Hi:

Still shopping for my first Hi Lo, and looking for general opinions from HiLo owners with the Expand A-Room option.

I noted that in 2002 HiLo introduced the Expand A-Room first in the 23LX model. After that it seemed to be offered only in 24 ft or longer trailers.

I always wondered whether that option caused added water leakage problems for anyone. I did look at one HiLo and there was some side-wall warp-age, adjacent to its tip out. Also, had anyone simply removed the couch, just for some added floor space and roominess.

Thanks for any input from experienced and knowledgeable Hi Lo owners.

Go Camp
(in central Florida)

I have the tipout, I am the 3rd owner and have put over 40,000 miles on it to Alaska, major parts of Canada, Nova Scotia, and all over the US. Never had a problem with water leaks around the tipout. We love the extra floor space. If we have the grandkids or another couple traveling with us I have a 2x8 extension with fold down legs I set up beside the folded down couch, put a blowup queen size aero bed matress and it makes a great useable bed. My HiLo has 5 outriggers that the top sets on when down and traveling. I think HiLo built some of the earlier Longer trailers without the outriggers. On longer trailers especially with the tipout the outriggers are needed. The header over the tipout is a weak area and with the outriggers on both sides of the tipout you don't have to worry about cracks or warpage in that area. The out riggers are just a square tube welded to the frame and stick out just far enough to support the top when down. A number of owners have added them to prevent damage when bouncing down the road. I started out with popup trailers in the mid 60s then a 5th wheel, later a large travel trailer then downsized to the HiLo when we retired and started long distance traveling. Love the way it pulls. Good luck with your search. Keep asking questions.

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Jim L & Faye
2805C
2003 Silvarado diesel crew cab
2017 Silvarado, crew cab 1500 6.2L gas w/ 8 speed tranny
central VA

Jim:
Excellent information and advice. Thx

Hi Go Camp,

I have the Exand-A-Room option as well and have not noticed any leakage problems, however I only just bought the trailer last year and live in a dry area (California). I also enjoy the extra room it provides once camped.

Negatives I feel are the added weight when towing and the fact that the tip-out blocks access to the rear of the trailer if you want to stop while traveling, which means you need to deploy the tip-out (an extra step).

Good luck in your search!

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Greg
2004 4x4 Chevy Tahoe
Former owner of a 2407T

Thank you LuckyDog.

The added room is certainly a plus, but the added
weight, is also something that concerns me.
I have thought of just pulling out the sofa that
is part of that, and just putting in some sort of fold-able
table to use as a working desk/office space area.

You answered another important point in my mind
as to whether the tip out blocked access to the rear
part of the trailer, when it is in the compacted state.

I always thought it was neat that all the Hi Lo's
allowed you to get inside, even when the top was lowered.

Thanks again.
Go Camp

Sure you can get inside the trailer with the top down, problem is that you have to be 3 feet tall, on the other hand you can wait 12 seconds to raise the top.

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2181 Classic
97 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2L V8
4x4

Hi Gus:
I know the access door allows entry with the trailer in lowered position.
The question was whether you would be able to crawl into the rear portion of the trailer if it has an Expand-a-Room option. I am thinking that the tip out would block further access into the trailer when it was in lowered position.

Nice to have this clarified, if a person is travelling and should have any problem with the lift mechanism.

Cordially, GoCamp

I have a 2806C and I have no problem getting past the tip out when the top is down.

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2805C (TooLong)
Ford F-150 w/EcoBoost

I believe the Classic is about 6" wider than the Towlite, so something to consider GoCamp.

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Greg
2004 4x4 Chevy Tahoe
Former owner of a 2407T

I have to get on the countertop and kinda slide my way past the tip out. It can be done but it can be awkward.

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

What Ruben said!

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Greg
2004 4x4 Chevy Tahoe
Former owner of a 2407T

I am currently rebuilding an 02 2302LX. Had a lot of water damage but 90 percent of it came from. The antenna fixture on the roof which is located near the tip out. It has been a lot of work but I think it will be worth it once its done. Like you stated as far as I know it was only offered in 02 on the 2302 LX. The tip out location had water damage but of came from the roof like previously stated. I am doing away with the jack knife sofabed and making it a eating/bar area. The dining room area/ bed will be a permanent bed area.

Welcome, good to see you are restoring this HiLo. Would love to see any pictures you may have of the before and after.

Hey Sam. Sorry for the very late reply. This camper has been keeping me pretty busy this past yr. I Only get to work on it on weekends and thats if the weather helps, lol. Im gonna try and send some pics of progress if I can figure how to.