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abird · 01-02-2012, 05:43 PM

Hi Airstream wizards!
We are the new proud owners of a 62 Globe Trotter, our first Airstream (or any type of RV/trailer for that matter).
Our predicament is, the GT is located in Tucson and we are in Chicago. We are looking for suggestions or ideas for getting this back to Chicago within the next couple weeks. The only vehicle we own is a Mini Cooper.
Excited to be part of this awesome forum!
Alicia&Scott

dznf0g · 01-02-2012, 06:48 PM

Welcome, neighbor.
There are some services which will tow your trailer for you. New trailer delivery folks on a deadhead return trip for example. You could also check with your local auto dealer for contacts at the Chicago Auto Auction. There are dozens of delivery folks leaving there everyday with car haulers (flat bet type) who might have deadhead return trips.
Check the classifieds on this forum.
Check classifieds on RV.net.

ole-red · 01-02-2012, 06:52 PM

Besure and send me a picture of your car pulling the Airstream....You know the saying, A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS...welcome to the forum...And good luck with your trailer, I know you are both excited....Good luck.

Jammer · 01-02-2012, 08:18 PM

Alicia & Scott,

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your purchase.

dznf0g has suggested a number of services that will move your trailer for a fee, if that is what you have in mind.

Some people in your situation have found it cost effective to rent a small U-haul or similar moving van and using it for the tow home. You would want to compare prices carefully as this may prove expensive.

You may also find that it is cost effective to purchase a used pickup truck in Tuscon and then sell it in Chicago when you get home. If you have the ready cash to make this work and are comfortable with these sorts of deals it can be inexpensive since used trucks from Arizona are worth more in Chicago.

dznf0g · 01-02-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammer

Alicia & Scott,

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your purchase.

dznf0g has suggested a number of services that will move your trailer for a fee, if that is what you have in mind.

Some people in your situation have found it cost effective to rent a small U-haul or similar moving van and using it for the tow home. You would want to compare prices carefully as this may prove expensive.

You may also find that it is cost effective to purchase a used pickup truck in Tuscon and then sell it in Chicago when you get home. If you have the ready cash to make this work and are comfortable with these sorts of deals it can be inexpensive since used trucks from Arizona are worth more in Chicago.

I like the buy a truck and sell it here idea, but don't sell IN Chicago. Come out my way (40 - 50) miles from the loop. I think you'd have better luck with commercial AND farm buyers competing for the used stuff.

Eric H · 01-02-2012, 08:48 PM

Hi guys! Congrats on the trailer! If you're going to pull it or have it pulled just make sure everything is in good (new) order for towing (axles, tires, brakes ect). If it has the original axles on it I would say the best bet is to put it on a flatbed and tow it home. If the axles are bottomed out from age it could actually do damage to the trailer. Just my two cents from towing my 74 100 miles at a very slow speed because of those worries.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-02-2012, 08:57 PM

Hi, due to the fact that an old trailer might need tires, brakes, axles, lights, and/or wheel bearings, it would be best to flatbed it to your location; Unless you know that all of this stuff is up to Parr. Good Luck.

mojo · 01-02-2012, 09:02 PM

The Barret-Jackson car auction will be taking place in Scottsdale AZ the week of the 15th of Jan. I have no idea if it's feasible, but me thinks that there would be a lot of vehicle transporters in the area at that time. Might be worth looking into.

Globie64 · 01-02-2012, 09:32 PM

Congratulations on your Globetrotter! I'd have to agree with :

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, due to the fact that an old trailer might need tires, brakes, axles, lights, and/or wheel bearings, it would be best to flatbed it to your location; Unless you know that all of this stuff is up to Parr. Good Luck.

Our '64 Globetrotter needed tires and the split rims replaced, I had the brakes and bearings done and then we just got a new axle. You're going to tow it a long way, and it would be a good and wise investment to get that work done first before traveling if there is any question of roadworthiness.

abird · 01-02-2012, 09:50 PM

Thanks for all the great suggestions so quickly. Thought I'd add some more details that I may have left out in our excitement to post.

1. Duly noted on the axle and wheels. We' re planning on putting new tires on before leaving AZ
2. Is there a way to visually inspect the axle and look for damage or excessive wear? Are there any recommended airstream garages or mechanics in Tucson area?
3. Our plan is to drive it back to Chicago, slowly...taking 3-4 days and make a mini-vacation out of the trip. So that said, we're looking for ALL good ideas to "obtain" (e.g. rent, buy, borrow, lease, steal... OK not that last one) a vehicle to bring it back with?

Scott & Alicia

Eric H · 01-02-2012, 10:37 PM

The way to check the axles is to look at the angle of them, down away from the frame. They are torsion axles and with age the rubber that gives them the suspension gets old and stops providing suspension. The wheels ride high inside the wheel wells. If the suspension is totally gone there is a chance you could actually shear off rivets from the impact of the bumps being transfered directly to the trailer and skin. Not only that, if there is rust damage you can't see, the lack of suspension will put more strain on those already weakened parts. There are a few places and posts that have visual inspection guidelines, I'll post when I can track them down.
The other option is to contact members on here that live where your trailer is who will go inspect it out of the kindness of their hearts.

Globie64 · 01-08-2012, 12:38 AM

Good luck with the journey. I wonder if you can rent a pickup with a hitch, with a one-way drop off? Once you get it home, you'll be happy with your choice- I love our Globetrotter, big enough for two but not difficult to tow or maneuver. Where in Chicaogoland are you? I'm hoping to take our Globetrotter next year on my annual summer visit to family in Lake Bluff.

zlee · 01-08-2012, 01:34 AM

Welcome! And don't try this at home!

dwightdi · 01-08-2012, 05:10 AM

Scott & Alicia, It is nice to see a young couple getting into the Airstreaming life style. With proper planning and preparation, you should have a nice vacation and get acquainted with it on you way back to Chicago. Northern Illinois has an active chapter of WBCCI and we invite you to look at our website (Northern Illinois ) and schedule a time you can come out and meet with us. I run the website and my contact information is there. We are in Florida for the winter, but hope to personally meet with you in the spring.