As you probably know, what will work as a 'touring' bike is largely in the mind of the rider. The range is wide, and short of a custom made bike, nothing stock is hardly ever ideal. Adjustments have to me made. The bike you reference will, with a 32 or 34 tooth granny gear, do the job, just not ideally.

Fit is always First. Be very careful here, especially top tube length. Have your local bike shop help with this.

Most road bikes, even touring specific bikes, are often geared too high for most people hauling or pulling a load. After proper fitting, this is the most common thing that needs fixing. Next is bar height/angle. Next is saddle. Then tire selection.

Before investing, check out the Windsor Tourist. Read the review by a Forums contributor near the page bottom. Again, adustments will likely be needed, especially the high gearing.