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LucyPepper · 06-22-2009, 01:17 PM

Hi everyone,

So, here is my dilemma. I purchased my lovely 75 Airstream Overlander last february, did some revamping on it with my boyfriend who bought a 1985 Ford F250 and converted it to run on grease. It was the perfect combo! We were set to travel for the whole summer plus some. So the sad news is that the planned got foiled and unfortunetly, we parted ways.

I still have the airstream which I am still very attached to, as you all know how that goes..So, I am looking for advice.

I no longer have a vehicle to tow the beauty, and have to make a decision whether or not it's a good idea to keep her. I would have to find another tow vehicle to purchase, and I don't know the first thing about backing up a trailer, so I would have some serious learning lessons ahead.

Do you think I should keep the dream alive? If so, what tow vehicle do you suggest for a chica on a budget?

Thank you in advance for your AS words of wisdom

Lucy P

memgrove2000 · 06-22-2009, 01:36 PM

KEEP IT!!! DONT GIVE IN or GIVE UP!! Backing a trailer is not difficult, just go slow. Hold the steering wheel at the bottom with one hand, Which way you need the BACK of the trailer to go just move your hand IN THAT DIRECTION. If you get in trouble just pull straight forward and try it again. There are many Ladies here that do it all by their self and you can too! If you post what size your trailer is people here will be helpfull in picking a Tow Vehicle for you ( the ford seems to big any way((my opinion) Good luck , Mike

hampstead38 · 06-22-2009, 01:40 PM

The worst vice is advice.

Over the years, my daughters have asked for advice. I try to go easy on the fatherly "wisdom" and ask (repeatedly), "What is it, in your heart, that you really want to do." If towing the Airstream around is your dream... it belongs to you, not the guy who left. How you get on the road (and back up) are just minor details. Good luck.

**Kevin245** · 06-22-2009, 01:51 PM

Go with your gut. If you're attached to it, keep it. A reasonablly priced tow vehicle (TV) is usually easier to come by than a good trailer.

Best of Luck,

Kevin

richinny · 06-22-2009, 02:06 PM

boyfriends are easily replaced, trailers are not and they last longer too!

TBRich · 06-22-2009, 02:13 PM

My 2 cents: If you want to keep the Airstream Dream alive keep your trailer...trucks and boyfriends are easier to come by than a special. You can learn the tricks of towing.

Lily&Me · 06-22-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hampstead38

Over the years, my daughters have asked for advice. I try to go easy on the fatherly "wisdom" and ask (repeatedly), "What is it, in your heart, that you really want to do." If towing the Airstream around is your dream... it belongs to you, not the guy who left. How you get on the road (and back up) are just minor details. Good luck.

This is a wise man. Listen to him and go with your heart. Good luck.

Lothlorian · 06-22-2009, 02:20 PM

Keep it! Set a goal to get a tow vehicle. Read airstream forums and ask around about a tow vehicle. Find out the weight you are going to be pulling and visit a business that sells trailers and ask them what you could use to pull that weight.

You have to ask your self what can I afford and how long will it take for me to aquire a tow vehicle. You should be able to pick up a good truck for a good price. It might not be the most charming looking vehicle and it may lack certain comforts, but if it has heat, air and a radio you are doing good. Just make sure it has the correct size engine and tow package.

you might find somebody in this forum who will sell you a tow vehicle they are getting rid of for a good price. Keep the airstream! As it sits keep fixing her up and making her better. Get her ready for your future camping.

Lothlorian

Lothlorian · 06-22-2009, 02:24 PM

You talked about the F250 grease vehicle. Are you talking about running a truck on vegetable oil? I have seen them before and they work great. I would not worry about a grease vehicle at this time. Just find a good gas or diesel truck. You can convert back to grease in the future.

Lothlorian

Wayne&Sam · 06-22-2009, 02:34 PM

y wife Sam has been driving horse trailers, boat trailers and travel trailers for years. She makes annual trips from NY to Montana. And yes, she has had to back up. You can do it with a little practice. If backing up is the only problem, you'll get through that in no time.

**Kevin245** · 06-22-2009, 02:37 PM

Gee...My sense of self worth is fading fast.

I hope my girlfriend doesn't read this and get any ideas.

