Advice for new full-time tiny houser?

[mollyst21]

I got a custom-built tiny house on a trailer and I'm now considering to live here full-time. My plan is to move around from time to time but I'm a bit concerned to catch myself at a place where it gets real winters. My house is pretty well-insulated, but I'm worried about things like the plumbing freezing and general heat loss.

I've seen some people talk about skirting the trailer, but I'm not sure if that's something I can do myself or if I should hire a professional. I've also heard about using heat tape for pipes and heated hoses. What's the general consensus on this? Are there any other essential things I should be doing now to get ready for colder weather? Any advice from full-timers who have been through a few winters would be a huge help. I want to plan ahead to at check options and start investing in the right things now so I'm not scrambling when the cold hits. Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 45]

you can prolly find some videos on rv skirting to give you ideas.

 

[markedbrav0]

Skirting is definitely doable DIY. Rigid foam boards or insulated vinyl skirting can make a big difference in keeping the underside warm. One tip I got from a seasoned full-timer is to seal every draft you can find now, sometimes heat escapes through tiny gaps.Good luck!

 

[m4ri0o_th]

I got a custom-built tiny house on a trailer and I'm now considering to live here full-time. My plan is to move around from time to time but I'm a bit concerned to catch myself at a place where it gets real winters. My house is pretty well-insulated, but I'm worried about things like the plumbing freezing and general heat loss.

I've seen some people talk about skirting the trailer, but I'm not sure if that's something I can do myself or if I should hire a professional. I've also heard about using heat tape for pipes and heated hoses. What's the general consensus on this? Are there any other essential things I should be doing now to get ready for colder weather? Any advice from full-timers who have been through a few winters would be a huge help. I want to plan ahead to at check options and start investing in the right things now so I'm not scrambling when the cold hits. Thanks in advance!

It's good you're being proactive! I agree with @markedbrav0. Skirting is actually one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat loss and protect your undercarriage. I know a few who DIYed it with materials like plywood, rigid foam insulation, or even vinyl panels. It's not too hard, just takes some measuring and cutting and the main goal is to create a seal that traps air and blocks wind.

For your plumbing, heat tape is a lifesaver for any exposed pipes. You can find it at any hardware store and it's easy to wrap yourself. Also, a heated water hose is a must-have if you'll be hooked up to a water source. Some also keep a small space heater under the house for extra protection on super cold nights. It's also a good idea to get a dehumidifier to deal with condensation buildup, which is a real problem in tiny homes when you're cooped up all winter.

 

[sansf0rgetica]

Thanks for the helpful info! For skirting, does foam last longer than vinyl when it rains? And for heat tape, is there a brand you like that works well with PEX pipes? I've also heard different things about using space heaters under the house, do you use one with a thermostat or just turn it on when it's cold?

 

[Ormus_Patriarch]

Skirting is basically non-negotiable if you want to survive cold snaps. Block wind under the trailer and insulate pipes with heat tape. Without that, you’ll be fighting frozen pipes all winter.