After talking about this for years, Pete and Stefanie finally put their plan into action: figuring out just how doable it was going to be to get the semi-permanent airstream home to Texas in 2020. The initial plan was to have some free help during the annual summer family gathering; however, we had not planned for the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there was to be no family gathering and, therefore, no plans to get the trailer home mid-summer.

After much thought, and with the benefit of working remotely, Pete and Stefanie decided to temporarily uproot their “virtual” offices and take time after hours during that week-long visit to dig out the trailer.

The digging out of the trailer took about three days and much “gnashing of teeth” as Pete put it. They dug around the entire trailer to expose the shroud, and then ultimately removed it.

Once the shroud was removed they were able to see the wheels and confirm they were intact; however, the tires were rotted. Also, given that the axle was likely at least 30+ years old (and maybe even 50+ years!), they did not know if it would rotate or work. After replacing the tires, they found themselves having to do lots of research on how best to bring the trailer home — separate trailer bed? Pull the trailer as is?