Lazy Daze '96-2000 26.5MB, 26.5RB

[19gc45]

Hi
Looking for input on the above.
CCC is of particular interest, as well as general opinion. I know Lazy Daze is highly-regarded. Some people don't like the dated styling; I couldn't care less.
I like both these models, but find the rear lounge especially appealing. Also, I'd like to carry a small motorcycle on the rear; having both kitchen and bath ahead of the rear axle seems a better layout for that purpose.
I'd like to install a substantial solar system & carry plenty of tools, which I'm accustomed to having handy, so require good CCC. I gather that 1997 and later years are on the E450 platform, and may have as high as 2500# CCC (22'-23'model?) Much lower than that would present obstacles. The '96 was on the E350 Super Duty chassis. Don't know how that translates.
Lazy Daze (Dazes?) command pretty high used prices, and my ex is spending my money, so I'm thinking no later than 2000.
It would be easier to find high CCC in a small Class A, but with less overall quality. Also, I'll be traveling through Mexico & Central America. The smaller, nimbler Lazy Daze will perform better on those roads.
Other than the very spendy Bigfoot 29G, with the little toybox under the bedroom, Lazy Daze is the only Class C I'd consider.

[pnichols]

19gc45 wrote:
First I've heard of OCCC, possibly because I'm looking pre-2009.
Re Phoenix. Pricier, as are pretty much all B+. Not sure I'd want to full-time in one.
Lazy Daze looks good for CCC on the E450. For fulltiming solo the rear lounge would make a great bed/sitting room. Gotta love those windows. A little tight in the bath?
They're easy to find in the US. Up here in Canada, I've yet to see one.

From everything I've read about them, you probably have a small motorhome that's built right there in Canada every bit as high quality, or higher quality, than Lazy Daze. These have always looked really good to me:

http://www.leisurevans.com/libero/floorplans.html#anchor

[19gc45]

First I've heard of OCCC, possibly because I'm looking pre-2009.
Re Phoenix. Pricier, as are pretty much all B+. Not sure I'd want to full-time in one.
Lazy Daze looks good for CCC on the E450. For fulltiming solo the rear lounge would make a great bed/sitting room. Gotta love those windows. A little tight in the bath?
They're easy to find in the US. Up here in Canada, I've yet to see one.

[mlts22]

Congrats. Lazy Daze has an excellent reputation. I read somewhere that nobody has ever died in one in a wreck on US roads, which is a very impressive assertion.

[nomad_289]

I got the Lazy Daze 26.5' mid-bath. Conceptually an efficient use of space, with two separate living areas in a compact space.

58 gal fresh, CAT scale 3K OCCC. (11K lbs w/gas and propane)

OCCC vs CCC

OCCC is computed as follows: OCCC = GVWR - (UVW + Propane)

CCC = GVWR - (UVW + Water + Propane + SCWR)
SCWR = # sleeping positions x 154 lbs

Rear bumper 4K towing, 400 lbs vertical weight. "weak" bumper mounting
Best idea already mentioned is a front hitch.

I put 10K miles on my LD this year...great unit, you won't be disappointed unless you're doing cold weather camping. Fully loaded with water, food, tools, 2 passengers etc. unit weighs 13K, (~1000 lbs to spare).

Found mine with Google search "Lazy Daze for sale". Was listed on an obscure RV site. Oodle is also very good. Good luck.

[DaCrema]

Did you look at Phoenix Cruisers. Look at the pictures in Ron Ditmer's flicker gallery. I am not sure but I think they can be had on E450. You might be able to get a newer used RV for about the same price. When I was looking for an RV I was impressed with PC's build, but found the windows were important to me. I didn't know that until I started sitting in various RVs. Legacy of working in places with no windows for 40+ years I guess.

