Tow/lite parts

[Relichunter]

I have a '96 TowLite and need some parts. Are this the same as a Hi-Lo? Like most older campers I have a water issue. The biggest problem is the bracket (?) that slides up/down on the outside rail has broken and allowed the side to pull away from the lower part of the trailer. This bracket is attached to the lower part of the upper top. Shaped almost like a dovetail, looks to me like it's made of a hard plastic. Anyone know where I can get this part? Thanks for reading.

 

[JackandJanet]

I have a '96 TowLite and need some parts. Are this the same as a Hi-Lo? Like most older campers I have a water issue. The biggest problem is the bracket (?) that slides up/down on the outside rail has broken and allowed the side to pull away from the lower part of the trailer. This bracket is attached to the lower part of the upper top. Shaped almost like a dovetail, looks to me like it's made of a hard plastic. Anyone know where I can get this part? Thanks for reading.

Try J&R. There are references to them all over this forum. They've taken over the supply inventory for HiLo specific parts. And yes, your TowLite is almost certainly a HiLo.

- Jack

 

[RichR]

Those are called glide blocks and I think they were all built alike. Look here and you will see them pictured:HiLo Parts - Midget RV & HiLo Service & Parts

 

[Relichunter]

Replace glide pads

Thanks for the help Rich. So here's another question, how the heck do I replace the broken pad. Not only do I have a lot of rotted wood to replace, but also the broken pad. The upper part has bulged out from the lower part of the trailer. I hope this trailer can be fixed, really love it. Tows so easy compared to a 5th wheel I had. Any advice on repairing it will really help. I can send a couple of pictures to help you understand my problem. Send me a reply to my e-mail at relichunted@gmail.com. Thanks very much.

 

[RichR]

I'll refer you back to an earlier thread on the subject: http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f17/glide-block-replacement-543/

 

[sam-HILO]

Fixing your towlite.

My internet service was down yesterday. Just wanted to encourage you in your repairs. The problem with certain years of the towlite is that they switched from metal framming to wood. No matter what goes wrong with your unit it can be fixed by you. Many others have encountered the same problems. We have had to rebuild just about all the walls in the upper half of our classic. If I had to use wood in an RV I would give serious thought to using Thompsons clear water seal on each and every piece of wood. Use Lexell caulk everywhere that you possibly can,both interior and exterior. It can be purchased at ACE hardware or on line. It can sell for as much as $8.00 a tube,worth every penny. The caulk can be applied as low as 40 degrees. Also coat your aluminum roof with the appropriate primmer and topcoat available at you local RV store or online. New roofs cost thousands of dollars. best of luck with your repairs. We are here to support you and answer your questions.

 

[Relichunter]

Repairs underway

Thanks for the great words Sam. When I first looked at the mess, I was absolutely lost on where to start and end. I just started to gut the bad wall, or I should say, the worst one. There are some other problems but I will start with this wall first. The wall with the window and door completely rotted away. The biggest problem was where the lower rail/wood that ran the distance to the front, had detached and allowed the rail to bend outwards, thus jamming up the top and breaking a glide pad. So, I stripped the wall, removed the door and window. I jacked up the front right corner to take the weight off the cable and removed the rail/wood this cable bracket bolts to. That rail as I call it, weighted a ton with water. Now that everything is exposed, it appears to be a much easier fix then I first thought. I'm waiting for new glide pads to come. I'll repanel the side, new window frame and door frame, another layer of panel, hopefully that will do it. I also am going to try and slip in a new vertical board on the opening door side, that's rotted at the bottom, but at this time I don't want to take down the cabinets and strip the back half. Going in for surgery for the next three weeks, I'll wait on that additional project. Hopefully the glides will be in Monday, and I can get a head start on reassembly. Thanks for the encouragement, also thanks to all the others who have given advice. I'll keep you informed on progress.

 

[sam-HILO]

Wall repairs.

Take the time to search the back posts for towlite repairs. The way to take the weight off the cables is to cut 2x4s to beput at each corner. e used our power jack to slowly raise it up enough to accomplish it. I know I didn't do a very good job of describing this. Perhaps someone can better explain this. Best of luck with your surgery. Check out our restoration,it may contain some useful information. 1990 HiLo restoration Pictures by sam TLPX-Photo bucket. I,ve included captions. Another good reference is GaryK52 Demolition begins.

 

[Relichunter]

Trailer repaired

Well, it's been a long sometimes, "why didn't I just sell or scrap the thing" project. I ended up doing one wall at a time, although the side with the door I count as two separate sides. After pulling apart the wall, door side, to the front I knew I had quite a job in front of me. Long story short, I had to replace all the beams at the bottom of the top part of the camper. Also replaced all the interior wood around the door and windows. Replaced the outer skin that attaches to the fiberglass exterior. This was a tough job removing those panels. I reassembled using Liquid Nails. Worked great. Would I do it again, never. I should have looked at this camper more closely when I bought it. I love this style of camper, tows so easy, nothing like a 5th wheel i had before. I don't remember the first post I put here but it's been a long project. Thanks to Sam and others for the help and advice. I am now a qualified semi-expert on this repair. There are still some issues I believe with the bottom part of the unit. The door has a 3/4 " gap at the top of the door and none at the bottom telling me the bottom part of the camper has bent somehow. I also think the top also has some water issues as the screws holding the AC cover inside won't tighten, they just spin in what I think is rotted wood. Quick question: The screws with those retainer type plastic buttons, will the ceiling come down if I remove those screws? I'd like to see the condition of the roof beams, but hate to open a can of worms. Or in this case a roof full of rotted wood. Last thing. The 110 wall plugs have lost power. I've tripped the breakers but nothing has happened. Is there a hidden breaker some place other then under the seat. That's it, I'm outta here. Thanks for all the help I received of this project. When it warms up, I'm going to give this gem a new paint job.

 

[sam-HILO]

Repairing your towlite

Great to hear your update. I'm sure someone will benefit from your repair expertise.