The Ins and Outs of Insuring an Airstream or RV Travel Trailer

Ownership of an Airstream trailer or an RV travel trailer can provide you one of the most adventurous and enjoyable ways to travel across the country and see all of the natural beauty that the United States has to offer. However, the purchase of an Airstream or RV travel trailer is a major investment that needs to be protected against possible damage and total loss. The best way for you to provide this protection is to buy yourself a solid insurance policy that will cover most of the possible losses you could encounter as you travel down the road.

When it comes to purchasing an insurance policy, it helps to know the major things that you need to protect. The following items will discuss most of the factors you need to consider when purchasing an RV insurance policy.

1. Actual Value of the Airstream trailer vs. Replacement Cost

When purchasing RV insurance, you are often presented with the decision of having to choose between getting a policy that will just pay you the actual value of the trailer or will pay you the full replacement cost of the Airstream. While insurance that pays the full replacement cost usually is more expensive, it is often worth it because it will pay you a set amount in the event of a loss without any depreciation costs that could reduce your final payment.

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2. Liability Insurance

In addition to considering if you want to get a policy that will pay for the replacement costs of your RV, you will want to look at getting an insurance policy that provides you with adequate protection against any liability that you may incur if you have an accident that is your fault while towing your Airstream trailer. While a minimal amount of liability coverage is required in most states, it is a good idea to purchase as much liability insurance as you can afford to protect yourself and your assets from a possible lawsuit.

3. Awnings and Attachments Coverage

As you move your Airstream or RV travel trailer from one place to another, awnings and attachments are items that often get damaged by hanging tree branches and other obstacles that you encounter. As a result, you need to consider purchasing an insurance policy that will have coverage to provide for the replacement or repair of your awnings and other attachments.

4. Full-Timer Coverage

If you are one of the growing number of people who live in their RV throughout the year, then you will want to consider purchasing an insurance policy with Full-Timer Coverage for your Airstream. This coverage combines the best features of auto insurance with some features found in homeowner’s insurance to provide the most comprehensive protection possible. Not all insurance companies will offer you this coverage, so you should shop around until you find one that does or else you will find yourself having to piece together a hodgepodge number of coverages to fully protect yourself.

5. Uninsured Motorist and Roadside Assistance

Besides Full-Timer Coverage, Uninsured Motorist and Roadside Assistance Coverages are things that you will want to protect you in case you are hit in an accident by someone who doesn’t have insurance or if you break down on the side of the road and require assistance in repairing your Airstream.

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One final thing to remember when purchasing insurance for your Airstream or RV travel trailer is that it can never hurt to have more coverage than you think you will need. A more comprehensive insurance policy, like those offered here, will always provide you a peace of mind that you can handle any situation that may arise while a policy that doesn’t have enough coverage could leave you in a seriously damaging financial situation.

5 Coolest Airstream Destinations on the California Coast

Finding beautiful Airstream locations along the California coast is pretty easy given the state has plenty of scenic shorelines, rolling hills, excellent lookouts. We previously covered many great spots for winterbirds moving south to Florida, but now we’re going to cover the top spots for sunshine on the California coast. For the top five coolest destinations […]

From Charlotte to OBX: Moving Around Beautiful North Carolina

From rustic parks to modern camping resorts, North Carolina is full of adventures for RV enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning an epic road trip, a week long campout, or are looking for a place to rest for a night, be sure to check out these beautiful spots when traveling through the Tar Heel State. South Mountains […]

Moving South for the Winter? Here’s Where Florida Movers Recommend Going

Sunny Florida is a prime location for RV enthusiasts to relocate during the dark and dreary winter weather. Every year, thousands of people migrate south to soak up the sun and enjoy the gorgeous beaches and laid-back lifestyle of the aptly-named Sunshine State. If you’re wondering where to tow your Airstream this winter, look no further. Here are a few of Florida’s most popular destinations.

On the Move in Miami

Miami is a thriving seaport city located on the southeastern tip of the state. The city has a strong Latin influence and a thriving nightlife. Visitors can hit the beach or shop in Little Havana during the day then visit one of the many celebrity-owned restaurants and night clubs in the evening hours. Miami is also known for its art culture.  The city is infused with galleries, museums and exhibits dedicated to various art forms. Local mover, CMM, one of the best moving companies Miami FL, recommends new visitors check out the Perez Art Museum Miami. Click here to learn more about things to see and do while in Miami.

Winter in Boca Raton

Boca is the southern-most city in Panama Beach County. This gorgeous Florida town boasts Spanish-style architecture and breath-taking views of the area’s many beaches. One of the biggest attractions in the area is Mizner Park. This lifestyle center contains a movie theater, shopping, restaurants, and several museums. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone looking for a night out. Overall, Boca’s relaxed feel makes it a popular choice for Florida tourists and retirees alike.

