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Born Free vs. Lazy Daze

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:46 am
by kathbowden
Hello. At the risk of getting run off, did anyone here consider a Lazy Daze purchase? If so, what sold you on the BF? These have been my top two contenders, and I like them both, although they're very different. I thought maybe I could hear some insight into your decision. Also, as an aside, how many miles do people find they can get out of the BF ultimately - i.e., 100,000, etc. Thanks in advance!

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 8:13 am
by shilohdad
We had also considered a Lazy Daze, and, indeed, had almost decided to buy one. The main reason was price, as it is considerably less than a Born Free of roughly equivalent length (at least it was in 2006). However, two main things turned us off.

First, there were some minor changes we wanted to be made during manufacture. The main one was to *not* glue down the mattress, which is what Lazy Daze does, as we wanted to use the cabover for storage. When we contacted the factory, the rep said she could ask them not to glue it down, but she couldn't guarantee they would remember! Geez, such a little change, and they can't guarantee to do it???!!! Born Free can do (and did for us) almost any change you want.

Second, while perusing their chat list, we noticed a lot of chatter about how to seal the seams. The standard response was to use Durabond tape. Yeah, I know that seams can start to open after a while, especially as the coach ages, so I did not really worry too much about having to re-seal them after 5 to 10 years. However, it was when someone with a 2-year-old coach asked about sealing the seams, and nobody seemed to think this was unusual, that we got really worried.

Between these two things, we decided against Lazy Daze and started looking much more seriously at the Born Free. After a little over 4 years of ownership, we are not unhappy with our decision.

Oh, one last thing that some people don't like about a Lazy Daze. The design hasn't changed much since its inception, so it looks like an old-fashioned coach. This did not bother us, as retro is kinda in lately, and that aspect of design is not of high priority to us. If you like to drive, wear, use the latest and greatest because of the look, then a Lazy Daze would not be for you.

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:54 pm
by ewagman
I looked at and gave very serious consideration to buying a LazyDaze 26 rear bath. When buying new, Lazy Daze are much less expensive, probably 2/3 the price of a Born Free, for a 26 or 27 foot model. I didn’t like the extra width of the lazy Daze, I'm a back road guy, never when I was driving either my previous class C motorhome or my current Born Free did I wish it was a few inches wider. The extra width on the inside is not a bad thing, but not a necessity either. The Lazy Daze is a much boxier shape, better for interior storage room, but less slippery in the air for driving, possibly causing slightly more of a top heavy feel, I speculate, because of the extra material up high. I feel the Born Free is better for driving, the Lazy Daze is better when you are stopped long term, but if you are primarily parking long term at places, I'd get a much bigger motorhome than either. Lazy Daze makes a big thing about the big window area in the back. My feeling is you don't just sit inside looking out the windows, go outside and be in the great places you go to. The interior of the Lazy Daze, to my eye, is nowhere near as elegant as the Born Free, important to my better half. The sleek exterior of the Born Free to us is much better looking also. Your eye may differ.
I will add, I strongly prefer the wooden window surrounds and wood dash overlay that the new Born Free's now lack. Classy look that can't be that expensive to continue providing.
I preferred a dedicated bed, but not a space hogging bedroom, my 26 RSB offers this, and none of the similar Lazy Daze models has this feature. We would have had to make up a bed every night and convert back every day. I did that for years with my boat, it gets old. The Lazy Daze has a painted aluminum body, some have reported electrolysis issues. My last motorhome was aluminum bodied, and had many spots with electrolysis corrosion raising or perforating the painted aluminum surface. Both brands need routine attention paid to preventing damage from seam leakage. The towing capacity of the Lazy Daze is 1000 lbs lower than Born Free’s. Durability of the driving part would be the same, since both sit on a Ford E450 cutaway chassis. I suspect gas mileage would hardly differ either, again it’s an identical Ford E450 V 10 up front. (The smaller models may be on the E350 chassis, with a V8. )

If you haven’t yet, go to the Yahoo Lazy Daze fans website. There is much information, with some Lazy Daze vs Born Free discussions, unsurprisingly, mostly favoring the host model. Based on internet information, until I actually was in a Born Free, I thought I preferred a Lazy Daze. I visited a Lazy Daze get together, and checked a dozen+ of them out carefully. Later, a tour of several Born Free models enlightened me, and changed my mind. After you evaluate both in person, if you see extra value in the Born Free, you have made your choice. There's are reasons we pay much more for this motorhome.

