Thinking of purchasing this

[detox]

Hello all,

I am thinking of buying this trailer and the owner does not know anything about it. It was a family member who pass. Anyway would somebody be willing to tell me about this trailer? (The year, model and if there are still parts available for it). I have not seen it in person but, the seller said that it need a lot of work. Are they easy to work on?
Your input is appreciated. Sale price is $355

Enjoy your day,

detox

 

[campthewestcoast]

Hello all,

I am thinking of buying this trailer and the owner does not know anything about it. It was a family member who pass. Anyway would somebody be willing to tell me about this trailer? (The year, model and if there are still parts available for it). I have not seen it in person but, the seller said that it need a lot of work. Are they easy to work on?
Your input is appreciated. Sale price is $355

Enjoy your day,

detox

I think it comes down on how handy you are, so you can do the work yourself, the trailer looks like its from the 60's. Without seeing it, it's tough to now about any water damage. Parts are still available through J&R (on other post in this forum). I like projects, I would take it on for $355, it would be nice to see the older Hi-lo on the road. Check for soft walls, indication of water leaks, hook up water, to pressure test water lines and if the water heater is cracked, hook up electric to see if the converter is working.Check the lift system, make sure it not jamed up. Good luck, Les

 

[JMDoering]

Detox,

This looks a whole lot like my 1969 Bon Voyage. However, the kitchenette windows are wider than mine, and I don't think an air conditioner was offered in 1969. So my guess is it was built in the early 1970s. Hi-Lo, in those days, did assign model numbers, but in my observation, they only used them in sales brochures and did not label them on the trailer exteriors like later models.

Joel, at Hi-Lo repair, wrote that he had the old plans for Hi-Lo's, and its reported in this Forum that he worked for Hi-Lo in some supervisory role. Therefore he may know where the old manufacturing records are located so the VIN can be linked to a specific model and date of manufacture.

I've written here, in another thread, that Jim Snyder told me that this series of Hi-Lo trailers were the best that Snyder ever built. Because of the heavy square tubular steel frame, and plank subfloor, Hi-Los of this era have looooong lives. They are also very simple...no electronics, inverter, etc. They have a very simple 12DC and a second, equally simple 110AC wiring system. A straight run (well almost) CPVC plumbing system. Steel pulleys with aluminum guides. They were very well made and I should think very restorable.

My friend, your photos show a diamond in the rough and for the low price and a ton of elbow grease, assuming it doesn't have any MAJOR issues, like a bent frame, you could have a fine vintage Hi-Lo.

Jim

 

[detox]

Thank you for the info. I just received an email from the seller telling me that it is a 1978 Hi-Lo. I hope to get a look at it in person this weekend. I will try to run it through the checks that campthewestcoast suggested but, it is in a remote area without water and electrical. The seller also mentioned or best offer.

Thanks again for the replies,

detox

 

[sam-HILO]

Buying 1978 Hi Lo

Make sure you take a battery with you that be hooked up so that you can raise the unit up. Check the roof for water dammage. Check the walls for soft feel both inside and outside. I would offer him a real low amt. of $. Chances are it will need new tires,battery and on and on with the replacement parts If you care to say which city and state you are in maybe some one that owns a Hi-Lo could come with you to check this trailer out. Best of luck with your decision. We are her to here to help you in any way we can.

 

[detox]

Make sure you take a battery with you that be hooked up so that you can raise the unit up. Check the roof for water dammage. Check the walls for soft feel both inside and outside. I would offer him a real low amt. of $. Chances are it will need new tires,battery and on and on with the replacement parts If you care to say which city and state you are in maybe some one that owns a Hi-Lo could come with you to check this trailer out. Best of luck with your decision. We are her to here to help you in any way we can.

Thank you, much appreciated. I live in Queen Creek, AZ.

Enjoy your weekend,

detox

 

[detox]

I am going out to look at this Monday. He said it is 1978 18ft Hi-Lo trailer. Does anyone have any info on this trailer? (tow weight, layout, beds ect...). I will be towing it with a Montero Sport if I go ahead and buy it. The Montero Sport tow capacity is only 5,000 pounds.

