The Hi-Lo Travel Trailer. From Happiness to Frustration to Finished. Leaving for Louisiana tomorrow.

[@SWSimpson]

Our family had a 70's Hi-Lo and we traveled all over the country with it. We loved it! But, when we were moving from Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, Louisiana in 1978 and were on Hwy 20 just a few hours from Shreveport when a semi pulling a trailer went flying past us. My dad and I were in the van pulling the Hi-Lo and my Mother and sister were in our Honda Civic following. The Hi-Lo began to bounce around and causing us to fishtail. I just remember hearing my dad say, "We're going over" and he braced himself with his arm and I grabbed my Scottish Terrier and held onto her. Next I hear that horrible sound of metal on scraping on the freeway. Thanks to the Hi-Lo, we tipped over very slowly that none of the windows in the van broke. I felt us spin around and knew we were facing the wrong way on the freeway. As soon as we stopped sliding the windshield slowly fell outward w/out in one piece, and my Dad and I walked through the front window. When we turned around the trailer was still on its wheels, but the top of the Hi-Lo had been torn off and hanging, hydraulic fluid was all over the place, mixed in with clothes and the cushions from the Hi-Lo seats. The van and Hi-Lo were totaled. I still miss that Hi-Lo trailer. I saw one almost identical for sale and called my brother to see about buying it but it had already sold. They were rare back in the day and people would be thrilled to see us raise the roof, and my siblings and I would all take turns raising and lowering it. We had wonderful times in our Hi-Lo-- New York, Mississippi, Niagra, Canada, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Yosemite, Redwood Forest, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Utah, Michigan, and Louisiana. Enjoy the Hi-Lo. Wonderful to see them on KZbin. Pleasant journies to you.

[@NorthernSeclusion]

Awesome story, it is too bad the HiLo did not survive but it is good that no one was hurt. Thank You.

[@justwannasay5454]

Amazing story!

[@pennylowe8713]

I am learning HI-LO repair tips & tracks from you and Thank You for that. I own a 1978 Terry Hi-LO that I have refurbished myself. I am getting ready to travel to BLM land to live for a year or so, in either NM or AZ. Learning from you will hopefully let my journey be far less frustrating.

[@justwannasay5454]

I too have a Hi-Lo. 2001 24'. Would like to nomad someday. Glad to see there are other women out there! Do you have solar?

[@mmanut]

Like the way the trailer drops down for easy trailering. Clever idea. That is IMO the perfect trailer, has it all. Love your videos, thanks for sharing. 👍 Vinny 🇺🇸

[@A10TOES]

I've never seen a Hi-Lo trailer before, how neat. Nice looking vegetable garden!

[@claireclaire8370]

Not sure why I love your videos so much but I find them so relaxing. I guess it's fun watching all the outdoorsy stuff you do in MN. I live in Hinckley. Drive safe. Looking forward to your next video.

[@bamamubs4723]

Yay Joe! Safe travels to Louisiana, and give Melissa our best wishes! Keep us posted!

[@debbiemcclure2874]

WOOOOOOHOOOOOO ROAD TRIP!!!!!!! Praying you have a safe trip Joe and have fun down south and try to take it easy a little bit and enjoy your short visit!!!!!!! Sit on him Melissa, lol. Tyfs God bless

[@larhar11]

ha ha on the sit on hi.....lol

[@bugsbunny7710]

Not a waste of time from my standpoint, I definitely learned a lot, from the Jack of all trades thank you for sharing, I love your hi-lo trailer

[@Charles77598]

I like the HI LO! That is such an easy one to bring up and down it looks like! Thanks for sharing your video!

[@yogiyoda]

love your garden!

[@brasileirosshelton]

Thanx Joe for another video. Safe travels and be safe Joe...

[@dougbrand8947]

Sorry for your trouble Joe with the Hi-Lo, but I had to chuckle a little because I go threw the same think as you do on my projects. That is why I enjoy your videos. Safe travels and have a great time in Louisiana.

[@gmass7238]

Good luck, have a safe trip..

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

I hope your trip goes well! Thank you for sharing!

[@sylviajones3249]

You have such forethought in your projects on the wiring. Thanks for sharing. "An ounce of prevention...."

