Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 

Go Back   Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum > Hi-Lo Tech > Hydraulic lift system
Click Here to Login
Register FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Log in

Hydraulic lift system Hydraulic, mechanical and electrical components of the lift system
Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-17-2017, 09:06 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Adrian, Mi.
Posts: 144
Default How Hi is Enough

Here is what is going on. My top is just about level in the rear street side with the lower wall. And in the front the top is approximately 1 1/2" to 2" lower than the lower wall.

It's is obvious that the cables need to be adjusted (or even replaced).

Here is the Question? Where is the top designed to sit?

I see no daylight on the sides, the bulb seal is tight.
__________________

Bravada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2017, 09:08 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Adrian, Mi.
Posts: 144
Default

Here are some pics so you can visualize
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1247.jpg (139.1 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_1249.jpg (119.7 KB, 11 views)
__________________

Bravada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2017, 09:10 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Adrian, Mi.
Posts: 144
Default

Second attempt to upload pics
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1251.jpg (147.0 KB, 9 views)
Bravada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2017, 09:13 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Adrian, Mi.
Posts: 144
Default

Ok let me try one more.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_1248.jpg (198.3 KB, 10 views)
Bravada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2017, 11:58 PM   #5
Site Team
 
JackandJanet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pine, AZ
Posts: 4,691
Default

Looking at the last picture, I can see why you're worried.

But, if the bulb seal is making good contact with the lip at the top of the bottom half (you may have to take off the interior trim strip to see this), then it's adjusted properly. With the trim strip off, you should be able to see exactly where the bulb seal is.

You don't want to go higher than a good mating of the bulb seal. If you do, it can cause damage to the frame at the bottom edge of the top half due to the increased pull on the cable there. I think it can also damage the pulley or pulleys, in that cable sector, or, it might break the cable.

I damaged my top half lower frame trying to get the inside trim to match up. I was able to fix it, but it taught me a lesson.

- Jack
__________________
Hi-Lo 1707T - Tire Minder TPMS on Tow Vehicle and Trailer, 300W Solar Battery Charger, Equal-i-zer WDH, Progressive Dynamics Converter, Fan-Tastic Fan, LiFePO4 battery 12V DC Electrical System, SoftStartRV mounted on A/C
2024 F150 Platinum FX4 3.5L PowerBoost SCrew
JackandJanet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2017, 08:20 PM   #6
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 59
Default

Bravda and Jack,
What is the bulb seal and how do you replace it? I can see daylight in many places through the crack between the top and bottom parts of the rig.
__________________
Doug Allen
Inman, SC
2017 Nissan Frontier and
1999 21' Hi Lo TowLite
Doug Allen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2017, 09:30 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 234
Default

The bulb seal is supposed to prevent that daylight that you're seeing (along with dust and hot or cold air) through the joint between the top and bottom halves of the trailer.

There are some existing threads that detail bulb seal replacement. I think this might be of use:

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f9/rubber-gasket-5634/

Good luck!
piperjim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2017, 12:24 AM   #8
Site Team
 
JackandJanet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pine, AZ
Posts: 4,691
Default

Doug, I've never had to replace the bulb seal, but there ARE threads here on how to do it.

Take the trim strip off the inside top edge of your bottom half and you will be able to see how well the seal meets the lip and if you need to adjust a cable. It's easy to remove and replace the trim strip in most cases (it's just held on by screws). The only place I have difficulty is in the bathroom. As I remember, it's under the sink counter top and I have to use a right angle screwdriver.

- Jack
JackandJanet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2017, 04:29 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ohio North Coast
Posts: 850
Default

Doug, In regards to the body seal, HiLo originally used a round piece of foam encased in a thin vinyl plastic sleeve. These tore easy after a bit of time. I can't remember what year, but HiLo replaced the flimsy foam seal with a rubber bulb seal. They are similar to the door seals used in your truck. They are much stronger and better than the original seals. For a TEMPORARY fix, you can use copper water pipe insulation. Use the foam insulation for 1/2" pipe. It comes in 6' lengths at any hardware or big box store. Once set up at your campsite, just stuff them from the outside up against your existing seal. This will keep out the air leaks, dust, and BUGS. Better to remove them before lowering as they will either fall out or roll into the inside of your unit. You could re-insert them once the top is down to keep out the road dust and such, depending on how bad your original seal is. Happy camping..........

Bob
__________________
2014 FR Heritage Glen 282RK
2013 F250 HD 6.7L Diesel
Formerly Owned: 1995 22D Fun Chaser & 2901L Classic
retiredcamper47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2017, 09:47 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 59
Default

Thanks Bob.
I think my 1999 TowLite had the original foam encased seal which is mainly gone. I'll try the 1/2" pipe foam insulation.
I wonder if any of the polyurethane or other foam spays are both adhesive and non-dense enough to allow spraying and then lifting and lowering?
__________________
Doug Allen
Inman, SC
2017 Nissan Frontier and
1999 21' Hi Lo TowLite
Doug Allen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2017, 10:06 PM   #11
sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Niagara Falls,NY
Posts: 4,223
Default Replacing seal between halves

Do a search for gasket replacement. DH has done this repair. Tomorrow when I am not so tired I will give you a couple links and places to buy bulb seal. Just cam back from a weekend of camping.
sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2017, 09:19 AM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 68
Default

Why not cut a water weenie in half (Bigger then the 1/2 " pipe foam) and use 2 sided tape to attach flat side. I use my old ones for jug lining . They last about 3 years 1 year for grand-kids 2 years for fishing. Not getting any sunlight attached to trailer they might last longer.
MrEd HiLo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2017, 01:08 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ohio North Coast
Posts: 850
Default

The pipe foam comes in larger diameters for 3/4" and 1" pipe. The pool noodle (as I call them) is a good idea MrEd. Another use for pool noodles is the microwave. It keeps the carousel tray from bouncing around and having to be realigned each time you camp. Just measure from top of m/w to the carousel and add about 1/4". Slip it in and it will hold the carousel tray in place.

Bob
__________________
2014 FR Heritage Glen 282RK
2013 F250 HD 6.7L Diesel
Formerly Owned: 1995 22D Fun Chaser & 2901L Classic
retiredcamper47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2017, 08:21 PM   #14
sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Niagara Falls,NY
Posts: 4,223
Default Bulbseal replacement

This post was written by Sam Shields a HiLo service advisor. Outline for replacing roof gasket 4-3-2010. Or use the link provided for cable replacement .3-3-2010. This explaines how to break the two halves apart. The bulb seal is 3/4 hollow pbulb seal with a 1"stem. Order epdm P bulb seal from McMaster Carr. DH said he used the heavy gague aluminum that comes in a roll. It is used to wrap windows and doors. It is white on one side.He cut the old seal off ith an exacto knife. Then you put the aluminum over the base of the bulb seal and staple with 1/4 narrow crown staples. I remember helping hold the seal as we worked the length of the trailer. Best of luck with this repair.
sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2017, 06:48 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: ohio
Posts: 454
Default

when you start seeing things is high enough! lol
__________________

maestro123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hi-Lo Trailers Worldwide or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
HiLoTrailerForum.com Copyright 2010
×