New to HiLO- need help please! - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Anaps21 · 06-18-2019, 09:20 AM

Hello! We just bought our first camper which is a 2005 HiLO classic 31ft. We already went camping and love it! We are running into some issues though. The top door is completely rotten inside. Is there somewhere where we can get a replacement door? Also, back in the bedroom the sides are not even with each other. What would be causing that? Under the window the wall seems a little spongy too 😫. I will post pictures. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

Treeclimber · 06-18-2019, 01:16 PM

Anaps21, I'd like to welcome you to the forum and real happy you liked your first experience with the Hi Lo. They really only get better! Bad news is that IS water damage under the window. Can't tell how extensive it is from here, it has to be opened to find that out. Are ALL the windows suffering that damage or hopefully only that one? Typically, all the windows should be resealed. Some say every 5-7 years. There is a video on youtube for this. Not much money to reseal windows, but the damage in the wall is the question. It can be done if you have basic carpentry skills, and the time. Stay with us, as several members have gone through this, we'll help you thru it. Is the wall above the window distorted, if so a roof problem may exist.
Again, Welcome.
Tree

Anaps21 · 06-18-2019, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeclimber

Anaps21, I'd like to welcome you to the forum and real happy you liked your first experience with the Hi Lo. They really only get better! Bad news is that IS water damage under the window. Can't tell how extensive it is from here, it has to be opened to find that out. Are ALL the windows suffering that damage or hopefully only that one? Typically, all the windows should be resealed. Some say every 5-7 years. There is a video on youtube for this. Not much money to reseal windows, but the damage in the wall is the question. It can be done if you have basic carpentry skills, and the time. Stay with us, as several members have gone through this, we'll help you thru it. Is the wall above the window distorted, if so a roof problem may exist.
Again, Welcome.
Tree

Thank you Tree! Yes the damage is only below the window and above it is still very solid. So it appears to basically be below the window and off to the sides of that part. So do you think if we just pull out and reseal the window it should be fine? We will also look down to see what’s going on inside. What is the inside made of? Just foam and wood? Thank you for your response!

cva34 · 06-18-2019, 06:33 PM

Once ya pull window you probably can tell for sure...welcome aboard

Anaps21 · 06-18-2019, 06:52 PM

Thank you very much! We plan to pull it out soon. We have had a lot of rain and there hasn’t been any increase in spots. I hope it stays that way until we have some time to look at it! My husband did add more to seal for now.

Treeclimber · 06-18-2019, 09:06 PM

I'm sure you on it, but just to be sure, order enough butyl tape to do ALL you windows. After completion, let the windows "rest" for a couple days, trim off butyl that has oozed out and apply a bead of Lexel caulk. Available on line or at Ace hrdw. About $6-8 a tube. Comes in clear or white. Nothing else will do. Any questions, just ask.
Tree

Anaps21 · 06-18-2019, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeclimber

I'm sure you on it, but just to be sure, order enough butyl tape to do ALL you windows. After completion, let the windows "rest" for a couple days, trim off butyl that has oozed out and apply a bead of Lexel caulk. Available on line or at Ace hrdw. About $6-8 a tube. Comes in clear or white. Nothing else will do. Any questions, just ask.
Tree

Do you have to take all of the windows out, or just apply the butyl and caulk while they are in, except for the one window that is having issues? Also approximately how many tubes do you need? Thank you!

Treeclimber · 06-19-2019, 10:12 AM

The windows must be completely removed one at a time and surface cleaned, wiped down with alcohol, butyl tape applied the the perimeter of the hole and window reinstalled. Be aware, you may encounter a few broken screws due to corrosion. I found it best to count the number of screws of all windows, take one to a fastener outlet and get GOOD stainless steel screws. The big box stores have a lower quality stainless that will corrode.
The "Search" header at the top of the page is your friend. Type in resealing windows for example, and you'll find several post on the subject.
Tree

cva34 · 06-19-2019, 11:36 AM

Like tree said and yes windows need to be removed to search for leak.Then clean, butyl tape and install.and later LEXEL..while out clean and lube window opening joints etc...It easy to do on work bench...

Treeclimber · 06-19-2019, 04:56 PM

Agree with cva34, while the window is on the makeshift work table it's the perfect time to crank open the windows and lube with 3 in 1 oil (or your choice). Like while the alcohol is evaping. Lots of little moving parts and pivot points. Come on, ya know you'll never think to do it later. My first time doing windows was a "class" given using my Hi Lo. Took 4 of us about 2 hrs. Now me and my DSO can do our 27'er in 2 hrs. That includes the curtain removal if needed.
Tree

jon2bee · 06-20-2019, 06:28 PM

Anaps21, the uneven sides in the bedroom may be corrected by adjusting the cables. This is somewhat a complicated procedure and not that easy. There is probably info on this website to help you. As Tree says the "Search" header is your friend.
John

tlnovack · 06-27-2019, 03:45 PM

Regular or Big Stretch Lexel Caulk? And clear or white?

gmbishop · 06-28-2019, 03:12 PM

Hi and welcome to our small Hi-Lo group. Sorry to hear about your problems, we've been there. I had to rebuild the upper door. I used pressure treated wood to mount the metal outer door frame and filled the inside with syrofoam panel the same thickness as the wood frame. I got a small sheet of outer wall panel from a local RV dealer and replaced the inner panel with wood grain look laminate. The outer frame has small gaps at the bottom edges so I drilled drain holes in the bottom of the inner wood frame to allow for any drainage that might occur, the whole project took about 10 hours. The galley window took less than 4 hours, yea the door was a beast.
Good Luck