Lazy Daze is closed permanently

[John_S_]

Well we lost another quality builder last month. Lazy Daze shut down for good. THe combination of the pandemic and shutdowns with that and the chassis issues and parts issues due to the supply constraints have claimed a great manufacturer. I wonder if they had been in a state that did not shut down if they would have survived

[pnichols]

I really liked the Lazy Daze all-aluminum coach shell and their good old earth-tone interiors. I'm REALLY not into the white/grey/black/chrome/stainless-steel hospital operating room look for RV interiors!

[4x4van]

Sad to hear. Lazy Daze were, unarguably, some of the best built Class C's on the market, year after year. What I find impressive is that the styling found a way to stay the same over the years, and yet still look timeless and modern at the same time. They just don't look "dated" regardless of how old they are.

[katleman]

ernie1 wrote:
We looked at the 24' model but the design where the driver's seatback, when pushed to it's rearward most position, opened a panel into the bathroom which left the driver partially in the bathroom and partially in the cockpit was a deal breaker!

That’s the model I have, the feature is great for giving you an extra inch or two, you aren’t in the bathroom if you recline an inch or so. Plus it’s optional, you don’t need to use it, but it was a deal maker for me. Their popular mid bath has the fridge behind the driver and doesn’t have that option.

[ernie1]

We looked at the 24' model but the design where the driver's seatback, when pushed to it's rearward most position, opened a panel into the bathroom which left the driver partially in the bathroom and partially in the cockpit was a deal breaker!

And then there was the crotchety old guy (the owner) who talked us out of buying after we went to the plant with a check in hand.

[EMD360]

Sad. Used models will be in even greater demand. I liked them on paper but never saw a floor plan I thought would work for us.

[pnichols]

PButler96 wrote:

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

Hmmm .... please compare the V10 HP & Torque as previously used in Ford pickups (the 3-valve version - not the 2-valve version as previously used in the E-Series vans) to their current new V8.

I don't think the new V8 swamps out the good old 3-valve V10 by "that, that" much in the power department. :h

(Wasn't Ford's reason for the new V8 -> to improve MPG as much as possible for it's given power ... as compared to the 3-valve V10's MPG for nearly the same power?)

Why wouldn't you want more power, or even the same, on less fuel? At least the 7.3 isn't known for burning oil, puking plugs, and having exhaust manifolds leak, at least not yet.

The reason for my post was: Why spend new dollars for an RV with the new V8 mainly because one thinks it "has (much) more power" ... instead of staying with a V10 you already have in an RV you already own?

The reason for my post was to point out that the new 7.3 is a stronger and more efficient engine than any V10 Ford ever made. I never suggested anyone sell a V10 class C just to get the 7.3. That's an assumption on your part. Hang on to your obsolete technology which is easier than getting the V10 to hold onto its spark plugs, exhaust manifolds, and oil.

FWIW, my 2005 V10 doesn't blow spark plugs and uses no oil.

Also, try getting the new V8 repaired in such boondock places as near Plush, Oregon!! I've already read in the RV forums of issues with the new V8.

(However, my V10 did indeed need some exhaust manifold bolts replaced years ago on low priority after owning it many years. I had it done locally during routine maintenance.)

[PButler96]

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

Hmmm .... please compare the V10 HP & Torque as previously used in Ford pickups (the 3-valve version - not the 2-valve version as previously used in the E-Series vans) to their current new V8.

I don't think the new V8 swamps out the good old 3-valve V10 by "that, that" much in the power department. :h

(Wasn't Ford's reason for the new V8 -> to improve MPG as much as possible for it's given power ... as compared to the 3-valve V10's MPG for nearly the same power?)

Why wouldn't you want more power, or even the same, on less fuel? At least the 7.3 isn't known for burning oil, puking plugs, and having exhaust manifolds leak, at least not yet.

The reason for my post was: Why spend new dollars for an RV with the new V8 mainly because one thinks it "has (much) more power" ... instead of staying with a V10 you already have in an RV you already own?

The reason for my post was to point out that the new 7.3 is a stronger and more efficient engine than any V10 Ford ever made. I never suggested anyone sell a V10 class C just to get the 7.3. That's an assumption on your part. Hang on to your obsolete technology which is easier than getting the V10 to hold onto its spark plugs, exhaust manifolds, and oil.

