LazyDays

[Martha]

Re: LazyDays

Hey, Greg: I measured my driveway very carefully, and chalked off the dimensions of the View. I think it would fit .

Hmmm, that means we'll soon be able to form a sub-group called FI/RE/ME (Financial Independence/Retire Early/Motorhome Eventually). We can tour the country as a caravan, stopping to see messageboard folks. When we get to Wahoo's, we'll tell him that if he takes us all out to dinner, we'll by his dinner the next nite. Then we'll sneak away at 4AM 7AM--maybe head for Missouri. 8)

Greg

 

[unclemick]

Re: LazyDays

Hmmmm

1979 - 1997 or so with first a 17 foot Go-Lite and later a 28 foot Prowler. After 1993 ER - the urge to 'get outta Dodge' faded rapidily and nesting in a fish camp over Lake Ponchartrain took hold without the 'W##k' thing hanging over our heads. Had the last few years(before selling) fully hooked up out front as a spare guest house for overflow guests.

The urge hasn't returned - yet - having been there - it could easily return someday. I do enjoy the open road.

heh heh heh

 

[REWahoo]

Re: LazyDays

...we'll tell him that if he takes us all out to dinner, we'll by his dinner the next nite. Then we'll sneak away at 4AM 7AM--maybe head for Missouri. 8)

Initially I thought this was a typo and you acutally meant "buy" rather than "by". After reading the remainder of your post, I now realize you actually meant "bye".

Although your eat and run visit sounds less than ideal, I'll agree to it if you will actually show up...and promise to leave no black water stains on my driveway.

 

[kowski]

Re: LazyDays

Here is what we have.  A 1995 31' HiLo.  Paid $8000 5 years ago.  Pull it with a 1/2 ton full size Chevy Van.  Garage has a double door in front and one in the back.  Behind garage is black top area where we back the HiLo through and into the back yard.  Safe and Secure.  Also provides guest accomodations when needed.  We love it.  Low center of gravity.  Less wind drag.  Less gas. http://www.hilotrailer.com 

 

[donheff]

Re: LazyDays

Hmmm, that means we'll soon be able to form a sub-group called FI/RE/ME (Financial Independence/Retire Early/Motorhome Eventually). We can tour the country as a caravan, stopping to see messageboard folks.

Traveling in a caravan is what sounds like the most fun to me. Kind of a trip back to earlier days of a non-stop party; although the reality probably doesn't really measure up to the fantasy But, if we could get TheFed to come along with a rolling hydroponics farm, maybe

 

[greg]

Re: LazyDays

Although your eat and run visit sounds less than ideal, I'll agree to it if you will actually show up...and promise to leave no black water stains on my driveway.

Wahoo: Maybe instead, during our spring time visit, we'll plant seeds in your backyard. Then return in the fall for harvest time festivities.
..............................

Luckily, we haven't suffered from too much repair work on our motorhomes. One of the reasons we chose a van-chasis model was because of the ease of service on the thing. With a Ford or Chevy chasis and a common motor, just about anyone can work on it. Dealers are common. I suspect finding a Class-A repair shop, especially on the road can be more difficult. Sprinters are growing in popularity. I suspect all Dodge dealers will service them soon, if they don't now.

Consequently, if you can move, you can find a RV repair shop. We had a water pump break-down on the road. We stopped the same day, at some local-yokel's and had a replacement pump put in. (Many of the parts are standardized, so it's easy to find replacements--not always so easy to wait for a repair of a larger item on, say, a fridge.) The repair shop did a poor job, and I found it leaking the next day. Easy to crawl under the sink and tighten the fitting. So, yes, problems come up. Most are easily managed. I'm sure some aren't, especially with an older model. Just like houses. On a longer trip, we always keep a loose schedule, both for problems and for semi-spontanious adventure. The RV usually allows this, in its own fashion.

 

[Nords]

Re: LazyDays

Traveling in a caravan is what sounds like the most fun to me. 

If I remember correctly, Airstream owners do this a lot.

Habitat for Humanity also encourages roving RV'ers at their building sites.

Hey, Martha, I saw HGTV's Debbie Travis has done a "Painted House" episode in an RV: http://painted-house.com/episodes/13/166/ ... now if they could just persuade Candice Olson to do a lighting project in one...

 

[HFWR]

Re: LazyDays

I wouldn't mind persuading Candice to help me with a "project"...

 

[greg]

Re: LazyDays

Traveling in a caravan is what sounds like the most fun to me....

But we have to remember, the guy with the best smelling sewer gas always leads.

 

[haha]

Re: LazyDays

Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters, 40 years on...

Not too sure about this.

Ha

 

[Outtahere]

Re: LazyDays

If I remember correctly, Airstream owners do this a lot.

