HI LO vs Hybrid camper

[Csbravati]

I am upgrading from toilet-less popup camper to either HI LO type or Hybrid tent (with the two pull out beds on the ends that are covered by canvas,,like a permantly "popped up" popup with hard sides.. ). Weight is a problem,, using a Honda Ridgeline with tow rating of 5,000 lbs.. any thoughts of pros and cons of HILO vs Hybrid..I know this is HILO forum,, but guys, try to be objective..

 

[PopRichie77]

My 2209T which is a 22 foot trailer weights over 4,000 lbs. when loaded. A WD hitch is required. Look at the brochures in the Library. A lot depends on how much sleeping space you need.

 

[RichR]

I would want to know how many and what size people will be sleeping in the proposed trailer. Hybrids can squeeze more people in than some of the HiLo trailers can. But there are tradeoffs that have to be considered. Of course, the weight will be your limiting factor. A 22' HiLo Towlite will be your maximum size. They are easier to tow than a conventional travel trailer because of the low profile and less wind resistance. The HiLo is easier to set up. You can comfortably sleep four adults if you have the optional bunk in the Towlite. Not being an expert on hybrids I only know what I have heard about them. There were complaints of the bed ends leaking water, but I have no first hand information on that.

 

[Csbravati]

HILO vs hybrid

thanks, quick response.. I am looking at a 1988 HILO funchaser, supposed to sleep 6 ($4500) vs a 2001 Aerolite Cub 19foot. sleeps 6.. ($5000) I will usuallly sleep 2 adults. and 3-4 grand kids, 7-10 y/o. We all have slept in our POPUP..

 

[RichR]

Having had five popups I know how many people you can pack in there. We have had as many as eight adult sized people on our last popup. The bed ends on a hybrid would come close to matching the popup in that regard.

You have to remember the grand kids are now as small as they will ever be and it won't take long for them to outgrow either of the travel trailers. In the Hilo you can sleep two kids on both the bunk and the folded down dinette, but only one adult comfortably on either.

You may want to check the prices in NADA Guides: 1988 Hi Lo FUNCHASER 22D,L - 22' Standard Equipment, Prices & Specs - NADAguides

I don't know what options are on the Funchaser and what condition it is in, but you may want to negotiate the price. The NADA prices are for a trailer of that age in average condition considering it's age. You may want to look up the hybrid as well.

 

[RichR]

Where are you located?

Here is a listing of HiLo trailers for sale in various locations:List of Hi-Lo telescoping travel trailers for sale

 

[sam-HILO]

HiLo vs Hybrid

The previous posters have made some good points/considerations. I also have read about the Hybrid canvas leaking at the bed ends. Be very careful in checking out a older HiLo,soft walls leaks ect. We have a checklist as what to look for in a used unit. I am a former popup owner. We switched because of the excessive condensation dripping when I had to run the catalic heater. I also wanted to be a "spoiled brat with a real bathroom in the HiLo." When the grand kids get bigger they could always sleep in a tent. Most kids by the age of 16 get a job. Where are you located? I know there are lots of light wt. trailers on the market. Let us know what you decide.

 

[hilltool]

I went with a hi-lo for a couple of reasons.
1. I like the low profile for towing.
2. I like the hard sides. But, I plan to camp in the fall and into the winter in warmer climates (but it gets cold even in Arizona and Florida in mid winter).
Also- If I want to go to BEAR country out west- I prefer no canvass.
3. I love the windows on the hi-lo. Other campers I have been in just did not have that feel.

I suspect weight would be an issue and I suspect number of sleeping possibilities would also be a factor. Other than that i don't have much experience. Hi-los are kind of "funky" inside----not as fancy -slick as some of the other trailers I looked at..... but I like that feel of the hi-lo.
also- hi-los are more expensive used. But- the build quality seems better than much of what I looked at. I spent most my camping career in tents----and I can make a pretty compfortable tent set-up. That of course is another option- carrying extra tents and screen houses for the kids----though they will tend to end up in bed with you at the younger ages.....anyway. good luck

 

[Csbravati]

HI LO vs Hydrig

thanks for all the imput.. a few of you have asked my location. I am in central/south Mississippi. We have lots of rain and high humidity, one reason to be fearful of the canvas on Hybrids. The older grandkids do sleep in tents,, young one with us.

 

[DeLana]

csbravati -- Let me be completely frank; the popup will sleep SO many people compared to my Hi-Lo. Popups are built primarily for families to sleep as many as eight people and to be towed with most family vehicles, which are also daily drivers.

Since we are empty nesters now, we have a Hi-Lo built primarily for couples. I think the Hi-Lo managers were targeting the couples market with a little extra room for a couple of grandchildren going along now and then.

While you are researching another camper, you also need to look at your payload capacity of your towing vehicle in addition to your towing capacity. After you load people and "stuff" in your towing vehicle, you need to have enough payload left to handle the loaded tongue weight of the camper on the hitch.

Dee
2009 Hi-Lo 2509C

 

[boater454]

I picked a HI-Lo mainly so I could park it in my barn height wise. A regular trailer and most hybrids are too high. You may want to consider that if you're storing it. Otherwise I'd probably have picked a hybrid due to lighter weight and easier to get into while towing down the road.

 

[davidc-HILO]

I was looking for 3 campers when I found mine. I was looking for a Scamp/Boritto type camper, a Hi-Lo and a A-frame pop-up like the Aliner.

Scamp - too short inside, I'm 6' and they are 5' 10" inside - no go.

A-frame - creapy inside to me, I think the end walls freaked me out - no go

Hi-Lo - I can stand up, it "feels" right inside, and I can take it down when it's raining without issue.

Thought of a hybrid for about 10 seconds - glorified pop-up to me

Personally I do not want tent material due to storage issues if and when it's wet, not to metion all the ones I've seen have almost always had pinholes.

Think about the "crawl over" factor when looking at the hybrid...