2020Hi Lo - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

DennisB · 12-07-2019, 10:19 PM

Hi, I have heard that the HiLo trailer is back in production and that they are coming out with a new model for 2020.

We called the new manufacturer and asked for information.
It has been a couple of weeks and we have not heard back from them.

Does anybody on the forum have any info on new models for 2020?

Thanks,
Dennis

Brookside1954 · 12-09-2019, 07:09 PM

I googled and also searched "RV Business" and "The Small Trailer Enthusiast" and none had any mention of Hi-Lo for 2020. I don't believe the small units that were manufactured by the "new" Hi Lo did well. No bath at their price point was probably an issue. There is always the possibility that something behind the scenes is happening with an acquisition or something as there is always interest in the Hi Lo, and the used ones are few and far between. We get a lot of people asking about them when they see ours that looks almost like new on the outside.

It would be great news to us as we are looking for a slightly larger one, and newer would be better! If I see anything about a 2020, I'll certainly post it. Fingers crossed!

RichR · 12-10-2019, 08:23 AM

My observations have been that Kerola is always promising new models but fails to produce. A number of years ago they were to show the new Hi-Lo at a local RV show but failed to have one there. What models they have had were not the Hi-Lo of the past.

Janet H · 12-16-2019, 05:52 PM

Have a read here: https://www.hilotrailer.com/home/now

RICHARD1943 · 12-19-2019, 07:35 PM

1509; I agree about the toilet. I don't always use it but when I really need to it's close. This also is a big issue with women and children.

I have used the shower only once since I don't have a lot of water so I use body wipes. This year I showered at a 24 hour fitness for $5.00. I was told a lot of long distance truck drivers have annual memberships to 24 Hour Fitness as they are cleaner, more affordable and in many cases more accessible than truck stops. I can believe that.

I have probably towed my 1509 Hi Lo over 50,000 miles with my 2002 4 Runner with 285,000 miles occassionally getting 15+mpg. A larger Hi Lo would be nice but then I would need a V 8 engine as I had with my first Hi Lo over 30 years ago.

Camping vehicles, like tents are a compromise and we are always looking at something else. Since mine is covered in my drive for the winter six months (mid Oct- Mid April) I'm happy not to have more invested and every year plan more outings.

The Denver R V show is next month so I will go and drool. If there are new Hi Lo's I'll be certain to post information on this forum.

Bottom line ! Use whatever you have more. Campers are fun people and there are more places than any of us can visit in one lifetime.

hilooverlander · 12-21-2019, 02:10 PM

Brookside1954, when were the "new" Hi Lo's made that you mention, with no bathrooms? We have a 1993 and I don't know much about when they stopped making them, etc. And when the "new" ones were made?
As far as a 2020 model, that would be cool and interesting to see! We'll have to wait and see, I guess.

JackandJanet · 12-21-2019, 02:38 PM

I'm not Brookside, but I believe the last HiLo that was made by the original company happened in 2011. They all had bathrooms with toilets. The ones that are appearing from the new company have never had toilets.

- Jack

RichR · 12-22-2019, 02:05 PM

Here is what Kerola.com has to offer, a brochure.
Kerola-hi-lo-trailer-wanderer-brochure-2018(7).pdf

Erin B · 06-09-2020, 07:42 AM

Contact Kerola's Campers in Hermitage, PA. They haven't gone into mass production due to low sales, but may still be able to make one for you.

ssheffel · 02-09-2021, 09:41 PM

I called the number on the main Hi-Lo page the other day and it said they are working on a new model to be release some time in 2021 on the answering machine.

RichR · 02-11-2021, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssheffel

I called the number on the main Hi-Lo page the other day and it said they are working on a new model to be release some time in 2021 on the answering machine.

Keep your fingers crossed to see that. They have been promising new models for a number of years.

