Ratcliff Tow Low

WE

westend

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Jan 8, 2013
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New member looking for info on 1967 Ratcliff Tow Low. Picked up camper on trade, having some troble finding info of any kind. Really the only info I have is some pictures. Camper was being used and towed in up position. The previous owner had some 9/16 bolts thru the frame to hold it up. I replaced sprocket and cables,removed the bolts and after a few hours of cable adjustments(PAIN IN THE BUTT!) she now goes up and down with no problems! my next project is total remodel. There was a small leak and the ceiling was wavy from moisture. the camper sat for 10 years with and only had a small water stain. my question is what material should I use for walls and ceiling ? Also Ive seen that the early hi-lo had surge brakes. The Tow Low has a similar set up but some parts on the tongue seem to be missing . Does anyone have a Photo or diagram of their set up ? Thanks guys any info would help
 
Tow-Low

westend said:
New member looking for info on 1967 Ratcliff Tow Low. Picked up camper on trade, having some troble finding info of any kind. Really the only info I have is some pictures. Camper was being used and towed in up position. The previous owner had some 9/16 bolts thru the frame to hold it up. I replaced sprocket and cables,removed the bolts and after a few hours of cable adjustments(PAIN IN THE BUTT!) she now goes up and down with no problems! my next project is total remodel. There was a small leak and the ceiling was wavy from moisture. the camper sat for 10 years with and only had a small water stain. my question is what material should I use for walls and ceiling ? Also Ive seen that the early hi-lo had surge brakes. The Tow Low has a similar set up but some parts on the tongue seem to be missing . Does anyone have a Photo or diagram of their set up ? Thanks guys any info would help
Click to expand...

Hi westend: The Tow-Low trailer was manufactured by Ratcliff Industries of Juneau Wisconsin in the 60's and early 70's. It was a direct competitor to the Hi-Lo which was made in Butler Ohio. The Tow-Low was generally characterized by the big wheel on the front on the trailer that was used to raise the top. A release and brake then allowed the top to lower. Only in it's last year or two of production did it offer an electric lift. I don't recall the use of hydraulics for the lift system although many were produced with hydraulic brakes. Here is a link to it's patent information. Hope it helps.


MECHANISM FOR RAISING AND LOWERING TELESCOPIC TRAVEL TRAILER - Ratcliff Industries, Inc.

Kim
 

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The only difference that I can see between mine and the pics is the logo. Mine says( Tow Low) by Ratcliff industries Juneau Wisconsin. The crank up mechanism was very simple to fix,just time consuming. It consist of a big wheel that turns a sprocket that drives a chain to another sprocket and that drives a shaft that runs the length of the trailer. Then 4 cables on the corners just wind around the shaft when cranked,and up she goes. takes maybe 15 seconds . I wonder why people want to put them up permanently,instead of just fix it. new sprocket cost $8.00 and cables $11.00.
 
Hey do you have some info on how to change the cables. I have a tow low and the back cable is broke, so I was going to do both at the same time. Also do you or what did you use to make a seal around the two parts? Thanks! Jon
 
sniper1 said:
Hey do you have some info on how to change the cables. I have a tow low and the back cable is broke, so I was going to do both at the same time. Also do you or what did you use to make a seal around the two parts? Thanks! Jon
Click to expand...

You can do a search for JR Repair or Midget Hilo RV and they will have the bulb seal. Search bulb seal here on the site and it should take you to the right spot to find the links.
 
I have just located a 72 Tow Low but can only find 4 digits for a VIN and need one that is longer to get it legal. It is in sad shape structurally, but the inside is pretty good yet. Any and all suggestions are more than welcome! Emily
 
Emmersup said:
I have just located a 72 Tow Low but can only find 4 digits for a VIN and need one that is longer to get it legal. It is in sad shape structurally, but the inside is pretty good yet. Any and all suggestions are more than welcome! Emily
Click to expand...

@emmersup: This post is quite old and you've probably already figured it out but... I just retitled a 1970 Tow-Low and the VIN on the previous oklahoma title is listed as "####TOWLOW" Perhaps adding TOWLOW will get you around it? Good luck!
 
help

looking for manuals for a 1973 model 300dl can't seem to find one and looking for instructions on cable replacement also
 
jantzie said:
@emmersup: This post is quite old and you've probably already figured it out but... I just retitled a 1970 Tow-Low and the VIN on the previous oklahoma title is listed as "####TOWLOW" Perhaps adding TOWLOW will get you around it? Good luck!
Click to expand...
Hey...thanks for the reply! I actually never was able able to purchase this TL, but have recently contacted the owners (no easy task, since it was basically abandoned in a storage lot that changed hands). They are ready to sell it, but I will need a title, if they can find it, to license it in Iowa. Looking forward to being active on this forum and learning how to bring her back to life!
 
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