Visit our Popular Forums

Gringo · 10-11-2011, 06:02 AM

I am trying to pick a route across a meadow to a spot where we plan to be spending a lot of time with the 27 FB. The road across the meadows is pretty easy going, but there's a twist and turn at the end down to the spot we've picked.

At that turn I will be pulling the trailer down and across a slope.

I think I should be okay, but also would like to know what the rollover angle is for the trailers, if anyone knows that.

Or if anyone has any experience pulling these across the side of a hill?

Jammer · 10-11-2011, 10:26 AM

Who knows? I wouldn't take the word of anyone on the internet anyway. I would guess that the tires will slide first, but that's just a guess. Airstreams are wide and the center of gravity is low.

But ground clearance and turning clearance are usually the limiting factors when off road. With a long trailer, the approach, departure, and breakover angles are extremely limited. It's easy to do expensive damage.

Alumaholic · 10-11-2011, 12:59 PM

...on a number of factors.
1. The more liquid in your holding tanks, the lower your center of gravity.
2. The more sewing machines and encyclopedia in your overhead bins, the higher your COG.

And so it goes.

Generally one would expect your tow vehicle to roll over before the Airstream if the Airstream holding tanks are full.

bredlo · 10-11-2011, 02:52 PM

I have zero experience with this type of situation, but IF it were me, I suppose I'd give passing thought to running a strap through the roof vent... out the door... hooked to a rope... tied to a heavy truck above your route on level ground. It could follow along, keeping the rope slack but being there "just in case".

Good luck - say, have someone shoot your whole stunt on video -- I'd love to watch! Plus if things go awry you can send it to AFV... maybe win enough cash to fix the trailer.

Goal15 · 10-11-2011, 03:07 PM

Perhaps you should have La Gringa drive and you can hike off the high side of the AS to keep it on an even keel . . . just need to bring the trapeze from the Hobie with you :-) Yes I know its not very constructive but its a thought....

HowieE · 10-11-2011, 03:13 PM

I doubt that you will find an area in a meadow, especially one that has been cultivated, that would tip a trailer at slow. Speed is a considerable factor in highway rollovers and you will not encounter that factor towing across a field.

The Center of Gravity on your trailer is quite low and the width of track most likely greater that you TV. If you are comfortable driving that area the trailer should follow along.

Just do it on dry ground.

mistral blue · 10-11-2011, 04:05 PM

They got an app for that!

App Store - Clinometer - level and slope finder

The angles are probably way more than that of a Jeep:
40 degrees left/right, 60 degrees front/back, or so ....

Stick some fat tires on that bad boy and please post the video here first!

Smokin Camel · 10-11-2011, 06:06 PM

For what it is worth, I have observed a Terragator go sideways down a about a 12% grade. It was spring and moist and but there was vegetation, no one expected that to happen especially where it did. Fortunately no damage other than the driver needing to change some clothes.

Walk the route first, if you do pull, fill your water tank. It could help with the center of gravity. Have plenty of planks and wedges and piles....then have an adventure.....just stay on the high side.

For the record---cross slope travel on most grades is not a great idea. Most are highway grades are set at about 6%, with s few as high as 12 in some mountain areas or high grade areas.

Melody Ranch · 10-11-2011, 08:05 PM

In keeping with my adage...if you have to say "I think I can make it".....you can't. This applies especially well to flying, but can be used for Airstreaming too.

noreen · 10-12-2011, 04:36 AM

FULL WATER TANK. Not half full. Sal.

mandolindave · 10-12-2011, 05:01 AM

I have a meadow and a hill. I was thinking of the same thing you were.
I decided that it would be better to build a small cabin. A cabin would be easier to insulate, heat, modify and so on. Trailers were meant to travel, and therefor less capable of keeping you comfortable in the winter.

ventport · 10-12-2011, 06:12 AM

If it's your land I would hire someone with a bulldozer to cut a level road in the bad part of the meadow. Then you could pull in and out whenever you want, without any worry of wrecking your tow vehicle or Airstream.