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Forum
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RE: What is the fuel economy, or UNeconomy, on a "C".
I often get 10, most of the time almost 10, once in a blue moon 11. The kicker is I often camp where I am using my generator. No good checking gas milage after turning the generator over. Granted it does not use that much but more than none. Now I got to the point I check more to make sure the engine is consuming as normal but no longer keep a log. When I check I base on full tank of gas filled on level ground, or better a couple tanks of gas over known miles.
John
Edit: I should have stated that I have a 2007 Lazy Daze that is 26.5' on a E450
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DaCrema
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05/06/13 07:39pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: how to check/set new class c tire pressures
I was at a tire shop (Alban Tire in Springfield VA) having the Tireman valve stems installed. The tire pressure at the end was not what I had asked for on two tires. I mentioned it to the foreman who said there were two guys working on my RV. He will have them check their gauges. I asked how. They had a oil filled gauge to check against. After airing up all six to the spec requested he checked my gauge to make sure it was accurate to the pressures I wanted. I mention this because it cost nothing to ask. (My gauge was dead on).
John
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DaCrema
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05/01/13 05:19pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Sirius Portable Radios?
I am a long time subscriber to XM Radio, now SiriusXM. They are always having specials on their radios. I currently use an old Roadie model that is not portable but they sell others that meet your needs.
I purchased three antennas. I just move the set and power cable from car to car. On my class C RV I placed the antenna on the screen under the forward emergency hatch/air vent. The plastic cover does not block the signal. To keep the antenna from moving around I placed a washer on the bottom side of the screen. The screen is more than strong enough to hold the weight of the antenna and washer. I routed the antenna wire through the expansion molding along the roof to the side of the cab, to the door molding, to the dash to the radio. There is about 8" of thin wire exposed in the sleep bunk near the hatch and 3 inches of wire above dog house. The MINI and BMW are done in a similar way.
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DaCrema
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04/17/13 02:21pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Backup Lights
2005 Coachmen Concord 275ds
Hi all,
Noticed the rear backup light had water in it. The light is recessed in the rig, and has a rubber grommet around it. There doesnt appear to be a screw in the lens either. I want to take it out and reseal it but dont see how to access it. Any ideas?
Thanks
Kurt
Mine are recessed as well. There are circular springs that fit in a grove that hold the lens in place. You can use a pocket knife or small flat head screw driver to lever the clip up and out. When doing this place a rag between what ever kind of tool you use and the paint.
In the pictures below ignore the screws philips screws. That is to hold the housing for the light assembly. There is no need to touch them.
http://dac.smugmug.com/Cars/Lazy-Daze-improvements-gadgets/Tail-Lights/i-drDNtKp/0/L/DSC_0670-L.jpg
A closer shot of the clip:
http://dac.smugmug.com/Cars/Lazy-Daze-improvements-gadgets/Tail-Lights/i-hF5Dc82/0/L/DSC_0671-L.jpg
Hope this helps. It sounds as though yours is different. I posted just in case it was not.
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DaCrema
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04/12/13 06:39am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: E450 Rear Brake Pad Replacement - long post w/pics
what, you didn't paint the calipers and hub? ;)
Great post and thanks.
John
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DaCrema
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03/22/13 04:17pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: First-Time RV Trip
I figure one of the family might have a smart phone. I new at this but have made two long trips, LA to Washington DC and Washington DC to Melbourne Fl and back. I agree with the others that you may be pushing the limit of how far you can go in a day and keep the trip fun. Alone I can hit 800 miles in a day for a few days in a row. The more people in the RV the harder that becomes. On the trip to FL we took along my 6 year old nephew. At the end of a 500 mile day he was climbing the walls. (An aside, he had a long weekend, we drove down to surprise my mother, my brother and his son flew home. I took two weeks to come home.)
