When thinking about what I was going to do in this situation, I decided I'd probably spend less by buying a truck local to where my Airstream was... and selling it when I got home (though in our case it's a vintage truck and we're keeping it as our tow vehicle.)
It's a big gamble compared to renting or borrowing someone elses. In terms of what you're going to find mechanically when you pick it up, whether or not you'll make your money back when you try and resell it later, and insuring it and driving without the title in your name... it's all a risk - but one I decided to take.
I flew down south, bought the old Jeep sight unseen, drove out to pick up the Airstream and towed it home without major issues (leaky seal on the oil pan and the alternator died one night.)
Thankfully, the only big engine troubles I've had with it have all cropped up *since* I've been home!
