Can't lower top! - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Murphychuck · 11-15-2020, 11:59 AM

I have a 1987 Funchaser with the top stuck up. I have tried to lower it manually, but I don't know where the fluid release valve is. I've used the pump to raise it enough to release the safety bar and nothing happens. There is supposed to be a release valve somewhere near the pump, but where?

JackandJanet · 11-15-2020, 12:04 PM

Murphy, did you pull the safety release lanyard and hold it out when you raised the top off the safety bar? And, did the hydraulic pump actually work when you activated the lift switch? If the top DID lift off the bar, then it should lower if you pulled the safety bar out of the way.

There are several threads here about the location and appearance of the manual lowering valve, but I don't think that's your problem.

- Jack

Murphychuck · 11-16-2020, 02:12 PM

The piston on the hydraulic cylinder was frozen! I'm going to remove it and get it rebuilt. Thanks for the reply!

Messenger · 11-20-2020, 04:10 PM

Anyone know if you can travel with the hilo in the raised position?

sam · 11-20-2020, 10:44 PM

Don't ever travel with the HiLo in the up position. You will wreck the HiLo for sure.

ldmagoo · 02-20-2022, 10:31 AM

One of the cables broke and needs to be replaced.

The problem is, I can't get the top down so I can tow it. Everything was working well before the cable broke. Now it is high on one side and low on the other.

JackandJanet · 02-20-2022, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldmagoo

One of the cables broke and needs to be replaced.

The problem is, I can't get the top down so I can tow it. Everything was working well before the cable broke. Now it is high on one side and low on the other.

Sounds like the top has twisted and is now binding on the tracks. I think you'll have to lift the low side with a farm jack or some strong neighbors to relieve the twist, which should release the part that's binding. I'm guessing it's high on a side where the cables are still good? If so, don't try to lift it with the motor, that will just increase the twist.

- Jack