Towing 345, 350, 360... Flatbed or?

[SolAirstream]

Am looking at a 350 in Canada that has been vandalized. Some of the wiring is missing so it may not start. I don't mind that. What I do mind is I know nothing about how to tow/transport an Airstream. It will be brought to central Oregon.
Does it tow backwards?
Flatbed only?
Any suggestions and/or experiences will be helpful.

I understand I need to obtain a bill of sale and ownership papers (title).

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

[Isuzusweet]

Heh, heh, someone thinks they have a steal of a deal.......

Okay, you can't tow it backwards as the rear frame won't take the stress and the tow trucks lifters won't reach the drive wheels ahead of the tag axle, (don't even think about lifting it with the tag axle!).

You can't tow it by lifting it up at the front as it will bend the tag axle and do some real damage. The only option is to low-boy trailer it. Depending on where it is in Canada this will be expensive; however on the bright side, with the exchange rate being the way it is, better to have a Canadian company do this for you.

Now, getting her across the border maybe tricky and I'd suggest you talk to US CBP for the correct info, as you are now importing a vehicle into the US.

The very best and cheapest scenario is to have her fixed in Canada and drive her home. You have to fix her anyway, and like I stated earlier, the exchange rate will help you immensely.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS Just looked up and found the ad....

I'd get her fixed in Canada and drive her home, if its just battery cables and a new front chair.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-travel-trail...ationFlag=true

[SolAirstream]

Thanks for your reply!

I agree. May not be a deal if I have to transport it not under its own power. I too prefer the drive it home route. I've spoken with him and am working to determine how much wiring they stole. He thinks they were scavenging for copper, among other things.

[Magnet18]

Hans345 on here had his towed home on a flatbed, it can be done, just check for low clearances ahead of time!

I second that if you can just get ot running that's the way to go, find somewhere nearby to stay for a couple nights if needed


Just looked at the link looks like a nice rig and a good deal, hope it goes well for you!

[streamquest]

I bought an old Airstream Liner from a fellow in Canada a few years ago. As I recall, bringing it back into the US wasn't an issue since it was already an American made product to begin with, and therefore not an import/export issue.

[mayco]

Do you know if they did any damage to wiring under the dash? If not then it may not be too bad to just get it running and operable back to OR. Driving it rather than towing is the best option for sure.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by streamquest

I bought an old Airstream Liner from a fellow in Canada a few years ago. As I recall, bringing it back into the US wasn't an issue since it was already an American made product to begin with, and therefore not an import/export issue.

That wasn't the tricky part I was worried about.....it was wether there'd be problems getting a Canadian tow company to want to cross the border; or if they'd have to drop off and have an American company pick up on the other side.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[Grosspoluter]

I once had my 345 towed about 50 miles
A big rig tow truck picked it up front wheels and remove driveshaft everything was good after the tow (although my wallet was $1500 lighter and I was broke)
I was scared as hell when they lifted it, and as I followed it in my car I probably just got lucky and like I said it was only a 50 mile (one hour) tow I agree I think I would try driving it and I’m sure flat bedding it would be much safer and better for the motorhome... good luck

[SolAirstream]

The seller is frustrated that it doesn’t drive as well. Certainly limits his ability to sell it. He’s talking about maybe repairing it and getting it roadworthy. More expensive to me. They stole the ignition keys as well.

I’ll keep this thread tuned in to any progress. Thanks for all the input!

[Isuzusweet]

Getting a new ignition lock is not a big deal, as they are a generic GM pick up part.

If the owner gets her up and running, you just know the price will increase, BUT it doesn't mean that that's it for spending money on her.

New tires and a wack of engine, drivetrain and suspension work will possibly be needed as well as it has been sitting for a long time.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony