Looking to build your own tiny house but not sure where to start? Join Meg and Art from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company as they discuss one of the most essential building components: the trailer. With custom Tiny House trailer prices exceeding $10,000, it’s important to understand how to shop for a used trailer instead In this informative video, they share their expert knowledge on what to look for when choosing a used trailer, including the flat surface needed for building, appropriate axles for the weight of the house, and the importance of deck height. They also warn against the pitfalls of buying a dovetail trailer and offer tips on how to prepare a used trailer for building.

The first thing to look for in a trailer is a flat surface upon which to build your tiny house. You want to search for a car hauler, utility trailer, or custom tiny home trailer with a flatbed unit and a bed between the wheels. The trailer’s axles also need to be rated correctly to carry the weight of the house you plan to build. It’s essential to pay attention to the deck height, which is the height of the trailer bed from the surface of the road. Most trailers are around 2 feet tall, but some exceed 3 feet. And the higher the trailer is, the less living space you’ll have in your tiny house.

You might find a trailer on Craigslist, labeled as a utility or car hauler trailer. However, it may take some work to prepare it. Begin by inspecting the trailer’s condition, like rust and peripheral things you won’t need. You’ll also need a firm way of attaching your house to the trailer’s actual frame. While grinding and welding, you may want to enlist the help of a local expert to attach a threaded rod or bolt your house directly to the frame of the trailer. Make sure to attach it to the actual body of the trailer, rather than smaller pieces of steel under the boards.

Dove tail trailers can be relatively inexpensive, but require a lot of work.

There are many different types of trailers on the market, but be cautious when purchasing. You want to make sure you’re not buying a dovetail trailer. These types of trailers have an angled portion that flattens out before it goes between the wheels. While this feature might make it easier to drive a car onto the trailer, it adds extra work when building a tiny house. You’ll have to cut off the dovetail and weld on an additional straight piece or build up your foundation with wood to make it level.

If you purchase a used trailer, you’ll need to strip it, kill the rust, sand and prime it, and cut off any pieces such as ramps or winches that you won’t need. You’ll also need to install any boards and attachments necessary to secure the house to the trailer. This process could take one to two weeks, depending on how much help you have.

Most used trailers will have rust

This video was made in 2013 and features custom Tumbleweed trailers we sold to the general public – which we no longer sell because it’s become too custom for the average builder. That said, we suggest any DIY builder does a cost/benefit analysis comparing a used to new custom trailer.

In conclusion, choosing the right trailer is an essential component of building a tiny house. Make sure you select a flat surface, appropriately sized axles, and an appropriate deck height to ensure maximum living space. If you decide to purchase a used trailer, be prepared to put in some work.