used hilo

[mcdavis]

i am considering a 2000 towlite 17" trailer. very good condition, i can purchase for $6500 from a dealer. would this be a decent deal if in very good condition?

 

[RichR]

According to New Car Prices and Used Car Book Values - NADAguides the $6500 is about $4000 too high. If it is in exceptional condition it could be worth more, but I would want to go over it very carefully. You can also look at it as being a "one of a kind" find item since they are not being made anymore. People are looking for them.

 

[mcdavis]

fact or fiction

i have seen alot of people blog about nada and bluebook prices on these trailers, everyone says those prices are thousands lower than what they are truly selling for. you couldnt find a towlite/hilo for $2500 unless its from the 80s and or a piece of crap. I was just looking to see if, in the hilo forum world, this would be considered a decent value if in great shape. thanks again.

 

[RichR]

I haven't dealt on a used HiLo so I am only going on what I find online. Go to one of the RV Trader sites and see if you can find a similar unit as a comparison. Having worked for a former HiLo dealer I know that they ask more than what the NADA guides list. That is what they do to make money. I just don't want you to pay too much for something that may not be in a condition to fetch that much money.

New and Used Hi-Lo Travel Trailer For Sale On RV Trader

 

[mcdavis]

$

thanks again, it is in great shape, it had been stored inside, but not used much at all. I will go through it thoroughly. $6500 seems about where some are, of that size, so im not feeling too bad about it....yet. Not many of these come through Vegas, this one has been here most its life, so noooo rust. Ive been wanting one for years, so I sure hope it works out.

 

[lincow]

Hi lo in Vegas

There are quite a few Hi Lo towlites in Vegas. There are 3 on craigslist now.
I live in Vegas and I found one here. Last year I bought a 2002 22 ft for 6000.00 but it needs a bit of work.

 

[RichR]

If it feels good, do it!

 

[sam-HILO]

Buying a used trailer

This forum contains a check list of what to look for in a used unit. Best of luck in your search. Welcome to the forum.

 

[RCREYES]

i have seen alot of people blog about nada and bluebook prices on these trailers, everyone says those prices are thousands lower than what they are truly selling for. you couldnt find a towlite/hilo for $2500 unless its from the 80s and or a piece of crap. I was just looking to see if, in the hilo forum world, this would be considered a decent value if in great shape. thanks again.

The NADA prices are a little high than the actual value.

 

[mcdavis]

One of the trailers for sale in Vegas is the one I am looking at. They asked $8888, and I wrangled it down to $6500. It needs no work. I am surprised that some hilo forum people actually think that NADA is correct or even close. I have researched quite a bit now and cannot find ANY info that would back that. HILOs and Towlites are expensive.....period. If anyone can find me a 2000 model, 17ft, in great shape for $2500, i will crawl to it. Thanks everyone for your input, i appreciate the fact that no one wants to see me get ripped off. Ill let everyone know how this works out, i buy today.

 

[campthewestcoast]

To me the price is a little high, look at private sellers on rvtraderonline.Dealers are aways higher in price.Condition is everything.
2000 hi-lo's are the last year they used wood framing in the walls,this is where you will have the most trouble. I had a 1997 21ft. Towlite, the wood framing in the walls rotted out and i had to salvage it because the cost to do the repairs myself(materials only) was going to be higher than what the trailer was worth.
If your looking at this to be long term like me, hold out for a 2001 or newer.This is when they switched to alumium framing. This is also when they upgraded and added outriggers on the side to help support the walls on the side when it is down for towing. Like the 2000, my 97 only had support bumpers on the front and back of the upper section. So when the walls started to rot because of the wood framing ( this started by the factory not installing the awning correctly) the door would not stay closed. I had to strap it while towing. I replaced my 97 with a 2006.

 

[mcdavis]

grateful

thanks for this, i will do my best to ensure the walls are not dry rotted or damaged. I spoke with original owner and it had been stored inside its entire existence, in Vegas, which should help. I have been looking a long time, and this is what I can afford, and it is HERE, not in Ohio or Tennessee. I am retiring and need it now. These purchases are always a bit suspect, but I will go through it with a fine toothed comb tday prior to finalizing the deal. I love this forum and look forward to many great years of HILOing. Thanks again!!