Only on long trips when I want to end the day at a nice place do I make reservations. For making reservations I use the smart phone apps, Allstays Camp and RV, along with the app Campwhere. When driving across country I did this while I driving (well at a gas stop, but a passenger could do it while under way) the day I am driving there so I know what is in range. Another good app on the road trips like the one your planning is Gas Buddy. I have also stayed in truck stops and 24 hour stores mentioned but kind of like staying at a campground if I can.
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DaCrema
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03/18/13 08:33am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Looking for a Good CG near Washington DC?
We're planning a trip to Washington DC this spring/summer and are looking for recommendations for a good campground. ...
Your insight will be greatly appreciated; thank you!
I live in the area and just noticed that the forecasted peak cherry blossom time is 5 April this year, the moves around depending on weather. I only just noticed the forecast dates being published. This is a good news/bad news thing for travelers. Good news it is the nicest time to see the city. Bad news lots of people in town, a lot of us locals become tourist. Driving to work I've seen car pools do a fire drill where everyone jumps out, takes a picture, then heads on into work.
John
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DaCrema
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03/15/13 09:28pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Front bed over cab class C
I only store sleeping bags, mattress pads, pillows and maybe clothing in canvas duffel bag up top. On my Lazy Daze the bed folds in half to allow access to the drivers area. After buying it I was keeping my SLR camera up top so it would be handy.
It was stuffed in a corner.
Safely.
Or so I thought.
It damn near hit me on the head when driving over a rough stretch of highway.
I feel rather stupid but lucky that it did not hit. Now only rather large soft things that can be secured go up there. In my packing those type of things tend not to be that heavy.
Good thing the camera was a D300. You could use it as a hammer and not hurt it.
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DaCrema
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03/11/13 08:24am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Heading to RV show. What questions should we ask?
.. 2nd on the CCC questions.
.. take a look at the power outlets and where they are placed. If there are not enough ask if they will add more (assuming your buying new).
..Ron Ditmer (hope I spelled his name correctly) has a good response about the type of roofs available, their advantages, and what brands to find them on. Do a search on roofs in the class c forum and look for his reply.
.. My LD came with an owner installed solar cell on the roof. I like it a bunch but like the factory setup better.
Hope this helps
John
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DaCrema
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03/09/13 11:58am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: 1968 Buick Lesabre house Car
Coming east I saw a similar RV in southern New Mexico. I thought it was home made. It was parked in a State campground but the owners either were not around or did not want to answer questions. It looked better live than in the photo.
http://dac.smugmug.com/Camping/The-Drive-Home/i-XZTFHx2/0/L/DSC_7794-L.jpg
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DaCrema
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03/08/13 03:21pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: steel tire valves
Anyone ever use Tireman or Borg valves from old tires and install on a new set of tires. Time to purchase new tires and was wondering if I can use the steel valve stems off of the old tires. Is this bad thinking and I should buy a new set(app $ 125+)? Need advice. Thanks
Inspect the rubber grommets where they bolt up to the wheel. Unless they are very old your likely in good shape. Even if they are very old you should only need to replace the grommets.
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DaCrema
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02/28/13 07:15am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Aftermarket entrance door lock
I used to work in a place that used cypher locks and learned to really like them. I understand that the system shown would not make the RV more secure, but looks as though it would not make it any less secure. I would ideally like to get the key ring down to two keys, the one for my home and the ignition key. I know that is not going to happen but it would be nice. With current technology you would think we could cut down on the stuff in our pockets.
For example to go RVing I have on the key ring:
cab key (ford)
cab remote (ford)
key to house part of the RV
key to dead bolt part of the house part of the RV
key to gas cap
key to storage bins
key to bike rack/hitch system
key to my house (the brick and block one with the yard that needs mowing all summer)
This is not a gripe, I just think there has got to be a better way.
