There are many things to consider before designing a tiny house on wheels, and an essential element is towing the structure. The tiny homes on wheels are moveable structures, and building such a home isn’t easy, considering a lot goes to ensure its safety while on the road. It can be a nail-biting experience for first-time buyers to tow the tiny house. However, if you are checking out and purchasing the tiny log cabins for sale from reputable builders via TinyHouseMe, then you can expect priority service from the experts, which makes the experience worthwhile.
Choose a Towing-conscious design
If you are worried about the towing safety and capacity of the tiny home, then consider the pointers below:
Weight distribution: The weight should be evenly distributed from front to back and from the left side to the right. You need to put the maximum weight over the axles (but avoid the corners). Additionally, the house appliances should not be placed towards one side of the house, which is why designing a floor plan and proper layout is ideal. Placing heavyweight items and appliances at the center of the house or at least 60% on the back is great, as the axles would then be able to handle the weight more easily. With the uneven weight distribution, the tiny home will tend to bounce, which can be detrimental when towing.
Tongue weight of the Tiny House: The total tongue weight (wherever the hitch is, the triangle part) should have 10 – 15% of the trailer’s gross weight. For example, if the weight of the tiny house is 10,000 pounds, then the tongue weight should ideally be around 1,000 pounds. The tongue weight ensures the back wheels are touching the base ground, and the connection of the trailer and the vehicle remains strong with adequate downward force. A good builder will ensure that the axles on the tiny house are around 60% at the back of the tongue. This design guarantees good tongue weight, and the trailer load is perfectly stable over the axles. Low tongue weight will cause the tiny house to sway and bounce. Due to inadequate tongue weight, the trailer will pull the back of the van off the road causing the tiny house to lose control while towing. Excess tongue weight doesn’t threaten safety but can overload the suspension of the truck as it’s not designed to support the surplus load.
Investing in a suitable tow vehicle: In contemporary times, the larger tiny houses need at least a 1-ton truck to tow safely, and a minimally 3/4-ton is necessary. That’s why you need to check out the specifications of the trailer you intend to use and ensure its well-rated to operate the tongue weight and the overall trailer weight. The suspension of the vehicle should also be rated for weight. Although many chassis claim to tow 15,000lbs, the ¾-ton truck has a lightweight suspension and less effective cooling system than its 1-ton counterpart, with a beefier suspension and stronger cooling and brake system designed to control the additional weight and strain.
Tiny House Size: The larger homes are harder to tow. Did you know every foot adds more weight, and additional length will need a larger turning radius making the vehicle remain stuck at tight spots? The more you plan to tow, the smaller house you need. The width of the house should be within DOT (Department of Transportation) limits to ensure you do not need specific permits to tow the tiny home. If you plan to be on the road most of the time, keep the structure as small as possible. Towing the tiny home is challenging, and these tips will save you from the toil.
Use lightweight materials to design the house: A lightweight tiny home is easier to tow, and that’s why you need to think twice about the materials used for the build. Granite countertops, thick hardwood, and thick tiles will weigh you down. Plastics, aluminum, and steel are comparatively better options as they are easier to maintain, stronger, and lighter.
Permits
Towing the tiny house requires a permit. You need to check the local towing laws of the state before venturing into the territory. Road requirements vary from one state to another, and before driving through the state, ensure that the tiny home meets specific requirements. Without permits, the maximum height of a tiny home on wheels should not exceed 13’6,” and the width should be within 8’6”. If the tiny house doesn’t fit within these specifications, then consider getting a permit for legalizing the vehicle.
Insurance
You need to get the tiny home on wheels insured. Both the truck and the tiny house need insurance. A comprehensive collision insurance doesn’t only protect the vehicle but also your investment.
Towing a tiny home should be easy now!
Towing the tiny home is just not about getting insured and meeting the requirements. It’s about enjoying a smooth and safe journey in a simple and stress-free manner. You can now get the most functional and customized THOW (tiny house on wheels) and tiny cabins for sale from reputable builders via TinyHouseMe. Connect today for a faster response and priority service.
