Hello everyone,
I am going to look at a 1986 hilo that is supposed to need TLC
Guy mentioned something about 2 cables needing replacement.
I'm not worried about hydraulics because I can handle it and most repairs.

So is a 1986 for $300 a good starting place?

PS. not worried about AC stove, refridge, heater because I have parts units.

Also how are they in winter/ coldness wise? (I have a heater buddy 4000/9000 BTU and it works too well)

Dave

PSS. you can Email your comments also because I can read them from my phone.

Take pictures of any dammage. Everything that is wrong with a HiLo can be fixed parts are readily available. I think if the cables are broken it will be impossible to raise it up to get a really good look at it. Biggest problem could be roof condition,delaminated leaking walls in the shower area. Another sorce of leaking is around all windows. Is this a classic or a towlite. We have had several forum members due total rebuilds. Look at the posting from Dirtfan on his rebuild in progress. If you are not sure post some pictures of the interior and exterior. It may come down to how much time and $ you want to invest in fixing it up. Read through many of the back posts concerning repairs. We are here to help you and answer any questions you have. The instructions on replacing the seal between the halves and cable replacement is in the library section. Keep us posted.

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of thinking about buying and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

All of the above is good advice, Water damage to the roof and side walls of the top could be a major repair. You will need a set of 4 cables, they come with the adjustment end on them, the parts for the other end are there also but the cables have to be cut to length and then the ferule crimped on. Here are the cables. Web Store - The Official HiLo Trailer Parts & Service

__________________
Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'

Anasty,

that is a loaded question, I could buy one for that much, do all the work myself, if I had time, end up with nice unit cheap.

Mom, on the otherhand, could buy one for similiar money, have to pay someone (not me, for this story) to do the rapairs, it would cost her lots of money, since the RV place near me gets about $80 or more, an hour, and cant say how many hours up front, on damn near anything I have asked about... LOL.

If you are mechanical, resourceful, and patient, you could end up with a nice camper, if you arent, you could end up with Lawn Art...

__________________
From Kansas: 29ft '95 5th, converted to toybox in rear, by Hilo. Pics soon, Some Here.