Reasonable price ?

We are wanting to purchase a 1988 Funlite hi-lo from an individual. It seems to be in good condition besides the front wall rotted out from a leak probably from the window. We'll have to replace that paneling. Other than that everything seems to be working and looks clean and taken care of. He was asking $3900 obo and will sell it to us for $3500 with $1,000 down and $300 monthly payments. Does this sound like a reasonable price? We really like the camper but don't want to pay more than its worth. Thanks!

Libra, welcome! We can't begin to advise you about the price you are thinking about paying without knowing the length of the trailer and maybe a few other details such as the age of the tires (trailer tires should be replaced if they are 5 years old, regardless of their appearance). You can look at the NADA guides for the trailer you are considering to see what value they give it.

And, be realistic about the water damage and how you will go about fixing it. Repairs CAN be made, but you need carpentry skills.

- Jack

Like J&J said Carpenter skills and in some cases Welding and Lots Of Ingenuity & patience ...and a shelter to do it in..and in most cases damage will be worse once ya get into it...And Roofs almost always need attention...Its all doable ...and can be FUN I love Projects...just hate to spend MONEY...

You can get lots of help here with photos ,ideas and people WHO DONE IT

I bought a 1990 229L model about 10 months ago. Had 3 leaks around windows, wallpaper falling off,etc. Have spent 8 months working and piddling with it. Enjoyed every minute. Have it completely redone now and would not sell at any price. My window leaks were solved with caulking the outside of the windows and using a wood putty ( dry and mix with water) to patch small areas inside. Redid all the wallpaper, replaced bathtub, bath sink and toilet among other things. Most of it is simple BUT I do have lots of tools and a tablesaw I used to make new moldings, etc.

Luckily, I bought a solid camper with good rubber and all mechanical things were working. No roof leaks but I bought the white roof coating from Home Depot and had enough for 3 coats for added protection. Cost $ 75. Wife and I made a lot of other changes til we got it like we like it. Then went on a great 12 day trip to the coast in Texas.

Test holding tanks by filling them up and so on. Can be lots of fun if you have the time and tools. I gave $3100. cash for mine.

Would love to see pics. Why may I ask did you decide to replace those items? Just to have fresh items? I am at that point. Love the Hi-Lo's outside better than the inside. Mine is a 2001. Trying to figure out what to keep and what to have replaced.

The wallpaper was a goner. We wanted a full bathtub with no ledge to sit on since we want to shower instead of soaking our feet. The toilet and sink had yellowed over time and not expensive to replace these items yourself and not really difficult. Also put in a new thermostat, simple two wire ordeal. Did a lot of other little things like ordering new colored blinds,etc. ...til we felt comfortable inside. Did remove the suspended bunkbed that was over the couch and opened up that space. Took discolored vinyl covering off of ceilings and found wood in excellent condition so I primed and painted that. Am retired and have it in my driveway so I can constantly be looking for things to do to it. Am about out of things to do so just planned two more trips. Change things til you are comfortable with it. I really enjoy it.

Trying to picture the tub conversion. Not sure what exactly you did. Really like the idea of taking off the ceiling vinyl and exposing the wood! I am glad you enjoy fixing up your Hi-Lo! And that you are pretty much done. I imagine the options are endless. Did you remove the vinyl from the floor? The sink you replaced -- is it a light RV sink or just a regular sink? Trying not to add weight. By removing that bunk bed you got rid of about 80 lbs. I also have that bunk bed.

Doesn't hurt to always negotiate? Unless of course you feel you have to have it! Remember its not what they are asking, its what YOU want to pay. I bought a 2001 24' Towlite a few weeks ago. It was in pretty good condition. Needed new tires (although seller said tires were good) and other work though. Furnace doesn't work seller said. It was listed at $5,500 and I offered $3k firm. A Hi-Lo mechanic told me to start at $2500 (He thought $5500 was TOO HIGH) but I just offered $3k. The first reponse was no! It took a few weeks but seller finally agreed. I would have walked. All the work adds up. Especially if you have to pay someone to do the work. Not to mention all the purchases --special RV hoses, tools, water pressure regulators, jacks, hitches and on and on. It seems to never end.

My flooring and carpet looked almost brand new so no need to replace. The upholstery was perfect also. Did not want bunkbed because I would never be confined with extra people inside and especially kids, which is about all you could cram up into the bunk. As far as the tub goes, remove the side panel and you can see how simple it is to unscrew the drain and pull the tub. We had the tub where half of the space is raised up to sit on and only half that you can stand in to shower. We bought an rv bathtub (all tub- no seat area) and an rv sink. Both light weight. Ordered RV toilet thru Home Depot. Bought most of my other stuff thru etrailer.com. If you decide to remove the ceiling vinyl remove ( unscrew ) the trim pieces first and I used a hair dryer to warm up the vinyl as I slowly pulled it off. Warm it up good and pull slow and steady so as not to pull off any of the paneling with it. Consult your wife before remodeling, believe me.