Adjusting cables

[dsaint]

I'm working on adjusting cables. My 1999 24 ft Hilo has a storage compartment on the back. I think I have to take that off so I can put the 2x4 onto the frame rails? Anyone have experience with this?

 

[JackandJanet]

Just place the 2x4s between the outriggers and the top lower edge.

- Jack

 

[dsaint]

Thanks.
Hmm, what are the outriggers. The piece on the back is a bin, I think for sewer hoses.

 

[Angel-HILO]

(Quote: Hmm, what are the outriggers??..) The Main trailer frame is referred to as "Outriggers", that's where you would place your 2x4's and upward to your upper halve.

 

[JackandJanet]

dsaint - the outriggers are the four rectangular supports that stick out on the sides of the trailer lower half that the upper half rests upon when it is in the down position for towing. The term "outrigger" is used frequently in this forum to refer to these things.

You want to support the top on the sides, not the ends.

You can normally put the sewer hoses inside the rear bumper. The compartment between the frame and the bumper is for storage of the awning pull, or anything else that will fit that isn't damaged by moisture, such as containers of black water treatment

- Jack

 

[dsaint]

Thank you both. I have the compartment for storage so do I remove it before putting the 2x4s to support the top? I'm going to have to check if there is somewhere to put the sewer hoses in the back bumper. Our HiLo is 1999 and I don't remember a place for that.

This has just been a difficult project. I had the roof replaced several years ago and now have another leak. It has only gone out once since then and stays covered. Quite disappointed.

Now the top won't go up. I'm working on the battery.

 

[JackandJanet]

You shouldn't have to remove anything to place 2x4s between the top and outriggers.

The rear bumper is hollow. Pull the end caps off, insert the sewer hoses, reinstall end caps, done. This is the was virtually all trailers stow sewer hoses, regardless of brand.

- Jack

 

[dsaint]

A continuing problem...thanks to a post on the forum I charged the battery from the house. It held overnight. I tried to raise the top and it goes a couple of inches and won't go higher. A cable problem now?

 

[JackandJanet]

You MAY be low on hydraulic fluid in the lift system. If so, when the reservoir becomes empty, the top will stop lifting. It should be within 1" of the top of the reservoir with the top down. Bend a wire or straw, or something similar to use as a dipstick. Top up if necessary with Dexron 2, 3 or 4. DO NOT use Dexron 5 or any other kind of fluid. I doubt a cable problem would stop the lifting process part way.

Does the lift motor continue to run when the top stops? It is possible too, that something is binding between the top and bottom halves, but this is rare.

- Jack

 

[dsaint]

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately it didn't change anything. The motor does keep running but it doesn't go up. I can't see anything underneath that looks weird...as if I'd know. Any idea would be appreciated. Don
na

 

[JackandJanet]

If the motor is running and the top stops lifting, you are either low on hydraulic fluid, or have binding between the top and bottom halves, or possibly, a leak in the system. If you're not seeing hydraulic fluid on the ground, then the lowering valve may be partially stuck open.

This "stuck open" problem can be because you have opened the manual lowering valve partially (if you have one) or, there can be debris stuck in the valve. You can clear debris by raising and lowering the top repeatedly to flush the valve.

If the manual valve is open, close it. If you're low on fluid, add some. If there's binding, you'll have to find it, which can be hard to do. Sometimes, things fall down between the two halves.

- Jack

 

[dsaint]

Thanks Jack, I'll check both of those. Donna