[@bonniebrier7174]

Drive careful and give Melissa a big kiss lol when you see her. Hope the weather is good for you. She will love the fresh veg. There is nothing better than fresh out of the graden. good luck.

[@bobshaw4063]

Hope you had a safe & trouble free trip to Louisiana Sorry you had issues to solve with the HiLo trailer before you left on your trip south.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great video Joe, thanks for sharing with us.

[@larhar11]

Hey Joe, ever think to just sit and Breathe!!............lol....just kidding ya Joe, Best of luck to ya, and have a safe trip!!

[@gundog4314]

For a guy that "has no patience" you control yourself very well. I'd have about 50 swear bleeps just doing the 7 plug change. Cheers!

[@LittleBullseye]

I just bout a pop up camper and I feel your pain. I had to redo the roof, still working on running lights. Then the converter went out without knowing it and my deep cycle battery went dead now. Dont forget the 3way fridge that all the sudden went bad while connected to the electric. So we used grizzly grip on the roof and went on shoreline power and went camping with a lamp for interior lights. Thats when the sink plumbing decided to instantly go out and caused a mini flood. At least the kids had fun right...!?!? lol. Any RV type will give us grief because no one else seems to take care of them, even though many of us do. Safe travels down south.

[@amywoolcott647]

safe trip.... thanks for your updates !! writing from Germany :)

[@jdallison6198]

Have a safe trip and God Bless !

[@dennistakacs722]

Have a safe trip, Joe...hope you have good traveling weather.

[@wyldfyre32286]

Love these videos, always inspired by the devotion you show to this way of life and your, obvious, love for it. Such a lucky women you got and some really awesome kids who share your passion for nature and doing for yourself. -David (Lynchburg-Virginia)

[@StepvanDan]

looking good,have a safe trip,thanks for the vid.,,,cedar MN here

[@craiggodfrey639]

Great stuff m8! Hope you have a great roadtrip.

[@raineystrees]

I like the HI -LO, good luck and as always a good video.

[@outdoor12341]

Safe travels Joe.

[@kevjo13]

have a safe trip Joe!

[@scottd41069]

Camper Trailers can be a pain in the rear but rewarding when you get them up and running correctly. We have had many we used for hunting over the years. All had various issue, lol. Safe travels bud. Oh, and take those wiring connectors back apart in the near future and put some grease on them to help slow down rust and oxidation! Napa Dielectric Silicone Grease works wonders!

[@crustycobs2669]

These are cool. I hope that you had a good time with it

[@stout65]

Safe travels Joe 👍🏻

[@rebeccarobinson8560]

Be carefull on your drive.Have a good time.Tell melissa i said hi and God bless you both.

[@paszkors]

Have a safe trip Joe.

[@bcardwell60]

Very impressive effort on the HI-LO! Nice work on everything!!

[@thomasanthonystockdale7900]

Safe trip and enjoy every minute.

[@DWDinAtlanta]

I'm behind. You are probably already there, but have a safe trip!

[@justmy10cents]

you can get the bulbs at a truck-stop joe might be cheaper :) be safe god bless brother.

[@TheRosa63]

wow cool trailor I would love that!!!

[@robbiehancox5647]

Going to look at a 04 hi lo, lived in regular pull behind for 7 yrs on the gulf coast, loved it and going back. If you are still on here, best of luck. I think i'm drawn to the hi lo cause it's kind of odd, so am I..lol...

[@btwarner2124]

The guy knows how to fix everything! Wish he was my neighbor.

[@423motoman]

Maybe he can coach me on troubleshooting making top to go up

[@LawrenceRhodes]

Non conductive grease on the connections is a good idea.

[@damoose1829]

Have a safe trip.That electrical will drive you crazy.Back when I was turning wrenches in a truck and trailer shop we learned very fast that if a 40 or 50 ft trailer was coming with lighting issues we just cut the harness at the bulkhead and all the leads to the lights.Rolled the wire spool cart over and replaced it all instead of spending hours tracking a green ghost. Different situation with travel trailers for sure. As before have a safe trip.Look forward to the next vid.

[@Dumperdivingdiva]

I'm in Louisiana. I love to have a High Low Gathering. It be fun.

[@rickballard1627]

Safe travels

[@rybig259]

i can not find a hi low anywhere here in canada o well great job joe u guys will have some fun with that

[@jacl4953]

have a good vacation.

