Chapter 3: And I was complaining about how expensive my memory foam mattress was… I was also bragging that when I want to buy something, I do. I officially take back that statement, in its entirety. A new Airstream trailer is NOT something you just put on your American Express card. Not even the smallest, entry level model. Nope. I also bragged that AMEX loves me—they don’t love me that much. So funding my new trailer fetish was going to take some creativity. Thank goodness for the folks down at the credit union— let’s hope they are feeling the love more than AMEX. (My answer to trailer trash quiz #2).

On a more serious note, the original purpose for this blog was to share knowledge as well as experience. So this seems like a good time to include some practical information that I am finding along this journey. The first bit I want to share is about travel trailer financing. If you’re like me and one of your general principles in life is to never get closer to a banker than the ATM machine, you may find this helpful (unless those crooks changed the fine print since).

Travel trailer financing:

1. Financing can be found for up to 90% of the trailer value. (10% down payment)
2. Financing is available for both new and used trailers.
3. There are both fixed rate loans and variable rate loans offered for trailers.
4. Most lenders, of course, will require proof of income and credit information.
5. You can find financing for up to 20 years, but sometimes after a certain time period, i.e. 12 years, the loan could result in a balloon payment. Make sure you understand the terms.
6. You can finance a travel trailer sold to you by either a private party or a dealer.
7. If you buy the trailer from an individual, some banks may require you to complete the sale at the bank so that they can inspect the trailer before dispersing the funds.
8. There are banks that do not charge an early pay-off penalty, make sure to ask.
9. Travel trailer financing can qualify for the second home interest income tax deduction- be sure to ask your tax consultant.
10. Some lenders are completely on-line. They claim to be easy and quick. I have no comment.
11. Before making an appointment with a local lender, it is still wise to go on-line and see what other nationwide lenders are offering for the best rates and terms.
12. If you are buying the trailer through a dealer, check with their financing department also. Some dealerships get “bulk” discounts from major banks and can offer you the financing at a lower rate than the local banks.

I wish you luck.

If the credit union doesn’t like you either, it’s time to look at creative buying. If a brand new trailer is out of the budget, maybe an older one is more practical. The great news is that Airstreams are designed to last more than a lifetime. They were intended to be handed down to the next generation. If your grandparents were cool enough to own an Airstream, then maybe you are the lucky one. If not, then maybe you can buy someone else’s grandma’s trailer. The Airstream Company claims that nearly 60-70 percent of all their trailers ever built are still rolling down the highway today. That means there must be a lot of used Airstreams out there!

Now I start to wonder, how old will my used trailer look? Personally, I think that anything I still own after 10 years needs an extreme make-over. But investigating further, it appears that Airstream still stands by Wally Byam’s motto: “Let’s not make changes, let’s only make improvements.” From what I can tell, the aerodynamic body style hasn’t drastically changed in 80 years. I’m sure all the Airstream cult people who know every detail of the trailers’ evolution may adamantly argue with me here, but for right now, my untrained eye can’t really tell the difference. I see no aesthetic change between one trailer body and another trailer body that is 20 years younger—now wouldn’t that just be marvelous if it applied to people?

I do believe now, that NOT buying a brand new Airstream and towing it off the dealer lot (along with its birth certificate and large bank note) is going to be okay. I know that there is a distant older cousin out there that can be adopted– and will come with a much smaller I.O.U. attached. Brian will be pleased.

Woman seeking used trailer.

Trailer Trash Quiz#3.

What is YOUR best reason to buy a used trailer?

a. Less Guilt. It’s already old and blemished, so I won’t feel as bad making a big dent when backing into a tree.

b. More protection. No one will want to break in. They will assume that everything inside is old too and they simply won’t be interested.

c. Some things are just better with age, like wine.

d. An old trailer will make my old truck look even better.

e. Other. (Enter your answer in the box below)

See my answer on the next post. Until then……