1978 Hi-Lo Help Plz

[steps202]

I recently inherited this gem and know nothing about it. I need to transport it about 400 miles. My father whom passed was a genius that could work any piece of equipment and figure out what no one else could. My uncle indicated that he was unable to get the hydraulics to properly work, my father got it to raise and lower. I don’t have much time when I go out to handle the estate and I am scared to attempt to raise it, but I need to replace a couple of tires in order to pull it home. Can you change a tire on these with out raises the camper? Doesn’t seem to be much clearance. Is there a manual way to raise and lower the top just in case the hydraulics decide to give me fits? One I get it home, I don’t mind the troubleshooting and am not worried about issues I encounter, but while I am out in Oklahoma, I need to make the most of my time. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[JackandJanet]

Welcome, steps - so sorry to hear of your Father's passing.

Yes, you can change the tires without raising the top. You can jack it up by placing a bottle jack or scissors jack under the longitudinal frame as close to the axle as possible, but NOT under the axle itself. Alternatively, with a tandem (two-axle) trailer, you can just pull or push the trailer up onto boards or leveling blocks so that one wheel is on them and the other on that side hangs free. The free hanging one is the one you will change. The block method is the easiest approach.

You MAY or may not have a manual lift option on that trailer. But, my advice is, DO NOT attempt to raise it until you get it home. It's in the towing configuration now. "Let sleeping dogs lie"!

Once you get it home, you'll have time to get familiar with it and can figure out what questions to ask.

- Jack

 

[steps202]

Many Thanks

Such a relief! I appreciate your help very much. I now have the confidence to tackle the job.

 

[JackandJanet]

You're most welcome, steps. If you're new to trailer towing, almost ALL trailer tires are speed rated to 65 mph, so don't drive faster than that. There's one exception, a new Goodyear Endurance tire that's speed rated to 84 mph. If the tires on that trailer are 5 years old, or older, they should be replaced regardless of the tread condition. Trailer tires get changed based on age, rather than treadwear. A trailer tire blowout is not something you want to experience.

- Jack

 

[Usagi5678]

Welcome to the forum.

You have joined a very friendly group of HiLo owners. Lots of our members have great advice to share and will answer your questions. Also several HiLo owners have the same model,year as you. Best of luck in getting your HiLo home.

 

[steps202]

I look forward to visiting and getting to know all of you. I really lucked out finding such a great group.

 

[Freddiefreeloader]

After you get those tires ready and if this one sat in pasture for a long period chances are one or more of the tail lights, brake or turn signal lights do not work. If it is like my 90 model that sat for a time you may need to replace bulbs and / or clean the contact points for the bulbs. My brake - signal bulbs are 1157 bulbs.

 

[steps202]

Wanted to thank everyone for their help and advice. With the help of a tire buddy, we got the blown tire off, got her to a tire shop for new shoes, and made the 450 mile trip home safe and sound. Can't wait to raise her up and explore inside!

 

[steps202]

When we picked it up I had your advice on the lights in mind. We were very surprised that only on running light was not working. We had better luck with this older model than the 89 34ft Avion that we had brought home a few weeks prior and it hadn't been sitting in the field like this one.

 

[JackandJanet]

Quality lasts!

- Jack