[pnichols]

PButler96 wrote:

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

Hmmm .... please compare the V10 HP & Torque as previously used in Ford pickups (the 3-valve version - not the 2-valve version as previously used in the E-Series vans) to their current new V8.

I don't think the new V8 swamps out the good old 3-valve V10 by "that, that" much in the power department. :h

(Wasn't Ford's reason for the new V8 -> to improve MPG as much as possible for it's given power ... as compared to the 3-valve V10's MPG for nearly the same power?)

Why wouldn't you want more power, or even the same, on less fuel? At least the 7.3 isn't known for burning oil, puking plugs, and having exhaust manifolds leak, at least not yet.

The reason for my post was: Why spend new dollars for an RV with the new V8 mainly because one thinks it "has (much) more power" ... instead of staying with a V10 you already have in an RV you already own?

[PButler96]

pnichols wrote:

PButler96 wrote:

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

Hmmm .... please compare the V10 HP & Torque as previously used in Ford pickups (the 3-valve version - not the 2-valve version as previously used in the E-Series vans) to their current new V8.

I don't think the new V8 swamps out the good old 3-valve V10 by "that, that" much in the power department. :h

(Wasn't Ford's reason for the new V8 -> to improve MPG as much as possible for it's given power ... as compared to the 3-valve V10's MPG for nearly the same power?)

Why wouldn't you want more power, or even the same, on less fuel? At least the 7.3 isn't known for burning oil, puking plugs, and having exhaust manifolds leak, at least not yet.

[pnichols]

PButler96 wrote:

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

Hmmm .... please compare the V10 HP & Torque as previously used in Ford pickups (the 3-valve version - not the 2-valve version as previously used in the E-Series vans) to their current new V8.

I don't think the new V8 swamps out the good old 3-valve V10 by "that, that" much in the power department. :h

(Wasn't Ford's reason for the new V8 -> to improve MPG as much as possible for it's given power ... as compared to the 3-valve V10's MPG for nearly the same power?)

[PButler96]

katleman wrote:


Sad that Ford didn’t prioritize smaller manufacturers and instead short the large manufacturers just a few chassis, to keep a healthy ecosystem of RV manufacturers.

Ford could care less about any healthy ecosystem of RV manufacturers, whatever that is. What they care about is the bottom line on a spreadsheet.

[PButler96]

WinMinnie02 wrote:
Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.

Because the Ford gas 7.3 V8 puts out much higher HP and Torque numbers than any version of the Ford V10 ever did.

[katleman]

John S. wrote:
Well we lost another quality builder last month. Lazy Daze shut down for good. THe combination of the pandemic and shutdowns with that and the chassis issues and parts issues due to the supply constraints have claimed a great manufacturer. I wonder if they had been in a state that did not shut down if they would have survived

Just bought a used 24’ 2017 Laze Daze in March after being on the wait list for a new one since July 2020. Exceptionally built RV, better than the other class Cs I’ve driven.

In speaking directly with folks at Laze Daze earlier this year, they just could not get E450 chassis to build on from Ford, which is not surprising if you go to buy a new vehicle at any car dealer, there is just no stock available.

It wasn’t California shutdown, the Mothership (factory) wasn’t down much longer than the summer of 2020, they were able finish up what they had to build on later that year, then nothing to build upon.

Sad that Ford didn’t prioritize smaller manufacturers and instead short the large manufacturers just a few chassis, to keep a healthy ecosystem of RV manufacturers.

[WinMinnie02]

pnichols wrote:
With the demise of Lazy Daze, it appears that it's going to be very difficult to find new, short length, Class C (with a cab-over bed) motorhomes based on a Ford E450 cutaway chassis with the new V8.

I guess I better keep owning, maintaining, and enjoying our non-slide overkill chassis E450-V10-based Itasca 24V Class C! (I refuse to surrender all the offroad fun to the truck rooftop/SUV rooftop/expedition trailer crowd!)

I agree maintain your existing unit and enjoy. My old Winnebago bought new still treats me well. Perform maintenance yourself if you can, RVing is a fun hobby. Not sure why a V8 is a good idea, prefer V10, need enough power when needed.