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Originally Posted by CloudWalker
Hi y'all. I'm new here and looking to get an Airstream to begin full-timing sometime this year. Forgive the multiple questions, but this seems better than starting multiple threads.
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Welcome.
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1. What are the best places to look for financing for the AS? Any companies to avoid?
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For a new or near-new trailer I find that credit unions offer the best rates, if you can find one where you meet the eligibility criteria. Many banks will also provide financing. Older trailers are difficult to finance.
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And will RV financing places also provide a loan for a tow vehicle, or do I have to get that separately?
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It is my experience that they have to be financed separately. A problem this poses is that the way the credit system works, your credit score will go down when you take out the first loan, possibly affecting the rate for the second.
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2. If doing separate financing, is it better to get the tow vehicle first, and then apply for a loan on the AS? Or do I do them closer together and explain to the two companies what I'm doing (so it's clear why there are closely timed inquiries on my credit report)?
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Usually the trailer loan will be for a larger amount and longer term, so you should ideally get that one first. Besides, you will want to know exactly what trailer you will be towing when selecting a tow vehicle.
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Any suggestions for RV insurance companies to use? Any to avoid?
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For newer trailers most auto insurance places provide good coverage at reasonable rates. For older trailers concerns about valuation arise so you would want to review the insurance section of these boards for details as the topic is complex.
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If I'm full-timing in the Airstream, can I maintain a regular auto insurance policy on the tow vehicle? Or do I need a special kind of policy on it? Do regular auto policies tend to make full-timers exempt?
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My general advice to would-be fulltimers is that you really should try traveling for a while before deciding that a trailer is where you want to live year around.
Most fulltimers find it helpful to maintain a putative residence in one of a handful of states with a favorable legal climate for this lifestyle. There are relatively few fulltimers on the Airstream board so you may wish to check some of the other forums on the internet for help. You can also contact the Escapees which are an association of people who fulltime that provides information, mail forwarding, and contact info for services that many fulltimers find helpful.