CountryPlans Forum

General => General Forum => Topic started by: MikeG on December 12, 2007, 08:39:42 AM

Title: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: MikeG on December 12, 2007, 08:39:42 AM
Although I do intend to build my own small cabin, I do like the cabins on trailers (examples in the "homes under 200 sq foot" link....However, the prices are horrendous, and even the plans are roughly a thousand dollars.
The 10 x 14 one looks just like a 10 x 14 I built in my backyard; similar, anyway.

My biggest concern is attaching the structure to the trailer...so I wonder if anyone knows of a reference for doing so?  Anything about typical trailer lengths for such a project....without having to outlay a grand?
Thanks,
MikeG
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: John_C on December 12, 2007, 09:32:39 AM
Here is a site with lots of information about very small trailers.  Plans < $30.00,  Books, small trailer forum etc.  I'm sure you could interpolate some of the information.  Clearly you can tow these behind anything sold today.  That's a BMW Isetta 300 in the picture  (13 hp). 
http://www.tinytears.cc/patterns.html (http://www.tinytears.cc/patterns.html)
(http://www.maxmatic.com/TriHy/Images/isetta_w_teardrop)
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 12, 2007, 09:35:20 AM
No matter what, you are into wide loads so it's not something that will be moved easily, so I would just slide it up on a very healthy flatbed - get permits from DOT and make the move.  To be something that would be able to be towed anywhere, it would have to be under 8'6" including overhangs etc.
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: desdawg on December 12, 2007, 10:20:00 AM
My recent experience with moving a frame storage shed makes me pretty aware of what an unstable load that can be if it isn't built right on to the chassis. Mobile home frames are fairly elaborate with I-beams and outriggers yet they are normally hauled with the gable end facing the truck and therefore facing right into the wind. At highway speeds that creates a lot of pressure. So there has to be some pretty good engineering there. Anyway looking at some mobile home design might give you some ideas. If you are using asphalt shingles they tend to flap in the wind. I see 1X2's nailed on the front overhang a lot of times to minimize this. Probably not much help but just some thoughts.
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: MikeG on December 14, 2007, 07:09:03 AM
excellent input...thanks.
Probably best for me to focus on 1 project at a time; that is, get the cabin buily.
Mike
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: StinkerBell on December 14, 2007, 11:37:10 AM
That little car and tear drop trailer is something I want to add to my charm bracelette. Its so cute!
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: Sassy on December 14, 2007, 12:03:14 PM
 rofl  ::)
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 14, 2007, 11:10:38 PM
Dang, Stink, you could probably thrash the isles at Wal-Mart if you went shopping with that thing dangling from your wrist.[crz]
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: John_C on December 15, 2007, 12:07:01 AM
The camper part could be handy at Wal-Mart if the checkouts are as slow as usual. d*
Title: Re: Portable Homes/Cabins on Trailers
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 15, 2007, 12:30:49 AM
I got in a slow one this morning -- forgot my reading glasses I use for welding and had to buy some, so naturally there is one line with people who bought stuff with no code on it -- but after a few minutes they opened another check stand.