a dirt road, you could.

So, I don't know what to tell you. I don't think it's bad over washboard, but I'm not sure it's good, either. The tires you have and the pressure affects the ride, too. We run the stock Michelins that came on our TK at 80psi rear/75 front FYI. As you may have read on my webpage about our TK, we had a Roadtrek Sprinter RV and I wouldn't say that that was any better than the TK. It did have a higher ground clearance, but it had awful Continental tires on it (rock hard) and 4 versus the 6 on the TK.

Having said all this, there are much more experienced Lazy Dazers here who have taken their rigs to all kinds of far flung locations and I hope they'll weigh in with feedback. Or please search as I bet this topic has come up in the past.

In closing, overall, we think our TK has nice handling manners, is very easy to drive and comfortable. It sits much lower than the Sprinter did so is less impacted by the wind. And, it's a smooth comfortable ride on good roads. It is wider than the Sprinter with the dualies in back, and that takes a little getting used to - hard not to hit the rumble strips sometimes. But, mostly we enjoy driving it.

I hope this is helpful! In RVing and cycling,
Jim Langley
Santa Cruz, CA

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #7
Jim,
Thanks for taking the time to test fit the Brompton and answer my other questions.  Now the trick for me is to be able to order a Lazy Daze.  The next step will be to visit the factory when they are open and have a TK on display.  I hope their backlog eases next year.

My Brompton is a little over 5 years old, with no rack, so perhaps it will fit.  It does fit through the TSA X-Ray machine, and in the overhead bin on most planes, which is helpful.  If it doesn’t fit in the outside compartment, I’ll rig up a safe way to carry it in the over cab area.

Take care, keep riding (every day!),
Bill

1999 Provan Tiger
2007 23.5 TK

Re: 24 TK Outside Storage area sizes
Reply #8
Hi Bill,
Since it doesn't have a rack, I bet your Brommy will go right in - which will be pretty cool. Good luck on ordering a Twin King. Maybe you could find someone here on the forum who lives close to you that you could visit to see theirs. We'd be happy to show you ours if you're ever near Santa Cruz, California.

Have a great weekend,
Jim