When I try to level my lazy daze,I put the levelers under the tire,when I go to
drive up on them,it starts slipping,and it seems like I never can get to the
leveling point I want to! I've tryed different things,anyone have any
suggestions?

"I put the levelers under the tire, when I go to drive up on them, it starts
slipping"

You didn't mention what kind of levelers you're using. For what it's worth, I've
found that Lynx Levelers (the orange blocks, available in most Walmarts) will
grip just about any surface from asphalt to gravel or sand. Their edges bite
into whatever they're resting on, so they don't slip as you drive on.

I can't speak for other types of blocks and ramps, other than to say that I
tried the yellow ones Camping World sells and found that they shattered in cold
weather.

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels/

We level with Lynx blocks and have done so since we got our LD in early
'07...and we are outbound 7 months a year...to give some perspective and
experience to my answer: 

If you find you have to level more than one block high, you need to stage
them...for 2 blocks high in front  you need to put down 2 or 3 in a row and then
add the second level of 1 or 2 blocks on the offset (that is, bridge the "seam"
so that you lock the blocks together).  The higher you need to go, the longer
the levels of blocks...so you can gently, but persistently mount the blocks
without them skidding away from you. 

If you need more than 1 level of blocks you should not be setting all the needed
levels on top of one another without staggering the levels...if you are
attempting to mount 2 levels from 0, the blocks will skid away from you almost
every time...particularly on concrete or pavement.

TinaP
2006 MB "Wild Thing"







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That's true, Tina--you can't leap two levels of blocks with a single bound. You
need to form them into ramps.

I carry 30 Lynx blocks, so that if necessary I can raise all three wheels on one
side by up to 5". I very rarely need to do that, but it's best to be prepared.
And the Lynx blocks weigh far less than wooden ramps. (I tried plastic ramps,
but even after I found ones that were wide enough for my tires, they only
allowed about 3" of lift.)

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels/

Thank you Green Lazy Daze headed East on Hwy 59 at 190 today.  That was the
nicest greeting!

We have been in Texas since March 1st and the first LD's we have seen were
yesterday, when we checked in to Rainbow's End Escapees Park. There were three
there but none acknowledged us. Interesting that three (including us) of the
four in the park were in The Trees section., the most natural area.

Linda & Carole
Brown 2008 31' TB

Not a lot of response, but an excellent idea, if you could come up with a mount
that uses a crank winch like on pickup trucks would be great. I did a similar on
my diesel pusher, just bolted directly to an existing cross member, worked fine.
Some said the tire would be hard to get out, but that is a,job for road service.
I can't get the tire out of my MB from the factor location....unless I dismantle
the bed and take it out from the top.

Let us know if you progress this.

Dave W
--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "Dean" <ansleyd2001@...> wrote:
>
> I have a 2010 MB and wondered if anyone has a bracket or storage frame made to
put the spare under the coach and give some extra room for storage? Any other
ideas appreciated.
> Tks.
> Dean Ansley
>

Lon,

I have found that adding Steer Safe has helped stabilize my front suspension
when trucks pass, winds roar across the road, etc.  

But, I also find that it's necessary to have the Steer Safe readjusted every few
years.  I recently had a rear tire blowout, and the Steer Safe worked as
intended.  After getting new rear tires (Michelen LTX) a few weeks ago, I find
the Steer Safe needs another readjustment.  

And... I agree with others that proper air pressure readings are extremely
important.

David (1998 LD MB) Eugene, OR


________________________________
  From: Lon <lgould@...>
To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2012 2:36 PM
Subject: [LD] Re: steering sway


 


I am finding that steering my brand new 2011 LD 24 TK is very nerve racking. The
Mojave Desert winds and semi-trucks affect steering sway What solutions have are
there to address this problem?

RVFriendly
After wheel alignment & tire pressure settings left my 2003 MB with noticeable
sway from trucks passing, I installed a SuperSteer rear track bar that greatly
reduced the tail wagging the dog effect.

Lon 2003 MB in Lake County, CA




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks, they called yesterday!
Shirley
>

When I read the original post, I did not respond because I doubt that there is
sufficient open space under my rig to fit the spare anyplace.  Spaces large
enough to accommodate a spare are filled with things like the exhaust system or
waste or fuel tanks.

If you DO find space under there please let us all know.

Ken F in OR

Took my 05 26.5RK into the local Ford dealer for new tires (they were the best
price in town).  After discussing issues like tire age (tires were dated 1212)
and not jacking the rear by the chunk I went to the waiting room. After a while
I came back to the service bay and there was another LD that looked just like
mine, except for a storage box on the trailer hitch, just pulling out.  I
couldn't believe my eyes.  Due to confidentiality the service advisor could not
give me the name of the owner but did tell me it was an 2001 and had over
100,000 miles. Another testimony to the quality of a LD.  I left my name and
number with the service advisor so that when he saw the owner again he could
pass it on.  Hopefully they will call me.  Small world.

