Hi-Lo problem areas?

[Glen-HILO]

Hi,
I'm looking at an '85 Hi-Lo 19' trailer. I seems in very good shape. Are there any things I should check? Waterdamage, etc.

Is the hydraulic gizmo that raises and lowers the top prone to problems?

Is there a manual override?

Finally, is $2,600 a good price if it's "good" inside and out and the appliances work.?

I own a small trailer now, but have never dealt with appliances, A/C, let alone a lift mechanism.

Any info appreciated,
Glen

 

[misfit429-HILO]

Feel the walls under the windows to see if there is "give" to check for water damage from leaking windows. The pumps are tried and true and work for years. Check to see if the top is sitting level with the bottom. Carefully stick your fingers up between the top and bottom from the outside and feel for a gasket and for rotten wood. Be careful when doing this as there is thin metal capping the bottom edge and could have sharp edges that could cut. If all is well and there is no rot, then $2600 isn't a horrible deal. Maybe a little high but not too bad. Also check the tires for dry rot cracks in sidewall.

 

[Glen-HILO]

Thanks, very helpful and the trailered seems fine except for some rot around the roof vent.

Here's the problem, I'm 6' tall and my head bumps against the ceiling. I have to duck around the ac unit.

I guess Hi-Los are too low for me.

 

[RCREYES]

Hi,
I'm looking at an '85 Hi-Lo 19' trailer. I seems in very good shape. Are there any things I should check? Waterdamage, etc.

Is the hydraulic gizmo that raises and lowers the top prone to problems?

Is there a manual override?

Finally, is $2,600 a good price if it's "good" inside and out and the appliances work.?

I own a small trailer now, but have never dealt with appliances, A/C, let alone a lift mechanism.

Any info appreciated,
Glen

Welcome to the forum.
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)

The NADA guide is a little high.

1985 Hi Lo Price, 1985 Hi Lo Values & 1985 Hi Lo Specs | NADAguides

 

[misfit429-HILO]

I am also 6 foot and can walk under the AC in my 88 and it is a little low due to the cables being stretched and in need of replacement. The top may not be fully up due to minor pump seal leakage ( the top slowly lowers) or cable stretching. My 88 has both of these problems so an 85 could very well have the same problems. If you look inside the door opening, the seal on top half should go up against the white plastic strip at the top of lower wall. If it isn't all the way up that is why you are having to duck inside.

 

[RCREYES]

I am also 6 foot and can walk under the AC in my 88 and it is a little low due to the cables being stretched and in need of replacement. The top may not be fully up due to minor pump seal leakage ( the top slowly lowers) or cable stretching. My 88 has both of these problems so an 85 could very well have the same problems. If you look inside the door opening, the seal on top half should go up against the white plastic strip at the top of lower wall. If it isn't all the way up that is why you are having to duck inside.

Have you tried this procedure on top half creep? I've made it a part of my routine maintenance.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f61/how-fix-top-half-creep-your-hilo-trailer-129/