Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Curious about Hi-Lo Campers? Thinking about buying a Hi-Lo camper, curious, have questions? Ask them here
Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-21-2015, 01:16 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1
Default 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!
__________________

chgray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 07:00 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Raleigh NC
Posts: 161
Default

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.
__________________

__________________
TV-2012 Ford F-150
2013 Forest River Flagstaff 27RLWS
NC
Pinn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 09:39 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
garyk52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Berwick. Pa
Posts: 343
Default

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.)
__________________
Cheers
Garyk52
DW Judy

96 24' Hi-Lo Funchaser, (99 Aliner Sofabed Sold 6/9/18)
06 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab 4X4 36,000 miles and counting
garyk52 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 09:59 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
RCREYES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 1,364
Send a message via Yahoo to RCREYES
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chgray View Post
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!
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.
__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas
RCREYES is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 10:03 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
RCREYES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 1,364
Send a message via Yahoo to RCREYES
Default

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)
__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas
RCREYES is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 04:20 PM   #6
Member
 
GoCamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 73
Default

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.
GoCamp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2015, 06:44 PM   #7
sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Niagara Falls,NY
Posts: 4,051
Default 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.
__________________

sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
hilo, storage

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hi-Lo Trailers Worldwide or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:58 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
HiLoTrailerForum.com Copyright 2010
×