David  05RK

"If you DO find space under there please let us all know."

The only models that might have enough room are the 23.5/24' T/K and
30/31'models, at the rear. Both of these models have their holding tanks mounted
forward.
It could be very difficult to remove or reinstall the spare. If sliding the
spare out of the carpeted side compartment is hard, sliding it out across
asphalt or gravel, from under the MH, would be almost impossible for most of us.

Using a crank-up winch, as suggested by Roz, would be the only easy way of
lifting it into position. Many pickups use one to secure their spares. It would
required engineering a way of mounting the winch so that it hangs the weight on
the frame and not on the plywood floor.

If I owned an LD with the spare in the side compartment, I would line the floor
with a sheet of thick plastic that would allow the spare to slide easily and
then strap the spare down to prevent unwanted movement.

Larry

I have seen many Steer-Safe and Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizers that have
either slipped out of position or the springs have snapped or loosened. Neither
is ready prime-time IMO.
Recently, a friend wanted me to remove her troublesome Safe-T-Plus. I found the
Safe-T-Plus's frame-side mount had been permanently welded to the frame, making
it impossible to return it to a stock steering stabilizer.
Beware of what you have installed.

Realize that you are driving a big truck, not a car and that Ford's twin-I-beam
steering has a different feel to it that will become second-nature after driving
a thousand miles or so.
If you still want to install after-market devices to 'improve' the handling, do
them one at a time so the effect can be determined.
Too many folks end up at Hendersons, or some other big RV shop, and get a whole
shopping list of upgrades and never know what helped and what was a waste of
money.
Remember, these shops are in business to sell us stuff, no matter if it is
needed or not.

FYI, when our LD was new, it steered poorly until it was fully loaded, weighted,
aligned and the tire pressure set. Afterwards, it felt like a different vehicle.

Larry

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/peterson-birds-north-america/id407825684?mt=8

I know we have a lot of birders in the group, so I thought I'd mention
this--it's got to be the bargain of the year. The absolutely gorgeous
illustrations--nearly 600 MB worth!--persuaded me to buy this iPhone/iPod/iPad
app even though I'm not really a birder. It's on sale for 99 cents in honor of
Earth Day, so if you're interested, grab it now before the price goes back up.

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels/

David,

I'm pretty sure I know who that was and sent you contact information directly.

Alex Rutchka, SE #4
'05 MB

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "david_05rk" <DABnMAB@...> wrote:
>
> Took my 05 26.5RK into the local Ford dealer for new tires (they were the best
price in town).

o o o

After a while I came back to the service bay and there was another LD that
looked just like mine, except for a storage box on the trailer hitch, just
pulling out.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  Due to confidentiality the service
advisor could not give me the name of the owner but did tell me it was an 2001
and had over 100,000 miles. Another testimony to the quality of a LD.  I left my
name and number with the service advisor so that when he saw the owner again he
could pass it on.  Hopefully they will call me.  Small world.
>
> David  05RK
>

I can't speak for the newer LD's, but our '85s spare mounted on the
rear is by far the heaviest spare I've ever lifted -- I'd guess it
must weigh in somewhere ~100lb -- solid steel!
I'd not be very interested in trying to lower it from the under
carriage of any LD..


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tie on roof?

>
> If you DO find space under there please let us all know.

Loose shock absorber bushings will produce terrible sway problems.
The driver's side front shock has a well documented problem with loose or
destroyed upper stem bushings, due primarily to its lack of access.
The rear shocks also have upper stem bushing that need to be checked
periodically.

Larry

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, joesbus <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> When I try to level my lazy daze,I put the levelers under the tire,when I go
to drive up on them,it starts slipping,and it seems like I never can get to the
leveling point I want to! I've tryed different things,anyone have any
suggestions?
>

Joe, take a look  at Fiamma Level Up part 97901-007 on page 1 and optional
anti-skid attachment 97901-033 on page 2
http://www.fiammausa.com/products/accessories.asp?fam=A6&page=1
Joe Hamm

After adjusting all 6 tire pressures, if you still find it nerve racking, try
driving another nearly new Ford E 450 based motorhome. If it is much better than
yours, yours has an issue that should be covered by Ford's warranty, it's their
chassis and responsibility. If not, you will likely learn to feel comfortable
with some additional experience behind the wheel.  As a truck passes you, steer
towards it as its wind pushes you away, then steer away as its wake sucks you
towards it. You are moving the steering wheel at most an inch or so. It becomes
automatic after a while,

Eddie

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "rvfriendly" <rvfriendly@...> wrote:
>
> I am finding that steering my brand new 2011 LD 24 TK is very nerve racking.
The Mojave Desert winds and semi-trucks affect steering sway very much.
>

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, joesbus <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> When I try to level my lazy daze,I put the levelers under the tire,when I go
to drive up on them,it starts slipping,and it seems like I never can get to the
leveling point I want to! I've tryed different things,anyone have any
suggestions?
>
Sometimes we hold our foot on the brake while making small movements with our
RV. This will lock the wheel as it tries to ride up the leveling block and will
make the block slide. To eliminate the problem, just engage the parking brake a
bit and carefully drive up on the block without touching your foot on the brake
pedal.
Be sure to put your rig in park before you disengage the parking brake.
Happy leveling!

