Wanting to buy a 2696 funlite off houston craigslist

It's located at baytown travel trailers. I have a 2000 explorer 5.0l with a tow rating of 6920 lbs. Do you think i can tow it safely with a wd hitch. The ex has the tow package minus a 7 pin receptacle. I also have a brake controller and receptacle to install. They are asking $4500. Any thoughts or suggestions? You ca view it on houston craigslist.

cowtown jim said:

It's located at baytown travel trailers. I have a 2000 explorer 5.0l with a tow rating of 6920 lbs. Do you think i can tow it safely with a wd hitch. The ex has the tow package minus a 7 pin receptacle. I also have a brake controller and receptacle to install. They are asking $4500. Any thoughts or suggestions? You ca view it on houston craigslist.

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You might be getting a deal. You can read up on some of the info below. The brochure is close to the same year and the owners manual is for a towlite but it should give you plenty of info to get started. Also you can see what is available on oodle and compare the prices or even find a better deal.

1996 Hi Lo Price, 1996 Hi Lo Values & 1996 Hi Lo Specs | NADAguides

http://www.trailerlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trailer-Life-Towing-Guide-2000.pdf

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f52/1999-classic-funlite-brochure-1659/

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/owners-manual-95-96-towlight-621/

http://rvs.oodle.com/hi_lo/for-sale/trailers/?inbs=1

Houston Trailer

I looked at a trailer that was bought in Houston I don't remember the RV store. This trailer showed rust on the table legs and I think it was flooded at some time. So watch for unusual wear.

Buying used HiLo

I looked at the Craigs listing and the pictures looked nice. However,here is what you need to checkout. Call the dealer one day ahead before you go to see the RV. Have them fill the water tank/check for leaks. Make sure the Ref. is ice cold. Turn on the furnice and AC. Does the toilet hold water? leaks? Press on all the interior walls,check for delamination. Check the BR inside shower area really good. Feel the inside roof any soft spots? Check the entire outside fiberglass,feel for delamination. Lower the trailer,climb on the roof and check for soft spots,pin holes. Check real good around vents,AC. Does the roof need to be recoted with aluminum primmer and then topcoated with Aluminum paint. Kool Seal. Would cost you about $100.00. Check to see if the simple fan in the BR works. This costs $30.00. The AC,REF,Furnice and Hot water tank are very expensive items to replace. Rebuilding walls and rebuilding roofs cost thousands od dollars. Is the inside floor solid? Crawl under the trailer,check for rust, Holding tanks free of rips and leaks. Are the stabilizer legs bent? Does the power jack go up without noise? May need to be greased. Any Hydrolic leak while you are checking under the trailer. Any leaks at the window? If the dealer is hesitant to let you check this trailer out to this extent then walk away. Go back and see the trailer as many times as necessary. You will need a 6ft. ladder to climb on the roof. I hope this trailer checks out for you. Know the lemon laws in your state. Are you buying this trailer as is or do you have some type of warranty within 30 days? Is the seal sealing between the top and bottom half of the trailer? This would cost you $1000.00 to have a dealer replace this . Search this forum for the check list of what to look for in a used HiLo. Let us know what you decide. We are here to answer any questions you may have.

Major things to look for.

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)

Definately look for rust. We've had a beach house right across the bay from Baytown for 40+ years and everything metal rusts in a heartbeat!

Thanks for all the info. With all that "ammo", I'm not sure I want to drive 275 mi. without knowing much but what the dealer says. My brother-n-law lives in Pasadena and agreed to do a preliminary inspection. I will try to email the info you provided. I hope it doesn't scare him and he changes his mind.

houston craigslist

After research on HTF, I found that the GVWR is 6200 lbs. Will a 10,000 lb. rated WDH work on this unit? TW is 740lb.

It should work ok. It probably has 1000 pound bars which works with that TW.

My b-n-law looked at it. It was TRASH!

Don't get discouraged Jim! I looked at 7 trailers, traveling as far as 200 miles to Las Vegas before I found the tow-lite I have now. Most of the ads made their trailers out to be as new or close to it, not mentioning bad awnings, stains, dead batteries, leaks, warps, in-operable lift mechanisms, etc. You will find the right one. Just think of this particular trailer as dodging the bullet.

Just one more out of way. Thanks for the encouragement. The only place on Texas CR listings seems to be in the Houston area.

Checking out used HiLo

Glad you were spared the 275 mile trip. Keep looking you will find the perfect HiLo for you. No matter what RV you end up with you will have to check out many of the same things we advised you of.

Fireballsocal said:

Don't get discouraged Jim! I looked at 7 trailers, traveling as far as 200 miles to Las Vegas before I found the tow-lite I have now. Most of the ads made their trailers out to be as new or close to it, not mentioning bad awnings, stains, dead batteries, leaks, warps, in-operable lift mechanisms, etc. You will find the right one. Just think of this particular trailer as dodging the bullet.

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Same here! Everything that came up for sale here in Albuquerque while I was looking ended up being junk. One in particular had water leaks from every possible area under the trailer and the air conditioner wouldn't work. I left when two people ahead of me got into a bidding war and they were $300 over the original ad price! Ended up driving all the way to Flagstaff, AZ for mine. Some people are really proud of their "junk".

Looking for a HiLo.

You may have to drive a ways to get the HiLo that is right for you. You can always use a transport co.to bring it to you. If one came available in my area i would be willing to go check it out for you.

Thanks, my b-n-l couldn't believe there were so many caring persons who don't even know me. That's "community". My compliments to you at HTL.

Buying a used HiLo

I went from owning a Palamino Popup to a 25ft. Classic used HiLo. we knew nothing about all the systems in a travel trailer. We bought ur unit from a reputable HiLo dealer. Here it is twelve years later and we are still learning some things. Nobody likes to get ripped off!! We still have some who buy HiLos that are in terrible shape. Walls rotted out,bad roofs ect. If they had only asked us. HTF wasn't around when we bought our unit. Best of luck in your search.

shopping

A 1983 just came up on Dallas CR in Gainesville,TX that looks good in pics. Take a look & comment. Is 30 yrs. old to old to consider?

cowtown jim said:

A 1983 just came up on Dallas CR in Gainesville,TX that looks good in pics. Take a look & comment. Is 30 yrs. old to old to consider?

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I don't think that's too old. There are members with trailers older than that here on the forum. Just make sure you take a good look at it. Just about anything can be fixed. It all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it. Where are you located? Good luck.

Buying a 1983 HiLo

I agree with RCEYES comments. I would have said the exact same thing. Depends what your budget is.