Drive South from WI to AZ in February?

[sheakev]

We just got our AI, and it is warm and snug in our garage as winter approaches. The question is should I just leave it there until Spring (April) or could I drive it down to Arizona in February for a few weeks?

I don't want to do serious (or really any) damage to the AI. Getting out of Wisconsin could be easy in February and the main thing would likely be salt on the road. I certainly could wash it off and try to wash the undercarriage once I get below the freeze line.

BTW does anyone take their AI to a big truck wash? I have done that with my daughters 3 horse trailer (goose neck with LQ).

So what I've read is that it is a bad idea. I am not concerned about my ability to drive in winter weather and I know not to venture out into an oncoming winter storm.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by sheakev

BTW does anyone take their AI to a big truck wash?

I take my Airstream Interstate to Blue Beacon truck washes all the time, with no ill effects. You can have them spray the undercarriage to remove road salt if you encounter any.

Just have to make sure to tell them not to spray directly into the furnace exhaust or water heater vent (especially if the water heater and furnace are running at the time time) and make sure the roof vents are closed. It's probably a good idea to not pay extra for wheel treatments because some people have reported problems with the finish on the Alcoa aluminum wheels after getting the wheel treatments.

By the way, you can drive down the road while the furnace is running if you need more heat than the dashboard heater can provide.

[Kwils25]

As long as you keep your eye on the weather, I don’t see a problem with taking your rig to Arizona this winter.

Many people on the forum use Blue Beacon truck washes and are happy with the results. They are nationwide and are usually situated along the interstate highways. I haven’t used them myself, but if I had driven through any area of snow/ice/salt I definitely would.

Happy travels!

[Lily&Me]

My Interstate has been driven south from Illinois now for 10 winters, and it is not a problem.

You will likely encounter some bad weather and road treatments, but Blue Beacon does an excellent job at cleaning our rigs up...tho not all have the undercarriage wash feature.

When Blue Beacon isn’t available, a good wash bay will allow you to remove a lot of this yourself.

If you have the ability to get away in winter, do it, I say!

Maggie

[ChuckZ]

We took our 1966 Overlander to FL last winter for February and we will be leaving in February this year and not planning on returning until late March. No problem at all. Enjoy!

[Bonk2u2]

We took our 25FB over Vail pass last spring coming home to Denver from the winter in AZ. Got Mag Chloride staining on the rock guard from the CDOT road crews. Hasn't come off with lots of elbow grease, but I'll admit we parked and unloaded and didn't try to wash it off immediately. Just cosmetic I know, but cute counts in my book.

[RICKBETTY]

just drove my 2015 AI to ft Myers, fl for the winter. Rented Under cover storage for 185/mo at Cuszins RV/Boat Storage facility... Beautiful facility, wash, ice, air, great location. Must be 15 AI there..I fly in and out and use it for a week or two at a time, Keys, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, etc... Why let it sit idle for the winter for the critters to use it form their winter home. MB diesels do not like to remain idle for long periods of time........