Found a 1998 Hi-lo 31WBS that needs work. The siding seems to have separated from the shower area due to a piece of trim being wedged into the slide out mechanism. Doesn't look broke but looks like there was not much holding it together anyway. What are the key things to look for and avoid with these trailers? Where are the key places to look for obvious things to avoid in the lift mechanism etc.? What are pros and cons of the older slide out vs the newer version flip out? A checklist would be great.

Thanks.

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

Welcome to the forum.

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of "thinking about buying" and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

RCReyes: Thanks for the info. What do you know about the old expanda room vs the newer version? This one has a normal RV slide out mechanism not a flip out type.

I have a tip out. Maybe this will help you out.http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f15/expand-room-4426/

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

I used this list a short time ago and I've had no problems... I found it as a refresher course! Unless you buy a lot of campers.