Broken rail guide

paul-HILO · Sep 1, 2010

I have a 1993 Towlite 21TL(bought new). The guide rail on the hinge side of the door has a broken guide(split vertically) and jumps out of the rail. It rides on the outside face of the rail when raising the top. I have taken the rail off and reinserted it when the top is up and the guide follows the rail when collapsing, only to jump out upon moving the camper. Where can I find a new guide and the procedure to rplace?

PopRichie77 · Sep 1, 2010

J&R, the old HI-LO repair place in OH has the guide blocks, Phone number is here in the forum. I posted some where in this forum how I was told to do it by them several years ago. If you call and order the block, they will probably tell you how to replace also. If you can't find the needed information post back and I will find it for you. http://www.jrrepair.embarqspace.com/

sportee · Dec 21, 2010

I have the same issue with my '88.

I am planning to machine my own (a lot larger) and stronger out of composite blocks or aluminum.

PopRichie77 · Dec 21, 2010

I wouldn't use aluminum as the guide rails are aluminum, the same 2 metals will wear very quickly. Kynar would be a good choice but expensive. Our 95 broke also, I got new ones from JR repair several years ago. Mine had a wood shim under them, I substituted a piece of angle iron and welded two small pieces of angel to it to back up the ends of the guide, didn't break after that. Also made sure the guide block was square with the guide rail, shimmed the angle till it was.

JMDoering · Dec 22, 2010

Paul,
Have you been able to surmise a reason that the guide split... Was there a specific situation that caused it to split?

Perhaps we can all learn from your experience with this.

Jim

PopRichie77 · Dec 22, 2010

With wood frame models the cable pulling on the inside of the top tends to roll or pull the wood under so that it is no longer square. Wood under tension for years tends to move. This puts extra pressure on the guide block. Making a tapered shim of the proper thickness to square up the guide block with the guide rail, makes a good fix. Hi-Lo s with metal frames shouldn't have this problem.

JMDoering · Dec 24, 2010

That makes sense. I keep forgetting that some Hi-Lo's were constructed with wood frames. Thanks!

cactusjack-HILO · Sep 13, 2011

mine on my 84 just cracked on my door side. one by the door and one in the aft of mine on door side! i have NO clue how to fix or put new ones in!?!? help!!!!!!

RichR · Sep 13, 2011

Check out this earlier thread: http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f17/glide-block-replacement-543/

Broken rail guide

paul-HILO

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sportee

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JMDoering

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