John
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DaCrema
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02/09/13 12:23pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Family floorplans to consider
I have a used Lazy Daze mid bath. No slides and less under storage, but lots of CCC. Room for the kids in the overhead you and the wife in the back. At 26.5 or 27 feet its easy to drive. Just finished a 900 mile trip with my brother and his six year old son. We had a great time. The seat belts were a bit of an issue with me. They were designed for adults who sit and watch the world go by. Six year old's squirm and the belts loosen up.
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DaCrema
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02/03/13 07:21am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Cold Class C Ques - newbies
Plz dont say LOOK IN YOUR MANUAL or THATS BEEN COVERED BEFORE. We are brand new to RVing & husb reading a box full of manuals at moment (too little too late).
We are in Phoenix, 4 day cold snap, freezing. Our RV has a 10-gal propane tank that has to be filled weekly. Husb has heat on 65 so we don't 'run out.' Then he said this morning "I wonder if the heat pump would help us save propane?' I didn't come to AZ to freeze. We bought an elec Costco heater but it only heats the person in front of it (me!)
Do we just flip HEAT PUMP on? It's a new 2012 rig. We're thinking the a/c comes on same time? thank you if you can overlook our ignorance, first winter trip.
I have been slow to answer because I am a rookie. On my RV the first step is to keep what heat you produce in the RV. LD suggests blocking off the cab area for extremely hot and cold weather. The cab area is poorly insulated. I use a sleeping bag or a couple sleeping pads and a blanket.
The other suggestions are more long term but from what I read in the thread nothing that will help you short term (this weekend). I hope this helps.
John
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DaCrema
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01/12/13 09:53pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying our first motorhome
Ok. Sorry. Let me rephrase this. We might only get one chance to travel across the country. But, we want to take our pets with us. I have read about "Lazy Daze" and "Born Free" models. I don't know how big really, it would just probably be two-three people. Where would be a good place research?
A few years ago we started out search. The wife, daughter and I had been camping in a backpacking tent for a number of and getting in and out was becoming an issue. We also missed bringing out dogs on trips.
A friend that we camp with had a Winnie of some sort and introduced us to RVs. They had us make a list of what we wanted, and talked things through with us. I went to a few dealer ships and then went to a show. I had narrowed down what I wanted in an RV by the time of the show and was looking for specifics. In my case I wanted something simple to use. No slides, and because we would not be hooked up during trips to national parks/forest, dog show parking lots (the wife's hobby), and neither of us travel light I was looking for something the carried a large CCC. After deciding I liked a floor plan I spent about a half hour just sitting in the RV at people trooped through. That gave me a chance to see how much it rocked, what traffic patterns looked like, and an idea of what it would be like on a rainy day when I was stuck inside. Listing to what they were looking for also help me decide that I was on a good track with some things and should be looking at other things. The week following the show the East Coast Lazy Daze group had a camping trip and I got to do the same with a Lazy Daze and talk to several owners. The Lazy Daze factory only attends a local show in CA.
We wound up with a used LD (it was the windows on top all other things being more less equal), but strongly considered Born Free, and Phoenix Cruiser and likely would have been happy with any of the units that made the final cut. I took to hart what many people here wrote but Ron Dittmer in particular had several posts that talked about construction that helped me.
I started looking at units built on a MB Sprinter frame, but the cost were a little high and the CCC were a bit low for what I was looking for. I also started with 22-24 foot units but found the 26-28 foot units felt better in what we were looking for. My wife could not attend the shows because of other commitments. It was important to me that my wife was comfortable driving and using the unit. A woman local to us happened to be an owner of a like unit and spent time going over her unit with my wife. I stayed out of the conversation and just let them talk. Even though we (the wife and I) talked together a lot and visited some dealerships it was amazing what being in a unit with an owner brings up during a question and answer session.
Eleven months ago we wound up with a 26 foot LD mid bath. If Lazy Daze is on your list you can save a trip to the west coast visiting the North East owners, meeting in Monson MA, from May 16 to 19, 2013.