Family-Friendly Fun in Orlando

This easily accessible central Florida location lands a spot as one of the state’s top vacation destinations. The family-oriented city is home to several Disney theme parks including Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, and SeaWorld. If you’re looking to take a day off from the hustle and bustle of the parks, visit the calming Harry P. Leu Gardens or visit one of Orlando’s many day spas. For shopping, head north to the Kissimmee Outlet Mall which features popular brands like Nike, Victoria’s Secret, and Tommy Hilfiger. Regardless of your age, taste and style, Orlando offers something for everyone. Click here to purchase your theme park tickets and download the “Visit Orlando” app.

Perpetual Sunshine in Tampa

Tampa Bay is another great vacation spot. Located near the state’s panhandle, the city owns and operates over 165 parks and beaches where guests are welcome to access the shores at any time. Visitors can also enjoy the Busch Gardens theme park, Tampa Bay History Center, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Florida Aquarium. Tampa is also well-known for its delicious cuisine. The food boasts a strong Cuban flair reflecting the city’s rich Cuban culture.

These are just a few of the many popular vacation destination spots in sunny Florida. Each location offers something unique and different, but all of them provide the sunny Florida-style getaway you deserve. If you’re planning to escape the winter blues this year, consider one of these Florida gems today!

 

Why the Airstream Brand Name is So Appealing

They are unmistakable when you see them on the road or in a campground. No other brand of recreational vehicle looks like them, and no other brand has reached their iconic status either. Since 1936, Airstream travel trailers, known for their sleek “silver bullet” design, have taken America’s highways by storm. Just what is it […]

Perks of Living in an Airstream

When Tyler Wright finished his studies at Columbia, he like many other graduates, decided to stay in Manhattan to pursue his career in finance. After 5 years of grinding away at one of the largest hedge funds on Wall Street, Wright grew tired of the exorbitant NYC rent, long hours at the office, and the oppressive feeling that he was always struggling to keep up with the rat race. So at 28, he hired New York City movers to put all of his possessions in storage, bought an Airstream, and took his life on the road. Now 6 months into a year-long journey, he shares with us the perks of living full-time in an Airstream.

1. Life at a Slower Pace

Wright was used to a fast-paced life in the big city, but found he was often tired and stressed between his demanding job and busy social calendar. Now, after touring the U.S. for the last 6 months, he feels like, for the first time in his life, he’s had time to think and relax. While most people might think the typical Airstream dweller is a retired Baby Boomer, increasingly, Millennials like Wright are discovering the perks of Airstream life. There are numerous stories like Wright’s of Millennials who grew weary of the corporate life and traded it in for a silver bullet on wheels. For this new generation of RV buyers, a year or two spent traveling on the highways and backroads of the American landscape gives them the space and freedom to think about what they want out of life, unlike generations past who were tethered to the same jobs for the majority of their career. Wright says he likely won’t go back to the cut-throat world of finance. Over the past few months, he’s been tinkering with ideas for a new start-up, a dream he hopes to pursue full-time when he decides he finished with his travels.

2. The Airstream Community

Wrights says one of the most unexpected, but welcome findings of his new life, is the large community of fellow travelers with whom he has made friends. When he started this trip, he thought he might be lonely coming from the overpopulated island of Manhattan. However, before he even left, he found Air Forums, a place where Airstream enthusiasts come together to share advice on everything from how to properly level a trailer to where to find a free place to park for the night. This online community was integral to Wright gaining confidence and comfort with the logistics of hauling an Airstream and setting up camp. Additionally, he says he’s met a whole slew of people so far on his journey, both young and old. “Fellow campers are incredibly friendly; at most of the campsites where I’ve stayed, there’s usually at least one person who will invite me over for drinks around the campfire, and sometimes we’ll even share a meal and swap stories about the road.” During his third month of traveling, Wright came across some travelers his age who were likewise spending a year on the road. He plans on meeting the group in California to hike Mount Whitney later this fall.

3. It’s Pretty Economical (especially compared with NYC)

Wright purchased a 16-foot Airstream Sport trailer, the luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable model, which is easily towed by his Chevy Tahoe. Ever the financier, he saved a two-year runway before quitting his Wall Street job, but he’s finding that living in an Airstream is even cheaper than he imagined. Wright’s studio apartment in TriBeCa cost him upwards of $3,000 a month, in addition to an expensive lifestyle of eating out and frequenting trendy bars. Now his monthly expenses are less than a third of what they previously were. Thanks to one of the Airstream forums, Wright found out about the common practice of boondocking, or camping for free on public land. He does this about 70% of the time, which means he avoids having to pay for a campsite most nights. Other than that, he just has to pay for food and gasoline. He keeps meals simple, doing most of his cooking over the campfire or grill. Gas prices have been low this year, thanks to the drop in the oil market, so he hasn’t spent nearly what he originally budgeted for fuel. In the end, Wright thinks he could stretch his savings for a total of three or four years. Additionally, Airstreams retain their value well, so if he decides to resell it at the end of his journey, he won’t lose much on the original purchase.

