Hello. Don't know how current this forum is. I am thinking about purchasing a 2001 24TD hi low that is for sale here locally. Are these easy to work on and are there parts available since they are no longer being manufactured? What is the one main thing I should check out prior to purchase? The hydraulics? Should I have a RV mechanic check it out first? The awning looks like it may be shot. And I have a 2017 GMC Savana cargo van. 4.8 L V8. Will this be able to tow this heavy trailer? I need to make the decision soon to purchase. Thank you!

Welcome to the forum.

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)

Hi-Lo specific parts are available at the links below.

http://jrrepair.embarqspace.com/

https://hilotrailerparts.webs.com/apps/webstore/

Towing guides....

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

If you are handy it is possible to purchase awning fabric and replace it your self. The buyers check list has been posted for you. Keep us posted.

Thank you. This is great.

I have a 2002 24' Tow Lite. Unfortunately, when they cut the holes in the walls for the windows, they overcut the openings and the window frame barely overlapped the exterior wall. There is very little margin for error in the opening size. The windows leaked into the walls and rotted the beam. I had to rebuild the beam at the bottom of the upper half and close in the window openings in places to get a proper seal in order to repair the problem. I could have seen the problem at the top of the window by pressing on the wall from the outside, but alas, I did not think to do that. It could have been a Monday morning manufacturing fluke or a systemic problem. Worth looking closely at the water tightness between the wall and window frame from the outside.