[@ReinboldFarm]

At least you can make a video out of it lol! It entertains us with your problems that you run into but hey it all is good at the end, especially with beer! 😉 thanks for sharing joe have a good trip down!

[@kaskennedy67]

Joe, Have yourself a safe trip and enjoy the drive down! You might wanna try out audiobooks on the drive, they make it go by much faster.

[@colin8532]

Have a safe trip Joe :)

[@MrStark264]

Safe trip Joe! Live just off hwy 55 I. Missouri at Barnhart exit after St Louis

[@NorthernSeclusion]

I hope to make it a bit farther than that tomorrow. It is nice to know I would have a place to stop if needed AFTER St. Louis. I am so happy when I am through there.

[@MrStark264]

NorthernSeclusion You sure would!

[@steveosjb6611]

Larry Stark i

[@fdmackey3666]

I've long admired the Hi-Lo trailer design, but every time I've looked at a used late model (and some older models and clones) I've discovered leaks and messed up electrics (mainly running lights and turn signals/brake lights). My wife and I want a decent travel trailer and the Hi-Lo design would really fill the bill over even the best pop up camper we've looked at but it's those leaks and electrical problems that have us concerned. Would you, after all the effort, money, and time you have put into your trailer recommend a Hi-Lo to a first time (Hi-Lo) buyer? We are in our sixties, and retired, so low maintenance is important to us to some extent. Thanks for any information/opinions you are willing or able to provide.

[@NorthernSeclusion]

I actually would recommend the HiLo trailer. I do have issues with this one but it is a 1986. They made them believe until 2004 and they are now making them again. I was just talking to Melissa tonight (I made it here and we are finally together again after 3 months) and after reading your comment I would look for one that is close to that 2000 year. even 1995. And the 20 foot model we have is about as small as I would go. a 24 footer would have been really nice but then again the 20 footer is still big compared to a pop up. There are a few things to "look for" when buying one and if you would email me I will gladly give you a list of things to check out for. Thank you. [e-mail]

[@fdmackey3666]

Thanks so much for the kind reply! We will make note (literally) of your suggestions concerning a Hi-Lo trailer! Take care and happy travels!!

[@sheilabundren2037]

Never seen one of these. I like it. Too bad that stopped making them.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Great video. When you have a camper you'll always have a small project to keep you busy. love our camper If you ever get around Ocean City Maryland we have full hook ups here at home. Come for a visit.

[@justwannasay5454]

Hi. Not sure if you mentioned this. Do you have solar panels on the top of your Hi-Lo? Do you have any suggestions for how to bolt them on and to what so they dont fly off the roof? And do you use a WDH? Also my 2001 24' Hi-Lo came with pretty much ALL the options. Great for me but things like the swing away front bunk, LP gas oven, water heater, awning, double 20 lb. gas bottles, Dometic AC, stabilizer jacks, rear bumper storage, side storage pod, tv antenna, spare tire etc. all add extra weight! And the weight numbers from the manual DO NOT include these added options! I have a 5,000 lb. max limit. I plan to weigh it. My manual for the 2001 says unloaded the Hi-Lo is 3,648 lbs. Hitch weight is 380 lbs. Carrying capacity is 1,352 lbs. So you start adding the weight of all these options and wow. Plus water!

[@azimmey]

That Lighting issue is usually always the plugYou should always use dielectric grease on those wires especially in Minnesota and you have will never have Rust again. By the way really good job on redoing the Hi Low

[@bryandunlop5662]

put white lithium grease in bulb sockets as well. Cuts down on condensation which leads to rust

[@NorthernSeclusion]

Great idea. Thank you.

[@bryandunlop5662]

your welcome enjoy your trailer and travels

[@dennisthreadgill4495]

Boy, if you think you are frustrated now, wait until you drive in the rain. One of the main things that the body seals do is keep the rain out when you drive. The tires throw water up off the road. If your seals are bad, it goes right into the trailer. I know, been there done that!

[@Mountainghost72]

Getting ready to look @ a 1979 HiLo, any suggestions I should look for? Do you think a 6 cyl f150 will have issues towing it

[@NorthernSeclusion]

Truck will pull it fine. Look at the gaskets between the upper and lower part. If they are not intact and in good shape the mosquitoes and any other bugs will be able to get in. Make sure the up and down hydraulics work well and of course no leaks in the water system.

