Bent Hydraulic Ram and snapped off cable connectors

[davidmaui]

(03/07/19)

Rookie mistake. Got in a rush, left a hardshell Propane tank cover under eve of front. lowered into it. whole top tilted down on back would not move in front. nor go up or down more than a 6 inch run. Actually looking for the piston/ram assembly and of course, the cable connector assembly.
I think I can either get a welder or not sure if the piston is bolted in. Am in very wet environment cant get under trailer to get a good look til summertime.

Well I am living in this 29 B and its ok...looking for the 31 footer Hi Lo made...similiar to the 29 B...just a little more leg room.lol

 

[piperjim]

Ouch, that was an expensive lesson, huh?

You can find most Hi-Lo parts at either of these two businesses:

Midget RV & Trailer in Belleville OH
J and R Trailer Repair in Mt Vermon OH

Hydraulic cylinders are relatively "generic" and can be found at local hydraulic shops (who might also be able to repair your cylinder), or check Northern Tool.

Good luck

 

[Treeclimber]

David, sorry to hear about your "event". But all is not lost. Under "search" type in Hydraulic piston removal. The second post down will tell you how to fix things up. Gotta get the top down first. Note that the piston ram end IS threaded to that big heavy plate. It's removed after the assembly is removed. Take your time, Take pics, if possible, to assist in the install phase.
Old carpet, from side to side on top of a tarp will help with the ground. One step at a time, you CAN do it.
Tree

 

[RichR]

While you're under there check the guide rod for being bent or damaged.

 

[Qwerty-HILO]

Commiserations on your faux pas, David but I think we've all lowered in haste & broken something.

Maybe this leads to a 'guilty' thread. Hows about it, fellow Hi-Loers?

Ours are:

City water L connector
Front ceiling cabinet
Bathroom 'wardrobe' lift-up door
Broom left upright in shower
USB charger left in antenna booster socket

 

[Treeclimber]

guilty here also. PO told me how he'd left a cupboard door open in rear bath--3 weeks later I did the same thing to the other cupboard door. Made two like doors and went on with life. DSO just reminded me that had left a paper towel roll above the sink. No damage, but top didn't go all the way down. Stuff happens, we learn. Now BOTH of us search inside and out before we set up and before shutting down a campsite.
Tree

 

[Scribe-HILO]

I've left lights on counter but I'm using linear actuator, Burden Sales usually has a great selection of hydralic equipment but Progressive Automation may allow you to switch over to Linear Actuators, they have many different types and with a 12 volt electrical system an Acme Screw may be easier to rig than the cable system.
JHMO, Scribe

 

[Richard-HILO]

A buddy of mine used to work for one of the Hi-Lo dealers. He tells of the time the dealer's shop replaced the floor in a customer's Hi-Lo. The shop guys did the normal clean up after the job, but one of the guys left a broom standing in the corner next to the refrigerator, and proceeded to lower the top. My buddy said that was an expensive lesson.

 

[sam-HILO]

Guilty as charged.

My neighbor came to talk to me. Then I lowered the HiLo with the water door on the exterior open. Crunched the door. Lowered the HiLo with and expensive half gallon of protectant 303 on the back bumper. Lowered the HiLo with a thermos on the counter. DH was able to borrow some cupboard bottom and made a patch.

 

[RCREYES]

Here's a link to the lowering checklist. I made a copy and added a few items to meet my personal needs. I laminated it and use a grease pencil to check off each item. Remember....those that have and those that will....

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f55/lowering-checklist-362/