Wood Rot

[Ricky6421]

I have owned an 88 Hi-Lo for about a year. Today I noticed a 2x4 or something dropped out of the bottom of the top half. How do I start repairing it? From the outside or the inside? Do I remove the end cap to start? I just need to know how to start. I have lots of mechanical abilities as well as wood building know how. I just need to know where to start. Thank You. I love this site and I LOVE my HI-LO. "Rick"

 

[Sam Shields]

Wood rot

You have to remove the roof. The steps by step is posted on this web sight.
Sam

 

[Ricky6421]

I suppose I need to replace the bottom seal as this was surely what caused it, for there was no visible leaks or stains inside the trailer. After going to all this work, I will surely keep the rig forever or until I obtain a newer version.

 

[johnpeace]

I have the same thing with my 1988...the seals have disintegrated and the wood they are fixed to isn't even there anymore.

My plan is to lift the top and rebuild all of the woodwork and replace seals after this camping season. In the meantime, I'm just using it as is.

 

[Ricky6421]

Is it safe to use? I lost about a two foot section of the bottom board.

 

[johnpeace]

I had about the same thing happen and don't see anything 'unsafe' about it.

The cables don't attach to the wood, they bolt to the internal steel frame...so it's not going to affect the structural support of the top of the camper.

 

[fish56]

You have to remove the roof. The steps by step is posted on this web sight.
Sam

I just bought a 1998 Towlite. It's got some issues with soft wood under the top shell. Where is the step by step posted? I haven't been able to find it.
Thank you,
Bill

 

[PopRichie77]

Just one thing not all HI-LOs had a metal frame, many Tow Lites were mostly wood.

 

[fish56]

PopRichie77,
I noticed the wood rot through holes in the plastic covering on the bottom of the wood surface. The wood I could see through these holes, looked laminated, like a very thick plywood. I suppose these holes, even though they appear random, were put there from the factory to help drain water from the walls, if water were to get in. Otherwise, the rot/water has disintegrated the plastic somehow.
Has anyone here taken any pictures while they were repairing/restoring the walls and roof? I'm hoping I can delay the repair for awhile and work on it next spring/summer. As far as some Towlites being mostly wood, is there anyway to find out without taking it apart?...like a search by year, model, serial number?
Thanks to all.
Bill

 

[bugman-HILO]

wood rot repair

I just finished my 98 tow lite. Both upper walls had to be removed and relaminated. It turned out nice but it is alot of work.
I can send you pictures of the process we used if you give me your email address. Dave (bugman)

 

[PopRichie77]

You can try a search but your not likely to find anything. Even if the factory still existed their record keeping wasn't very good. You might try calling JR Repair they might know from memory. The plastic sounds strange, I thought the older ones had aluminum siding. I can't help but there are some pictures in the forum of repairs others have done. Look at what bugman has done.

 

[fish56]

Dave (bugman),
I sent a PM to you with my email address. Thank you.

PopRichie77,
The sides are aluminum, but it seems that they covered the exposed wood at the bottom of the top shell with plastic. I think I saw a reference to this somewhere before.

Bill

 

[PopRichie77]

My 95 Towlite is all aluminum, including the bottom of the top which is fully wrapped around, with no drain holes, maybe yours has had a previous repair.