How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels Cheaper & Easier

Most people prefer tiny house on wheels due to its mobility. You can take your tiny home with you wherever you go. If you are one of these home lovers, building a tiny home on wheels is possible. Learn how to build a Tiny House on wheels here.

Building a tiny house on wheels is possible. You just need to plan and understand the building process very well. It may not be so easy especially if you are new to building a home but you can do it. You could check up on stories of people’s mistakes and learn from them.

So, are you ready to learn how to build a tiny house on wheels step by step? Let’s get into the process.

How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels

#1. Planning your tiny house-How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels

It starts with planning. You can’t start building a home without planning or brainstorming about the whole building process. You have to create a good research-based construction plan first before you start.

You can start this planning phase by:

• Considering why you need to live in a tiny house.
• Answer these questions – Is your state or city tiny house friendly? What are their highway regulations? How often will you move the tiny house? What is the kind of climate in the area you want to live in?, How many people will be living in this tiny house? How will you get access to water, electricity, and ventilation?
• Creating your budget.
• Determine the features you need in your tiny house.
• Researching building sites.
• Draft out a rough building plan.
• Research on other tiny houses.
• Consider some barriers that may come up and possible solutions.

#2. Drafting your tiny house plan

The tiny house building plan is going to guide your construction. You can draw the plan yourself or purchase a plan that suits your needs, budget, and taste. By purchasing a tiny house plan, you can get the bill of materials and have valid specifications but there might be less room for your customization.

This stage comes with lots of thinking too, about the whole process of construction. From how to get the trailer, the problems that may arise, to the designing and finishing of the tiny house building.

#3. Purchasing the required building materials

After drafting a plan, the next phase is buying the required materials and tools for the build. The materials needed, depend on the size of the tiny house and the style of framing. You can either use the advanced framing method or conventional methods.

#4. Getting the trailer-How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels

The trailer is the foundation of your tiny house on wheels. It has to be a strong trailer. Go for a trailer axle that is rated for a higher load than the total weight of the house. You can purchase a brand new trailer or a second-hand trailer, build one yourself, or order a custom-made trailer.

If you reside in a cold climate, your tiny home’s floor has to be insulated. You need to lay down layers of expanded polystyrene underneath the house and cover any gaps with spray foam because the trailer can let air through.

#5. Framing the walls, floors, and roof

Your floor is the tiny house’s basic framework, and it is comprised of 2x4s that are placed in line with the trailer’s metal support beams. With this as your firm foundation, you can place your structure on it. The insulation and vapor barrier can be added to your home once the metal flashing is attached. Then install a subfloor to enable you to receive your four wall frames for installation.

At this phase, you need to frame the walls, floor, and roof. While framing the walls, you need to get the exact size of your doors and windows. Once every wall is constructed and lifted, secure it with a temporary piece of lumber to keep it vertical and square while you join the other walls together.

It is important to frame the roof. If you reside in an area with heavy snow or rain, you will need to calculate the load to get stronger roof support. The kind of roof you want to go for will determine your materials. You can also make use of large roof rafters to prevent leaks or water damage.

#6. Electricity and insulation

Before you fill the wall gaps with insulation, install the wires of your tiny home. At this stage, you have to decide where your switches, lights, outlets, and appliances will be in that home. You can also install solar panels especially if you want a tiny home on wheels that can go off-grid. Read the codes that concern electricity in your area, so as not to go against the rules.

After installing electricity, you can insulate the house with the material of your choice. Note that you have to insulate your home very well to ensure your comfort during cold or hot months.

#7. Exterior siding

At this stage, choose a material that fits your budget and taste to put up your exterior siding. Your siding has to be water-resistant, lightweight, and sun resistant with galvanized nails. This phase is not as critical as insulation and framing.

#8. Interior walls, ceiling, and flooring

You are almost done building your tiny home on wheels. Here, you are free to choose materials for a beautiful and lightweight interior. The best flooring material is those that are easy to install and clean, and waterproof.

After these stages, install the doors, windows, and skylights. Then you move to the plumbing, heating, purchasing appliances, and furnishing of your tiny home.

How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels: Conclusion

In conclusion, building a tiny house on wheels is very possible. The planning stage is very important. If you miss that stage, you may struggle with the building. And don’t forget to know the building codes that apply to the area you want to reside, you have to follow them. Building a tiny house on wheels may seem hard but if you follow the steps, I’m sure you would be able to build one.