Help Us Decide! 1989 Hi Lo Funlite 21'

[DrYou]

Hi all, first post. The wife and I have been trying to decide if we wana buy a Hi Lo. It's a well off family friend who bought if from another family friend and never used it. The condition is to be expected for the age, etc. Everything in it works. They've also added some type of sway bars which they said were around $600. The price they are selling to us for is $1000, if we don't buy they already have someone who wants it for $2000. The reason were wanting to act on it is because from what we understand were getting a great deal, so even if things don't work out wee could re-sell.

Another big factor is what our vehicle can tow. It's a 2005 Hyundai Tucson, 4WD v6 model. Max tow listed is 3500 pounds, from what I've found the Hi Lo should be 2600 empty. The towing weight is currently what were hung up on.

Any thoughts are appreciated, just looking to get held back or pushed off the edge.

Pics Attached


Thanks,
-Dru

 

[PopRichie77]

There never was a twin axle Hi-Lo made that only weighed 2600lbs, your looking at from around 3500lbs to 3900lbs empty. My 95 tow lite weights 3400 empty and Tow Lites were lighter models. My 2209 Towlite weighs 3860lbs. See if you can get the owner to get it weighed, then you will be sure.

 

[DrYou]

So is NADA website not valid? The weight was a concern and I can see that slightly newer years show as being heavier, but the link below shows 2 axles and 2600 pounds. Guess the only way to really know is to weigh it, but not sure that's an option open to us. Another thought was that if it's truly a good deal would could just sell, have a friend tow it home for us. So I guess that's the other part of my question, is this a deal we can't pass up, if only to re-sell it and get another lighter trailer?

1989 Hi Lo FUNLITE 21FLL Standard Equipment, Prices & Specs - NADAguides

 

[PopRichie77]

The NADA weights are wrong on older trailers ,they also listed my 95 as 2600lbs, and it's actual weight was 3400lbs, dealer handbook also listed it at 3400lbs, so I had it weighed.

 

[DrYou]

Thanks for the info.

 

[sam-HILO]

Deciding to buy or not

It doesn't seem like you have enough towing capacity on your tow vehicle. I am puzzled as to why $600.00 worth of sway equipment was added. None of us HiLo owners have had to do this. Possibly they are referring to the hitch,weight distributing sway bars and controller in the vehicle. Only you can decide if you want to buy and resell at a profit. We have a check list of what to look for in a used HiLo. A trailer that sits could have roof leaks and upper wall water damage. Most likely all of the exterior caulk needs to be scraped off and renewed with Lexell caulk. Never silicone. Keep us posted.

 

[PopRichie77]

Here is a list of things to check when buying a trailer
http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f17/any-tips-checking-out-used-hilo-purchase-1510/#post9196

 

[robobd]

that 3500 lb. rating is total weight also for passengers,food.water . and any extras on the camper such as a/c awning,pots,pans,clothes and towels etc If you only drove 60 miles or so it might be o k but repeatedly would destroy your trans

 

[bearshrum]

PopRichie77, I think you are probably right about the weight being heavier. The tag on my 3389b says it weighs 8900 lbs. I don't think a 27 ft. would be 5000 lbs. lighter. Although the 89 is built like a tank. Just more to love, more axles, more tires, more gas, but I knew all that going in. It pulls good behind my F 150 and I get 13 - 14 mpg pulling it. It is nice to be able to sleep 8 people. But I digress, I do think you're right about the weight.

Bear

 

[RichR]

A 17' Towlite weighs around 2700 pounds empty before options.