There are many iconic campers on American roads like Airstreams and Shastas. One that might not be as well known, but has a strong cult following due to its uniqueness and quality in construction, are the Hi-Lo trailers. Hi-lo’s are essentially hard-shelled pop up trailers that move up through a telescopic hydraulic lift system. Hi-Lo's have been around and respected since 1959. They closed their doors in 2010 due to the economy at the time. However, because of its iconic design, The Kerola Group, based in Pennsylvania, acquired the trademark, designs and intellectual property of Hi-Lo.
"When Hi Lo was still in active production we were a dealer. They produced a 15T model that was a wonderful small camper. I have, and still feel HiLo is a brand that has an active following and produces a good product," Bill Kerola, owner of Kerola Campers, says. Bill had several meetings with Mr. Snyder, family owner of Hi-Lo. “It was a pleasure and honor to meet with a camping legend. HiLo was more than a brand for him; it was a life’s passion. The opportunity opened up and we struck a deal,” recalls Kerola.
The start of Hi-Lo is pretty humorous, according to a son of one of the founders. Found on a Snyder family history website, Chuck Snyder relates an early camping experience in which his family went camping in Michigan in a tent- something they loved to do. In the night, they heard things crashing all around them and he says his mom started shouting they were being attacked by bears and nothing will save them from being eaten. His dad ran outside and saw it was just a bunch of raccoons trying to get their food. Nevertheless, his dad decided to design a travel trailer, with a telescopic design, to provide a bit more comfort and safety. He built it and when they camped, crowds came to see it and he started to think of commercializing it. The history goes on to talk about Hi-Lo’s being featured on “The Price is Right” and gaining recognition. Snyder writes, “To this day when I drive the Interstates, I look for Hi Lo trailers, and when I see one, my heart skips a beat and I feel pride for my very small part of what was accomplished.”
“The Kerola Group's vision is to preserve the history of Hi-Lo trailers, promote a Hi-Lo repair facility and bring new Hi-Lo Trailers to market.” [Photo Credit: William Kerola]
Under the new company management and name, Hi-Lo Trailers Worldwide, the new small campers are in line with the smaller versions of the Hi-Lo's through the years. They feature clean, modern looks with all updated amenities, while keeping it light enough to be towed by a minivan or average SUV. Also, with the hydraulic lift, gas mileage is significantly better than it would be towing a travel trailer. The reason Hi-Lo stuck with smaller campers comes from Kerola Campers and their specialty in small, lightweight campers. "Small campers are a part of my DNA. With larger campers it’s too easy just to pull in, plug in and then stay in. With the smaller campers it becomes more about camping. Travel is easier and camping becomes camping. Family, friends and fires. S’mores anyone?," Kerola says eagerly.
Kerola has a love of vintage campers. “Part of my love of camping includes a collection of vintage campers from 1949 to 1967,” he says, “Most are fully restored and used for camping. We are not just a manufacturer and RV dealer but are living the lifestyle.” He excitedly notes e that he has the first Hi-Lo ever made, ready to be restored. This love of vintage campers and getting to meet some of the people who designed iconic campers informs Kerola’s process of manufacturing. “When we produce a model it is geared towards the heritage, quality and style of its roots,” he says.
Kerola Group has experience reintroducing classic campers with Serro Scotty Trailers. Kerola learned from founders of Scotty, Joe and Gary Pirschl, and used their experience to manufacture 7 models of Scotty's from 2007-2014. Like his future endeavors with Hi-Lo, the quest was to honor the vintage campers, as well as honor the tradition of camping. "The Serro Scotty travel trailer is truly an American classic. They tell of a time when there were camp outs gone by, laughs laughed, and stories told," Kerola says. While these modern models are no longer in production, Kerola is proud that he could help bridge a gap between vintage and modern Scotty’s. In 2016, Little Guy Trailers acquired the Scotty name and began producing the models.
Finding smaller manufacturers to make the Hi-Lo's for him has been a challenge. "It has been very trying to achieve consistency in the product," Kerola says, "So after enough setbacks we have decided to bring manufacturing in house." He is open to working with manufacturers, though, just hoping to find one that will give Hi-Lo the quality and consistency it deserves.
Also important to Kerola is maintaining the history of the RV industry. For Kerola’s previous work with Scotty, they maintain a website that has history, links, as well as brochures from their time making Scotty’s. The Hi-Lo website has a similar user experience; however, since The Kerola Group owns intellectual rights to Hi-Lo, they are able to put all the brochures from Hi-Lo’s past on the website and there are some interesting gems on there, as well as a story of development going back to the 50s. For example, who knew that Hi-Lo made a motorhome in 1985? Or a 5th wheel in 1986? These facts, along with terrific vintage pictures and marketing vocabulary, are all on display on the Hi-Lo website.
Hi-Lo’s deserve a place next to the Scotty’s, Shastas, and Airstreams for innovative and classic trailers that are built to last. Luckily, people like Bill Kerola are here to continue the tradition.