Hi-Lo Newbie - Introduction/plans/questions
 

My first post!

Hello! My name is Lynn. My husband, toddler, pups (2), and I are very exited to get our 72? Hi-Lo Traveler today. We've only had a couple short looks and I forgot to look at the tags last time so that's the reason we are unsure on the exact year. We'll also get official measurements tonight.

What we know:
-Hydraulics, ac, oven, stove top and fridge work. The fridge is original so we know when it goes we cannot repair it and have to replace it.
-There's no water damage or leaking.

We’re getting this from a family friend that rents/sells trailers. When he comes across good deals he also gets campers and boats to resell. He is ‘making sure everything is right’ for us: trailer base, hitch, wheels, drive lights and adding a spare. He is very knowledgeable so this is a huge relief!

Our initial plans:
-Take out anything that isn't bolted down and explore!
-Reseal roof and ac seams.
-Caulk windows/door as needed.
-Does the heater work? Repair or replace as needed.
-Inspect/repair the electrical trappings.
-Paint exterior - The bottom is fine as is. We need to scrape/sand the upper, tape off everything off (especially the labels!), and spray paint à la car detailing. We're thinking red or gold (Cards and Missouri fans).
-Make waterproof awning that uses current awning track. I’ve already got the how-to for this all planned! But still need to decide on either regular perpendicular pole stakes or angled back to camper-base pole mounts. I bet there are better camper terms for these but I don’t know them yet!

Interior Remodel plans:
-Lay new vinyl floor – black and white check.
-Do ?something? with the 'bathroom' section – wall, ceiling elements, floor elements (which we haven’t even laid eyes on)
-Replace cut up table.
-Replace table brackets for lowered position (they're gone).
-Replace/repair lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware.
-Brainstorm on layout for left end of camper. Fold and go cot in there right now. Daybed, jack knife couch, recliners, cabinets?

Glamping (oh yes I said it!) – we’re thinking Diner-esque:
-Reupholster or replace dinette cushions - red
-Brainstorm and make removable curtain mountings.
-Make curtains and matching duvets.
-Husband wants chrome touches. (edge of table, cabinet hardware, etc)

Interior Paint - I'm toying with this idea:
-Keep the wood paneling as is (I had to talk my husband into this! We've made a condition that if he doesn't like it we can always paint the paneling white later).
-White cabinets with red fronts.
-Shiny red oven & fridge.

You’re probably thinking I missed something major…what about water - tanks/lines etc?
We’re currently tenters. We’re used to bath houses and water pumps. So, at least for now, we’re not messing with the whole water thing. Electricity is a big enough change.
And even though it’ll be dead space, I’ve told my husband we’re keeping the sink. Fridge, oven, stove top, sink. They go together. Maybe we can come up with something fun to do with it.


Questions! (I’m sure we’ll have more as we get our hands on it.)

-We’re storing it under a car port and we are planning on getting a breathable cover (sunbrella/tyvek/adco). We’ll cushion sharps and edges.
But despite all my research I couldn’t find an answer to a (possibly obvious/silly) question. Store up or down?

-Also, I’m worried about chipmunks or mice making a cozy winter home inside or Hi-Lo. Should we use pool noodle or grey pipe foam as a back up in case there’s a weakness in our gasket?

-Anyone have any curtain mounting ideas/suggestions? Velcro? Hook and rod?
-Awing pole suggestions? Perpendicular or angled?
-Bathroom section suggestions?

-The propane tank awning (probably a better name for this too!) – can it be painted?

Think that's it for now. We are so excited!
Oh!Picture Album These are from the lot. Going to take more pictures at home this weekend.

Welcome to the forum. I've had mine up for about four months with no issues but I'd store it down, steel wool in the nooks and cranies will keep mice out but I'm not sure about chipmunks, I have day/night shades so no curtains, leave awning stowed but open up once in a while to prevent mildew from moisture that builds up in it, might have to sand the tank cover to get paint to adhere. Hope that helps. Let us know how it goes.

New HiLo owner
 

Welcome to the forum. I can answer a few of your questions. The HiLo should be stored in the down position as this takes the weight off the lift cables. It is possible to leave the HiLo in the up position if you cut 2x4 and place on the exterior corners to support the top half wt. I would not leave it up in snowy weather as the snow can damage the roof. We used the grey pipe foam when our seal was shot. Use a majic marker to label where the pieces go. If you lived closer I would give you a load of gently used pipe foam. Maybe when you get everything done you could replace the seal. Your decorating/fixing ideas sound real cute. A good caulk to use to reseal around the windows is Lexel caulk. It can be purchased at ACE hardware,on line or Lowes. It sells for around $8.00 a tube. Don't use silicone caulk. FYI Trailers that are that old should have the windows taken out and resealed with Butyl tape. This is a DIY project. o a search for back posts on how to do this. Have fun making this trailer your own.

We are newbie's also.
 

We just bought a 2005 Hi-Lo Classic 25C. When we raise and lower it, it is very noisy. So much so, that I would be embarrassed during set-up in a populated camp ground. :eek: Does lubrication help and where do we apply it?
Thanks.

Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of information in the reference library. Check out the video owners manual and if you do not have a copy of the paper manual, find your year or one close to it and it should be close enough. There are a few items that need to be cleaned and lubed for smooth operation.

Hi-Lo Owners Manual - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

welcome to the forum
 

L&B welcome to the forum. Try paraffin wax to the exterior vertical tracks. All the HiLos squeal a little when being raised. Do the routine maintenance of the lift cables and guide rod. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Spend some time doing a search for back posts on the lubrication issue.