Transport to bring our new Argosy home

[dhbinkley]

I'm looking for any suggestions on getting a 28' Argosy trailered from MI to NC, I have been quoted around $2300 on Uship and wanted to know if anyone has any other ideas that may reduce my cost?

[HiJoeSilver]

I'm assuming when you say trailered you mean that you need to have it flat bedded due to its condition and or untowability right now?

[matthewsx]

What are you planning on towing it with once you get it home? If you don't already have a TV you can do a one way rental truck. Or, buy something up here and use it to tow your new find home. Where in Michigan is it?

[dhbinkley]

It is near Big Rapids and the axles need to be replaced before I would feel good about towing it so I'm getting quotes or having it transported on a flatbed truck. When the seller connected the pigtail the brakes on one side started smoking so I'm not sure about the electrical system for the brakes either.

[matthewsx]

I'm sure you know they are torsion axles and the reason people replace them is the rubber that serves as a spring inside them wears out. If the spindles and the bearings are okay I'm not sure what harm will be done by towing 900 miles to your home. Anything that was going to shake loose from bouncing has already likely done so and if not you need to deal with that anyway.

I have two Argosy's, a 1976 26' and a 1978 27' and I've towed both of them hundreds of miles with what I assume are the stock axles. Needing to be replaced and needing to replace right away might be two different things in your case. I would repack the bearings and hook her up to a Penske rental and drive that bad boy home as long as the tires are good. These trailers are light enough that a rental truck will have no trouble stopping them, heck my 1/2 ton Tahoe is fine, just don't go fast and brake early. If the lights don't work you can hook up some temporary ones that will keep you legal.

Of course if you aren't used to pulling trailers, or feel you might be in danger please don't follow my advice. If you do take my advice I am not responsible for any problems you have but I will take credit for your adventures along the way if they are happy ones.

Remember, this is just the first of many test you will face and master. Welcome to the family....

Oh, and buy the AAA RV/towing platinum membership.

Cheers,

John

[AWCHIEF]

Sounds like you have confirmed that it is not road worthy. Fried brakes, electrical and dead axles. Guessing tires are also not safe to use. I certainly hope you have considered the cost of repairs. Formula is cost will be twice the budget and time required will be 3 times estimated. Guess flat bedding is the best option. Good luck.

[Tomhenritze]

Contact Vince Dwyer on Facebook (airstream addicts is a good starting point). I met him at the factory. He tows and flat beds airstream cross country. Good luck!

[bibbs]

I would get a set of brakes from E trailer, for $100. load up my tools and go get'er

[rvb]

$2000+ would go a long way toward new axles which come with new brakes. Why not have them replaced in MN and they will fix the wiring when the put them on. Then tow it home? Do a query on Airforums asking who has had axles replaced near there and how good a job they did.

You could also have it taken to Jackson Center OH (Airstream Factory) and have them put new axles and brakes on, but, they have a 3-4 month backlog. then tow it home from there.

[CLKIESER]

I am so happy to see you on this site, brother! Can't wait to get out Airstreams together for some excellent camping adventures.

[75Bob]

When towing my75AS home my brakes on the trailers curb side started smoking and I had to pull over. I saw the wire for the emergency brakes had been pulled out. I just pushed it back into place and no problem. You should look there first before going to a mechanic.🐶

[dhbinkley]

Thanks to Tomhenritze! I contacted Vince Dwyer and he is going to bring her home. Seems like a great guy at a reasonable price, so we should have her home by the end of the month....Can't wait to get started
Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice.

[steve0white]

For the cost of having it towed, you could get new axles with brakes and a battery. I'd recommend contacting Woodland RV in Grand Rapids. Just moved to West Michigan from Southeast Michigan and used them for some work on my '76 Argosy 28'