New HILO Owner

My DAV chapter just had 1979 Donated to us. It has set for about 10 Years and has leaks( in roof). Stored out side. What size battery do I need? Any things to look for before trying to lift? I will be back for more help as we start to restore it.

Welcome to the Forum!

You will probably need at least a Size Group 24 battery, depending upon the size of the battery compartment. Make sure you get a deep cycle battery.

The older trailers with the battery box in front are limited in the space they have. The width and length aren't a big issue but the height is. The cover will not sit down all the way if the battery is too tall. The battery in my trailer when I bought it was too tall so I know this firsthand. If the cover doesn't close completely, it can be crushed when top is down.

Newbie nearly

Waiting for gentleman to get out of hospital, going to purchase a 1993 Hi-lo 27 ft. been waiting a week, but he is in Abilene Tx. going this weekend to buy, he told me he did not have a manual, but sounds like a very honest man, I will look before I buy, any help, what to look for would greatly be appreciated, this is my first Hi-lo, thanks, George

George said:

Waiting for gentleman to get out of hospital, going to purchase a 1993 Hi-lo 27 ft. been waiting a week, but he is in Abilene Tx. going this weekend to buy, he told me he did not have a manual, but sounds like a very honest man, I will look before I buy, any help, what to look for would greatly be appreciated, this is my first Hi-lo, thanks, George

Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum.

Here is a pre buy checklist of most of the things to look for.

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)


Link to owners manuals. Find a year close to yours. They don't change much between year models.

Hi-Lo Owners Manual - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Leaks can, and most probably do, lead to delimitation...I've owned 2 hi-lo's and both suffered from this. But...good news, if your handy, there is a lot of info on this sight and it is all fixable.

Take the time to read up and you'll have a great vintage RV ready to go in no time!

Going to get Hi-lo Monday

Thank you for the help, I found great stuff on this forum, I do appreciate the help. Looking forward to this , I retired in August, sold my Airstream 3 years ago missed camping every day, now I'm excited, God Bless .