Okay, so Trek sold out the touring community. No problem. I know fully loaded touring and have many decades of experience. In 1983 I chose a Specialized Expedition (frame by Miyata) over the Trek 520. It was very, very similar in that it was built for long distance heavily loaded touring. 40 spoke dishless rear wheel, braze-ons everywhere you needed them, wiring for a dynamo, etc, etc.. I finally retired my trusty steed and replaced it with a Surly Bridge Club a couple of years ago. The big change I made was getting 40-spoke wheels with Velocity sealed bearing hubs back and front. And Velo-Orange "Crazy Bars" (trimmed 5 inches of width). I've ridden many, many fully loaded miles on this bike on roads and rail trails, paved and not. Since I have a vacation home and cannot also transport my bike there, I also bought a Surly Ogre (just for something slightly different) and did the same with the wheels. IMHO, both of those Surlys are even more suitable to fully loaded touring than the classic touring bikes like the 520. Also, while others will disagree, larger tire sizes have revolutionized my riding for the better, even when riding with my buddy who is still running. 700C x 38mm. I have Schwalbe 2.1 inch tires WITH FULL FENDERS (Planet Bike) on both bikes (and could go larger) , and of course pannier-worthy racks front and rear. 27.5 inch wheels on the Bridge Club and 29 inch tires on the Ogre. Nirvana. You might just consider such a setup if you are replacing your classic 520-like touring bike.