TOWING A TINY HOUSE: WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU?
If you’re like most people, the idea of downsizing your living space is appealing. What could be more minimalistic than a tiny house? If you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase or build your own tiny house, you’ll need to tow it from place to place.The question is, how do you go about towing a tiny house without any experience? This blog post will discuss the different options for towing a tiny house and which one is best for you.
Be Prepared to Tow a Tiny House
Before you tow your tiny house, there are a few things you need to do to be prepared. First, make sure that your vehicle has the towing capacity to haul your tiny home. Many recreational vehicles (RVs) have a towing capacity of around 12,000 pounds, which should be more than enough for most tiny houses. If your vehicle doesn’t have a tow hitch, you’ll need to buy one and have it installed.
Another important fact to consider is brake and light connection. Most trailers come with standard wiring that allows the trailer’s brakes and lights to be connected to the tow vehicle. If your trailer doesn’t have this wiring or if it’s an older model, you’ll need to purchase an adapter.
Finally, you’ll need to set the hitch height and check the tongue weight of your trailer. The tongue weight is the amount of force exerted by the trailer onto the tow vehicle. You’ll need to make sure that your vehicle’s suspension can handle this amount of weight before towing a tiny house. The hitch height should be set so that the ball mount on the tow vehicle is level with or slightly below the trailer’s coupler.
Tips on Connecting Your Trailer:
- Park both vehicles in a safe location and apply the parking brake on both cars.
- Connect the trailer’s brake wiring to the tow vehicle.
- Hook up the safety chains between the two vehicles.
- Connect the trailer’s electrical connector to the tow vehicle.
- Raise or lower the hitch height as needed.
- Slide the ball mount onto the hitch receiver and tighten it in place.
- Connect the trailer tongue to the ball mount.
Buying/Renting a Tiny House Tow Vehicle
If you’re not comfortable connecting a trailer to your vehicle or if your vehicle doesn’t have the towing capacity to haul a tiny house, you can always buy or rent a recreational vehicle that is specifically designed for towing. These vehicles come with all of the necessary connections and adapters, so you don’t have to worry about any installation.
When shopping for a tow vehicle, be sure to consider the weight distribution. Many RVs are designed with a rear axle that is significantly heavier than the front axle. This helps distribute the weight of the RV evenly across both axles and prevents the RV from tipping over. If your tiny house has a heavy front end, finding an RV with a balanced weight distribution is important.
If you’re not interested in buying or renting a recreational vehicle, you can always outsource the towing altogether. Many companies offer tow services for a fee. This option may be more expensive than doing it yourself but it’s definitely easier and requires less preparation.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to read the owner’s manual carefully and follow all of the safety instructions. Towing a tiny house can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it’s important to do it safely. For more information about towing a tiny house, visit our website today. We have everything you need to get started on your next road trip.
Outsource the Towing Altogether
If you’re not comfortable towing a tiny house yourself or don’t have a vehicle that can handle the task, you can outsource the towing and save yourself a headache. A few companies specialize in transporting small houses and will do all of the work for you. This option is definitely more expensive than doing it yourself but it’s a great solution if you’re not confident in your abilities or don’t have the time to trailer your home. Just be sure to research any company thoroughly before hiring them as there are some less-than-reputable businesses out there who may take advantage of you.
When choosing an outsourced towing company, be sure to ask about their maximum tow capacity. Many heavy haulers won’t be able to handle a tiny house, so you’ll need to find one that specifically deals with small homes.
Be sure to also ask about their insurance policies. Your tiny house is likely worth a lot of money and you’ll want to be sure it’s fully covered during transport. Finally, make sure the company has experienced moving tiny houses. If they haven’t done it before, there’s a good chance they’ll damage your home in some way.
Can a Jeep/SUV Tow a Tiny Home?
If you’re wondering if your vehicle can tow a tiny house, the answer is probably yes. Most small SUVs and Jeeps can handle towing a tiny home without any problems. Just be sure to check your vehicle’s specs to make sure it has a towing package and trailer brakes. Both of these are essential for safe towing.
Once you’ve confirmed that your Jeep/SUV can tow a house, you’ll need to decide on the best way to do it. If you have a hitch installed on your vehicle, attaching the trailer will be simple. However, if you don’t have one installed, or if your vehicle can’t tow the weight of the tiny house, you’ll need to buy or rent a trailer.
Conclusion
With a little preparation, you’ll be able to transport your home with ease. Towing a tiny house can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable with the right equipment and knowledge. Be sure to research your options thoroughly before making any decisions and always err on the side of caution when it comes to safety.
