General Advice on a Purchase

[Illini1]

Hi, All-
I'm going to look at a 1989 Hi-Lo 24' this weekend and I wondered if someone could tell me what I need to be careful of with Hi-Los. I know the typical appliances/leaks/tires stuff from having a standard TT, but I'm really nervous about the hydraulics and cable system. Is there any way to check if they have been maintained? What happens when the cables fail? How difficult are they to replace? Does a trailer of this age have a manual override if the hydraulics fail? My wife is scared that it could fail when we are in the unit, is that possible? Any advice is appreciated as I really like the benefits of the Hi-Lo over a standard TT, but have no clue what I'm doing with the mechanism...

Also, what would be a fair price in your opinion for this trailer if it has been well maintained? I'm located in IL if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

 

[RCREYES]

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of thinking about buying and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

 

[sam-HILO]

Possible HiLo purchase

Hi, All-
I'm going to look at a 1989 Hi-Lo 24' this weekend and I wondered if someone could tell me what I need to be careful of with Hi-Los. I know the typical appliances/leaks/tires stuff from having a standard TT, but I'm really nervous about the hydraulics and cable system. Is there any way to check if they have been maintained? What happens when the cables fail? How difficult are they to replace? Does a trailer of this age have a manual override if the hydraulics fail? My wife is scared that it could fail when we are in the unit, is that possible? Any advice is appreciated as I really like the benefits of the Hi-Lo over a standard TT, but have no clue what I'm doing with the mechanism...

Also, what would be a fair price in your opinion for this trailer if it has been well maintained? I'm located in IL if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

You can look up the price of a Hi-Lo in www.Nada guides.com Ask the owner why they are selling the unit? Press on the outside walls for delamination. Ask how much they used the rv in a year? Usually one weak cable will break at a time. The top will sag on the broken side but will stay up. Four cables are in the rv. My hubby doesn,t think the rv would have a manual lift. You can drop the rv down if a cable breaks ,wouldn,t be able to lift it up. It is listed in the forum library how to change the cables. Haven,t had to do this yet. The parts can be ordered from Jr repair in ohio. It is an all day job for a handy person. Many HI-Lo owners in your state. They have a fairly lg. camping club. Check under the trailer to see if the cables are oiled and are they rusty. Take a picture of the trailer and post. Go and look at the trailer a second time if need be. Many Used Hi-Lo trailers are available all across the us. Are they the original owners./ Have any of the appliances been replaced? When any records of repairs? What is the condition iof the awning? Have the owner roll it out. 90% of the parts in a Hi-Lo can be found at walmart, camping world,internet. Our forum Members are very good and helpful no matter what you need to repair. Many have pictures and instructions on repairs that are posted in this forum. Keep the questions coming? When you are out camping it is a good idea to place 2x4,s at each corner this takes the strain off the cables.
I Have a 90 Classic Hi-Lo and our seal is shot between the top and bottom on the outside. We place soft pipe wrap/noodle in the seal and take out before traveling. If one cable breaks it is best to replace all four cables and to replace the seal at the same time. Hopes this helps. Others please add you 2 cents worth. Take care Sam

 

[JMDoering]

Illini,

RC referenced a great list created by NDgent. If you haven't already, I REALLY suggest you read the entire thread that generated that list. The thread has a lot of other suggestions for things to be aware of when checking out a second-hand Hi-Lo. The thread is titled: Thinking about buying and you can either use the "Search" function, or click on the following hotlink: http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f15/thinking-about-buying-784/?highlight=Thinking+buying
Have fun checking out that Hi-Lo!

Jim