HELP ! how to get a airstream from Maine to NV

skittles · 10-16-2009, 02:29 PM

wanting to close the deal on a vintage airstream but transporters want more than the darn trailer is worth. what can I do? any suggestions??

n2916s · 10-16-2009, 02:47 PM

Well, to be honest, this problem has been raised before and there really isn't any answer. Either you go fetch the unit yourself or you pay the professionals.

Be forewarned that many sellers will tell you right up until they cash your check that a unit is "ready to tow" and then you show up and the tires are a decade old, the brakes and lights don't work...

Hard to buy anything across country.

Good luck,

mike

**Kevin245** · 10-16-2009, 03:19 PM

Welcome.

An unfortunate part of living in such a big country. You'll likely either have to pay someone to haul it, or go get it yourself. Maine to Nevada is a long way to pull a rig of unknown condition, so you may want to consider trailering it even if you go get it.

I would not look at the shipping cost in comparison to the purchase price, unless the AS is a real dog that's not worth saving. If it is in need of repair or renovation you're likely to end up far deeper in the financial well (as many of us are) after all the up fitting work is done than you'll ever get back when it ever sold.

You still may wish just to consider looking for a unit that is closer to NV than ME.

Wish you the best,

Kevin

RickDavis · 10-16-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2916s

Be forewarned that many sellers will tell you right up until they cash your check that a unit is "ready to tow" and then you show up and the tires are a decade old, the brakes and lights don't work...

Hard to buy anything across country.

Good luck,

mike

I have worked for a transport company for a number of years and at one time moved a number ofvintage trailers for folks.
I no longer do this because rarely is a trailer ready to go and the potential for problems with the older trailers is just to great.
At the present time a transport driver delivering NEW trailers with his own truck will be getting around $1.15 a loaded mile. The chances of having problems with the new unit are minimal.

The transport company must make a profit over and above this to pay for insurance, overhead etc so a rate quote in the vicinity of $1.50 a loaded mile is not out of line

It seems that every one finds the perfect trailer on the opposite coast for some unknown reason.

The best bet is to haul it yourself or find one closer to home. It ia always good to see the unit yourself
I have delivered several in the past that I would not have kept to settle the haul bill

3streams · 10-16-2009, 08:26 PM

We have had a couple of our trailers shipped. We use a guy that we found on UShip.com and he has both flat-bedded and trailered our purchases. The timing and if the trip can be combined with one in the opposite direction can help keep the cost down. But check out UShip.com it's great!!! It lets shippers put bids in on your shipment- anything from pianos to trailers...

skittles · 10-24-2009, 10:41 PM

Went a completely different direction. found a 59 Overlander 700 miles away, have already drove up and brought it home.

Am Very Happy with it and cannot wait to go work restoring her.

Over59 · 10-25-2009, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skittles

Went a completely different direction. found a 59 Overlander 700 miles away, have already drove up and brought it home.

Am Very Happy with it and cannot wait to go work restoring her.

Welcome to the 59 Overlander Club. Several have been rebuilt by members.