RICHARD1943 · 02-11-2021, 02:21 PM

The price will probably be double. I'll wonder about the quality. The longer I had my 2009 and saw postings on this site the more I appreciated the quality and forethought that went into original Hi Lo campers.

ssheffel · 02-11-2021, 05:23 PM

Well I came across these a little over a year ago, out of a need for something that would fit in my garage, was solid (not tent material we camp in bear country), and had a bathroom (my wife and kids need). I have been looking for a 2000's model 17' but do have concerns about build quality. Most of the ones I see online seem a little rough around the edges. I'd hate to spend this much on a small pull behind only to have to sink money into it.

ssheffel · 02-11-2021, 05:25 PM

Brookside - If you are interested in buying a new one and have a smaller one 19 or 17 it sounds as though you've kept yours in top condition. I'd be interested in buying used. Please contact me if you go that route.

RICHARD1943 · 02-11-2021, 07:44 PM

Check with Jack and Janet who have owned a 17' Hi Lo for years. Jack has some of the best advice on this forum. Review this forum for advice about repairs. Last year when one cable broke is when, after ten years, that I learned I should have been greasing the cables from the top instead of underneath. I had not seen this information anywhere.

Any camper, vehicle of any kind or house will require maintenance. Take your time checking different forums.

Outdoorsy has a lot of options for renting all sizes of camping vehicles. Check out ones that will fit your family's needs. I visited with five renters and learned quite a bit. However in 2021, I'll be staying in motels close to where I plan to fish or visit friends. I have already found that I prepare most meals in my room similar to when I had my camper. You can still tent camp most places but rent a camper or room when you plan to be in grizzly country or are doing an extended trip. An oxymoron is that in Yellowstone you need a solid camper in campgrounds but tent camp as I have in the backcountry.

Another recent issue is the number of campers 'boondocking' in national forest, BLM or state lands where there are no toilet facilities or anyone to control noise or pets. I have heard but not visited some of the places I used to have privacy that are now crowded with no respect for the land and trash left everywhere. Society has changed for the worse.

davidmaui · 02-19-2021, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssheffel

Well I came across these a little over a year ago, out of a need for something that would fit in my garage, was solid (not tent material we camp in bear country), and had a bathroom (my wife and kids need). I have been looking for a 2000's model 17' but do have concerns about build quality. Most of the ones I see online seem a little rough around the edges. I'd hate to spend this much on a small pull behind only to have to sink money into it.

Hi Lo is a great trailer...easy to work on. Parts can still be found. I have bought and sold over 14 of them since 2018...1999 to 2010s . Most I paid was $10.5K
They ship well, low cost towing and are build like brick **** houses. Went thru a hurricane in my 28' and slept like a baby....tied down to my Land Rover of course. But strong as an ox. very impressed by these trailers. And....I loved freaking people out at a gas station fueling up heading to port to ship out, would need something from fridge and just raise up....while people scratched their heads...oohh'd and aaaah'd and someone always had a positive thing to say...or....ask where they could get one. Yup, really great trailer. And as for condition....they clean up nicely. Most owners I have bought from either remodeled, or kept it in pristine condition. Been lucky I guess. IMO

ssheffel · 02-19-2021, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmaui

Hi Lo is a great trailer...easy to work on. Parts can still be found. I have bought and sold over 14 of them since 2018...1999 to 2010s . Most I paid was $10.5K
They ship well, low cost towing and are build like brick **** houses. Went thru a hurricane in my 28' and slept like a baby....tied down to my Land Rover of course. But strong as an ox. very impressed by these trailers. And....I loved freaking people out at a gas station fueling up heading to port to ship out, would need something from fridge and just raise up....while people scratched their heads...oohh'd and aaaah'd and someone always had a positive thing to say...or....ask where they could get one. Yup, really great trailer. And as for condition....they clean up nicely. Most owners I have bought from either remodeled, or kept it in pristine condition. Been lucky I guess. IMO

Wow davidmaui you probably have a wealth of knowledge! I hope you don't mind me messaging you at some point with a question or two if I get into some smaller repairs. I'm a master electrician myself so I should be able to do most repairs and maintenance on my own but others I may be less comfortable tackling.

One concern I have now is the total height of the hi-lo from ground to the top of the AC unit. Seems the original brochures height spec does not include AC unit. I have received an approx. measurement of the AC unit but haven't been able to confirm and exact from anyone yet.

There are very few hi-lo campers for sale in Canada or I'd measure myself upon viewing. I've seen one 17T in the past year. With border restrictions and quarantine requirements at the moment, it's not looking good for my chances to get one this year as I'll likely have to go States side and bring it up.