hydraulic cylinder repair

[Clare Conner]

Hi, I have been reading posts to see why our Hi Lo top won't stay up. It slips down and rests on the safety bar. We have done all the recommended trouble shooting in the manual including cleaning possible debris from the valve. Our mechanic says the hydraulic cylinder seals are leaking because the fluid comes back in the return tube. He recommends we buy a repair kit for the cylinder. Well that's easier said then done. Has anyone had this repair done or do it themselves or do we have to replace the cylinder? I got on the Midget RV & Trailer Service (HiLo Specialist) web site. They have the cylinders but they are back ordered and are about $600.00. My husband looked under the camper and says it looks like taking the cylinder out would be a real pain because the gas line is sitting directly below it.
Any advice would be appreciated. Oh and it's a 2001 19' Tow Lite.

 

[RichR]

Welcome to the forum!

There is probably a hydraulic repair shop in your area. Ask a friend that runs equipment or farms. That would probably be much cheaper. You would have to remove the cylinder and take it to the shop.

 

[Clare Conner]

thank you, yes we have called a couple. the problem is getting it out. None of them can assist with that. We are considering using an RV service store but that I am sure would be big bucks. We love camping in our Hi Lo but are afraid to do so with the top resting on the safety bar.

 

[Clare Conner]

someone suggested we try Lucas Hydraulic booster and stop leak. Has anyone tried that?

 

[RichR]

Until you come up with a repair why not cut four 2x4's to length and use them for props. Place them on the outriggers or the places the top rests when in the down position. Make them the length measured to the full height when the top stops rising. Let the top settle on them.

 

[JimandRob]

Good afternoon Clare. We carry those cylinders in stock and we also do the replacement / repair work on Hi Lo trailers as well. Please find my info below

JandR 740-392-1600
jrrepair@centurylink.net

 

[jimmy1]

Unless your safety bar is a lot lighter than mine (3/8 x 1.25 -- 15.7/8 long) I would not have any concern of it holding. I really have to question all the doubt about the ability of this bar to safely retain the top up. I say this having measured my bar and looked at the way it is mounted. I also added a marker on my release cable to allow me to verify the bar's full movement down to the engaged position.
jimmy1

 

[Clare Conner]

thank you Jimmy!

 

[Clare Conner]

Hi Everyone,
The camper is fixed. Thank you all and esp. thank you Rob for supplying us with the new hydraulic cylinder!

 

[mgasca725]

cylinder

Good afternoon Clare. We carry those cylinders in stock and we also do the replacement / repair work on Hi Lo trailers as well. Please find my info below

JandR 740-392-1600
jrrepair@centurylink.net

hello jim i have the same issue with my hilo 2302lxb. curious if u have the cylinder i would need in stock as well. thk you

 

[RichR]

hello jim i have the same issue with my hilo 2302lxb. curious if u have the cylinder i would need in stock as well. thk you

They have a new number: 740-392-1602
and a new email address: jandrhilo@gmail.com

You must use your email to contact them. Clicking here doesn't work.

 

[DeLana]

One more time; their number is 740-392-1600
Beach

 

[RichR]

One more time; their number is 740-392-1600
Beach

Their new number is 740-392-1602. I got that direct from Rob at J & R.