Yes Airstream owners do tend to travel together. Dh and I were caught behind a convoy in the Pocono Mountains coming back from one of our trips to Strugis, finally passed the leader and had to stop for gas, sat there and watched them all go by again.

 

[greg]

Re: LazyDays

Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters, 40 years on...

Ha: Good read. It's actually surprising all the life going on outside and near the Interstate. Our town, a number of years ago, hosted an Airstream Jamboree with hundreds of visitors. They held square dances and such and workshops for about a week--a little like Sturgis, but calmer. But probably just as much alcohol. My brother and I caravaned to SD last summer. Had a good time together, and when his kids got on my nerves (one hit me on the forehead with a rock), we could separate for a few hours. We've see all sorts of groupings: Specialty clubs that get together for a couple of weeks of travel; folks who just meet at a particular site every summer, etc.

But the Merry Pranksters trips . . . probably required something to take the edge off or put it on.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Re: LazyDays

This topic has been a real eye-opener. We'll be RV shopping one more time this weekend (RV World in Venice), but after thinking it through and reading others' experiences, it looks like the cost, storage issues, and marginal hassle:usage ratio while I'm still full-time don't quite make the cut. Still on the fence a bit, though.

DW: reluctant but intrigued - took her to LazyDays last weekend and she started saying things like, "You know, we could take this to things like Bluesfest or Epcot and leave Sophie in here with the AC on so we wouldn't need to kennel her," and "Sure would be nice if we ever had to evacuate for a few days." But then, "We really can't afford this now," or "I could see doing it after you retire."

Here's what I see as possibilities:

1. Wait til my wife's car needs replacing, then get a Class B. I'd use that for my commute and she would take my current car as her work car. Actually, a Class B would make a great realtor's car when she is taking out families. Leisure Vans, RoadTrek, and Great West make some nice ones based on the diesel Sprinter.

2. Stumble on a private, just-to-church-on-Sunday RV in distress-sale price range. It happens.

3. Wait. When I semi-FIRE (time availability goes up) or we downsize (cost becomes easier), take the plunge.

4. Irrational, impulsive, screw-the-neighbors, self-indulgent, irresponsible purchase of a new Class C (Winnebago View still tops on the list). Wouldn't be the first such decision , but this is a big ticket item.

The above, obvious over-analysis is typical behavior for me when I am about to exercise option 4.

 

[73ss454]

Re: LazyDays

Good luck Rich with your decision but I like option #2. With gas prices where they are the chances of a great price on an RV are greatly increased.

Just wait, it'll happen.

 

[greg]

Re: LazyDays

Or Soon Poorer Rich:

If you can delay gratification :, it's probably a good idea. I suspect if this housing market continues down (and/or the conspicuous consumers need to keep paying their mortgages), more people will be selling their motorhome/toys. Many of them have loans. Plus, the novelty of Sprinter MHs may wear off somewhat. When introduced they all were priced at MSRP. A used one, in the front yard of a panicked seller, may show up. Good Luck.

 

[Texas Proud]

Re: LazyDays

Or Soon Poorer  Rich:

If you can delay gratification  :, it's probably a good idea.  I suspect if this housing market continues down (and/or the conspicuous consumers need to keep paying their mortgages), more people will be selling  their motorhome/toys.  Many of them have loans.  Plus, the novelty of Sprinter MHs may wear off somewhat.  When introduced they all were priced at MSRP.   A used one, in the front yard of a panicked seller, may show up.   Good Luck.

Wow... that looks like a nice weekend vehicle that can be parked in the drive!! How much does one go for?? I have not found anything yet on the web... but then again.. I am doing 'w#$%'...

 

[honobob]

Re: LazyDays

Further

 

[donheff]

Re: LazyDays

Further

You forgot the picture:

 

[honobob]

Re: LazyDays

You forgot the picture:

Nope, I saw it perfectly.......didn't the vibe reach? Maybe need to tweek it.

 

[tozz]

Re: LazyDays

I am staggering across this topic a few months late, but I own an Itasca Navion and have used it extensively over the past year. It has developed a cult-like following matched only by the Airstream and LazyDaze clans. If you are still considering a purchase, I can certainly answer questions, or direct you toward the best internet resources.

For what it's worth, I purchased mine at LazyDays for $65K. They are backordered now, but I still hear of folks getting them for only a couple of thousand more.

I know there are lots of RVers here. Whaddya think? I'm especially drawn to the Winnebago on top of the Dodge truck with the diesel engine (19-20 mpg). A good move 3 years before retirement, or would you wait til time was more your own? Tips?

 

[Martha]

Re: LazyDays

Tozz! Nice to see you back. How are travels? Still liking the Navion?

Rich ended up with a class B Sprinter, I think the Great West Legend.