Coming back to Hi-Lo

[boater454]

My parents had a 1989 21' Funlite that we pulled with a 1985 Chevy conversion Van with a 305. We took that combo from Ohio out to California several times and to the Smokies several times. We sold both in 2003. Last year I wanted to get back into camping so I bought a TrailManor. We used it a few times and it was fine but I didn't like it as well as the Hi-Lo so I sold it 2 weeks ago and I'm picking up a 2001 Towlite 24TD.

The things I liked better about the Trailmanor were: nice and lite - I could pull it behind a minivan. It towed great. The beds come out the ends like a traditional popup - this gives a lot of bed space without taking up floor space.

The reasons I switched back to Hi-Lo: Accessible while on the road - You can't get into a Trailmanor without putting it up which takes 2 people 3-5 minutes. Not something I wanted to do at a rest stop to grab a sandwich or let my 3 year old use the potty. The Hi-Lo is quick and simple to raise or you can just crawl inside to grab something. Also the Hi-Lo seems to be much higher quality workmanship. The inside of the Trailmanor just seems cheap. Hi-Lo seems to have better insulation. So even though I'll have to pull with my Avalanche now instead of the minivan I'm happy to be back in a Hi-Lo.

 

[jthiel69]

welcome, its good to hear your pros and cons on the 2 different trailers.
i like the beds in the trailmanors but thats about it.
i just bought my 1st hi-lo, its a 1984. i have always wanted one of these and i think i will like its simplicity while still having all the necessities.
it has a lot of inside storage and more counter space than i have ever had.
my only negative is having to make my bed each night. when i am really tired i like to go to bed, not have to make it up first.
i have yet to sleep in it so i am really looking forward to summer to take it out. i am sure i will get a few comments, you don't see many of them around here.

 

[boater454]

Yes there is more storage in the Hi-Lo than the Trail Manor. It is nice in the TrailManor that you can leave sheets and blankets on the beds though.

 

[retiredcamper47]

That is why we went from a 1995 22' HiLo to a 2001 29' HiLo. The 29' has a permanent bed in it. The wife got tired of doing the couch into a bed each night in the 22'. Got rid of the mattress that came with the 29' and installed an Aerobed air mattress in its place. Makes for a great nights sleep.

 

[jthiel69]

yes that would be my goal too, just get a bigger one!
they are not too common around here though but i will keep looking.

 

[PaulS-HILO]

I pull both my trailers with our mini van and every things fine.

 

[Harley D]

hello,
We just bought a 1996 Funlite 24', it has two couches that are parallel to the wall on the right side when you walk in, above them is a bed that comes down. We intent to make that our sleeping quarters, that way we don't have to take all the bedding off, just fold it back up!
Harley D

 

[carpenter-HILO]

Hello, I own a 2005 23' classic and I have to agree we don't like making the beds every night.Also the bed is not that comfortable. The couch in my 1986 HiLo was much better.
I could not get the same layout when I bought my new one. Hope this message goes it is my first try.

 

[JMDoering]

Carpenter,
Welcome to the HTF!

I'm in the middle of knocking out a big job, or I'd give you a link... But last fall on the HTF, there was a thread about making Hi-Lo beds more comfortable. Some of our members have very good and innovative ideas and have successfully experimented and developed some cozy solutions. Do a search and check it out!

Jim

 

[Harley D]

@Carpenter, yes it came through and we will not be using the upper bed because when we pulled it down we realized it was a single! So we will be using the couches and will have to pull them out and in every night and morning. I may get them refilled and use the same material to save money and make them more comfortable. We will use a sack type bed and use the upper bed for a storage are for our bedding and take out the mattress on it. We don't intend on having company....LOL

 

[Harley D]

Our remodle of our 1996 Hi Low Fun Lite are coming along slowly, it is hard to find some parts and my poor husband is doing all the work himself, while I continue to get new ideas for him to work on. So far we have put in a bathtub, and took out the boothe area for eating in the kitchen, we made a small area to sit and work at the table, like a compter center. My husband is making a cabinet for storage and a small micro and we will have room for our dogs bed also in that area. We have painted the walls, and on the bottom half of the bathroom walls my husband put counter top wilsonart on it, looks great. We took out the bathroom sink/counter and are putting in a new one with a porcelin sink. We found an upholsterer who is making us new curtains for the division of bathroom and kitchen out of micro fiber and vinyl backing. We put in new lights and hardware in brushed nickle. Coming along very nicely, and I said we, it's really he!! LOL

 

[Pipers Family]

Wow, Harley D, sounds like lots of work is going on and soon yours will be better than new. On the curtain to the bathroom- I took the nice 1/2 length insulated one off that came with the trailer and put a full length room darkening one in it's place on the same track. It is easier for little guys to just release it from behind the folding door and have a little privacy instead of pulling on the shorter one. I kept the other one for if we ever sell- which we have NO plans to do.

 

[Harley D]

We are the same way, make it ours because we don't intend to sell!!

 

[Bubba-HILO]

New Guy

I just found this forum and so far, I am very impressed. I have a 2004 Classic 31C that we bought used about 4 years ago. I pull it with my 2001 Yukon XL and have never had any issues with towing. I am considering selling it as we just don't seem to have time anymore. Does anyone have any idea what it might be worth? I just put all brand new tires, new converter and a new stereo. Let me know, thanks, Bubba.

 

[RCREYES]

I just found this forum and so far, I am very impressed. I have a 2004 Classic 31C that we bought used about 4 years ago. I pull it with my 2001 Yukon XL and have never had any issues with towing. I am considering selling it as we just don't seem to have time anymore. Does anyone have any idea what it might be worth? I just put all brand new tires, new converter and a new stereo. Let me know, thanks, Bubba.

You can start by looking at the NADA website.
2004 Hi Lo M-3104C - 31' Prices, Values & Specs - NADAguides

 

[DebW-FRF]

Bubba,
After you find the price you're wanting to ask for it you might want to post pictures of your unit here. Seems like we're getting alot of new members here that are looking for different size Hi-Lo's. We have a 2004 31C and love it. We upgraded from a 1996 26RD mainly because of the bed. Now our kids & grandchildren are camping with our 1996 and we are enjoying the comforts of our 2004 31C.