getting my new(88)22l fixed

going to j&r repair to get my sidewall fixed and all cables replaced on monday, i'll let everyone know how it went and the prices so everyone will know to check out a hi-lo before they buy one that had or has problems . maybe i can help others have less headaches and fuller wallets.

robobd said:

going to j&r repair to get my sidewall fixed and all cables replaced on monday, i'll let everyone know how it went and the prices so everyone will know to check out a hi-lo before they buy one that had or has problems . maybe i can help others have less headaches and fuller wallets.

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Yeah. We were just at J 7 R this past week. Great people. I need some sidewall repair and roof repair on my Hi-Lo. Gonna have to really think about that though, as it's a 1996 and they quoted me 5-6K for the repairs.

Repairs on 96 HiLo

I feel your pain in trying to decide if your trailer is worth 5-6 grand for repairs. Look up the value at www.NADAguides.com. Our 90 HiLo classic has some delaminated walls and the outside fiberglass is respective of a 21 year old trailer. We love the layout and the interior colors. We are the second owner and the trailer has never been in an accident. Seems like you must be handy to keep the older trailers repaired vs. a shop doing the repairs.

Seeing a few RVS on the road

Today we had a chance to go into our HiLo as it is parked five minutes away from our hiome. Our lot is all chainlink fenced in and we generally leave it in the "low Boy" position. Hubby did some of the apple tree pruning and I picked up three bags of trash and leaves..One more good session and we should have all the pruning/spring clean up done. Itching for warmer weather. We had more stone and fill brought in to enlarge our elevated driveway. Now we can park the 25ft.trailer and truck on the driveway. We often go and mow the lot and have lunch in the Hi Lo.i'LL have to ask my daughter if she knows how to post pictures?

Roof leaks

While at J & R this past week, they brought to my attention where there is a problem with the roof leaking. I always thought it was bird droppings on the roof. They are small, black marks. These are usually pit holes and water goes through them. seal with a good clear caulk.

I believe I was told that the pinholes come through from the inside. I will find out more about that and what the cause is. Bad memory.

RichR said:

I believe I was told that the pinholes come through from the inside. I will find out more about that and what the cause is. Bad memory.

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How could they come from the inside?

Don't take this as gospel, but I believe there are nails or screws that come in contact with the roof sheeting, interaction between metals. I will be seeing my dealer friend in a few days when I take the 2310 in for inspection. I will ask him then if I can remember to do it. I may be way off base.

Hi Tom,

Is the roof of your trailer aluminum?

Jim

The design of the hi-lo roof is part at fault. With the steel inter-frame and the aluminum roof, there is no water proof isulation of the two dissimilar metals (on my 97, they used cardboard that holds moisture). With the dampness trapped, even from condensation, it causes electrolysis. This reaction will break down or eat away the underside of the aluminum roof causing pin holes and more leaks. The best way to fix this is replace the aluminum roof and add a isulator membrane such as weatherguard ice and water shield. (If installed correctly, an aluminum roof will out last a rubber roof) Option 2 is to coat the roof in a flexible metal roof coating. You may have to reaply every two years but it would last longer than just caulking. Option 3 is to look at using a product called Eternabond repair tape but if it is a large roof area it may not be cost effective at a 4"x50' roll for eighty dollars.

campthewestcoast said:

The design of the hi-lo roof is part at fault. With the steel inter-frame and the aluminum roof, there is no water proof isulation of the two dissimilar metals (on my 97, they used cardboard that holds moisture). With the dampness trapped, even from condensation, it causes electrolysis. This reaction will break down or eat away the underside of the aluminum roof causing pin holes and more leaks. The best way to fix this is replace the aluminum roof and add a isulator membrane such as weatherguard ice and water shield. (If installed correctly, an aluminum roof will out last a rubber roof) Option 2 is to coat the roof in a flexible metal roof coating. You may have to reaply every two years but it would last longer than just caulking. Option 3 is to look at using a product called Eternabond repair tape but if it is a large roof area it may not be cost effective at a 4"x50' roll for eighty dollars.

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Makes sense.

JMDoering said:

Hi Tom,

Is the roof of your trailer aluminum?

Jim

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Yes it is aluminum.

Hi Tom,

Yes, yes I agree with Les that it really sounds like galvanic corrosion. Especially since you refer to the black color and pitting. Aluminum corrosion is black and galvanic corrosion usually causes pitting.

As far as what caused it, the presence of a dissimilar metal can certainly be a big yes. But other things could also be at the root, for example... fertilizer pellets spread or blown by the wind. Some have a high enough iron content to cause rust streaks in concrete and could be potent enough to cause galvanic corrosion if they land on a roof and melt. Could be other scenarios, and what Les writes certainly may be the case, I'm not that familiar with how more modern Hi-Lo's are designed. I will say that our 1969 has an aluminum roof, laid on top of a steel square-tubing frame, and I've never had a leak due to galvanic corrosion. Back then maybe they did a better job of insulating between the roof and the frame?

In any event, sounds like a few pits should be easy enough to seal.

Good luck,
Jim

response to repairs

to tjm, if I had to replace my whole camper with one that will have all the repaired upgrades that mine will have, (all wood replaced with treated wood, new larger bulb seals, new oak sealing trim, and a new sidewall and cables, I would be looking at the price of a 2000 to 2008 instead of the $5000.00. that I am puting into my 88 22L. The quality is being put back in, and so is the care. Best of luck with your hi-lo.