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


New Member Intros Say Hello! Tell us a little about yourself and your camper; we're fairly friendly :)
Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-20-2013, 03:26 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Raytown (Kansas City), MO
Posts: 2
Default KC Newbie looking for advice and info

Looked at a 1987 24' Classic model?? couple of days ago. Wife to see it tomorrow. Stored inside last 2-3 yrs. Seller has had it for 6 yrs. Roof has been resealed, he tore it out and installed terrific looking all new ceiling. Fridge doesn't work, he's not sure why. Dometic RM2400 unit. Worth exploring repair, or do I just figure on replacing it??
Where do I find the list of things to watch for when buying a used HiLo?? Saw a reference on another thread here.
Will be pulling with a '93 Dakota 4x2 Club Cab. 5000# hitch, 5.2L (318ci) V8 engine, auto trans w/cooler. Seller throwing in a wt distributing hitch. Have cked into installation of brake controller, sway control, and getting hitch set up professionally. (I have a 20' pontoon now, also an old popup camper we're getting rid of. Do have an old 1977 22' Cree travel trailer I've never had need to pull as I bought it from a neighbor of ours near our lake lot.) Anyone anticipate any problems of the Dakota handling a 24' HiLo??? Basically "local" towing in MO, nothing in mountains, or long distance planned.
Anything specific I need to watch for, or be super aware of??? Really appreciate any comments or opinions. Thanks & we'll see if we can get this deal done.
__________________

Dave5275 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2013, 03:42 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Wrascal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lower Alabama (LA)
Posts: 551
Default Dave

I'm even newer than you but can offer what I've got and done ...

I recently purchased a 24 foot Hi-Lo, sticker says dry weight of 4035 (plus or minus, I forget). I've had no problem pulling it with a similar (many would say lesser) vehicle (V6 Honda Ridgeline).

I had a brake controller installed; the one the service manager used for himself. He felt strongly enough about this "cheaper" Hayes controller that's what I got. And of course they did have many other/ more expensive ones to offer.

My camper also came with the whole hitch stuff, heavy hitch with sway and leveling bars. I just recently removed the hitch and had forgotten just how heavy it was.

So far I haven't found anything wrong - excluding cosmetics. I'm a happy camper.

EDITED; HONDA RECOMMENDS USING A HIGHER OCTANE WHILE TOWING, WHICH I DID. YOU MAY CONSIDER THAT AS AN OPTION - IF IT FEELS UNDERPOWERED.
__________________

__________________
2014 Ford F250 6.7 PS
formerly a HiLo TD2401
now an 08 Jayco Eagle
Wrascal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2013, 05:22 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
RCREYES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 1,370
Send a message via Yahoo to RCREYES
Default

Welcome to the forum.

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 06-20-2013, 06:41 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Upper left corner
Posts: 531
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave5275 View Post
Will be pulling with a '93 Dakota 4x2 Club Cab. 5000# hitch, 5.2L (318ci) V8 engine, auto trans w/cooler. Seller throwing in a wt distributing hitch. Have cked into installation of brake controller, sway control, and getting hitch set up professionally. (I have a 20' pontoon now, also an old popup camper we're getting rid of. Do have an old 1977 22' Cree travel trailer I've never had need to pull as I bought it from a neighbor of ours near our lake lot.) Anyone anticipate any problems of the Dakota handling a 24' HiLo??? Basically "local" towing in MO, nothing in mountains, or long distance planned.
Anything specific I need to watch for, or be super aware of??? Really appreciate any comments or opinions. Thanks & we'll see if we can get this deal done.
It looks like you are doing all the right things to set up your truck. According to this site, Tow Ratings Database - Tow Vehicle Ratings | Camping Life Magazine your Dakota should have a max tow rating of 6900 lb, provided it has a 3.90 rear end. I think that your trailer will be less than that loaded.
__________________
Raul

2408T
2010 Nissan Frontier, 4x4, Crew Cab
Norton Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2013, 07:42 PM   #5
sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Niagara Falls,NY
Posts: 4,229
Default Refrigerator repair

I am not an expert on ref. Might be my first choice to see if it is fixable. If not then a gas electric might run you about $800.00 plus tax. Some have installed electric dorm size ones if you will always have electric or a generator.
sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-20-2013, 08:01 PM   #6
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

Google "Dometic RM2400" and you will find the manual and a place that sells replacement cooling units for $400.
__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2013, 12:00 AM   #7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Raytown (Kansas City), MO
Posts: 2
Thumbs up Thank You from the KC New Guy

Thank You everyone for your thoughts, tips, suggestions, and info. I found NDgents list of things to check out and copied it into a Word doc that I can print and take with me when I go to reinspect this trailer tomorrow.
Man, lots of points to check out, but it needs to be done.
This trailer has been stored inside in one of the service bays of a transmission shop the Seller owns for the last 2-3 yrs. Appreciate it being inside, but I need to have him pull it out into the sunshine if my wife likes it & we actually get serious about doing the deal and making it ours.
Outside can ck the awning and better get underneath it. Better take a creeper as I want to ck the lift ram for condition and rust, condition of the gray and black tanks, etc.
Lots to check out. I'm happy with $2800 for what I've seen so far, but need to take some deep breaths and not get too excited till the important checks are done & satisfactory. Thanks to everyone again!! Let you all know after the weekend how this all ends up. Pics to follow if this is meant to be..
Dave5275 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2013, 04:59 AM   #8
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 83
Default

Good Luck!
zookeeper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2013, 08:38 PM   #9
Moderator
 
RichR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NW PA
Posts: 3,386
Default

Don't forget to check the tires for cracking on the sidewalls and between the tread. If they are more than five years old they are at risk for failure.
__________________

__________________
My Great Wife Joyce
2018 Jayco Jay Flight 21QB
Formerly owned 1705T and 2310H
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew EcoBoost w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU
RichR is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

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 03:45 AM.


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