If you are looking used, Consumer Reports lists the 2005 model Ford Econoline as one to be avoided for below average reliability. That is the first year with the 5 speed transmission. Go older or newer. Starting in 2008, Born Free has fabricated a desirable new molding for the coach body. They eliminated many seams, and improved the insulation. If your pickets are quite deep, you may want to also evaluate the Class C Platinum by Coachman.

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:49 pm
by Steve W
My wife & I purchased a BF BFT in 2004. Loved it, but eventually reached the point where a dry bath became highly desirable. We started looking, and living in Northern CA and having heard so much about the Lazy Daze, we decided a trip south was in order. Arriving in Pamona, we spent approx 4 hours diligently purusing the three models in their showroom. Upon leaving, it was our personal impressions that the quality of materials and the workmanship, especially the interior, were definitely inferior to that of any Born Free we had ever seen. We subsequently ordered our 24RB. Bear in mind that one can talk to Lazy Daze owners, and we have talked to several, who will disagree stronly with our opinion. Be that as it may, we have never regretted our decision to purchase the BF.

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 10:52 pm
by David and Susan Bratt
When we started looking for our first motor home we had narrowed down our choices to Born Free and Lazy Daze. We had occasion to travel to California and went out of our way to visit the LD plant. We had already visited the BF plant and had been very impressed and convinced ourselves that that was what we wanted. The trip to the LD plant convinced us we were making the right choice going with the Born Free. We are on our third and would never consider another brand. E450s are made to go a quarter million miles when cared for. Your refrigerator or water pump may not last that long but they can be replaced.
We just purchased our third - a l999 23 RK and when we dropped it off at the storage barn, the owner asked us if it was new. (We still own our second - a 2000 24 RB stored in Amsterdam. Anyone else out there own two?)

Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:23 pm
by charlesbell
I don't know of another coach similar to a Born Free that's under 10' high. I have an aversion to tree limbs AND I like being able to take my Born Free into most coin operated car wash bays.

Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:06 pm
by harrisgowing
We also seriously considered the LD, even planned a trip to the factory from MI. But, I didn't care for the interior fabrics and overall, preferred the fit and finish of the BF. After 90,000 miles with our 2004 26 RSB BF we are very happy with our choice but still like to see a LD on the road or in a campground, they are sort of quirky and appealing and I like the little bit more interior room in the LD. We were parked next to a LD in Natchez a few years ago and the LD owner said he would have bought a Born Free but for the difference in price. I also love Airstream trailers but would never go to a towing situation. Just figure out what suits you best and go for it!

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:23 am
by oliverpsmile
My neighbor, 2005 LD owner, advised me to look for Born Free. I had all reasons to follow his advice.

Re: Born Free vs. Lazy Daze

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:37 am
by ewagman
kathbowden wrote:Hello. At the risk of getting run off, did anyone here consider a Lazy Daze purchase? If so, what sold you on the BF? These have been my top two contenders, and I like them both, although they're very different. I thought maybe I could hear some insight into your decision. Also, as an aside, how many miles do people find they can get out of the BF ultimately - i.e., 100,000, etc. Thanks in advance!
The same person posted almost the same question on the Lazy Daze board. The replies in both of their threads generated may prove interesting.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lif ... r=1&tidx=1

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/lif ... r=1&tidx=1



I happen to like Lazy Daze motorhomes, they were my second choice, behind the Born Free that we bought, with no regrets.

