Tire blowout repair - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Polarice · 09-07-2011, 01:33 PM

We finally got our '07 19T Towlite repaired from the tire exploding. We took it to PJ's Patchwork LLC in Bellville. Joel did a fantastic job!

There was over $3000.00 in damage from the blowout. This could've all been avoided had HiLo used engineering skill and built an actual wheel well. I had Joel make wheel wells out of sheet metal so that this wouldn't happen again!

If you're looking for any work on your HiLo, I highly recommend Joel. He was the Plant Manager when HiLo was still in business. He knows them inside and out!

He's only 1.5 hours from our home so it's not too far away.

JMDoering · 09-07-2011, 05:29 PM

Our 1969 Hi-Lo was built with wheel wells. Wonder when they discontinued that feature.

Polarice, I sympathize completely... when we had our double flat last year it too, was an expensive fix. Who'd have thought skirting repairs would be so expensive. Fortunately we were partially covered by our insurance.

Jim

sayhonkmon · 09-08-2011, 12:00 AM

What exactly was damaged--the exterior or inside the wheel area top, front or rear or both? I'd like to see some photos of what was done to correct the problem area if you have time. thanks. Very interesting.

JMDoering · 09-08-2011, 12:37 AM

sayhonkman,

Didn't take any photos of the damage (wish I had). But I can report that the skirt between the wheels, and aft for about 18 inches, was badly accordioned and flattened against the underside of the trailer floor. The square tube skirt brace aft of the well was bent, but could be straightened. We suffered no damage to the actual bottom side of the trailer floor.

The attached photo shows the repaired skirt. We opted to repair using the diamond patterned aluminum sheet metal because the gray stuff to match the original skirt was a problem finding and would have been more expensive. Repair shop had the diamond pattern in stock and its easy to find if future repairs to other parts of the skirt are needed.

Jim

JMDoering · 09-08-2011, 12:43 AM

Sayhonkman,

Attached the wrong photo. The previous post shows the driver side skirt. Actual blowout occurred on the passenger (door side) of the trailer. I had the other side redone to match. Here it is:

Jim

Polarice · 09-08-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayhonkmon

What exactly was damaged--the exterior or inside the wheel area top, front or rear or both? I'd like to see some photos of what was done to correct the problem area if you have time. thanks. Very interesting.

I'll try to get some photos to you of the repair and the damage. The damage that occurred was:

Flat tire
Bent rim
water lines for the sink
cabinets under fridge and stove
a bracket for the pulley to raise and lower it (they were surprised we could still do that)
outside grey panel
the cheap makeshift "half" wheel well

The wheel well that was made is a 'total' well. If the tire explodes again it won't go through cabinets and what not. A no brainer to get if you're concerned about a blow out. The ones that he made look like they came with the original HiLo. It looks perfect.

dennismr · 09-08-2011, 11:53 AM

Boy do I feel lucky! We were traveling from Florida to Michigan about a month ago and blew the right rear tire on our 2404t just south of Cincinnatti on I-75. We didn't even know until a couple of truckers honked at us and pointed. We pulled over and saw the shredded tire, replaced it with the spare, and went to a nearby walmart to buy a new tire so we wouldn't be without a spare. It cost us $132 for the tire, 3 hours added onto our trip, and slight damage to the skirting behind the tire, but no damage like you had. I definatly feel lucky now!

JackandJanet · 09-08-2011, 11:58 AM

The diamond skirting looks beautiful! Thanks for posting the pictures, Jim.

- Jack

sayhonkmon · 09-08-2011, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the photos. That repair looks better than the original bodywork.
Thanks again for sharing. I may install some extra support just to prevent damage if that ever occurs. I would rather spend something before any blowouts occur, than have to deal with repairs on the road.

Polarice · 09-08-2011, 03:59 PM

These are the pictures of the damage.

Polarice · 09-08-2011, 04:02 PM

And more pics!

sayhonkmon · 09-08-2011, 11:12 PM

You were right about HiLo engineering skill that was lacking in the wheel wells
for these models. The skirting on my 2007 model is really flimsy sheet medal that can be bent very easily. What were they thinking?? The tires being made in China don't help matters either. Oh well, think positive and use our American knowhow to improve this product. The HiLo is unique in the concept of little or no drag when towing and the money saved on fuel costs can correct these minor problems. With every RV, there are things that need improving and that's a fact. Thanks for the photos.