Moving trailers

[Barnaby73]

I just purchased two trailers. The first is a 1973 Argosy 26. It last had its bearings packed in 2004 and has not moved in 8 years. Tires are still new and show no signs of rot.
The second is a 1961 airstream Tradewind, I need to buy new wheels and tires. It has not moved in probably 35 years.
I have to move both of them about 250 miles. What do I need to do to make these road worthy for what I call a temporary move to get them to where I can do proper repairs. Is it just tires, bearings and making sure breaks aren't engaged.
Thanks in advance.

[Minno]

Check the running lights and have a back up light kit just in case.
Welcome!

Kay

[putback]

You may want to check the hubs for heat after a few miles. Check the hinge pins and put a safety cord on the door of the '61. They have a nasty habit of opening in transit. Triple check all the hatch doors, real bummer to loose one. Make sure someone hasn't changed the hitch to more than a 2" ball. Seen all above happen, it ain't pretty.

[Zeppelinium]

The 8 year old tires on the Argosy aren't necessarily good, even though they look fine. Tire "age out" in about 7 years. You hardly ever have that problem on a vehicle, but trailer tires are not usually towed enough to wear them out before they age out.

In addition, having sat in one spot for 8 years, the internal structure and cords will have taken a "set" and may crack after a few hundred miles. In my experience you need to worry more about tread separation than a blowout. A separated tread can beat the crap out of a wheel well.

I think if you take it easy, like max of 60 mph, you'll be fine getting it home, but I wouldn't use the tires for a long trip or the next few years.

The packed wheel bearings are probably fine.

No matter what, don't count on the brakes until you can take the hubs off. If you've got a reasonably heavy tow vehicle it can handle the braking to get home, but keep your space on the highway.

Zep

[Barnaby73]

Thanks everyone, I'll make sure I batten down the hatches. I scoped out a route that would not put me in the high speed interstate but are good second condition secondary roads. I will pull with a 3/4 to. Pickup so I also figured brakes won't be a problem.
The Argosy will be my first project, it hasn't seen action for many years so I know these forums will be useful as I work thru the mechanicals. Unfortunately the Tradewind will work as a storage trailer until I get to her.

[wkerfoot]

The 1973 will have a 2 5/16" ball and the 1961 will have a 2" ball. Unless changed by a prior owner.

Bill