Truck from SF Bay with hitch to pull Airsteam? Pay $100/gas

[amaddencali]

Hi, I have an Airstream I'd like to take; joining a camp at 7:15 and B, you are welcome to stay in Airstream at camp if you can tow me, and I'll pay $100 and split gas (60me/40you due to weight). You have ticket or can get one, you desire to help a little at camp (we are making grilled cheese during day, no further obligation - "guerrilla'd cheese camp") and you can do your own thing. You are welcome to crash in Airstream if you are not an obnoxious drunk/user (a little OK just not shit faced) no sex in my trailer etc. . .call or text 650.922.4447 if interested.

[amaddencali]

Sorry more info, leave Thur SF Bay Area and return Monday. . .

[gyre]

That wouldn't tempt me and I'm familiar with them.

You should cover all the gas if you can.

Do you have the proper insert and equalizing hitch gear for this tow?
Most people won't have this.
You'll probably need an adapter so the wiring hooks up.

If they aren't wired for brakes, you'll need to take care of that too.

[amaddencali]

@ Gyre I don't follow "that wouldn't tempt me and I'm familiar with them" - the grilled cheese camp? this is only Y2 for them and my friend Tashia does it, solely to feed hungry burners, and close in at 7:15 and B. Unsure what wouldn't tempt? Open to possibly all the gas, but the prop is to stay in Airstream, have a camp, get paid a bit and save more than 50% on gas. That is not a bad prop. Unsure about the hook ups, an RV shop inspected it fully before I bought it and everything, literally everything in it works, new tires, new battery, they confirmed the hook ups etc. and it's been moved 2x by a truck so far. Soooo????? Anyway, I hope someone interested replies, otherwise I take my bug and sleep in it, no worries.

[gyre]

No, I mean airstreams.

I've towed without all the proper hitch gear before, but with very heavy vehicles, and on flat ground, and for short distances.

There are risks to every tow, and hills and traffic are involved here.
Anyone doing this will be doing a huge favor.

You didn't mention a size trailer, but most have a larger ball, electric brakes, and should have an equalizing hitch for a tow like this.
Even if you don't tow it yourself, you should buy this gear for this sort of occasion.
Used is very possible.
A variety of electric hookups might be on the trailer too.

Be sure any receiver is rated for this kind of load.

You may want to be sure insurance coverage is adequate.

Of course, you should be on top of bearings too.
I hope the inspection covered that.

[amaddencali]

Well actually thank you for the advice, I do appreciate it. The tires, brakes are sound and the hook ups worked on both vehicles that towed it. It is 1969, 30 foot Airstream, and inside is cool and comfy. I know the traffic and hills and it's not a hairy ride, this vehicle has gone before and people didn't have a hard time. And re huge favor it's all perspective, some people don't want to camp or sleep in vehicle and could use 60% gas and $100. So thanks for the info but I think it's in towable shape and I'll take it from here.

[amaddencali]

Oh and it's fully insured with USAA and the bearings are good paid $1000 for the inspection before I bought it. . .

[amaddencali]

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[gyre]

That should be a thorough inspection.

I highly recommend the trailer life technical books for rv maintenance and repair.
Covers all you need to know to operate appliances too.

I recommend upgrading the old lighting to 12 volt fluorescents.
The old style is power mad.

An airstream can last you forever, and you got one made from the higher grade aluminum too.
Have fun!

[gyre]

Oh and it's fully insured with USAA and the bearings are good paid $1000 for the inspection before I bought it. . .

I was thinking more of liability coverage of anyone towing.

You are always responsible for your load.

Airstreams are very light for what they are, but your rig is still 5000-6000 pounds dry and empty.

[amaddencali]

yes but they should also have insurance. I don't have a lot in it. Thanks however for all your posts, it has been helpful, but I think I am ready to tow and someone used to pulling trailers for work, horses, RV etc will be fine. On Rammstein yes I did look at translation, and yes the lyrics are sophisticated at least in the way Du Hast unfolds, my favorite rammstein song.

[gyre]

Du Hast is a good one.

Towing dynamics are very complex.
Light trailers like airstreams can be more vulnerable to certain aerodynamic issues.
The problem is that most people only have one accident with a travel trailer.
Very fragile compared to a work trailer.

I know someone that completely flipped both tow vehicle and airstream, after years of experience.
Tow vehicle was a suburban.
It happens to others too.

Towing a flatbed with an ultralight car on it, my friend managed to spin the entire rig.
I woke up facing oncoming traffic.
Somehow missed other cars, and little damage to my uninsured car.
I didn't relax for awhile.

You can't be too careful.

If you start towing actively, there is a great deal that can be done to improve tow vehicle stability.
I haven't looked into the airstream suspensions yet, but they are superior to the average.
Yours may be due for maintenance due to age.
There are some great airstream forums, and a lot of people bring them to the burn.

Trailer suspensions make a huge difference.
I have a small utility trailer with a better suspension (subaru) and the difference is dramatic.

I hate to see any more airstreams damaged, and liability when towing can be huge, civil and criminal.

[amaddencali]

Hey, Gyre, once again thank you, this has been incredibly helpful; are you in Bay Area? Like to meet you.

I saw dozens of AS at BM this year, and they look great out there. I am determined to tow mine next year and will look into it in meantime. . .

ali
call me sometime 650.922.4447

[gyre]

Glad to help.

Did you make it to Burnstream Court?
I think that's what they call the airstream camp.

I'm about 2,000 miles away.
I spent the burn towing stuff back and forth in the heat here, which is why I was on eplaya so close to the burn.

I hope to hit the road before next year, since i missed the burn.

I'm always happy to meet another burner!

Sounds like it was a great burn.

[amaddencali]

It was indeed a great burn, even people who went last year and it was such a good time, said this year even better. It's all relative of course, and dependent on so many factors, internal and external. That said, there was some hella cool art, varied burns, cool cars, "lots" of participation, the playa was a poppin every night and Sat. was magical. No dust blowing from Sat 10 a.m. through full Exodus, unreal. Awesome. Good to meet you too. . .