Intrigued by Hi-Lo Campers

[Bobski-FRF]

I'm looking into used Hi-Lo trailers as they may just fit the bill. I am having trouble with people knowing the actual model so I can research and am curious about longevity.

I see a 1994 Hi-Lo for sale, they say it's 20' long and it says "Voyager" on the side. I can't find a 20' Voyager for that year. Any idea? And NADA shows 1994 Hi-Lo campers go for about $2K; they are looking for twice that.

Also, this is now a 20+ year old camper. I'm not worried about minor repairs but are there problems with Hi-Lo's system for raising and lowering the unit over time? What about roof leaks?

Thanks.

 

[Garry-HILO]

I'm looking into used Hi-Lo trailers as they may just fit the bill. I am having trouble with people knowing the actual model so I can research and am curious about longevity.

I see a 1994 Hi-Lo for sale, they say it's 20' long and it says "Voyager" on the side. I can't find a 20' Voyager for that year. Any idea? And NADA shows 1994 Hi-Lo campers go for about $2K; they are looking for twice that.

Also, this is now a 20+ year old camper. I'm not worried about minor repairs but are there problems with Hi-Lo's system for raising and lowering the unit over time? What about roof leaks?

Thanks.

Welcome Bobski. If you search the forum for "Roof Repairs" and "Cables" will find some of the issues with the roof and lift system. A number of the issues are the result of a unit left out in the open and unused for a couple of years. Anytime you cut a hole in a roof to add A/C or vents there is always the possibility of leaks some time down the road. Some members have also found pin holes in the aluminum roofs, but most issues found are repairable. Prices on Hi-Lo's vary throughout the U. S. with the west coast usually more expensive than some place like Ohio/Indiana due to supply and demand.

 

[Bobski-FRF]

Thanks for the info.

 

[hilltool]

Garry

I would google "used hi-los" or some such thing and see what types of lists etc come up. Because they are no longer manufactured ( actually, that has just changed), some find this a negative which lowers the price and others, I think, see this as a vintage item and rare and therefore, the price can go up. It really depends on condition and what was available on the model you are looking at. That said, I think the NADA guides are a bit sketchy on these older trailer and a bit too general. Definitely hang around this site and do searches and see what you come up with. They an be a bit complicated but definitely not rocket science.

check out the "then section" on this site to see all the !

http://www.hilotrailer.com/homeold brochures

Rick

 

[My name is Pat]

2,000 doesn't buy much. Went by Home Depot they're selling a 5x10 single axle utility trailer for 1600 plus tax which almost gets you to 2 grand. It really is a pretty flimsy looking thing, something a Gardner may use for hauling a couple of lawn mowers and leaf blowers around. Maybe enough room for an additional couple of rakes and a bag or two of yard waste.

My Hilo a 1985 a 19 footer (hitch to rear bumper) I wouldn't sell for less than 5 grand. Repairs can indeed be costly. 1,000 for a new lift motor,(uninstalled), 600 for a new hydraulic cylinder (uninstalled), 600 for a new cable system (uninstalled and labour intensive), 600 for a door, some can be 800.(uninstalled). Fridge, stove, furnace, hot water tank, converter, toilet. Then there are the exterior items that may come up, the awning alone on my Hilo is 0ver $1,000, then there is Windows, maybe roof leaks etc.

My Hilo cost me just under 1,000 to be made road worthy again, 4 new tires new wheel bearings and new battery. Thankfully the electric brakes were still solid and all the lights still worked. Which is remarkable considering the Hilo wasn't used for a decade.

Anyway if there would have been so much damage that it was not worth repairing, I would have stripped it down to a flatbed. Actual bed size would be about 16x6, dual axles with electric brakes, carries a spare tire and four times as sturdy as that flimsy utility trailer homedepot was selling.

2,000 for a Hilo? If you can get one for that price you stole it. On the other hand it could cost you 6,000 to make a camper out of it again. It all depends on condition.

How long does stuff last on Hilos? Mine is 31 years old everything is original except the stuff I mentioned earlier and my door latch strike plate. A friend of mine sent me a new custom built one.

I guess other than opening and closing the door my Hilo wasn't used very much.

 

[Garry-HILO]

Thanks for the info.

This was meant for you.

Garry

I would google "used hi-los" or some such thing and see what types of lists etc come up. Because they are no longer manufactured ( actually, that has just changed), some find this a negative which lowers the price and others, I think, see this as a vintage item and rare and therefore, the price can go up. It really depends on condition and what was available on the model you are looking at. That said, I think the NADA guides are a bit sketchy on these older trailer and a bit too general. Definitely hang around this site and do searches and see what you come up with. They an be a bit complicated but definitely not rocket science.

check out the "then section" on this site to see all the !

http://www.hilotrailer.com/homeold brochures

 

[sam-HILO]

Buying a used HiLo.

Lots of good advice has been given. The forum contains a used buyers check list of what to check out. Many parts on the HiLo are common to any RV. Should the lift motor go bad they are rebuildable. Many on the forum are handy and have done repairs. I would take a HiLo anyday over some of the newer cheap trailers that are available.