Hello - inheriting a family HiLo but do I want it?

Hi All,

I tried to post this once before in a different section but it's gone (hopefully I didn't upset a moderator?). Please forgive me if somehow it comes back. I've been looking forward to inheriting a 24' 2000 HiLo Classic. Today I saw it in detail for the first time. A few years ago it had a roof leak and had the roof replaced, but the damage may be worse than I thought. It looks like the sides are wavy and the metal frame that the cables attach to is rusted through in places. It's free to me, but I'd appreciate any thoughts on what I'm up against.

Thanks also for being patient with me, I've always liked the HiLo but am only just getting to know them well.

A couple of pics (full album): https://flic.kr/s/aHskGjjPyn

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

r67northern said:

Hi All,

I tried to post this once before in a different section but it's gone (hopefully I didn't upset a moderator?). Please forgive me if somehow it comes back. I've been looking forward to inheriting a 24' 2000 HiLo Classic. Today I saw it in detail for the first time. A few years ago it had a roof leak and had the roof replaced, but the damage may be worse than I thought. It looks like the sides are wavy and the metal frame that the cables attach to is rusted through in places. It's free to me, but I'd appreciate any thoughts on what I'm up against.

Thanks also for being patient with me, I've always liked the HiLo but am only just getting to know them well.

A couple of pics (full album): https://flic.kr/s/aHskGjjPyn

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

HiLo by Lineswest, on Flickr

Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum. It definitely has some severe water damage. It is all repairable depending how much time and money you want to put into it. The price is right!

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of thinking about buying and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

Part that are Hi-Lo specific are available at the links below. Good luck!

Home - JR REPAIR

Midget RV & Trailer Service HiLo Specialist

Should you keep this HiLo?

Wow!! Lots of water damage. This unit can be fixed. It will require lots of hrs. and thousands of $. Only you can decide if you are handy enough and want to put the time and $ into it. We have had one member fix a unit in much worse shape. Best of luck with your decision. If you want you could sell the parts.

Thanks for the check list, that's very helpful. Everything works, seems like it's all structural stuff and the interior items are all in very nice shape. Too bad it wasn't kept under cover or wrap I guess.

I appreciate the input, I'll keep thinking about it. I do know my time isn't free or unlimited so this may be too big of a project to undertake.

It's a shame to see a Hi-Lo in that condition!

I would venture a guess that you could buy a nice used unit for what it will cost you, in time and materials, to repair this one. Of course, a lot depends on how you value your time.

Also, I'm not sure what frame material you have in that model and year, but if you have a steel frame, there could be a real surprise waiting for you under the exterior.

As Sam states, if you decide to forego the challenge offered, you could part it out and recoup a little money.

piperjim said:

It's a shame to see a Hi-Lo in that condition!

I would venture a guess that you could buy a nice used unit for what it will cost you, in time and materials, to repair this one. Of course, a lot depends on how you value your time.

Also, I'm not sure what frame material you have in that model and year, but if you have a steel frame, there could be a real surprise waiting for you under the exterior.

As Sam states, if you decide to forego the challenge offered, you could part it out and recoup a little money.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the thoughts on this. I've found out that it probably leaked through the roof for two winters while it was not being used. Plenty of time to have everything come apart. It is sad given the condition of the trailer before all of this happened.

I'll continue to think on it a little bit - I also suggested the part-out idea to the owner. I'm not sure he's up for the hassel of stripping it and shipping parts out, but I'll make sure everyone knows if he decides to.

Well I'm thinking more and more that even though it will take a lot of work, it's probably time well spent. As a first step I'm thinking about getting a carport to keep it a little more dry while I gut it section by section. Can anyone tell me how high these things go fully lifted?

Sorry if I'm overlooking that info on the forum here somewhere.

Thinking of repairing

You could also sell for someone else to fix. DH thinks the trailer raises to 7 or 7 1/2 feet? You will defeniately know what to do when you tear it apart. Take lots of pictures and measured diagrams before you rip apart. Cover your floors and counters with cardboard and duct tape. I just saw some residue free duct tape at Walmart. Bag and label parts. It is hard to remember all the parts three months later!! Carefuly take apart your walls and use the material for a pattern around the window. Post pictures as you repair and we will answer your questions.Airstream owners take three yrs. to restore their trailers. Do it once and do it right!!!

I just realized the wall paneling looks like what I ordered from Georgia Pacific through ACE hardware. Just in case you don't have to strip the end inside paneling.

r67northern said:

Well I'm thinking more and more that even though it will take a lot of work, it's probably time well spent. As a first step I'm thinking about getting a carport to keep it a little more dry while I gut it section by section. Can anyone tell me how high these things go fully lifted?

Sorry if I'm overlooking that info on the forum here somewhere.

Click to expand...

If you want to have the trailer raised under the carport you will need about 10' to include A/C and a little space to spare.

Thanks for the replies, 10 ft makes sense, I'm just not by it to measure it for awhile. I am looking around for some used units since I don't have the family trailer yet so nothing is certain but a cover will be good no matter what.