Long Distance Transportation of an Airstream

[Aluminum Can]

Greetings!

I am reaching out to the forum members for some ideas, experiences and caveats surrounding the issue of long distance airstream transportation. So here is the skinny on my dilemma. I have found a really nice fit for me in the way of a vintage airstream the has been stripped to the frame(shell off too). It is ripe for the renovation I want to perform. The current owner has offered to pop rivet 60% of the shell back onto the frame so it can be towed from California to Philadelphia and then easily removed again for the completion of the renovation work. Since I am new to the Airstream world I have no experience with something like this and I find myself somewhat paralyzed in regards to a solution for getting it back east. So far my ideas have been to drive out myself in my F-250 and tow it back over a two week time span. The other was to fly out rent a U-haul and tow it back that way. I am hoping that some members in the community can supply some professional level shipping options or alternatives to a neophytes' plan. My major concerns are 1. will the shell hold up with a 60% pop-riveting 2. Expense in lost $ from time off work combined with the expense of the trip. So if anyone has a few creative solutions I would love the help.

Many Thanks,

Aluminum Can

[FreshAir]

Ho....Boy; I dunno. You are going to get many opinions and hopefully good transportation suggestions. BUT being around these guys for a few years I would say towing a gutted and partially assembled shell will be dissasterous. A lot of factors give strength to an Airstream structural strength and to remove them drastically reduces that strength. Towing is tough on Airstreams fully riveted and with interior walls and panels. It would be like towing an egg that has no yoke and a crack in the shell. I'm sorry so hopefully others have good 'shipping' suggestions.
Neil

[195Pilot]

You didn't say the year or model so barring, THIS IS THE ONLY MODEL LEFT ON THS PLANET here goes;

Two weeks time off, driving, expenses, you don't really know if it will make it home without alot of time and money.
If your paying 1,000.00 for this gutted trailer you will be better off buying a fixxer uppper in your area, spending 5 times the money, take it home and spend a weekend gutting it. Make sure it has a good shell.
Then you still have your time off, and I feel certain you will have less money in your trailer, not to mention the stress factor.
Your discription of that trailer and the cross country trip are a recipe for disaster.

[Splitrock]

Aluminum Can

I like it. It adds a whole new set of dimensions to the possibilities of things that can add to the fun. I enjoy an adventure . . . almost as much as I enjoy reading about one. Please post pictures.

Best wishes!