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, lejest2003 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> There have been several recommendations recently for camping and hiking
locations in Utah, particularly around Salt Lake City.
>
> This link will enlighten most of us that we no longer live in a benign world.
>
>
> Steve S.
> Lazy Bones & Jiggs


Sorry, here's the link:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865554459/2-arrested-after-booby-traps-are-fo\
und-near-Provo-trail.html
>

After purchasing my 26ft LD in Sacramento I drove it home to Palm Desert, CA.  I
understand what you are experiencing.
Coming down I-5 and then thru Mojave on Hwy 58 on the way home........the wind
and the trucks were quite nerve racking for me.
I am 5'2" and weigh about 120 # and driving alone for the first time
motorhome...........WOW I was thinking there was a serious problem
but after driving the 600 plus miles it got easier.  The next trip of about 400
miles I felt like a pro and now it has become easier.
Just hang in there.

Tires:  I also just picked up Circus Wagon from America's Tire in Palm Desert,
CA my total bill ( I bought the replacement warranty @ $28 per tire) was
1570.73 for 6 tires.  They have a promotion going up to 12 months interest free;
Michelin is a mail in $70 rebate and America's Tire if you open an account
is an additional $30 mail in (or via the internet for both).  I did that even
though I plan to pay it off this month but saved $100.


FYI


Betty Jean

bettyjean92211@...





--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "rvfriendly" <rvfriendly@...> wrote:
>
> I am finding that steering my brand new 2011 LD 24 TK is very nerve racking.
The Mojave Desert winds and semi-trucks affect steering sway very much.
>




------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

"Tires: I also just picked up Circus Wagon from America's Tire in Palm Desert"

When buying tires today, search the net for an online seller of your selected
tire. Print the lowest price you can find and take the printout with you.
America's Tire, and many other tire dealers, advertise that they match online
prices. A $10-20 difference, per tire, adds up quickly when buying 6 or 7 tires.
It is becoming more common for local retailers to match internet prices, so it's
always worth to try asking for a match.
I  buy local goods whenever I can if the price is close to internet prices. The
local economy needs all the help it can get.

Larry

"To eliminate the problem, just engage the parking brake a
bit and carefully drive up on the block without touching your foot on the brake
pedal."

It take a bit of practice to learn to keep your foot completely off the brake
while leveling. Most fear driving off the back side.
In most cases, the only damage, in driving off a block or leveler, is to your
pride.
Like so many difficult RV procedures, it is better to learn and practice in your
driveway, not out in the boonies on a rainy day.

Larry

Thanks Larry!  I usually do check out internet prices but just stuff was
happening & I needed to get it done.
Woe is me I may have saved a little more but still feel I got a fair price.


Betty Jean

bettyjean92211@...




-----Original Message-----
From: Larry <lw5315us@...>
To: lifewithalazydazerv <lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, Apr 23, 2012 2:56 pm
Subject: [LD] Re: steering sway & tires


"Tires: I also just picked up Circus Wagon from America's Tire in Palm Desert"

When buying tires today, search the net for an online seller of your selected
tire. Print the lowest price you can find and take the printout with you.
America's Tire, and many other tire dealers, advertise that they match online
prices. A $10-20 difference, per tire, adds up quickly when buying 6 or 7 tires.
It is becoming more common for local retailers to match internet prices, so it's
always worth to try asking for a match.
I  buy local goods whenever I can if the price is close to internet prices. The
local economy needs all the help it can get.

Larry





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:41:50 -0000, "Larry" <lw5315us@...>
wrote:

>Loose shock absorber bushings will produce terrible sway problems.
>The driver's side front shock has a well documented problem with loose or
destroyed upper stem bushings, due primarily to its lack of access.
>The rear shocks also have upper stem bushing that need to be checked
periodically.
Our rig tracks well, really no different than the E150 vans we owned
before. Getting pushed by 18-wheelers and cross-winds is due more to
the surface area of the rig, than suspension. Drive the US highways if
Interstate speeds concern you.

Fine advise Larry, but inspecting bushings is beyond most of us. I
don't even know what one looks like. That makes most of us rely on
mechanics who may or may not know a worn bushing. Then to add fat to
it, shocks are commonly recommended for replacement when there is
nothing wrong with them. I have been taken on suspension parts before
and so I am leery of taking just any mechanic's say so on it.