[@Mountainghost72]

@@NorthernSeclusion thank you for your response, after having the Hilo for a few years, are you still happy with it?

[@NorthernSeclusion]

We sold it but when we had it it was nice. We just did not want to bring it all the way back to Minnesota when Melissa moved up here from Louisiana which is where we had it.

[@TheDotDetective]

I loved towing a tent pop up but hated opening and closing it crossing the country. The low profile is great but I wonder if you have problems with the Hi-Low. I've towed a 21ft travel-lite and the high profile created a lot of resistance. Hi-Low seems more attractive. What's your opinion?

[@okpanhandlr]

My brother had two different Hilo campers. I was sick when I learned he sold the last one for a lousy $3500 in 1997 or 8. I would have bought it. It was the 25 footer

[@bottmar1]

This type of fold down camper is MUCH BETTER than canvas type junk. Just heavier . Probably has a shower too so you don't have to use a community shower like some goons do.

[@jakeschisler7525]

Safe trip

[@martijnfransen9933]

the hi-lo traler it has it's hi's and his low's...it's in the name...😄😂

[@mr.jubil-aire8957]

May I ask you some questions about that camper plz? I just bought one without a manual and I've never had a camper before

[@mr.jubil-aire8957]

The Hi-Lo pump? When can it be used/on?

[@stevecieply9630]

i am looking for one of these so cool

[@dstevenpaisley]

Great job ! Get some Dia elictric grease and cover all the wires under that plastic cap and we're you plug them together ! will stop the rusties (GREEN MEANEY)

[@bryandunlop5662]

white lithium grease to connection s will do wonders for years

[@leec5170]

I almost bought one of these in 2010. I'm regretting it ever since.

[@pennylowe8713]

Do you still have it? I just rehabbed a 1978. $700 to %4,000 and $500 to deliver a hour away. Woohoo! Non push bottom Girl power.

[@outdoorman7425]

Did you buy it or not??? What are you regretting??

[@leec5170]

@@outdoorman7425 I did not buy it. I wish I had. The one I looked at was a really great deal and was only one year old at the time. Oh, well.

[@bobbyt4701]

Joe since I seen your new truck you bought I've been wondering if that was my old truck that's my old truck those little toggle switches on the dash there that's my old truck good to see it's still running good

[@brandonwomack7474]

Use ketchup on the connections to burn the rust off in the future

[@justwannasay5454]

I am looking at a local 2001 hi low towlite. it is old but I REALLY LIKE IT. 😉 what would you recommend? Will this nickel and dime me to death? Are they hard to work on and get parts for? Will my 2017 Savana cargo van 2500 be able to tow this do you think? It's only a 4.8L V8. I know it's a small V8. I know these are around 5,000 lbs? That's seems heavyish to me. I am a female and would have to have someone do any work on it. Do these hold up over time? I need to make a decision soon. Thank you. 🤗

[@NorthernSeclusion]

That van will pull it. when it is in the up position look at the seal between the top and bottom, bugs can get in so you either have to make sure the rubber is still there or put something in those cracks once it has been lifted. They are like any other RV, all the things like water heater and pump can be replaced with new if needed but the actual HiLo you want to be in good condition.

[@justwannasay5454]

@@NorthernSeclusion Ok thank you. I need to crawl underneath and apparently look at the hydraulics part; and inspect for any soft spots. I called a hi-low repair place in Ohio and the nice owner talked to me for a long time. 🤗 He has a 71 year-old employee who was an original tow-lite employee!! Wow! But I live in California. Ohio is up there by New York I think.

[@duststorm2699]

PPL RV dealer in Houston on 59 freeway. Nice lady saved me rewiring my 95 Funlight Hi-Lo. The cord was shorting out resting on the hitch. Hope this helps.

[@helidude3502]

So i'm a year behind. you changed the connector, but not the crimp terminals. You only fixed part of the problem.. You would need to cut the wire back and install new terminals. Then you might see improved results. Corrosion gets between the terminals and wire and in the wire strands. You probably fixed this by now, but maybe this will help others. I am considering rv living so your video is helpful to me.

