hilo vs towlite etc

[ssheffel]

I have seen some ads posted referring to a unit being a towlite, Hi-lo, or funlite. I'm just wondering were these just made in different years and named differently at the time, or could you find these from the same year? For instance was there a towlite 17' and a hi-lo 17' in the same given year?

 

[RichR]

They were distinctly different models with different quality and weight levels. Hi-Lo was the original model with the highest quality materials and trim, it eventually became known as the "Classic" model. The Funlite was lighter-weight model that came out in about 1987. The Towlight came out in 1992 and it was the lightest and lowest priced model. It had a wood framework initially but eventually replaced it with an aluminum framework in the walls. The Funlite was phased out after the Towlite came into its own.

Here is a link to the brochures that Hi-Lo had over the years. I'm sure you will find it interesting. The brochures are in PDF format.

http://https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f52/link-hi-lo-brochure-collection-5123/

 

[ssheffel]

Thanks Rich. So it appears the smallest the classic line would have come in for the years 2002 - 2006 would have been the 23' model. As I am looking for a 17 or 19 from those years, I will be getting a towlite.

 

[DeLana]

Sheffield, ... and with a single axle.

 

[Trblandy]

Dee, just wondering why you prefer a single axle. We have a 2203T with two axles. I like 4 tires over just two. With 4 wheels I could limp to a safe place to change a flat. And the second wheel makes it easier to change a wheel, just roll the good tire up on blocks and the other (problem) wheel is high enough from the ground to remove and replace. Tom

 

[DeLana]

Trblandy -- that was just to remind ssheffel that the Hi-Lo 17-foot and 19-foot are equipped with a single axle. And the placement of that one axle should be perfect: we have had at least one member here who had to move the placement of the single axle to correct towing problems.

Yes, you are right; our Hi-Lo 2509C Classic we purchased new from the factory in Ohio has double axles; all we have had to do is roll one tire up on a portable tire ramp which leaves the flat hanging, change the flat, and roll the supporting tire back down the ramp, and off we go.

Your 2203T is probably the smallest Towlite Hi-Lo made with dual axles.

 

[ssheffel]

I am restricted by a 19' length garage which I can probably move a wall to get max 21'. So that handcuffs me to the 17T or 19T models. I'd have one by now if I could get to the States, but complications with the border due to Covid are preventing my travel.

Double axle sounds great but is not an option for me due to the length of those units.

 

[JackandJanet]

I'd prefer tandem axles too, for the reasons Dee so eloquently cited, but there ARE a couple "cons" to them too. They're more expensive - you have 4 tires, 4 bearing sets and 4 brake assemblies to periodically service and or replace. AND, you have to be very careful to get the trailer as level as you can while towing. Otherwise, if the nose is high, the rear axle on the trailer is carrying more weight and the reverse is true if the nose is low. Since each axle/wheel combination has a fairly low individual weight carrying capacity, it would be relatively easy to overload one of them if the trailer was not level.

A good Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) makes leveling a trailer easy, but I've seen lots of trailers set up improperly with a WDH, usually, nose-low.

- Jack