Pulling While Up

[PapaRoe]

I am new to the forum, and have been trying to find a Hi Lo to purchase. The problem is that there isn't any for sale around Las Cruces, NM. I can find them in AZ, CO, TX, etc. So traveling several hours just to take a look is our only option.

I have found one about 5.5 hours away. Now here is the kicker. The owner tells me that he pulled it about 10 miles with the top fully extended because the battery was dead. He said that once he recharged the battery, all was good, and that he's had it up and down a dozen times since then without any problems. He has it listed for a very good price, but I am a little concerned.

I asking for your comments/suggestions.

 

[RCREYES]

I am new to the forum, and have been trying to find a Hi Lo to purchase. The problem is that there isn't any for sale around Las Cruces, NM. I can find them in AZ, CO, TX, etc. So traveling several hours just to take a look is our only option.

I have found one about 5.5 hours away. Now here is the kicker. The owner tells me that he pulled it about 10 miles with the top fully extended because the battery was dead. He said that once he recharged the battery, all was good, and that he's had it up and down a dozen times since then without any problems. He has it listed for a very good price, but I am a little concerned.

I asking for your comments/suggestions.

Manual says never to tow with top up. Concerns would be stretched cables and broken pulleys. Make a copy of the pre buy checklist that's on the forum. It is an awesome list on what to look for. Also, look on oodle.com and rvtrader.com. Franciscan RV in Hatch, NM has Hi-Lo's once in a while. They are out there. Just keep looking.

 

[hilltool]

I would think a number of things would come into play. How fast did he pull it? what was the road like? Ruben is correct, however, in what he mentions the concerns would be/. I would also look closely at in side panels etc, anything that might indicate that parts of the frame had loosened or come apart while in route. They are built pretty well, but, they don't have to engineer them with regards to torque and twisting while in the up position. I agree, though, the biggest things would be cables, pulleys, any twisting that would distort the alignment of the top. Raise and lower a bunch and inspect to make sure nothing is binding or looks funny when it is going up and down.

Rick

 

[RichR]

Take a good look at the hydraulic cylinder, the guide rod, and the safety bar and check for any bent pieces. The safety bar could have taken a good beating especially if the top had all its weight resting on it during the trip. It wouldn't take a whole lot to bend it. If any of those components get messed up there could be some costly repairs in store, not to mention any damage to the cables and pulleys.

 

[JackandJanet]

Check the guide tracks and guide blocks that follow them too. I think moving with the top up can break the guide blocks.

- Jack

 

[PapaRoe]

Well we have decided to cool our jets on this one. We really appreciate all the responses. We really want a Hi Lo, but they are so hard to find without driving 6 or more hours, and that just to see if the trailer is worth a look.
Now, before anyone says give it some time, let me say that I have been looking for over a month. I'm about to start looking at regular TT's.

 

[Rebel Bob]

I towed my 98 24T towlite 200 miles at 75mph thru Gorgia in the pouring rain 2 yrs ago with no problems and she still works and camps perfectly.I dont even use a wieght distribution hitch or sway control as my 1 ton cummins doesnt realize its towing when this camper is on. Just have balls hehe

 

[Garry-HILO]

Well we have decided to cool our jets on this one. We really appreciate all the responses. We really want a Hi Lo, but they are so hard to find without driving 6 or more hours, and that just to see if the trailer is worth a look.
Now, before anyone says give it some time, let me say that I have been looking for over a month. I'm about to start looking at regular TT's.

I'm in Southern California and looked for six months before I found what I wanted in Sandy, Oregon. They are out there, but at times you have to wait.