looking at 1988 25' Classic Hi Lo

I am a noob here; just found this place.

I am a 72 YO female and I have found a Hi Lo for sale. Interior is pretty decent, needs good cleaning. Has the front kitchen and a great amount of storage.

It has just sat out in the weeds for a few years so the top entry door has a hole at the bottom and it looks like almost none of the weather stripping between the top and bottom where it telescopes is still there. How wide is that weather stripping? Last year I got some garage door weather stripping that goes on the door frame to close the opening between the door and the frame. It is flat vinyl stock with a flexible flange. If it is wide enough I could see that work perfectly.

Some of the vinyl on the ceiling has come down and I noticed a few bubbles on the walls where the covering has maybe gotten wet.

Most likely needs tires and a good wash and wax at the minimum.

Newer AC that cost $650. Any thoughts on whether this is too much for an older handy woman to tackle. It could be had for under $1,000. Thanks all. Lori

A VERY "handi" person could rehab that trailer, but it sounds to me like it's been neglected badly and has a roof and walls that probably need to be replaced. Yes - the tires would have to be replaced too - they've deteriorated due to UV light.

A garage door weatherstrip MIGHT work to seal the space between the two halves, but the original seal was a bulb strip that can be bought from J&R in Ohio. You could probably get a replacement door from them too.

I see this trailer requiring major work and probably fairly expensive repairs too.

My gut feeling on this is that you should pass on it.

- Jack

Well, since I am a glutton for punishment I bought it for $850. I can make money if I fix it and turn around and sell it.

The guy just parked it out in the weeds and did nothing after that.

I will check out that bulb strip since I want to do it right. Thanks! Lori

Welcome to the forum.

You surely have gotten yourself a project trailer. First thing would be to make sure the roof is not leaking. Post pictures of problem areas so we can advise/help you. Many of us have done extensive repairs.

My son about 225 miles away found it for me. He said the roof is a rubber roof that looks fairly new.

I have not seen it in person yet.

Rubber roof

Check the roof for any rips or holes. Patch kits are available. Then go to an RV place and coat the roof with the correct product. Most likely two coats. Tape with blue painters tape where the roof meets the side of the HiLo. After applying the second coat immediately remove the tape. After you do this I will advise you what repair to do next.Keep all your receits.

I think I am going to have my son tarp it until we get to it. Luckily I have 2 5 gallon buckets of roof coating I got for my old 5th wheel.

How do I find a contact for J&R in Ohio?

This forum is very helpful and I appreciate it. Thanks, Lori

Not sure how old the 5 gallon buckets of sealer are, I just resealed my rubber roof with Kool Seal and manufacturer said the product had a two year shelf life, un-opened. Not sure I’d want to go through all the work prepping and sealing and then find the sealer had gone bad.
J and R is 740 392 1600. Jrrepair@centurylink.net

Here's a link to their address: https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f9/j-r-repair-new-email-address-7261/ And, a link to their homepage on the web: Home - JR REPAIR

In the past, people who have tried to email them have waited a long time for an answer. Keep at it - I think you'll eventually get through. I believe sam had some repair work done by them recently. Possibly she could help you get in touch with them.

- Jack

Jack, thanks for providing another email for JandR. My last purchase was June 2020 any correspondence was via centurylink.net
Rob was very responsive and shipped items promptly.
Tom

Well then, I will not use that roof coating. I know it's older than 2 years old.

Not much will happen to that camper the next month or so except to halt the deterioration from no maintenance for a few years.

I will be back when I get to it. Thank you all so much for all the help. Lori

Hi Lo Lori, J&R new email address is jandrhilo@gmail.com, not centurylink.

John

I have already been in touch with them.

What a bunch of very welcoming people in this forum. This is very heartwarming in these times to see this. Many thanks! Lori

I emailed J R on a Saturday and received a response the next day (Sunday). After checking all cables I ordered a replacement for the one that had broken. My mistake was asking Rob to send it UPS instead of the mail. He had to ship from a Staples near their shop delaying the delivery.

A few minutes ago I did post a request on this forum for more information about replacing the one broken cable.