New HiLo owners

VanIam · Feb 4, 2022

We have always loved vintage campers and found a 2577 Hilo in the next town over. New hydraulic pump so it raises and lowers. It’s got a bit of water damage in the back where the vent pipes leaked and I found some pinholes up front that will need to be filled and I’ll probably put a rubber coat on top. Trying to keep it as close to original as I can.

Game plan.
1. Fix the leaks in the roof
2. Replace vents
3. Seals between two halves?
4. When chances of freezing is over start working on plumbing .
5. Tires before travel.

Glad to know there are forums out here for these guys. This is a new thing for me. I also currently have a 2016 Grand Design 337RLS so I am new to the pop up portions of the Hi Lo

Open to any suggestions!

Usagi5678 · Feb 4, 2022

Welcome to the forum.

Many on the forum have HILOS of your vintage. The roofs have pinpoint holes due to galvonic corosion. Haven't had this problem yet!! Good idea to coat your roof. We have one spot around our roof stink vent. Used Externia bond tape to reinforce. When you get to replacing the seal between the layers we can give a specific set of instruction. Many of us have had to do this repair. Many happy adventures await you.

campthewestcoast · Feb 5, 2022

Noticed that you may be missing lower left side siding ( at what I can see in picture) any sheet metal shop in your area can reproduce the diamond pattern by using a metal brake to match other siding on the trailer
Add cooling fans on refrigerator to make it more efficient in keeping your food cold
Add a second battery for better amp hours
Add in hidden USB ports to charge cell phones off of house batteries

VanIam · Feb 5, 2022

Thank you for the tips! Good to know about the sheet metal shop being able to make the diamond panels! I actually haven’t even tried the refrigerator yet. Is there a thread on adding fans to a refrigerator?

campthewestcoast · Feb 6, 2022

Hi lo tech , appliances go refrigerator fan
First I enlarged the louvres on the outside grills for more air flow( I made my own grill at my sheetmetal shop)
I put an axial fan on the outside coil behind the grill on the outside of the trailer on a thermostat ( the newer hi los have this)
Also I put an waterproof axial on the inside of the refrigerator with a switch to help with cooling
Since the refrigerator works on convection
By doing these upgrades on a 100degree day the ref stays at 38 degrees

campthewestcoast · Feb 6, 2022

I have posted all of my mods on this forum
The problem is I’ve done so many it’s hard to locate a certain one but it should be in the title
Start with a search of posts made by campthewestcoast

campthewestcoast · Feb 6, 2022

Many of us on this forum have done mods

campthewestcoast · Feb 6, 2022

Everyone has used different types of caulking on there trailers
I use sikaflex 1a ,have used it since the mid 80’s in construction always excellent when used , started using on RV s in 2000
Comes in 5 different colors ( may be difficult to get in some areas but on Amazon )
I use white but cream and bronze might be better colors on your trailer
It has lasted 7 years on my roofand wall seams ( just started redoing them this season) before I get a leak

Angel-HILO · Feb 8, 2022

As far as the Seals between the two halves; I have an 2589 Voyager Classic, and while you can certainly find and purchase the very expensive seals...I took a suggested route and used a garage door sweep and installed it on the inside by removing the inside wood trim on the bottom halve and stapled it down. I then put the wood trim back which also helped to hold it in place. Check my post, I included some pictures on how I did it.
Good luck.

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