I worked in residential construction for over twenty years, and I have a four year degree in interior design, so I am always thinking about a better way to build something. In case of my current passion, the tiny home, I have had some issues with some designs I have seen, so I have put my mind to answering them; now I can share these thoughts with you.
Things to consider before you build:
1. Windows; they need to be tempered glass
for
safety’s sake. They will be less likely
to
break while towing it and less dangerous to
the human element if they do
break.
2. Collapsible awnings to cover your
windows would
add additional protection
while towing, and would add sun protection
when you
are parked.
3. Over frame the house to protect it from shearing
and distortion from wind shear when it
is towed at highway speeds. Consider framing and bracing with metal studs.
4. Flexible materials throughout. Plywood is more flexible than drywall. And don’t tile your
shower walls; they are
not flexible at all.
5. Make sure that all your plumbing and electrical
pipes and wires are securely strapped to
joists/studs so they don’t shirt
and/or break.
6. Make sure the weight is distributed evenly
within the house. Don’t put all your
appliances
and the bathroom on the same side. Also consider how much weight will be riding on the
tongue of the trailer.
7. You will need to add extra insulation on the
front of the house (tongue side) and make
sure that all gaps in your cladding
are sealed.
8. If you plan to tow your tiny house yourself
there are some maximum height and width
requirements that you need to stay
within. No taller than 13.5’ tall and
you can still pass
under power lines, into gas stations, and through toll
stations. It is also recommended that
you don’t go wider than 8.5’ wide so you don’t run into issues with large
tractor trailers.
9. Like any travel trailer, you need to make sure
that your trailer is registered and has a
visible license plate when traveling.
10. Make sure you have an extra trailer tire. This special size of tire is harder to find,
and
impossible if you are stuck in a sparsely populated area with no services.
11. Research the towing package of a truck before
hooking up to make a cross country
trip.
___________________________________________
Linda Quiggle
is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601. Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently
owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a
Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.
