People choose to live out of a travel trailer for a number of reasons. Those who travel often for work can skip the costs of a hotel. People wanting to downsize can enjoy less home and yard maintenance. Some people cringe writing that rent check each month and would rather spend their money elsewhere. Others decide to pursue a full-time travel lifestyle.
Whatever your motivations for living in a trailer, there are some things to know before embarking on your journey. We’ve created a guide to full-time Airstream RV living below. If you need any parts or maintenance, visit Airstream of Montana. You’ll find us in Missoula, Montana.
Get the Right Tow Vehicle
Most travel trailers can be attached to SUVs, vans, and trucks. But you need to check your intended tow vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating. It’s the number telling you how much weight your vehicle is capable of towing. Remember, this number includes the weight of the trailer and any items you pack inside the trailer or tow vehicle.
It’s important to stay within the boundaries of this number. Exceeding the number is illegal and can result in a hefty fine if you get caught. More importantly, it is dangerous for you and those on the road around you.
Cleaning Your Airstream Trailer
When you use your Airstream RV full-time, it will get more dirty than normal. Your roof becomes a collection ground for debris that traps moisture. This becomes a great place for mold and mildew to grow…and then damage your travel trailer. Wash your roof often to prevent this.
As far as cleaning supplies goes, a brush with a telescoping handle and a mild detergent can handle most of the work. But you will want tailored cleaning solutions for the special materials like aluminum, chrome, enamel, and steel.
Upgrading Your Airstream Trailer
A few tweaks to your travel trailer can improve your quality of life. LED lighting saves power and helps you gain better visibility on the road. Solar panels can reduce electricity costs (and serve as a backup in case you encounter a campground without hookups).
Other upgrades help prevent costly damage. Some hookups at sites deliver electrical currents that are too strong for your equipment. Surge protectors prevent overloading or damaging your system. On a similar vein, a water pressure regulator prevents pipe damage caused by too high of water pressure. It also improves the comfort of your faucets and shower streams.
Day-to-Day Trailer Life
Living in a trailer is different than living in an apartment or house. Clean up as you go about your day. Rooms get messy and dirty fast when you live in a small, confined space. Be picky with what items you take into the trailer. Try to cut down your clothes, luxury items, and other objects you won’t use enough to be able to justify the space they take up. Keep a supply of earplugs or invest in a white noise machine to guard against noise. Cook in bulk when possible to cut down on the water used to clean pots and pans.
Living out of an Airstream RV is a unique lifestyle, but a rewarding one! Enjoy greater freedom, reduced living costs, and more. For all your trailer needs, visit Airstream of Montana. We proudly serve those in Missoula, Kalispell, and Bozeman, Montana. We sell a wide range of pre-owned and new Airstream models. We also provide a parts store and service appointments to fix up or improve your trailer. Whatever you need to maintain your full-time trailer lifestyle, you can find it at Airstream of Montana.
