Ready for a change of scenery? Time to hitch up your tiny house RV, and hit the road! Sounds exciting; right? In fact, mobility is one of the most alluring aspects of going tiny. Relocate with relative ease whenever the mood strikes or life changes.
For my boyfriend and I, embracing nomadic tiny living for three and a half years has been the adventure of our lives. No matter where we are, we always wake up in our own comfy bed. The funny thing is because of that we sometimes forget where we are—a frequent travel side effect when you’ve made 37 states your temporary home.
On the other hand, this kind of travel has allowed us to experience the diverse landscapes of the USA more intimately. Tiny house road trips encourage you to slow down, partially out of necessity. As a result, there are more opportunities for unplanned adventures. Think billboard advertised roadside attractions or nature recommendations from locals.
Whether you’re looking to relocate or road trip, from snowbirding to moving for a new job, keep these essential tiny house travel considerations in mind.
Size Matters
The smaller your tiny house on wheels, the easier and less expensive it is to move. Size affects directly affects overall weight, along with the following key towing/travel realities:
Fuel efficiency—the heavier the tiny house, the more you’ll spend on gas. Your tow vehicle of choice is also a factor. For instance, a 10,000 lbs THOW towed by a 1-ton pickup truck will average approximately 10-12 mpg. Use a fuel cost calculator to determine the estimated cost.
Ease of maneuverability—dual axle trailers are vastly easier to handle, turn, and back-up. Typically, 26’ long and under. Anything larger will be on triple axle trailer; not recommended for the inexperienced tower.
Parking options—the longer your trailer, the less parking options available, from RV parks to backyards. Also, the coveted pull-through RV lots can be hard to come by. So be prepared for back-in spots. Definitely practice backing up before you hit the road, best with your co-pilot.
Safety First
If we can haul our tiny house over 54,000 miles, so can you! Though safe towing requires proper preparation. Travel planning begins during the build phase, namely, weight distribution. Later, when you hit the road, one hasty decision behind the wheel can cause an accident, in the blink of an eye. That’s why it is critical to take your time, always stay alert, and remain calm.
e-course.
Where to Park
During our tiny house travels, we’ve parked in a wide variety of locales, from RV parks, boondocking campsites, backyards to rest areas. When in transit from point A to point B, especially during long trips, it is essential to know where you can pull over when the need arises.
With a big tow vehicle and tiny house on wheels, this is not always easy. Research your planned route before each leg of your trip to look for opportunities to fuel up or stop for rest. For instance, RV-friendly businesses can be convenient for an overnight stay. Options include:
- Walmart
- Cracker Barrel
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Also, there are many helpful camping sites with extensive listings, free or fee-based. One of our favorites is Campendium.
