Prospective owner

delsurfin · Sep 25, 2015

As a very senior camper ,I am downsizing from a 28 ft. 5th wheel with slide to a smaller unit.
I have always been intrigued by the HILO concept but it seems there are so many comments about water damage.
Was this corrected on later models (ie. 2004 and on) are just kind of a typical issue with RVS in general?
I am looking at a 2004 270 I believe. My tow vehicle is a 2007 2500RAM WITH A 5.9 CUMMINS QUAD CAB 8FT BED At 4000 lbs. this presents no issues.
I know that sometimes on web sites the most vocal are those that vent their issues which is fine, but I kind of take that into account.
This website certainly is very helpful and I hope to find that :find of a lifetime" HILO

Thanking all in advance,

ED

retiredcamper47 · Sep 25, 2015

Ed,

Wall water damage can come from several sources. Namely the roof seams, pin holes in metal roofs, and from windows not being sealed properly (butyl tape sealer being dried out and shrinking) to name a few. This is something common to all types of travel trailers. Many owners don't realize this and don't do preventative maintenance on their units. When the water damage signs show up, it is usually too late. Hope this helps.

Bob

campthewestcoast · Sep 25, 2015

Ed,

We agree with RetiredCamper47, most of the water issues can be prevented by maintenance.

Something to be noted: HiLo Towlites (not classics) from the early to mid 1990s contain wood framing in the walls that the cable system is attached to. We had a 1997 TowLite that developed a water intrusion opening behind the awning and rotted out the wall framing. The rotted framing was not strong enough to hold the cable pulleys, so the top started to roll under and push out. This proved to be a big problem, so we sold the 1997 to a RV repair shop for a nominal amount and purchased a 2006 model 2206 with aluminum framing.

We loved our 1997 Hi-Lo so much that we could not imagine changing to another brand and type of trailer.

delsurfin · Sep 25, 2015

Thank you,
Does anyone know what year they went to aluminum framing?
I am looking at a 2004 270
ED

campthewestcoast · Sep 25, 2015

delsurfin said:
Thank you,
Does anyone know what year they went to aluminum framing?
I am looking at a 2004 270
ED

Ed,

The started making TowLites with aluminum framing either in 1999 or 2000. You will be fine with a 2004. There are brochures under the Reference section of the forum, and that may help you on your search.

RichR · Sep 25, 2015

According to the brochures, they went to aluminum in 2004.

JIM L-HILO · Sep 25, 2015

delsurfin said:
Thank you,
Does anyone know what year they went to aluminum framing?
I am looking at a 2004 270
ED

Hi delsurfin; Welcome to the forum. I have been RVing since the 60s. I too got rid of the 5th wheel and large travel trailer for the HiLo and love it. Have close to 50000 miles on it. The water problems are common to most RVs and friends with expensive motor homes have had the same problems. Bob and the others are correct that preventative maint. is the answer. If you wait until you see water damage it is too late. It is very easy to add extra sealing and you should never have a problem. You did not say which model you are looking at, towlite, classic, etc. Where In VA do you live? We are just west of Charlottesville and I would be glad to talk with you about any questions you have. Keep in touch and let us know if you get it.

delsurfin · Sep 26, 2015

Thank you for all the info.
The unit is in Richmond at check and shockleys.
I believe it is a 2004 270. Queen bed with couch pop out.
Looks like someone stole the two chairs and table, but there is a coffee table instead. Weird. I am in Williamsburg. We lasted camped in the 5tg wheel at Shenandoah Valley Campground. Pretty nice --they have a cool waterfall
ED

Treeclimber · Sep 26, 2015

Just my three cents.... I have a 2000- 24' Classic and I can assure you it has Alum framing.
Agreed, Maintenance is the key to ANY RV. My neighbor waited three yrs before he started looking at issues. He said it was warranted that long so there should be no problems! Wrong! Luckily, the RV dealer repaired the roof damage (he had to repair interior) and resealed one window. This same gent attended an impromptu window repair session held on MY HI LO a few months back. He's good to go now.
Welcome, by the way. And go for it. Good Luck!
Treeclimber

Prospective owner

delsurfin

Member

retiredcamper47

Senior Member

campthewestcoast

Moderator

delsurfin

Member

campthewestcoast

Moderator

RichR

Moderator

JIM L-HILO

Senior Member

delsurfin

Member

Treeclimber

Senior Member

Similar threads

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days