Born Free vs. Lazy Daze

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 10:57 am
by kathbowden
That same person was me! I have been meaning to thank everybody for all their responses, as it's been very helpful and insightful. Although at the same time, confusing! This will be my first RV of any kind. What attracts me to the LD is it being wider with windows so feels/is more spacious in that way. Of course the price. Then what seems like a very active LD forum board. Since I'll be a woman traveling alone and this being my first RV, I'm going to need all the support I can get. Also, a lot of them seem to come with solar panels. As far as which I would end up happier with, God only knows. In terms of the Born Free, frankly, it's about 100 times prettier than the LD. :-} I just like how it looks so much better both inside and out. It suits my style much better. And that's not unimportant either! I would definitely feel prouder in a BF. If I didn't say earlier, I am going full time in this motorhome. So I am considering more than just being on vacation. Also, I will have my two dogs with me - one small, one large. Again, thanks for all your comments, and anything else will still be appreciated!

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 11:39 am
by charlesbell
Kathbowden: Perhaps you should also consider the safety resulting from Born Free construction with roll bars. I'm sure someone at BF would be happy to share with you photos of a Born Free coach AFTER an accident. I not sure other manufacturers would be so forthcoming.
Also, I felt that BF was very generous (very generous!) when I traded in my 2006 BFT.
The long term value of QUALITY far outlast the short term satisfaction of a low PRICE.

Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 3:12 pm
by CHARLOTTE
Just wanted to add my 2 cents....I too, travel alone. I too, looked at the Lazy Days...However, when I contacted them I was very disappointed in their Rep. My inquiries about making changes, etc. were met with...'this is what we sell, we don't make changes....take it or leave it'...Didn't sit well with me as far as 'customer service' attitude. There were things I liked about the one I saw, however, when I checked closely I noticed the quality just wasn't there. One has to look past the first 'glitzy' effect & see the 'real' less than desired workmanship. Someone said, an RV when going down the road is like it's in an earthquake...think about it...(being a Californian...I am familiar with earthquakes...)...So why would one spend money on a coach that has less than the best quality, knowing that all those bumps & movements attack poor workmanship & materials....Anyway, I ended up buying a BF that was lovingly used by the Owners & could not be happier. I probably spent for my 'used' BF what a new LD would have cost me...But I bought quality, protection, & a company that REALLY gives service with a great attitude to me....Ane my last comment is....I'm proud to drive it...can't tell you how many people have asked to see it when I'm on the road & given me the thumbs up on how great a coach it is.........Anyhow...would I buy it again ? You Betcha!!!! 8)

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:31 am
by wxtoad
charlesbell wrote:Kathbowden: Perhaps you should also consider the safety resulting from Born Free construction with roll bars. I'm sure someone at BF would be happy to share with you photos of a Born Free coach AFTER an accident. I not sure other manufacturers would be so forthcoming.
LD has a darn good safety record as well. Here are some pictures of one broadsided by a semi. The LD stayed upright, square with only a big hole punched in its side. The owners walked away with only minor scratches.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v281/ ... =slideshow

Ted H.

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:46 am
by ewagman
wxtoad wrote:Kathbowden:
LD has a darn good safety record as well. Here are some pictures of one broadsided by a semi. The LD stayed upright, square with only a big hole punched in its side. The owners walked away with only minor scratches.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v281/ ... =slideshow

Ted H.
Some people are whining about wanting a slide. Here's a perfect one to use as a starting basis.
They are real lucky that the truck wasn't a moment earlier, and would have hit the drivers door, ouch!!

Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 1:56 pm
by charlesbell
I'm not sure why ewagman's post of Dec. 8 says I (CharlesBell) said, "LD has a good safety record....". I didn't say that. It was another poster. Not me. My comment was on my preference of BF and BF roll bars....