"boyfriends are easily replaced, trailers are not and they last longer too!"
__________________
Ricky

"My 2 cents: If you want to keep the Airstream Dream alive keep your trailer...trucks and boyfriends are easier to come by than a special. You can learn the tricks of towing."
__________________
TB & Greg...and Cockers Annie & Sadie

76sovereign · 06-22-2009, 02:46 PM

When my husband and I travel I drive, and do all the backing so it can be done.....Actually airstreams are the easyest trailer to back, I think.
They are every responsive and r very forgiving..Find a field set up a couple of cones and practice..U don need no stinkin gringo to take u places......U can do this girl!

76sovereign · 06-22-2009, 02:48 PM

I LIKE THIS ADVISE....Very wize

Quote:

Originally Posted by hampstead38

The worst vice is advice.

Over the years, my daughters have asked for advice. I try to go easy on the fatherly "wisdom" and ask (repeatedly), "What is it, in your heart, that you really want to do." If towing the Airstream around is your dream... it belongs to you, not the guy who left. How you get on the road (and back up) are just minor details. Good luck.

Pudentane · 06-22-2009, 03:08 PM

If you love it, keep it, all the rest is details.

I bought my trailer and pulled out of the dealer having never towed anything as big or heavy or expensive and didn't have a clue about backing up. I got a truck driver friend to back her into my driveway when I got home. On the first outing I found a big empty parking lot and practised and practised and practised - for about three hours - then I came home and put her in the driveway myself - slowly and carefully - but I did it. When you back up stop when you are not sure and get out and walk back and look and you can figure it out. Just take your time, and don't let anybody rattle you or give you too many directions which can be very disconcerting.

As for a tow vehicle - how long is your trailer and how much does it weigh? Get a TV that's rated for at least 20% more than the weight of your trailer (including full tanks and all your stuff) and more is better in terms of towing capacity. You need one with a factory towing package - which saves wear and tear on the transmission. As to gas or diesel it's a personal preference - mine is gas - I hate the noise of a diesel - but everybody's got their druthers. You also need a brake controller and a weight distribution hitch which will control sway. That's it - and you are good to go.

It's not rocket science - I didn't have a clue about any of this when I decided I wanted a trailer - but I learned because I needed to - and you will too. There's lots of help here - ask away - and let us know how it goes.

Silverwanabe · 06-22-2009, 03:13 PM

Listen to your heart...

ASwifey · 06-22-2009, 03:43 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your breakup.
Just find RV parks that have pull throughs until you learn to back it up.
The tow vehicle is another story, first the cost to buy one, then the cost to maintain it. But this is your dream, you can make it happen!

Another Option:
Single female, loves outdoors, traveling, and shiny things. Looking for single male with same interests.
Must have truck. ( =

richinny · 06-22-2009, 05:00 PM

singles chat tonight!

sd90mac · 06-22-2009, 05:06 PM

Lucy,

I agree, go with your gut. There are many ladies out there who pull their own trailers and do it well. You can do this. Practice makes perfect.
There's a whole new world out there waiting for you. Go see it.

M

arie

Gene · 06-22-2009, 05:30 PM

The way to learn to back up or just tow is to do it. Like pudentane, I pulled out of the dealer not having towed anything so big or heavy, and had to tow or abandon it right there.

Post #2 tells how to back—if you want the trailer to go left, turn the wheel to the left with your hand on the bottom of the wheel. Takes a little getting used to, but we all have to learn. Do it slow, or slower, and take your time. When you back into a spot ignore the people watching—they had to learn too. I had to back into this really hard space in Minnesota a month ago and after I thought I made a total mess of it, I finally got it more or less where I wanted it, got out and a woman who was watching said, "you did a lot better than my husband did". I love when they flirt with me like that!

My wife and I split the towing, though I she wants me to do all the backing. I have no doubt she can do it, but she's got me and it makes me feel indispensable.

Gene

juel · 06-22-2009, 05:40 PM

Had an AS when I showed dogs all over the country. Never did learn to back the thing worth a flip, but there was always a way to get out forward or find someone who could back it for you. I had so much fun and the backing thing wasn't really a problem. Plan when you camp and ask for help. Get a good truck, I pull my 24ft Argosy with a Tundra V8, 4.7L with no problems. No water on board just remember to pull the trailer dry and shop for groceries after to get to your destination. Have a great summer.