Tiny House, Big Decisions
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Enough of this Winter of Healing nonsense, it is time to get down to business! I will have 6 months to build a tiny house on wheels for myself and my kids to live it, so I need to get started!!
But I can't decide on my foundation. Should I build on a $200 30 foot repurposed RV trailer? Or on a $10,000 purpose built, 28 foot tiny house trailer? Should I prioritize money or payload?
This is a cry for help!
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Hi Erin!
These are Leo's comments:
(First responding to others comments):
When it comes to erecting metal studs the studs are fastened together with designated screws so you don't necessarily need to hire a welder to do that.
A good idea to look into an option that is between the two foundations, such as the suggested tri axle.
I vote for the largest weight option.
If this is going to be your home for the long term you don't want to be saddled with something that is less comfortable. Toilet inside a big component (from someone who had to run outside to the toilet in the winter I can vouch for that!).
You aren't restricted to the roof for solar panels as they can be erected on the nearby land.
I'm assuming you are going to initially build where you want it. Of course you want the option to be able to move it in the future. But tying your plans to the limitations of your truck seems to put you at a big disadvantage. You will always be able to hire someone for that task down the road.
If you end up going with the $10,000 trailer you may want to look into the possibility of having its base extended to give you another couple of feet of building area.
Good luck!
Leo (and Maureen)
Thank you Leo and Maureen! I hadn't considered having the trailer extended. Definitely because I worried that I'd go over my weight. But having done the calculations of all of my building materials, I'm well within my limit, so I could go bigger if I wanted to... The girls want me to build a bedroom for the cat. HAHA!
My opinion? the second design. The bottom line is that the more expensive trailer provides more options for 1.Privacy for you 2.designated living areas (it would get old quick not having your OWN personal space, 3.Safety, durability, and design options that brand new trailer affords you. And also, you make it seem the only option for using repurposes materials is if you go with the budget trailer. But this is not true at all. I would invest the money in a new, safer trailer and go with the more functional 2nd design, utilizing repurposed materials! I know you also mentioned rethinking the location of the woodstove- I would definitely locate that closer to the living room area. If you're concerned about the other end of the house being heated well enough, try placing a few strategically located Envi panel heaters. electric, but VERY energy efficient so they wouldnt take much energy at all. Just some thoughts
I think you make some really good points. There are lots of ways to use repurposed materials that won't undermine the structure's safety. And it wouldn't be a bad idea, to have some electric heat, just in case. I think that is something I always have to keep in mind, being off-grid: back up systems!!
Without knowing your budget, yes, building on the better frame is better in the end. That said, these days a really good trailer can be had for cheep. The longer one's like 27 foot are less money than the smaller one's. I have seen them range from $3000 to $7000 for one that has been taken care of in great shape. The lower priced one, may be just enough for you go live in till you build the one you want. They can be isolated well to get you through the winter months if done right. Just a thought.
I have certainly considered those trailers, and even park models. I'm pretty wary of buying used these days 😉
I think go with the more expensive one. I like the beds at the top giving you more room, and then it seems like it could be moved if needed and also then no weight worries. Can you do a go fund me? Do you follow anyone else on social media whos done a similar thing? Also, side note, with the seedlings, do they get sold? Could you do a social media growalong with that? When is this all going to kick off??! P.s. I think you're mad. But a good kind of fun adventure mad, you'll definitely pull it off whichever you decide! Xx
I'm definitely mad. HAHA!
The seedlings will be sold. Rare and endangered heritage vegetables. There are so many cool things. You'd love them!
I'm going to have to google "social media growalong"
After taking apart several 30 foot RVs, I would NEVER use those trailers for a Tiny Home . They just aren't built for the weight or design ..
I'm a believer that the foundation is most important in a home ..
Are you going to live on your own land, or rented land ? .. I like your second design, the Tall house, inside toilet, and it has better sleeping arrangements ..
Your girls look young, and you will have to adjust as they grow, and require more space (just my thoughts about things to think about)
I would also consider putting the solar panels in a stand on the ground, or along the front porch, easier to get to if that becomes necessary, and easier to clean (snow, dust, debris) if needed ..
I'm living in a 14 x 30 home, and prior to this I owned a one room home that was 20 x 20 - I state this because living in a small space in a cold climate requires some doing ..
Good Luck .. Living small has been a great life for me ..
I have been concerned about that, about how our needs will change as the kids get bigger. Like, originally I was going to save on space by giving them shorter beds, but I don't know how tall or how fast they'll grow!
Solar panels, I'm worried that with all of the kids and animals on the farm where we'll be parked, the panels will be too vulnerable down low?
First of all, I think you are amazing for contemplating this incredible project and I have no doubt you’ll pull it off. I would vote for the expensive trailer because for me the other design is just too much hard work with having to convert beds back and forth into other living spaces and with the outside toilet.
BUT I think in the end it depends on your circumstances. If you are in a big hurry to finish then maybe the cheaper option is better. However if you can spare the time to potentially make more $$ if needed and if you plan to live in this tiny for a long time, then definitely go with the expensive trailer as it seems like a much more comfortable home.
Also about re-purposing. I am very much with you in valuing repurposing and making do but if your house ends up crumbling because the second hand trailer can’t take it, then you have wasted all of the building materials not to mention your $$ and efforts. Also for me sustainability includes my mental sanity and I know for myself, the cheap trailer design would not be sustainable. I know for me the bed and toilet situation would add stress and mess.
Hope you find the best solution for you. It will be amazing when it is done!
I love your vote of confidence in me! ❤️
It can be so hard to make this kind of decisions! You are really awesome to embark in this project! Which design would be easier to move around in case you need to move to another property if things do not work out?
Also having a washroom outdoors it is not always ideal, been there , done that, not looking forward to repeat the experience, that is something to consider especially when or if someone is constantly sick.
We wish you the best in whatever choice you decide on
And there are so many big decisions to make! I kinda lost my confidence in my decision making after the great truck/camper fiasco of 2021. 😬
Thanks, Chris! It will be exciting to see where both of us are this time next year!
@@BeautifulUnschoolLife I hear you