My first mission....pick up the airstream with a Touareg

[ericwarren]

Hi All,
Saturday i'm scheduled to pick up the gently used Bambi from her stable in NJ.
I live ~90 miles away in PA.
The only concern I have is the weather. We havent seen rain for most of the summer and wouldn't you know it, on my first towing mission prediction is for rain and ~20MPH winds.
Any concerns towing a 19' international with my Touareg in this type of weather?
Any tips from the pros?
thanks in advance,
Eric

[overlander63]

Use sway control, make sure the tires are fully inflated, and keep it under 65...
Seriously, I towed our Argosy 20 in the middle of a hurricane with little problems (not that I'd recommend it). You'll have to tow in bad weather eventually, and at least to us here, 20 mph and rain is just an average day. Post pictures, and let us know how the trip goes.

[richinny]

bring a slicker with a hood and a few flares might be a good idea.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I live just south of you in Baltimore... could you just wait until Sunday? Sunday is forecast to be spectacular the day after the remnants of that hurricane passes.

[Wayne&Sam]

Other than agreeing with all the above, just remember that if it gets too bad, just pull over and wait it out: have dinner, watch movie, snooze. Remember it's an Airstream behind you!

[Airhog1]

Hey Eric,

Congrats on the new trailer...tell Patrick that I sent you!!!! He owes me one on this one!

You might want to send Westfalia a PM, he is a Touareg professional...he can more than likely give you several tips about towing with one.

G

[ericwarren]

mission comlete except for a few minor issues
1) my not even that steep driveway not allowing me to back in without rubbing the bumper. any use of wood in cerain areas help here?

2) basically beat the storm ecept ~15 min if rain in the tail end of the trip

3) did notice some water leaking thought the bottom of the curb side panoramic window
is it correct to assume the fix is to take of the rock guard, clean around it (inside and out) then apply sikaflex 221.

Anyother items to consider?

thanks!!!!
she is a real beauty and ill post pics asap.

[2airishuman]

hi eric...

good to read your first mission is accomplished.

u might try loosening the w/d bars before backing UP a steep drive, IF u r using a w/d hitch...

or lowering the rear suspension on the t-rex (can u do that?) just for the back up.

another option is to start backing at a slightly more angled position, then correct after getting past the tight spot.

low water starts HIGH.

get a ladder, and inspect the top of that window and the area around it before grabbing the sikaflex.

the center front window that opens is a common source of front leaks at the gaskets or when the latches aren't snug,

so open it, check for water in the lower channel which can appear to come from the curved segments...

cheers
2air'

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by ericwarren

mission complete except for a few minor issues
1) my not even that steep driveway not allowing me to back in without rubbing the bumper. any use of wood in certain areas help here?

I have used a pair of 4-5 foot long 2x12 (2x10 if you can't find the wider ones) boards as a bridge to allow us to traverse the area between the street and sidewalk. It was the most expedient and inexpensive fix for the problem.
Good luck with your new trailer, and think about the rest of us with hurricanes breathing down our necks...

[ericwarren]

thanks both!
I tried the backing up maneuver with the reese w/d bars in place.
i can try to remove them and test the output.
i'll also stick a 2x10 on the road where it meets the curb to get the wheels up a bit sooner.
I did not spring for the supsension upgrade in the mighty touareg.

This unit is so clean! it's amazing the difference between a good unit and a bad unit.
This one was used maybe 2 times. Also, the owners never use the bathroom. In fact, they never even opebed the box of accessories provided by the dealer (such as h20 line, sewer line, etc).

We have our 1st camping reservation for next weekend!
i'll post some pics as soon as the rain subisdes.

Good luck to all of you facing extreme weather. We had a "touch" of hanah and i couldnteven imagine dealing with a full fledged TS or hurricane.