"Pa Newton" and son Paul
Year: 1966 - Picture of #1 Class C Built
16' model, Dodge chassis, Slant Six or 318 c.i.d./5.3 liter V8 engine, carburetor, 3-speed auto transmission
Features:
Aluminum roof in multiple sections
Natural color anodized aluminum window frames
Vinyl spare cover
One 12V group 27 deep cycle battery
Lazy Daze was a family-owned Class C motorhome manufacturer founded in 1956 by Paul Newton and Harold Hamm, who transitioned from high school shop teachers to RV builders. Known for handcrafting durable coaches and selling factory-direct, the Montclair, California-based company developed a loyal following but closed its operations in May 2022. The Newton family continued the business for decades after Hamm's death, with the company's closure attributed to factors like supply chain issues and lack of access to credit.
Founding and Early Years
1956:
Paul Newton and Harold Hamm, high school shop teachers, began building a slide-in truck camper, which led to requests from others for their well-crafted RVs.
Family Business:
The business quickly grew, prompting them to leave their teaching jobs and focus on RV building.
Family Continuity:
After Harold Hamm's passing, Paul Newton continued the enterprise with his brother, Ed Newton, establishing it as a long-running family business.
Business Model and Philosophy
Handcrafted Quality: Lazy Daze's core philosophy was to handcraft a high-quality, lasting RV.
Factory-Direct Sales: The company sold directly to customers, bypassing dealerships to offer a personalized experience and a no-haggle price.
Cult Following: Their unique approach and high-quality product cultivated a dedicated customer base and a strong "family" culture around the brand.
Closure
May 2022: The company, located in Montclair, California, ceased operations.
Reasons for Closure: While not officially stated, factors like supply chain issues, the lack of credit available to privately owned companies, and the retirement of key personnel were likely contributing factors.