1982 Funchaser - Just bought - Help?

[Rachie713]

Hey yal,

I'm an excited new owner of a 1982 HiLo Funchaser. I bought it for $500. My plan is to live in it for 6 months while I'm out of state (in Florida) for a work study. This is my first camper. I feel like it's in good shape for It's age. The biggest issues is the hydraulic fluid leaks, heater doesn't work, 2 window latches are broke, roof vent is cracked, fridge needs charged (previous owner told me this) and keys are missing for door lock. Those seem like doable projects, right? The structure is solid with new hardwood floors. Plumbing, electric and gas is good. I'd like to convert the table (table is missing) to a permanent bed. Does anyone have any advise for Me? I'm having trouble finding replacement parts. I have basic skills for constructions and up for the challenge.

 

[renoites]

I have an 85 funchaser and can help.
first prioritize.
cover vent roof lid with plastic and tape down.
you rarely need a heater in FL. buy a very small electric.
fix hydraulic leaks...where is it leaking? If from cylinder end needs to be rebuilt. Check and refill as necessary, if from joint tighten.
don't worry about window latches.
lv fridge alone and buy small electric one instead. will cost you $1k for total fix
Locks are very generic. My home gate lock key works for my trlr also.
parts for hi-lo are very generic and can be found. Not brand specific.
My pull out jack knife bed became a drop down bed/ table.
vintage trlr parts sellers have most of the non generic parts.

It is very wet in fl. that is why I said fix the top vent lid first! fix roof????
easy to do!

 

[Rachie713]

Hey there,

Thank you for the advice. I currently live in Indianapolis and will head to Florida in April. It rains daily there. I put a tarp over the roof until I can replace vent covers. The window latches are broke and the 2 kitchen windows won't stay shut. Went to a local rv parts store and they didn't have any latches that fit. Google searches for hi-lo are limited. Glad to know that most parts are generic. I bought some dexron fluid tonight to add and see if I can spot the leak. Do you lower lift with battery charge or do you plug electric in. There is no battery setup so I will need to purchase. I'm interested in solar power. Gosh I'm such a greenhorn. I've got A lot to learn. Thank you again for your help.

 

[sam-HILO]

Welcome to the forum

Post pictures of the parts you need to replace. You have been given some good suggestions to economize on some of your repairs. We have a couple of HiLo owners in Florida. So far what you have asked about has been repaired by older HiLo owners. Many back posts on these repairs. You will need a battery for the lift motor to operate.

 

[bigbar]

Hi,
On your fridge try turning it up side down for about 48 hours. Then try it. Keep in mind it takes a while to get cold. This has worked for me in the past and it may work for you saving you some money.
bigbar

 

[KnottyRig]

Hi,
On your fridge try turning it up side down for about 48 hours. Then try it. Keep in mind it takes a while to get cold. This has worked for me in the past and it may work for you saving you some money.
bigbar

Are the stock fridges the ammonia/evaporative type?

If they are, then unless there’s a leak they *should* work. There’s very little to go wrong with them.

I assume turning it upside down helps get the ammonia back into the “bowl” and eliminate air/vaccum blockage?

 

[Treeclimber]

Some of the items you mentioned are available on amazon, the vent covers and several types of window cranks. There is a section for RV accessories, both interior and exterior. There are about 400 pages of parts and gadgets for all types of RV's

 

[JackandJanet]

Are the stock fridges the ammonia/evaporative type?

If they are, then unless there’s a leak they *should* work. There’s very little to go wrong with them.

I assume turning it upside down helps get the ammonia back into the “bowl” and eliminate air/vaccum blockage?

They ARE, the ammonia type. I had never heard of turning one upside down though. That's certainly something to keep in mind. Of course getting it out of the trailer to perform that act would be a bit of a trick.

- Jack

 

[Rachie713]

Thank you. I wasn't able to start working on it today. All of you have given me helpful tips. I was thinking about switching it out the fridge for a thinner model but would love to save some money. I will try turning it upside down. Great tip. I agree, I think it will be a pain to get the fridge out but surely I could turn it upside down inside the trailer.

 

[renoites]

Rachie713
only add atf to the pump reservoir with the trlr in the DOWN position. Check so fluid is 1' below threads.
Measure the roof vent. We tried many times 2 years ago to find a 20", which is my size for a new member. And failed after several tries.
Can easily be made larger.
Fl in Apr to July, I would think you also need AC. I did all spring for my wife when there.
Removing the fridge and turning it upside down would be a major undertaking for anyone not familiar with fridge. Just get a $130 dorm fridge that runs on 120v.
I used 2 120v fridges on my first trip to FL for 3 months.

The battery is the heart of the trlr.
It runs the pump for raising. trips the solenoid for lowering, and powers the interior lights. runs the water pump.
the 120v runs the battery charger, the converter, and 120v wall outlets.

have you ever towed a trlr? Your trlr is heavy, 3500lbs.
what are you towing it with. Do you have a brake controller, a wdh (weight dist hitch), sway bar.

Everyone is a noob to start. Learn and ask questions.
I would suggest also practicing hooking up and driving.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

hth
steve

 

[Treeclimber]

Where in FL are you heading? Maybe close to a Hi Lo owner.

 

[Bravada]

I agree first fix the vent covers. In general watch for leaks. All leaks! Leaks ignored will ruin your trailer so fast? Many owners have lost thousands of dollars because of leaks. Get on the roof 2x a year and give it a good visual inspection.

You'll have fun camping/ living in it if you agree to do the basics.