Considering purchase of older Hi-Lo
 

Hello,
This will be my first post. I need a ton of advice. I have a 2006 Buick Rainier that can tow around 6500 pounds and I am hoping to get a Hi-Lo in the lower 4000lb range, loaded weight. I do not know if the NADA guidelines for weight are accurate (and if so, are they loaded or unloaded). My budget will allow me to purchase a unit in the $3000 range. Obviously, that doesn't leave a lot of options. :( I believe any unit with this weight range needs to be under 24' to tow comfortably in the safety margin, yet the 24 foot units have more idyllic floorplans and features.

Intended users would be myself and up to three of my 6 foot tall sons, so sleeping 4 or more would be best. An ideal unit would have either a fixed bedroom or pull down from the ceiling mattress. It seems those features are only on the newer models. I do like the older models' mini bathtub which seems to not be available in newer models.

A factor to consider in my decision is the unit's longevity. It would seem to be that in the extreme heat of Arizona, the older units with aluminum siding would fare better and have already experienced weathering (correct me if I'm wrong). I've seen many newer RVs with fiberglass sides that have the common problem of de-lamination and bubbling due to the extreme temperatures..

I've found a 1975 19 foot unit for sale in this price range. The decor is definitely dated and I'm weighing the costs of renovation vs saving for a newer unit. Another thread noted/warned that the older units were made of wood rather than steel or aluminum structure. Would this make a significant difference? How difficult would it be to remove the two couches that fold to make a bed and replace with a more traditional RV sofa bed? Or are the boxes hiding tons of pipes and wiring?

I much prefer the decor of the newer units but can't justify that expense at this time. Could anyone help locate a 1975 19 foot manual?

Advice very much solicited!
Thank you for helping a wanna be owner.

HiLo wanna be with many questions.
 

phxteach,Welcome to the forum. I will do my best to answer some of your questions. We own a 1990 25ft. fiberglass HiLo with a rubber roof. My best quess is that the reason the towlites and the heavier classics leak is because the owners didn't catch the need to scrape off all exterior caulk and take out the windows and reseal with butyl tape and lexell caulk.Roofs need to be carefull watched and all vents. recaulked/sealed. The roof needs to be recoated. This preventive maintenance would apply to all trailers. We are only 5ft. 5inches and need to make sure we are positioned high on our pillows so as to not be uncomfortable by touching the end of our sofa beds. The swing down bed I believe is rated for around 200lbs. I could be wrong on this. We hyave a piece of plywood across our bathtub. Power cord in the tub. We use the plywood with stain and finish on it to store dry totes of food and a trash bag with dirty clothes in it. We caped off the bathtub water underneath with a special plug. Our showering is done at the campshower house with flipflops. Other forum members can give youtheir thoughts. Sorry some typing errors.

thanks for the info
 

I appreciate all you've said. Turns out that the 1975 model's ceiling was fine but seemed to have had fairly extensive damage due to window leakage. The wall paneling bowed outward by about an inch or more and was soft. It did not have a ton of storage and ability to remodel this extensively is out of my ability and price range. So... the search continues. I would like to thank you for the reply and look forward to owning a hi-lo at a future date.

Sam, I believe the HiLo literature states that the drop down bunk is rated for 350 pounds. I read that just a short while ago when looking up something else and "Good Old" Larry Mills mentions it in the video #24.
https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/...-youtube-1233/

Drop down bunk
 

Good to know what the weight rating is in the drop down bunk.

Good to know. I thought it was 300 lbs.

Phxteach, definitely the wait is worth it. My SIL and daughter bought a 1989 22' Funchaser just this year. It was really In great condition. The frig was the only item that did not work. We replaced it with an electric one.

We updated the lighting, added 4 new tires, spent hours cleaning her up........but all well worth it. Been out 3 times in the cold and high winds and she kept us warm and safe.

Our next plans are sealing the metal roof as a preventative measure and buying a new electric jack. Looking for a sunbrella cover as well to protect "Miss Daisy".

Looking at the construction of MY drop-down bunk bed, I would not want to have even 300# in it. Additionally, the size would make it very "tight" for a 6-footer. The mattress is very thin - much thinner than the OEM cushions on the lower furniture. I think the "floor" of the bunk is 1/4" plywood and the 1" square metal framing doesn't look particularly robust.

Bottom line - I think the bunk bed is suitable for a couple children and that's about it.

- Jack

Jack, I agree with you regardless with what "good old" Larry Mills said in the video. I really would not want to test it. I just pass on what the "expert" said. It may very well stand the load but I would not sleep well under the bunk loaded to 350#. 250# would be enough for me.

Bunk bed weight.
 

I was thinking the flimsy construction wouldn't support 350lbs. I would hate to be sleeping in the dinette bed under it when it came crashing down. The paneling it is screwed into is only 1/8th inches thick. Fully agree it is best for small children/grandkids.

89hilo
 

Welcome to the forum, Agree with you priming and coating your metal roof. Much cheaper than a new roof. Use two coats of paint. Tape off with blue painters tape where the roof turns on the side. This will give you a "crisp" paint job. We have to coat our rubber roof this year. Didn't think to tape off the first time we did this. You will love the electric jack. The next best thing besides sliced bread. Shop the net for best prices.