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

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Les

2006 22ft towlite (replaces 97 21TL)
2006 Toyota tacoma pre-runner 4.0 L V-6 quad cab
w/ 98 chevy Powervision towing mirrors

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

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1967 17' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1967-1969)
1969 19' Hi-Lo Bon Voyage (1969-2011)
2004 27' Hi-Lo TowLite (2010-present)
2007 Chevy Suburban

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

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

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

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.

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

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.