4. Ease of Travel

Finally, what Wright enjoys most about his new life is his ability to pick up and go wherever he wants, whenever he wants to. He loves the unparalleled freedom and flexibility of his new lifestyle. With all of his things on wheels, he never has to worry about breaking an apartment lease or trying to find an affordable moving service. If he gets tired of one location, he just hitches up the trailer and moves on to the next spot. His favorite stops so far? “I headed West when I left New York in February, and made it to the coast by April. I spent a week backpacking around Yosemite National Park, which was just as breathtaking as I had imagined. Then some buddies flew out and met me for a long weekend of camping up in the Redwoods. That was pretty memorable.” Even with 6 months under his belt, Wright says there’s still a lot of the U.S. that he wants to see.

 

 

Tips for Moving into an Airstream

Moving into an Airstream from a traditional house or apartment may seem unmanageable given the amount of stuff in your current place. However, all across the country, thousands of people are embracing the tiny home movement, and discovering that life with fewer square feet of living space is no only doable, but freeing. By taking a few simple steps and changing the way you think about new purchases, you can easily make the transition into life in an Airstream. Here we’ll discuss what to discard, what to keep, and how to organize to make your dream a reality.

What to Ditch

  • Duplicates: Begin your quest to downsize by eliminating any duplicate objects. While 4 different sets of dishes may be nice, they take up valuable real estate in a smaller home. For each item ask if you have something else that can perform the same function. For example, on an Airstream, you probably only need 1 cutting board, you can ditch the specialty cheese board and the butcher block; Airstream life is all about simplifying.
  • Unused/Rarely Used Items: Companies spend big money each year to convince you that you need the things they make. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if this item is truly necessary. Will it make a large difference? As you go through your current home, evaluate each item carefully. Would you buy it again today? When was the last time you used it? With most moves, professional movers say it’s wise to get rid of anything you don’t really use, because you’ll end up paying to move it or store it. Moving into an Airstream is no exception; there simply isn’t room for extra clutter.
  • Excessive Clothing: Pare down clothing options for each member of the household. The typical American household dedicates large spaces to walk-in closets that are filled and overflowing with excessive amounts of clothing, handbags, and shoes. However, you will probably find items you haven’t worn in years! Keep in mind that Airstream closets are tiny, plus Airstream living is a different way of life. Chances are, you won’t need 10 business suits or all those worn-once bridesmaid dresses you’ve hung on to for the last 15 years.

What to Keep

  • Staple Clothing: When going through your closet, keep items that can be mixed together. Neutral colored pieces that can be layered for different looks and different seasons are an excellent choice. The Clarke family, who pen the popular Airstream blog takethatexit.com, indicate that you’ll likely find yourself wearing the same clothes frequently, and often, multiple days in a row. Doing laundry on the road is far more of a chore since you won’t have the convenience of an in-home washer/dryer unit. With this in mind, choose clothes that you really enjoy wearing!
  • Favorite Possessions: Be selective, but keep your treasured possessions. It may take some creativity to use the items with sentimental value. However, you will be happier with your new space if you are surrounded by a few choice pieces that mean something to you personally. Keep in mind that if you aren’t envisioning a permanent life on the road, you could always put some of your favorite things into storage for a future home. Many moving companies also have their own secure and climate-controlled storage facilities. These warehouse-type storage units are typically a cheaper option than self-storage and are a great option if you won’t need constant access to your things.
  • Pretty Necessities: Since many everyday items will be prominently displayed, make sure they add to your space. Everything thing, even appliances, can now be coordinated with your color scheme. Take advantage of this opportunity, and brighten you home with pops of color in unexpected areas. Check out blogger Sarah Schneider’s absolutely enchanting Airstream for some major design inspiration.Throw rugs take minimal space on the floor while adding color, texture, and comfort. If properly placed, they also serve to break up the space into separate areas.

How to Organize

  • Wall/Vertical Space: Use shelves and hooks to take full advantage of the vertical space in your Airstream. You can hang a variety of things including pots and utensils. Shelves can hold spices, dishes, towels, and other objects. By using all of the available vertical space, you free up valuable floor and counter space.
  • Multipurpose Functionality: Almost every piece of furniture in your Airstream should serve more than one purpose. Your kitchen table also serves as a desk, homework station, and food prep area. Benches or other seating should be able to hold blankets, towels, or clothes under the cushions.

Moving into an Airstream requires a change in your lifestyle. You must become accustomed to downsizing the materials you need to be comfortable, not just your square footage. During this process, you will discover what you really need and the things you want.

Featured image housebeautiful.com.

 

What to Know Before Trading in Your House for an Airstream

With shows like HGTV’s Tiny House, the idea of living small in order to pursue big dreams has spread like wildfire. While many pursue tiny living in a traditionally constructed but scaled down home, many want to take their tiny home with them as they explore the country. These individuals put their tiny houses on […]

6 Weird Facts About Airstream You Probably Didn’t Know

You have seen the iconic silver trailer on TV, in movies and passing by you on the highways, but the Airstream has a pretty unique history.  Way back in the 1920s Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream built the iconic travel trailer in his backyard because his wife refused to go camping without bringing her […]

Airstream: Vintage versus New

So you want to get an Airstream and aren’t sure if you want to spend the money for a brand new one or want the potential problems of a used one.  You really don’t have to worry; there are plenty of “Silver Bullets” out there that have barely seen the road that you can get […]

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