[@nancymartin3441]

This Hi Lo was manufactured above 7 miles from where I live

[@astheroostercrows6435]

you're an awesome boyfriend!!! I love you!!

[@NorthernSeclusion]

I love you too. 2 more days.... WooHoo.

[@micjam1986]

Life is short.. someone's got to move this is B.S.!! lol Safe travels Joe!!!

[@NorthernSeclusion]

I dunno..... waiting for it has its advantages. Hahaha.

[@bamamubs4723]

yeah, what mic jam said! Ditto! :)

[@wiscokid9890]

Update the house while your down yonder?

[@alec4672]

I know this video is old but if your looking for any 12v light bulb O'Reilly's is the place to go I used to work there and we had everything as small as the bulbs that go in 80s Audi dash clock hands all the way up to sealed beams there's even Edison style household bulbs that run on 12v there. That "relay" is a auto resetting circuit breaker

[@NorthernSeclusion]

Thank you Alec. That is great information.

[@joealbert7773]

That device that was clicking isn't a relay, it's a circuit breaker. Either it is bad, or you have a short somewhere.

[@NorthernSeclusion]

There was a short in the brake on one of the tire hubs. I am very happy the clicking stopped. You are correct. Thank you.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

Man would I love to see a video of the stuff that was edited out !!! LOL!!!!!

[@russhfilms682]

You have to keep the battery connected

[@patriot9455]

May I suggest swapping out for LED lights, they tend to last about 500K miles in commercial duty.

[@jim-uu2db]

Old wiring, trailers and winter weather.

[@dennisthreadgill4495]

I do not see anti-sway bars on your rig. HI-Los can be a problem with sway. Too much weight toward the back and the tail will wag the dog.

[@garyholland5463]

Basic Vaseline on the terminals will protect from corrosion and water ingress

[@jim-uu2db]

Maybe change to all new bulbs.

[@jimsteele7108]

I see there's a hi lo for sale on Craigslist for $2700 Joe, that a good deal?

[@NorthernSeclusion]

Its not bad..., how big is it? (length) You are one of about 3 people that know what I paid for this one and your not far off. You should call me about that if you actually are thinking about buying it Jim because I know a heck of a lot more about them now than I did when we bought it. Plenty of things to "check out" before handing over the cash. I will be driving for at least 11 hours tomorrow. You know my number. Lol.

[@jimsteele7108]

NorthernSeclusion , nope Joe, you didn't tell me what you paid for yours. You think the Hi Lo could be pulled by a minivan?

[@justwannasay5454]

@@jimsteele7108 I would like to know the answer to that! I will be pulling my 24' with a cargo van.

[@mdbaus]

Gogogogoggoggogog,...gadget!

[@coolwheelz5190]

Just wondering and I don't think you have addressed it......why did you buy this and why take it south? Don't mean to intrude on your personal life, but why not move Melissa up north.......;)

[@NorthernSeclusion]

That is an honest question but I do not own Melissa. so moving her here is something we discuss and it gets more and then less and then more and then less as time passes. She just got a kick ass job down there and left a place she has worked for almost 14 years. If she moves up here that would be awesome BUT. I would not be heading south for the winter either. Right now this works for us

[@nanaa4593]

NorthernSeclusion I agree if it works it works....You two do good on the long distance stuff....After you all living alone this long mite be a good thing js lol....I don't think I could ever live with anyone again....Safe travel Joe and you guys enjoy ur time togther

[@annek1226]

He's going to cook for Melissa! What a guy!

[@busguy100]

You painted everything except the bottom of the trailer jack

[@markmiller6486]

Use dielectric grease on your electrical connections

[@bradkoste1128]

gotta have the boxer

[@papaike2]

Use vinegar to eat rust away.

[@pintobeans2973]

If I posted a vid on repairing this, it would be a constant cussing this thing together.

[@dstevenpaisley]

Bad Ground!

[@zucccchini4495]

Wow, not once did he say...."G** D&&&&, this always happens to me. I always have to rebuild something to use it. F($$#, F$$$, F##@!!" Brave guy!

[@MrStark264]

Try some BBQ sauce on them pork steaks sometime

[@troysharp5052]

just get a new mini breaker

[@jhend8038]

Safe travels