I really appreciate the help,

detox

 

[Fireballsocal]

Just guessing, it will weigh in at around 3200 lbs as it sits with about 350lb tongue weight. Your Montero may squat a bit but it will be fine to tow. I would be worried about the tires. If you buy the trailer, it will be best to have tires replaced ASAP. They are fairly easy to work on. A handy person can fix almost anything.

 

[detox]

Thank you Fireballsocal,

I would only need to tow it 30 miles on the current tires. They hold air but, I am sure they need to be replaced with this Arizona sun. How would working on a boat compare to working on a trailer? I just finished restoring my 1978 bass boat with its 1978 115 hp motor last summer. I am hoping it would be easier than that.

Thanks for your input,

dertox

 

[Fireballsocal]

Never done a boat myself so I can't compare but if you did the boat, you can definitely do the trailer. Expect the fridge to be dead on arrival. Sitting is the worst thing for them. You may get lucky though.

Always remember there is nothing there that can't be fixed. You can always ask for help with certain items and someone out there has always fixed it.

 

[JackandJanet]

If it was in Arizona, I wouldn't expect water damage unless there was a roof leak that was not fixed. Tires are probably due to be replaced, but there is a "date code" on them you can check, and, when you get it you can see if the tires have been protected in any way.

As Fireball says though - there's nothing that can't be fixed if you're up to it.

- Jack

 

[TJM-HILO]

I am going out to look at this Monday. He said it is 1978 18ft Hi-Lo trailer. Does anyone have any info on this trailer? (tow weight, layout, beds ect...). I will be towing it with a Montero Sport if I go ahead and buy it. The Montero Sport tow capacity is only 5,000 pounds.

I really appreciate the help,

detox

I tow my 1996 22'Hi-Lo with my 2001 Toyota Tacoma V6,automatic,4wd

 

[sting32]

If it was in Arizona, I wouldn't expect water damage unless there was a roof leak that was not fixed. Tires are probably due to be replaced, but there is a "date code" on them you can check, and, when you get it you can see if the tires have been protected in any way.

As Fireball says though - there's nothing that can't be fixed if you're up to it.

- Jack

You just cant say enough about old tires and sitting, wonder if it is worse in hot sun... I would venture you should & would (as posted before to other soon to be owners) spares with you, even if you have to beg borrow steal them. WHY? Because, when the tread leaves the carcas of the tire, it is a freaking disaster, especially if you cant and dont see and or hear or feel it when it happens. which you probably won't becuase unless you pull wide trailers often and have invested in some kind of extended mirrors, you dont have mirrors enough to see around the front of this thing, I use extended mirrors on my 2500 Diesel ram dodge pickup BTW.

Just consider it as fair advise from a person that has had many flats on many "trailers" lol. (yes I am a farm kid).

Just dont look at tire and tread and say to yourself "look like new" lol, look for some way to tell age, if nothing else when did the person haul it in there.

 

[detox]

With cash in hand, I finally got over to see this trailer. The walls seemed to be in great shape sturdy and pretty ridged. It needed windows and a screen door which is no problem . The hydraulics worked like a dream. The inside was dirty but no visible water damage. Cabinets, counters, cushions, shower and appliances were in good shape. Then I opened one of the top cabinet doors above the stove and the wood was rotted and falling in. The roof otherwise had no stains any were but, it was a little soft. From the outside the roof looked a wavy.

I sadly decided to passed this trailer. I passed because I was unsure the extent of the roof repair. Also when I first talk with him he said it was 16', the second time he said it was closer to 18' and when I pulled up to it this trailer was least 21' . It has dual axels that did not notice from the pictures. I don't think my Montero Sport would pull it. The trailer is a beast.

This was my first encounter the a Hilo trailer and I must say I am now a big fan. With reading the information on this site for the last few weeks and when I saw the hydraulic lift transform this 4-5 foot trailer into an open and spacious camping oasis in seconds, I was hooked. I will never be the same. I've had tent trailers going up and was planning to buying one of them because of the cost but, now I am ruined.

