Tiny House Trailer Things to Consider


Width

We generally produce two common widths, 2.4m and 2.95m. Both these widths gives 75mm per side for cladding, downpipes, gutters, window and door handles, flashings etc when building to the two width situations of 2.55m and 3.1m. We can build to any width up to 3.1m.

Length

Our standard length increments is 600mm to maximise building materials but can build to any length.

Height

We generally have two height options measured from the ground to the top of the steel deck. Other trailers have fixed heights stated on their info pages.

  • Low rider at 600mm

  • Elevated at 650mm

Low rider is good if you want maximum total height, for example a house with loft(s). Elevated means the mudguards do not protrude through the deck meaning full insulation between all joists improving R value and making the job easier.

Brake controller

Most trailers come with hard wired brakes setup without the handpiece as standard. Wireless brakes are an extra option. See video:



Lifting Jacks

If a door sits over a lifting jack point it may mean the door can’t be opened. Two options.

  • Jack can be used to lift and level trailer then block placed at this point

  • We can move these locations on your request.

Joists

Ensure floor penetrations like shower wastes do not hit steel joists or bearers. We can adjust joists on request to suit wall and other supports.

Water tanks

If purchasing water tanks we usually confirm location under the deck.

Tie Down

Wind are blow over a tiny house and water can float it. Ensure you have sufficient down options. We sell optional tie down eyes to anchor to.

Road or Site

Does your trailer need to be road legal? If you build is going to be over 3.5T there may not be a need for a road legal trailer if its going to travel on the road via truck.

Weight

Keeping weight down is very tough, especially on your first build. Every decision think weight first, make a weight budget spreadsheet, weigh everything into the build and option to remove items for transport. The Smart Trailer is strong an light compared to other tiny house trailers on the market so you are getting off on the right foot.

Openings

Let us know if you have any door openings larger than 2m wide as we may need to add extra bracing to accommodate this.

Accessories

Do you have all required accessories? Most of these can be brought at a later date and installed by yourself. Brakes require electrical experience or auto electrician.

Subfloor

We have developed over the years a lightweight thermal subfloor that is a better r value than standard practice which in our eye is very important. We can build or supply materials for you or copy our approach here. We used untreated strandboard as standard to reduce chemicals with a max recommend outdoor exposere time of 2 months. It is recommended to enclose structure as quickly as possible if working outside. We recommend to cover floor from weather using a trap in a tent form so timber can breathe. We can’t guarantee minor and rare delamination, as this is out of our hands. Consider sealing wet areas like bathroom and kitchens.

Steel framing

We can supply steel framing ready to stand. We supply frame joining fixings but ensure the structure is fixed and braced appropriately (see image). Refer to the building code and NASH. Managing thermal bridging is also very important to get to right as you only have one chance, see blog here for some guidance.

Transport

We can organise transport or you pickup. If picking up and the deck or load is wider than 2.55m see this post on rules for moving.

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Is a Tiny House on Wheels a Vehicle or a structure?

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Tiny House / Cabin Lifting Jacks