Good hunting and fun camping,
John
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DaCrema
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01/09/13 06:18am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Seeking opinions on what Class C YOU own/want
I am a first time owner and came to RVing by way of tents so you may want to give my reply a little less weight than some of the other replies.
I got a lightly used 07 Lazy Daze Mid Bath. The RV is built on a Ford E450, with a 176 inch wheel base and is26.5 feet long. The hitch is rated at 4k lbs.
The wife and I love it (but were coming from tents - backpacking tents). The RV is very easy to drive. This unit has no slides but the living room area is roomy with an incredible view outside. The two couches can be twin beds or king size bed. The CCC will hold all we need even when we need to travel with a full tank 50 (gal or so) of water.
On the down side storage is a bit limited, and the 4k lb factory hitch may limit some toads.
John
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DaCrema
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12/28/12 03:11pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Do You Exercise The Generator In Your Class C ?
Yes I do. When it was warmer to load generator I'd run the AC. This is our first winter with it. I guess I'll run the heat strip. It is winterized has full propane & gas.
I brought it home mid Feb 2012. We've done something about every three weeks be it a trip, going camping, or sitting out the two major power outages from storms.
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DaCrema
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12/23/12 04:25am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: New class c and need tires
Thanks J-D. I agree the advantage trumps all disadvantages. The OP needs to do what is best for them. I saw no mention of the valves. Now would be a good time to consider the choice.
Being a rookie I thought I could get a set - or something similar - through the tire shop I got the Michelin's. That shop's customer base mostly commercial fleet trucks and they did not sell anything like the TireMan valves or even replacement metal extenders.
I used the old (metal) extenders but had one start a slow leak two months later. That leak is fixed with a call to Coach Net. Once home, I called the TireMan and now have a, "six custom valves PLUS six air-through caps" to go on the RV this winter. The LD came with air-through caps and those puppies are great.
John
Advantage 1) trumps all Disadvantages, but...
DisAdv 1) yes. 2) true, however Ford does not recommend roatation of the rear tires. Most of us who do any rotation at all, rotate the spare with the fronts, and those don't have to be special stems. For Ford wheels, though, you need at least about a 2" stem to get an air chuck or gauge onto the valves. 3) yes, possible. But not as likely as a rubber stem, a screw on extension, etc, etc.
Note: With TireMan, you get six custom valves PLUS six air-through caps. You don't even unscrew caps to check or add air! You can check tires just about as fast as you can do six deep knee bends and walk the length of your coach twice.
No dirty hands, gouged fingers or blasphemous words.
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DaCrema
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12/03/12 12:02pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: New class c and need tires
I found this on the Lazy Daze Companion site.
" Formed valve stems, such as those from Borg or Chuck "Tireman" Carvitto, are long, rigid metal tubes that replace the existing short valve stems. Long stems like these are generally a more reliable solution than extenders.
- A lot of folks swear by the Tireman's custom-formed brass stems ($130-$140), which can obtained from Chuck at The Tireman.
- The Borgs stems are available in either brass or chrome-plated brass and were $110/$120 for a set of four. They're available from Borg Equipment & Supply in Tujunga, CA (800-300-2674)
- Advantages: 1) Very easy to check pressure and add air if necessary.
- Disadvantages: 1) Expensive. 2) Identifies each wheel position as inside duel, outside dual or front making tire rotation very difficult and impossible to follow recommended rotation sequences without dismounting tires from rims. 3) Air in the stem is under pressure so a fracture of the stem (while unlikely) will cause loss of pressure in tire."
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DaCrema
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12/03/12 10:24am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: New class c and need tires
Im a rookie also. I just got new tires and I wished that I had put the custom valve stems from "tireman" in at the same time. I am on a iPhone now, but will post a link later. The stems are not rubber and on top of being more reliable the make easier to check pressure or add air.
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DaCrema
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12/03/12 09:19am |
Class C Motorhomes
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