My wife will no longer sleep in a tent because we have 3 year old and a new baby coming on March 2nd. She is afraid the critter are going to run off with kids or something. So, I do not think we will be camping this year. I had just enough cash to buy this trailer, put tires on it and cover some minor repairs.

I guess I will stop ranting now. I really appreciate the information and sharing this website and it members have provided.

Thank you all and enjoy your weekends,

detox

 

[JMDoering]

detox,

Following your gut feeling is always good. Sounds like you checked it out thoroughly and made a sound decision!

I am curious to know what material the ceiling was made of, and also the outer skin of the roof. Visually it looks a lot like my 19' 1969, which has aluminum on both the roof and ceiling. Wondering when they started changing materials.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[detox]

Hi Jim,

The interior of the ceiling was like vinyl wallpaper coving wood when I applied pressure it seemed pretty firm except where it was rotting out in that one spot. The exterior was an aluminum covering and when I pushed on it was soft and pliable.

Enjoy your day,

Robert

 

[vannooch-HILO]

Robert,

Keep looking they are out there, check out this site Used Hi Lo Listings | Used RVs & Motor Home Listings | RVs.Oodle.com
There are many on here, good luck, I too got hooked on these trailers the same way.

David

 

[detox]

Thank you David,

I see them but, they are out of my price range. I have a very limited budget. I was hoping to find one before my Son is born because I have a feeling that the money I have for a trailer will disappear once he makes his arrival.

Make it a great day,

detox

 

[FHILO]

78 hi-lo in az.

WHEN I FIRST SAW YOUR PIC'S I SAID LOOKS LIKE MY 78.MY ADVISE ( FOR WHAT ITS WORTH). AT THAT PRICE UNLESS ITS FALLING APART ID JUMP ON IT AND WOULD HAVE NO QWUAMS ABOUT GIVING THEM $355.00. I GOT A DEAL ON MINE TOO. YEAH I HAVE TO PUT SOME MONEY INTO IT AND MY TRUCK . HERE IN N.Y. ANYTHING OVER 1000 LBS HAS TO HAVE HAND BRAKE IN TOW VEHICLE. MY 78 DOESN'T HAVE THE AWNING OR AIR. THE TWO THINGS I WANT. ANYWAY MINE WEIGHTS IN AT 4000 LBS. OH IT HAD OVERHEAD BED IN BACK . YOURS WITH THE AIR WILL WEIGH MORE (I HAVE THE WEIGHT OF IT SOMEWHERE AROUND AND IF YOU HAVE A TUB/DRESSING ROOM IT WILL WAY MORE. MINE IS 21' HITCH TO BUMPER. 18' BOX (LIVING SPACE ),IF YOUS IS LONGER IT WILL WEIGHT MORE. I HAVEN'T HAD MINE OUT BUT ONCE SO FAR . THEY SAY YOU SHOULD HAVE SWAY BARS & WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING .TO BE SAFE NOT ARGUING THAT POINT BUT MINE TRACKED NICELY BEHIND MY BRONCO. your tow vehicle should out way the camper. without tow brakes attached to my truck & camper i can feel the weight and truck brakes working hard to slow or stop it.im sure like mine yours has electric brakes on it you just need to have brake on t.vehicle .cost around $200.00 installed. ill end now but hey the way i see it. either you spend more on it when you buy it cause its in great shape or you buy it. now its yours and isn't going anywhere and you can finish it up at your leisure and available cash flow.would love to see more pictures of inside of it up . i think you might find your very happy with your HI-LO.FHILO

 

[robobd]

checking out a hi-lo

ask me, I found out the hard way ,if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Check the cables that hold the top up, about 3 to 6 inches up from the bolts. mine rusted through an when raising the top for the first time after I got it home, one side came crashing down and broke out the oposite side wall. also check the wood on all of the top edges that hold the seal (top to bottom) in place. original wood was never treated and all too frequently it is rotted . also if you can push in on the sidewalls from the outside the glue has separated and the wall has to be removed and relaminated. Best of luck in finding a good one at a reasonable price, oodle is a good place to start