Do I need 2 batteries
 

Again new to a HiLo and noticed that the battery place has set up for 2 batteries, question do I need 2 batteries? If yes why if not l would love to know more about this situation????

I put two batteries (connected in PARALLEL) in my trailer because we primarily camp where there are no hookups. (Boondock camping). Having two gives us more electrical capacity - the power lasts longer between recharging cycles.

If you camp primarily where you would be hooked up to "shore power", then you would not see much benefit from having two batteries. But if you boondock, then you'll appreciate the added capacity.

- Jack

Yes, the above plus my HILO doesn't have a manual crank for the top, so I typically remove the crossover cable to take the batteries out of parallel to make sure that I always have one good battery for the top. Lots of good reading out there about batteries. You don't want to run them below 11.5 volts, and usually not below 12v for longest life. That's another reason for having two.

Manual crank
 

I'm not aware of any Hi-Lo that doesn't have a manual pump jack to raise the top and a release valve to manually lower it. The pump jack is built onto the electric pump.

Richard, In earlier days, the manual pump was an option, not sure about the later years, but mt '86 doesn't have it.
Tree

My first hi-lo, probably an 80s funchaser but was never sure, also did not have the manual lever pump. That was a real nuisance because with the top down, it covered the area where the hydraulic pump and reservoir were on the A frame of the trailer in those days. You had to manually lift or use an external jack on the front corners just to get the top up high enough to even remove the cover for that area.