1973 Ratcliff Tow Low
I absolutely ADORE this 1973 Tow Low I found on KSL Classifieds!
The owner selling it says:
Completely Rebuilt, Modified and Modernized!
Gotta see this to believe it! Used to be manual with a large captains wheel to raise and lower. Now, Electric Winch System.
NEW 30 Gal fresh water tank! Stove, Sink, New Microwave, NEW siding & Roof, insulation, Battery, Converter, Lights, floor, Rear Rack with Storage Tubs, New Drapes.
NOT A POP UP TENT TRAILER!!! All Hard Shell over a Hard Shell!
Awning in Good shape.
This was an Eleven Year Project of mine, I Built it to keep! As luck would have it We out grew it for a WAY more expensive one!!!
I couldn’t find any information about the Tow Low on NADA, but I did find an informative forum posting on the Hi-Lo Trailer Forum:
The Tow-Low trailer was manufactured by Ratcliff Industries of Juneau Wisconsin in the 60’s and early 70’s. It was a direct competitor to the Hi-Lo which was made in Butler Ohio. The Tow-Low was generally characterized by the big wheel on the front on the trailer that was used to raise the top. A release and brake then allowed the top to lower. Only in it’s last year or two of production did it offer an electric lift. I don’t recall the use of hydraulics for the lift system although many were produced with hydraulic brakes. Here is a link to it’s patent information. Hope it helps.
I did find another Tow Low on the Sisters on the Fly website:
It looks like a great little trailer that can be towed by almost anything and yet another ingenious foldable camper.
I once had one of those wonderful Tow Low campers , mine was a 19 ‘ with bunk beds at the rear , it was an easy pull trailer although it was a bit heavy but my 6 cyl. Ford 300 f-150 pick up never had any problems getting to Jerome AZ passing up other trailers on the way up , I wish I would have kept it to this day……
Comment by John Camirand — August 23, 2013 @ 11:24 am
I have a 71 tow low and am dying to find someone to talk to about one. I wan to restore mine but even finding a door handle took me two years!
Comment by Quinn — August 29, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
I had just picked up a Tow Low camper. Very Excited about it! I am remodeling/restoring it, and cant wait to get it on the road.
Im a recent college grad that loves to camp and hunt. Its the perfect little trailer.
I would love to know how you set up your electric winch system!
Comment by Derek J — September 19, 2013 @ 3:08 pm
My Grandfather Rudy Ratcliff built these. I used to visit the factory. They were a great trailer.
Comment by Brian Frink — December 1, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
Nice restoration!
Comment by Jon Frink — December 1, 2013 @ 6:37 pm
We just acquired a Tow Low (1973 is says on the sticker). Any information about where to get replacement parts, (if there is such a thing) or details as to the stringing of the cable system would certainly be greatly appreciated. As I have said, the camper is in very solid shape for it’s age.
Comment by Dennis B. Hall — May 11, 2014 @ 7:51 pm
I too have one but the wire broke. I took it to repair man and he said he couldn’t fix so bolted up I hate. Need some advice
Comment by erin hill — June 10, 2014 @ 11:56 pm
I have a tow low for sale I’ve owned it for 17 years and it’s been all over the states It sat for the 5 of those years and the mice had a ball with it! So I gutted the inside and used it for hunting and it the best. I currently built a cabin and have no use for the trailer and want to sell it before the mice get back in. I replaced all the cables the floor with 3/4″ plywood and painted the whole camper in camouflage (Easy fix if you don’t like it but it looks good) Something needs to be done to keep the mice out, they seem to in between the wall, the seal in that area has gaps. Not sure what it’s worth
Comment by Andy — September 3, 2014 @ 11:18 am
Hi all,
My grandfather was Rudy Ratcliff, the guy that built these trailers. It’s so great to see people still loving them! I have many memories of hanging out in his factory and camping in these trailers.
Best to you all,
Brian
Comment by Brian Frnk — November 8, 2014 @ 6:43 am
We are redoing the 73 tow low as well .everything is being redone a lot of things totally got it redid all the cables for the lifting system etc. email me to chat about these awesome trailers! We are in MN p_rother2003@yahoo.com
Comment by Paul — February 16, 2015 @ 8:09 pm
I bought a Tow low Trailer (1968 Model 800 Delux)It is 20′. It is in like new condition. I bought it from a guy that rehabs trailers. He said when bought it, it was near mint and did not require much work, I towed it to Springfield MO and parked it at my daughter’s house. Thas was the first part of October 2014. Has not been used and is in near perfect condition. At present I am in Thailand and not using Trailer. Will take $2000 for it. Can supply photos (20). Please email if interested. Mac
Comment by maurice mclaurin — February 17, 2015 @ 3:51 am
I have a 73 Tow Low located, but can’t license it until I find a VIN number. Can anyone tell me where it should be. There have been some modifications to the hitch, and I am hoping it isn’t under the welding.
Comment by Emily Miller — April 16, 2015 @ 12:17 pm
Quinn, where did you end up finding a handle/ what did you use? Or anyone??? (I know this is years later) We rescued a 1970 Tow Low from a barn last year, and all it needs is that darn handle… turning out to be extremely difficult to even rig something up. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Comment by Crystal — September 3, 2016 @ 3:14 pm
I’m have the same trailer. I’m going to make it a 2 story pop-up trailer. I’m going to use the same frame design. Top roof will be glass as the walls to.
Comment by John — December 10, 2021 @ 6:21 pm
Brian F, I would love to chat with you. I live near Marengo and just brought home a 1968 Tow Low. I love that it is a piece of local history.
Comment by Julie A Skaggs — December 25, 2021 @ 10:39 am