Frequently Asked Questions Tiny Houses 

RVIA stands for the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. As a member of RVIA, we certify compliance with more than 500 safety specifications for electrical, plumbing, heating, fire and life safety established under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for Recreation Vehicles. Additionally, we are subject to periodic, unannounced inspections by RVIA representatives to audit our compliance. Most Tiny Houses are not inspected - by anyone - putting you at risk for any number of harms or problems. You may check their website
for more details.

Not having an RVIA seal can limit financing, insurance, DMV registration, and parking options. Tru Form is committed to meet all required safety standards and federal motor vehicle regulations as a recreation vehicle (RV).  This may offer many advantages including the transportation, placement and financing of your unit 

Additionally, we use licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. This is just one of many practices Tru Form is committed to as a leader in safety and quality! We aim to set the standard for quality in the industry of Tiny Homes.

PARK MODELS differ from 8.5 ft wide travel trailers in a couple of ways. Our versions are built over 10ft wide, with varying lengths, and they don’t require escorted travel . They are built to RVIA’s Park Model code, but with Tru Form Tiny’s added quality standards. Park Models need special permits and licenses to travel when over 8.5 ft wid. This means that they  moved only when absolutely necessary. The axles and tongue can be removed, and the undercarriage hidden with skirting. Rather than our online designer we currently offer Palette Design Packages that determine the finishes for the Villa Series. At present we have farmhouse modern builds to share. Modern/ Urban Park Models are available and in concept phase. 

All TRAVEL TRAILER tiny home units are 8.5 ft wide - making the interior living space 7'7" wide through-out.  The Payette and Kootenay leave a lot of open space in the great room.  This allows you to furnish it your way, or we can add furnishings, built-ins, beds, and more, to maximize storage. We're excited about this space being customizable to meet your unique needs.

TRU FORM FINANCING

We are partners with many different banks, credit unions, and financial institutions in order to get our customers as many financing options as they can get.  In order to get the process going, fill out your information and we can take it from there.  You can navigate the form here (Financing page). A 5% - 20% down payment is standard on most loans for RVs and Mortgages.

RV LOAN

Since we are members of RVIA, NADA listed, and a RV dealer you can apply at any bank or Credit Union for an RV loan. Seven, 10, and 15 year loan terms are available. We also work closely with several RV lenders to give our customers the most viable options.  It's a very easy to apply, and we're happy to help you navigate your loan process.

HOME EQUITY LOAN

Another common financing method is to get a Home Equity Line of Credit or “HELOC”. Lenders will often loan you a percentage of the equity in your home. Home equity loans are easy to qualify for, and the terms are highly competitive. However, this method requires that you already own a home.

UNSECURED LOAN

Banks, credit unions, online lenders and peer-to-peer lenders can provide personal and unsecured loans. Personal and unsecured loans are not backed by collateral. Therefore lenders demand more stringent credit requirements, ang give higher interest rates compared to other loan facilities.

HOME MORTGAGE

Tru Form is revolutionizing the industry by offering a mortgage option. This is ideal for individuals who want lower payments and a longer term loan, and whom plan to live in a Tru Form Tiny full time as a primary residence. We have achieved this banking relationship through rigorous review, time-tested quality and design, and a commitment to excellence above and beyond current building standards of this industry. This mortgage lender knows our product will long outlive the longer length of their loans.

Depending on the model and size, we recommend either a 3/4 ton pickup or a 1 ton pickup truck for moving your Travel Trailer RV. Once you have decided on a model and options, we can determine the pickup size you will need.

You may need to have your RV licensed, insured, and registered.  Contact your local DMV for more details. It may be that all you need is a trip permit, depending on your use and type of lending. If you don't plan to move it very often, a licensed mover can move your RV for you from one place to another; usually for a "by-the-mile" fee ($3.00-$5.00/mile). Tru Form delivers to all contiguous United States.

There are lots of RV Parks out there, both for free (usually it is for one night only), and for a fee. If you are in Oregon, you can visit Oregon State Parks and reserve a spot!

Since we are members of RVIA and listed in NADA, you can purchase your insurance at any major insurance carrier. Just like your car. If you get a mortgage through us, your insurance will be rolled into your mortgage payment.

Skill -  

Building a safe, durable tiny house takes skill. You need to be able to answer important questions as safety is of utmost importance. You can never put a price on peace of mind. 

It is important to have construction knowledge and experience, and acquiring such experience will take time, patience and extreme commitment. Skills acquisition will cost you more time and money than what you initially intended and expected. 

Test yourself first by doing something simple. If you've never built anything, try making a set of shelves or a table to test your skill and gain confidence before beginning construction.

Insurance -  

RVs manufactured by certified RV Manufacturers and tiny home builders, such as Tru Form Tiny, can easily obtain insurance. For many tiny homes, finding insurance can be challenging, and if insured, will cost more than those built by certified manufacturers. 

Build space -  

Building a tiny home is no small feat. You need to have a big enough space where you can construct and test your structure.

Another thing to consider is where you live and the weather/environment conditions. If your area has severe weather or is exposed to elements (such as salt water) you may require an indoor space.

Time -  

Building a tiny house takes between 400 and 1,000 hours, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the house. It is important to ask if you could give this much free time. Can you be comfortable extending your build timeline as necessary to fit it into your existing work and family commitments?

Money -  

If you have savings and know where you'll park your tiny house, buying one that's already complete may be the best path. If money is tight and/or you're not sure where you'll live, take it slow and work through your options.

Can you afford to buy tiny house plans, materials and tools? -   If the answer is no, proceed with caution so you’re not left with tools, materials, and lost time with very little, to no resale value.

Can you afford to buy a new, completed RV (around $45,000 to $80,000)?  -  What's great with buying a new one is you are rest assured that everything is in tip-top shape. You don't need to worry about wear and tear that comes with a used RV. What's more, some companies build to RV standards which makes financing an option. Note, RV financing  offers shorter terms and higher interest than a conventional 30 year mortgage. You can buy read- made tiny houses

Can you afford a used RV or partially built tiny house? -  2nd hand or used trailer homes/RV  offer cost-savings, but be careful. If the house or RV is used, get as much information as possible on how it was built (construction methods and materials). If new but partially built, ask why the owner decided not to finish it. Were there issues with the construction? Also, be aware that finishing a tiny house - or an RV - is expensive. Adding walls, flooring, cabinets and shelves can cost as much or more than the house shell alone.