[19gc45]

I've spent the last few days really zeroing in on Lazy Daze & Safari Trek. I've gleaned lots of new info from Trek Tracks, nothing yet from Live...Daze (but some from other sources). I think my misgivings re CCC were partly ill-founded. Without doubt, a Lazy Daze would have to be on the E450 ('97 forward). With the Treks, it's certain later years that have
poor CCC, as little as ~800#. The Trek & LD were originally at the top of my shortlist, and are now back there, with more year/model precision.
I've had a gut feeling for some time that the Isuzu/NPR Trek ('91-'94) would suit me, and now have enough info to know they have enough CCC. Under-powered, certainly; people behind me are going to be calling me bad names at times. But 13-15 mpg, and by all accounts bullet-proof with proper maintenance. The Isuzu/NPR commercial stop & go vehicles sometimes go 300K before major repairs (and stop & go is not the best way to drive a diesel). I understand the correct way to drive this Trek is to put pedal to metal and leave it there except when descending. Then let the exhaust brake do its job. Narrow at 90"; but where I'm heading, that will be a plus. I'm keeping Lazy Daze at Number 2. A lot will depend on timing/availability. Both rigs have excellent owner groups, which to my mind is more important than manufacturer or dealer support. I think I'd be happy with either one.
As to the Triton spark plug issue, it does seem to have been somewhat over-blown. That said, we ought to be able to take for granted that our spark plugs are going to stay where we've put them. I & many others have replaced spark plugs, w/o incident, using the "that feels about right" torque specification. With the Triton, it may be better to use a torque wrench, anti-seize compound, and slightly over-spec torque. (Follow this advice at your own risk. I'll be hiding in Panama.)
Thanks to those who posted.

[19gc45]

Snowman9000 wrote:
In a small C, stability while parked is not much of an issue. Much different from say a trailer.

For years I drove a '93 +23' Ford E350 cube van as a work vehicle, very similar to a small Class C. From the way it behaved I'd say you're right.

[rjstractor]

19gc45 wrote:
'97-'02, naturally the years I'm looking at ($$$). The heads were manufactured with only 4 threads. Most complaints are about the 5.4 V8, maybe because it's the most common. There's a kit available ($360) to install a properly threaded insert. Assuming I find a rig that fits me otherwise, the insert might be wise preventive maintenance. Otherwise, I'd have to eliminate any RV on the Ford platform. (Yeah, I can hear the Chevy guys.)

I wouldn't let the spark plug thing scare you. While I've read of it happening, I've yet to talk to an actual live V10 owner who has had this issue. As you have probably read, most of the problems have been due to improper spark plug installation.

You may not be able to find anything other than Ford in the years you are looking. GM did build a 15K GVWR van chassis for a while but those are rare and I don't know if Lazy Daze used those. The 4500 Express, which compares directly with the E450 was not available back then.

[DaCrema]

19gc45 wrote:

I've thought about the smaller LD, but it's just too small for fulltiming, even for one person, at least if I'm that person. As to slides, I'd love to have one or more, but they're rare in older & smaller rigs. I'm sure I'll be content without one. The 26.5MB LD has the great aft lounge, big windows on three sides. The rear bath model has a less cramped bathroom, but I hope to spend more time in the lounge than the bathroom.

Just to add fuel to the fire. I have a LD mid bath and it is great for us because the wife and I can sleep in the back while our daughter when visiting can sleep in the bunk. That said I camp in the LD alone often and spend considerable time in the galley while reading and the like. If I bring a computer to work on photos that is set up in the kitchen on the table. I do really like the three big windows though. It was great when I was out west because on the view.
John
26.5 MB
PS
I saw your post on the LD board. I also noted that there have been no replies. I think a lot of the more technical folks are taking a break over the holidays. Good luck with your hunt.

[Snowman9000]

In a small C, stability while parked is not much of an issue. Much different from say a trailer.

[19gc45]

I have no experience with either, but I would have thought leveling jacks would help stabilize the rig while parked.

[PghBob]

I have no idea of the weight of leveling systems. I imagine the weight can vary from product to product depending on type and hydraulics. I just use the orange leveling blocks that can be bought in sets at Walmart. They are light-weight and have worked well for us.

Bob

[19gc45]

PghBob wrote:
It looks like the OP has done a lot of research so far. But, just a gentle reminder that slide-outs will take away from CCC, as will leveling systems. Best wishes for success in your search.

Thanks.
Any idea re weight of leveling systems? CCC is a top priority, one of several reasons for leaving slide-outs off the must-have list.

[PghBob]

It looks like the OP has done a lot of research so far. But, just a gentle reminder that slide-outs will take away from CCC, as will leveling systems. Best wishes for success in your search.