Storing a HiLo outside?
 

Hi, my family and I are considering purchasing a used HiLo.

A friend who has owned several campers expressed concern that a HiLo may have water problems if stored outside (exposed to the elements)

a few questions:

a) can a HiLo be stored fully exposed to the elements
b) should it be kept in the upright or down position?
c) should a cover be used?

thanks!

I store mine outside. Can't afford a metal cover for it yet.

Depending on what we are doing or not doing to our camper indicates whether or not it is up or down.. If being stored for the winter or not being used for a little while, I put it down though.

I have a cover for mine and use it occasionally. I have been advised to keep it covered.

I've seen a lot of regular campers stored outside with water damage, so what's his point? The way the Hi-Lo is made with the top half fitting over the bottom half doesn't let water inside anymore than a regular camper would. I cover mine with an old adco cover and then tarp on the top half only. That way I can put it up or down all winter long if I want to. Usually I only put mine all the way down is if the weather is very windy or calling for ice and snow. I also use two airbags 30x60 under the cover and tarp on the roof for ventilation. (Something like they use in pools, only mine came out of a railroad car full of 6000lb paper rolls.)

Welcome to the forum.
a) yes
b) stored in the down position to keep cables from stretching
c) yes, use a cover made for RV's. It must be able to breath. Tarps are bad. They trap moisture and you get a greenhouse effect.

These are the major things to lookout for when buying a trailer.

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)

This is a very good starting point. There is so much more I've learned elsewhere on this excellent forum of things to check out and inspect when looking at a used Hi Lo. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum
 

Chgrey, You have been given an excellent list of what to look for in a used unit. Our HiLo got wall/water dammage because we didn't realize that we had to take out all the windows and reset them. Easily a DIY job. Check the roof on any used unit. Absolutely invest in a cover for any trailer that sits outside. Always store in the down position. Inspect any trailer on a regular basis to see if it needs to be recaulked anywhere. If you take care of the trailer it will take care of you and give you many fun camping trips.