Spring Maintenance for a Hi-Lo 19 with single axle

[Lgullyatt]

I would like a list of the top 5 to 10 items that need to be done to make the trailer ready for use in summer. I live in Colorado so winter goes until April or May. I have removed the batteries from the trailer for the winter and am charging them at my home. The trailer is located in a field miles from my home and there is only 110 power available. The trailer is on dirt, not a cement floor so lifting it with a jack is difficult. There is no room to climb under the trailer. I am older and do not get a thrill out of doing DIY work on things so please recommend where the maintenance items can be done at a low cost. (Ha! Ha!)

Let me get the list started for you and then please add details as needed.

1. Lubricate the tube under the trailer for lifting the upper section using the hydraulic pump. Where is the tube located? I know it needs lithium grease, what kind? If I cannot get under the trailer, what is needed? Wood ramps, jack, what is needed for safety? How to clean the tube, etc. I got some advice from Jack and Janet previously (Thank you for your help!!). Where can I get the work done? Camping World? Cost, etc.

2. Lubricate the lifting cables and pulleys. How do I get access to them without raising the upper section, or can I do it with the roof lowered? How are the cables and pulleys accessed inside? Where are the panels located? What type of lubricant is needed? Where can I get the lube? Who can do the work for me? How much to do it?

3. Check tire condition. How much tread do I need to have remaining? How to measure the depth? Condition of rubber sidewalls? How to check there for cracking, etc.

4. Repack wheel bearings. What is needed? Do the tires have to be removed? Where can I have this work done? Tire store? Camper repair store? How much to do the work, approx.?

5. You should get the idea now. Please add items that need to be done for safety and preventative maintenance. Add photos or other details to help out a new owner that has never done any of this work before. I am not a mechanic so please speak in English and small words to me. I have some basic tools but no power tools beyond a battery powered drill. I do have a jack that can be used under the trailer for lifting but now while the trailer is stored in the dirt field.

Thank you for your help and guidance.

Larry from Colorado

 

[Elaine and Bill]

I used a mechanic’s creeper to lube the cables (both in the up and down positions)! We used lithium grease which comes in a spray tube. We used all purpose grease on the hydraulic rod-this provided much needed protection from the elements. It was still bright and shiny at 20! We had our trailer serviced at a truck/trailer shop (brakes/hitch/controller etc) They were half the cost of an RV shop and were very familiar with the parts. Discount tires did a fantastic job with our last set of tires. Check battery terminals and add distilled water as needed. We never had to add fluid to the pump but we always checked it. Keeping the roof clean and caulked including windows. Remove air conditioner shroud and clean fins.
We sold our girl, I wish I was closer as I could help!! Good luck!

 

[Lgullyatt]

Cannot use a creeper as the trailer sits in a field of dirt.

 

[Lgullyatt]

Thanks for your reply.

 

[JackandJanet]

I just put down a plastic tarp and slide under mine.

- Jack

 

[Lgullyatt]

Jack, where is the tube located exactly under the trailer? Toward the front, back, center, or where? In front of the wheel, behind it?

 

[jon2bee]

The bright silver shiny tube is center trailer on my 2006 classic.
John

 

[Lgullyatt]

So the tube is about in the location of the two tires? Or is it located front to back in the center? Side to side or front to back?

 

[JackandJanet]

Jack, where is the tube located exactly under the trailer? Toward the front, back, center, or where? In front of the wheel, behind it?

Mine is also pretty much centered on the trailer (front to back). It is pretty much inline with the cable adjusting bolts that are on the street side frame. As jon, said, it is silver and smooth (but probably covered in dirt if you've never serviced it). Wipe it off and it will probably be shiny silver.

Cover it in grease (axle grease or white lithium grease - the kind doesn't matter much). You just want a fairly durable coating of something that keeps rust away.

- Jack

 

[RichR]

The guide rod is what you want to lube not the hydraulic cylinder.

I am placing a link to the video manual from our forum's library. One of the videos, of many, will show the guide rod and how to lube it. It also addresses the cables. I recommend using garage door cable lube made by Blaster. It has a wax coating that works well for the cables and helps to not collect dirt.

https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/hilo-video-owners-manuals-youtube-1233/

Go to post #3 and scroll down to Video 34 to see the lubing instruction.

Your tires need to be checked for tread wear and cracking between the tread and on the sidewalls. If they are more than five years old you should seriously consider replacing them. Check the date code on the sidewalls.

If you don't have experience doing the brakes and wheel bearings you should seriously consider taking the trailer to a repair garage or RV dealer to have that done. If not done properly you could experience some serious damage.

Check the outside lights for proper operation.

 

[Lgullyatt]

Thank you Jack and Rich R for your comments. Very helpful.

Larry from CO