1970 Hilo ,surge brakes? wood frame?

[moonglow]

I'm guessing the 1970 16 foot hi lo still had surge breaks and wood frames sense 1969 did. ..Does any one know?

 

[69hilo2]

Wood Frames

Did the 1969 hilo have wood frames??

Later Tim owner 18ft 1969 hilo

 

[JMDoering]

Tim,
In my 1969 model, the basic frame is 1" X 1" square steel tubing. Probably way overbuilt. Those trailers are heavy for there size...of course they're also extremely stable.
Yes, in our model there is some wood also, but nothing involving the structural shell. Little bits and pieces here and there to provide a good mounting material (behind the aluminum) for light fixture screws, etc.

Yes, our BonVoyage came with surge brakes. Years ago we changed ours over to electric brakes.

Jim

 

[69hilo2]

Simple question

Jim
Hope that you are feeling better from your trip. Thanks for the above info.

Simple question is -- how do you tell what model that you have on a 1969 hilo?

There is a tag on the outside that states hilo and at the bottom it states Traveler. So could it be a Traveler Model? Also it's 18ft and change long. On the tag it also states Model 189. Thoughts.

Later Tim Owner 1969 hilo

 

[JMDoering]

Hi Tim,

You found it! Travelers were the model just below the Bon Voyage. Model #189, means it was 18' long, made in 196"9". Our Bon Voyage is a Model 209. Which is weird because the ball to bumper length is only 19'.

Looking at the original sales brochure, it appears all Hi-Lo models, of that year, were built the same way. Differing in length and some of the accessories that were available.
Jim

 

[69hilo2]

Thanks

Jim
Just found that tag tonight. So this means that I have a Traveler model. From the ball to the rear bumper my wife and I measured 18ft and a few inches. Learned some more new stuff tonight.

Later Tim Owner of a Traveler 1969 hilo

 

[moonglow]

Thanks Tim. I want to stay away from surge. brakes. Ill keep loking.

 

[69hilo2]

surge brakes

moonglow
Why stay away from surge brakes?? This braking system has been around for a long time and is still used by several trailer rental places. If your planing on putting large loads behind you then maybe not. But for the normal hilo trailer that came with the surge brakes it still should work just fine. Ok, going up and down (mainly down) mountains can be a problem but.
I'm sure that a few folks are going to come along and tell us how much better things are after they changed to electrical brakes but this hilo cames with surge brakes so why change. Again adding large load to the trailer could do it.
Just my thoughts.

Later Tim

 

[JMDoering]

Tim, I always thought the surge brakes where adequate, and convenient.

I converted our Hi-Lo to electric brakes (yes it meant changing the axles), principally because I was finally having such a difficult time procuring needed spare parts, and just keeping the brakes working. Two different Hi-Lo dealers had their way with the brake system, and neither was successful. So I made the switch and haven't looked back.

Incidentally, I never had problems with the brakes actuating when going downhill (unless I applied the car brakes). A good strong damper piston will prevent that. In hindsight, I do wish I'd tried a repair one more time...at a boat trailer specialist. That seems to be where the expertise is now

Jim

 

[moonglow]

Tim. The reason I don't want surge brake is I heard it was close to impossible to get repairs or new ones put on. And if the trailer is old enough to have surge brakes there probably no longer good. Or won't be for very long.

 

[69hilo2]

parts

FYI
I've seen at least two websites offering replacement parts.

Later Tim & Nancy

 

[C317414]

Tim. The reason I don't want surge brake is I heard it was close to impossible to get repairs or new ones put on. And if the trailer is old enough to have surge brakes there probably no longer good. Or won't be for very long.

I'm not familiar with the surge brakes used on early Hi-Los. If they are similar to those used on boat trailers, you may be able to find parts and get service at places that work on them. Moreover, there are a few conversion kits on the market to install disc brakes on boat trailers. If the axle spindles on a Hi-Lo are the same as those in boat trailers, these kits may be a worthwhile addition.

In any case, do a search for boat trailer brakes. You will see a number of online sellers that provide parts, including disc brake kits.

 

[moonglow]

There diffrent then boat trailer brakes. I called several boat trailer repairs and they said they couldn't even replace the surge brakes. As the boat trailer parts were Chevy and campers Ford( don't remember the exact manufacturers, But point is they are different.