WHAT IS A TINY HOUSE ON WHEELS

Have you ever dreamed of leading a minimal life in a mobile house? If so, it may be time for you to consider living in a tiny house on wheels.

Purchasing your own home comes with a lot of obligations. It is beyond just the financial aspects, but also the responsibilities in monitoring and maintaining the security and condition of your house. It is even more so for larger homes, as that equates to higher living expenses and a broader space to be in control of.

With all those considered, it is no wonder why more and more people now choose to move into small houses. In particular, tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are gaining popularity. After all, it is beyond just the financial and psychological burdens of moving into a large home. A significant number of people living in tiny homes do so because of the fun that comes with it. If you are into do-it-yourself (DIY) activities, you may find building custom tiny homes on wheels interesting.

Table of Contents

Why are Tiny Houses Built On Wheels
How Big Are Tiny Houses on Wheels
Where Do You Park Your Tiny House
Pros and Cons of a Tiny House on Wheels

WHY ARE TINY HOUSES BUILT ON WHEELS?

You can transition into the minimal life with your house not necessarily being built with wheels. Why exactly do people choose to do so then? One of the most probable reasons would be the financial benefits that come with it. The property taxes, rent, and initial cost of a tiny home are typically lower because of the smaller space. You will also be required to pay less for bills and maintenance. There will be an additional fee for gasoline, but it pales in comparison to the overall expenses in large permanent houses.

Having a smaller space means owning less. A tiny house on wheels would be ideal for those looking for a simpler life. A popular design called loft can significantly provide you with more space for sleeping compared to an actual bedroom. Designs that are built this way will need fewer furniture and utilities, which saves you money and even allows you to leave a reduced impact on the environment. For example, a smaller number of natural resources are needed for construction. Other than that are the reduced electricity needs and less waste to collect and throw out to landfills.

HOW BIG ARE TINY HOUSES ON WHEELS?

The smallest houses on wheels you can find are around 11’5” wide. Meanwhile, the maximum dimensions are typically 8’6” in width and 13’6” in height. The allowed length is 40’, but since that much may be challenging to transport, most tiny houses are limited to 32’ long. There is no fixed size, but the provided measurements ensure optimal space that would not require a special permit.

WHERE DO YOU PARK YOUR TINY HOUSE?

Owning a THOW can indeed be advantageous, but challenges also come with it. One of the most significant would be finding a legal place to park it. Unfortunately, you cannot just station your tiny house in free space and expect the community to welcome you with open arms and stay there for as long as you want. However, you have several alternatives, so you can find the perfect parking space as long as you do thorough research and make certain considerations.

The first places you would most likely consider are ones specifically catering THOWs, such as RV parks and tiny house communities. Here, you can find other people living in mobile houses who also choose to lead the same lifestyle as you. Therefore, you won’t have any problem with your neighbors bothering you to move out.

Other than the ones mentioned, there are also towns open to tiny houses and do not have strict rules for mobile homes. Unfortunately, these places may not be easy to find. Most of the time, they are located in rural, remote, or inconspicuous areas. As long as no one complains or is against it, you are most likely able to park your tiny home there, no matter how much time you want.

Regardless of how you choose to go through with this, just remember to be an open and friendly neighbor and not be combative. That includes ensuring that the community you choose to live in understands and welcomes your lifestyle. It also means not going against code enforcement officers who may come to question you.

PROS AND CONS OF A TINY HOUSE ON WHEELS

The advantages of living in a THOW are primarily on the financial aspects and lifestyle it comes with. If you want to save on expenses, owning a small space is the answer to that. Having not enough room to go around may be inconvenient for some people, but if you are minimalistic, it would be perfect. Compared to a small house built on a permanent foundation, it offers the convenience of mobility.

If you want to relocate your house, it would be easy to do so. After all, you built your home with wheels for that purpose. Of course, it would not be as easy as making a quick trip to the convenience if you need something. You may have to disconnect utilities and secure certain features of your home to ensure safe transport. Depending on the dimensions of your home and the local rules, special travel permits may or may not be required from you.

If you are not ready to live in a small mobile house, this lifestyle may be more disadvantageous. Having less living and storage space means letting go of certain appliances and personal possessions. Besides that, building a THOW comes with a meticulous process. Doing the structure and design incorrectly can lead to a hazard, especially while traveling. The standards for the local rules may even be more complicated to deal with.

With the living conditions, size, and location considered, there could be many reasons why you would or would not want to live in a tiny house on wheels. If you choose to do so, it is recommended that besides doing extensive research, you also communicate with builders, owners, and experts at this. This ensures that your home matches your expectations for the kind of lifestyle you want.

If you need professional expert advice, Small House Solutions is always welcome to assist you. Let the team of experts guide you, from the site visit and analysis to the design and building of your tiny home. That includes the major aspects of your house, like the floor plan and electrical layout, to every minor detail like the colors and materials. Click here to contact Small House Solutions where your dream home becomes reality.

Accessory Dwelling Units / ADU’s