Only for those who are on the road for extended periods and that
travel through mountains.

I carry distilled water for the batteries in a bin. The thin plastic
jugs that it is sold in will inflate/deflate as you gain/lose
altitude. After a few crinkles the jug will spring a leak.

I decant the water into a more study clean plastic container and punch
a small hole in the top to bleed air pressure. Keep the jug upright
and you will have water when you need it.

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "rvfriendly" <rvfriendly@...> wrote:
>
> I am finding that steering my brand new 2011 LD 24 TK is very nerve racking.
The Mojave Desert winds and semi-trucks affect steering sway very much. I
searched this problem here and read some members have installed Steer-Safe
adapters. What solutions have are there to address this problem?
>

Your experience with your Lazy Daze probably has been duplicated by countless
drivers of Class C Motorhomes.   The first step should be correcting your tire
pressure - but to do that, you should first be loading your LD correctly. 
Typically, one should load the Ford E450  close to, but not exceeding the
maximum front axle load rating and match your tire pressures to your weighed
loading.  Why?, this, experience shows, results in the best steering stability. 
Second, follow the owner's manual suggestions with regard to a first wheel
alignment.  Then see what your thoughts are regarding your handling.

Only then should you start considering physical changes to your LD.
I can advise you that what one person's successful experience may be with
chassis changes will bring quick and negative comments from many experts - be
prepared to evaluate lots of sincere and differing comments.  That said, here is
a summary of what worked very successfully for me:

My belief is that there is no good substitute for a good chassis shop
for most of us motorhome owners. I am convinced that the most
appropriate first question the experienced, reputable chassis shop
could ask is what is the owner's desired change in handling / ride -
And the second item is the chassis shop's expert inspection, weighing
and road test with the owner on board to get a first hand input
regarding the condition of the motorhome and the results expected.
Only after necessary repairs have been made and loading / tire
pressures adjusted and a road test performed is any meaningful
discussion of chassis modifications for changing handling / ride
really appropriate.

We took our LD to Henderson's Line-Up in Grant's Pass, Oregon, based on
Recommendations from many RV owners of all types.
I told them what I did not like about the way our LD handled and steered and as
best I could, what changes I'd like to feel in the handling and steering.  After
checking out our LD, they took me on a test drive where I could explain exactly
what I did not like and wanted changed.  They took notes.  After returning to
the shop, they told me what I could expect and how much it would cost.  I
authorized the work.  After the work was completed, we went for another test
drive where I evaluated the change in Steering and handling. It achieved every
thing I asked for.  We returned to the shop where I gladly paid the bill.

I won't go into the 'improvement's' they removed or changed, but will say that
they agreed with my steering stabilizer change, except to note that I did not go
far enough, as they replaced the one I had installed with a more forceful one. 
This is the final configuration of our LD:
Loaded Well, weight bias toward front limit; balanced within 400lbs left to
right.
Bilstein Comfort shocks.
Henderson's Rear Track Bar.
Stock Front Sway Bar replaced with Larger (ipd) Rear Sway
Bar.
Center Play Adjusted to minimum Ford tolerance on Steering Box.
Tire Pressures correct per Michelin pressure vs axle loading.
Replaced Safe-T-Plus Steering Dampener with higher capacity Safe-T-Plus Steering
Dampener.

One comment on the Henderson's Rear Track Bar:  I has the effect of eliminating
side to side movement of the rear body and frame on the rear axle.  This greatly
reduces the steering effect of that movement and the reduction in the amount of
corrective steering wheel movement needed was almost unbelievable!

I found the most difficult part of the above process was to learn how to
describe exactly what I did not like about the steering and handling of our LD
on our initial test drive with the Henderson's technician.

I wish you well.

Don McGlothlen,
Ex-2001 LD MB





  you well.

When I took delivery of our used 2006 mb I felt the same way.  We just upgraded
from a travel trailer setup and I expected a total 180 as far as the effect of
passing vehicles.  I was truly disappointed.

After reading the advice of several members on this forum I did the easiest and
most inexpensive thing first: weighed the ld and adjusted pressures accordingly.
It was night and day.  What a difference.  Our case was a bit extreme, I had 25
lbs too much in the front and 15 too much in the rear.

Now we're the ones doing the passing!

Danny

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "rvfriendly" <rvfriendly@...> wrote:
>
> I am finding that steering my brand new 2011 LD 24 TK is very nerve racking.

For divorce proceedings, I need to put a value down for my 2011 27' MB Lazy
Daze. Nada, Kelly, Blue book, etc don't have anything listed past 2009.  Can
someone offer a way to figure this out? Or do I need to contact the Mothership
for the value?

Thanks for your help.

Melinda
2011 27' MB