Denver333-hydraulics

[Denver333]

Considering today traveling to a lot to buy a used HILO. I like what I am seeing and hearing, but I am concerned about the hydraulics, or mechanics, which raise and lower the trailer.
How does one use these?
How does one test them?
How reliable are they?
Please respond to this board, if I can figure out how to use it, or my email address.
Thanks
cp

 

[hilltool]

There is a hydraluic resevoir and a ram that pulls on cables that go around pullys at four points on the trailer to lift it (check the "library" on this forum for brochures and owners manuals) . Everything is replaceable from aftermarket sources and later models had a manual feature that you could raise the unit much the same way you would pump up a small hydraulic bottle jack. It takes awhile- but it is doable. The cables must be maintained and monitored as well as the ram ----but all in all it is a pretty simple and obvious system once you start looking at it. To raise it you press a toggle switch one direction and to lower it you push it the other way while pulling a small release cable. When you check it out tell them to raise and lower it for you. It should look relatively level when it is up and go all the way back down. Crawl under and inspect the cables from the underside for wear.

Rick

 

[Luckydog671]

Hi Rick,

When testing the lift system, should it be silent or is a squeaking/ squealing noise normal? The 1999 model I inspected yesterday made noise but I wasn't sure if that's typical. I did crawl underneath to inspect the cables and didn't see any fraying but there was no lubricant on them. It also seemed to "clunk" when it reached the bottom but it did seem be level after raising and lowering.
Thanks,

 

[hilltool]

When it reaches the top of being raised the "squeaky" groany sound is normal. When lowering and I'm pulling the release cable- there is a metallic "clunk". On mine, there isn't much other sound while it is being lowered.

Rick

 

[Wrascal]

As I recall, mine makes noises in both directions, but nothing alarming. And I'm guilty of neglect having never checked them, let alone clean and lubing it.

I suspect frequent use of up/down helps keep them free.

 

[RichR]

Watch the video manual, it will help with some of your questions.
http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/hilo-video-owners-manuals-youtube-1233/