Millennials and other younger Americans still dream about homeownership. Their dreams have been adjusted to fit the modern world, with its high student loan debt and rising inflation.
The vast suburban housing plans are not appealing to them.
Do you want to downsize and live a more sustainable, affordable lifestyle? You might want to consider a tiny home. You’ll want to invest in a trailer for your tiny home if you want to get the most from it. You’ll need to source it yourself if you are using a contractor or DIY style. If you are hiring a contractor, or considering a DIY style of building – you will need to source the materials yourself.
Sweet Freedom
People invest in tiny houses for many reasons. They are easier to maintain, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper than a traditional house. 63% of millennials Many people say they would prefer to live in a small home. A smaller home reveals what younger generations value. Sustainability and the quality of life are more important than having a big house filled with possessions.
As you may already know, all tiny homes are not the same. To get the most out of your tiny house, you’ll want to invest in a sturdy trailer. You want to be able to move your home anywhere you like!
The flexibility of a tiny house on wheels is unmatched.
- You are no longer bound to a specific location
- If you have to move, there’s no need to sell.
- No more high utility bills
- Your space is too limited to make mindless purchases
- The cleaning and maintenance is easier
Tiny houses, despite their drawbacks, are becoming increasingly popular. Freedom doesn’t just mean that you can live anywhere. It’s all about breaking the financial ties of modern living.
Types of Trailer Chassis
You must decide which trailer type best suits your vision for the future and needs in terms of portability.
As you can see below, there are two types of trailers available: Gooseneck and bumper pull.
Bumper Pull
This is a traditional trailer and the most common platform for tiny homes, RVs, and portable houses. You can see from the top image that they attach to the ball hitch on your car or truck. They are usually much less expensive than a gooseneck.
They are usually smaller and easier to construct, which makes them less expensive. These are some of the reasons people choose to use them.
- This allows for a more conventional house build
- Attaches to any ball-coupling trailer hitch (just ensure the ball size is correct!)
- Low cost means greater investment in the house itself
- These are more common, so renting a truck for your tiny house is a much better option.
A bumper-pull tiny house trailer does not offer the same maneuverability of a gooseneck. It also doesn’t offer the same options for raised platform bedrooms as you find in many small houses.
Some people don’t like the look of a tiny home that looks like an R.V. A bumper pull is the perfect foundation for tiny homes under 30 feet in length and where you do not plan to move too often.
Gooseneck or Fifth Wheel
The trailer you see attached to the truck bed(bottom graphic), is a Gooseneck, or 5th Wheel type of trailer connection. The 5th wheel and Gooseneck trailers are similar. There are many similarities, but there are also smaller differences. A 5th wheel is usually preferred as it has a better connection and stability. They do, however, take up more space in your truck. Although they are expensive, 5th wheels and gooseneck trailers have many advantages over traditional trailers used for tiny homes.
- Raised hitch provides a secure attachment within a truck bed
- There is plenty of space to build a tiny house that’s spacious.
- The higher connection point on your truck will increase maneuverability.
- The gooseneck design creates an elevated platform with livable area above the hitch. This makes for the ideal bedroom.
- The 5th wheel can be used to pull RVs or tiny homes that are heavier and larger than bumper pull.
- Towing and hooking up is generally easier.
Gooseneck trailers are the best option for people who move their tiny house more frequently. They are the best choice if portability and ease of driving is what you’re looking for.
These are also the best option for tiny houses over 30 feet in length, due to weight issues and problems with maneuverability.
Options for the trailer type you selected above
Deck-overs
Deck-overs, a type of bumper pull trailers, have some differences from traditional bumper pulls. The flat base of the trailer is a strong one. The “deck” is raised above the wheel wells to achieve the flat surface. The wheel wells are not visible inside your tiny house, but it limits the height.
- Perfect for smaller homes
- Attaches the same way as a bumper pull to a rear hitch
- Raised deck height makes for better stair entry
- A flat surface is ideal for a stable foundation
- Improved ground clearance
- You can avoid having your home invaded by wheel wells
- Cheaper than you would expect
The reason they are less popular is that you lose height. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look into them. These are great for one-person homes where you do not need a loft. Most RV travel trailers have deck-overs.
Drop-Axle or Deck-Between
Deck-between trailers have a flat surface on which you can build a home. However, the deck of the trailer is lowered down around and below the wheel wells. Drop axle kids allow the deck to be lowered between the wheels, allowing for a higher head height for your tiny house.
The trailers are also a good option for house construction.
- Tiny home trailers are available in a variety of trailer types.
- A home with a lower point of gravity is more durable
- Lower decks give you more headroom inside
Deck-between trailers are not ideal for travel in places where road conditions may be less than ideal. This makes it difficult to build the subfloor and, unfortunately, any maintenance in the subfloor area is very difficult.
The 6-9 inch increase in height is usually well worth it, especially if you are building a lot.
How much weight can a tiny house trailer hold?
You can’t build a house without a foundation. You’ll also need a rough idea of what your house will look like to determine the foundation.
The material and number of axles will determine the weight limit for each trailer. The structural integrity of your trailer and its ability to tow is a high priority.
Trailer Materials
Aluminum or steel is typically used to build trailers and tiny homes.
Steel is stronger and heavier than other metals.
Aluminum is usually not as strong, but it is lighter.
Steel tiny home trailers are strong and we recommend them to most builders.
How Many Axles Should your Tiny Home Trailer Have?
The axles of your trailer will have a major impact on the weight that it can carry. Axles come in all different sizes and ratings.
The two most common axle weight grades for trailers are 7,000 lbs and 5,200 lbs. A two-axle, 5,200 lb trailer can carry a house up to 10,400 pounds.
We recommend two 7k wheels on tiny houses under 22 feet, and three 7k wheels on tiny houses over 22 feet.
The more wheels you have, the more stable and strong your tiny house will be. The trade-off is increased costs and less maneuverability. The more axles your tiny house has, the less tightly it can pivot or rotate. This can be a huge difference when you are trying to move it into a small space.