Semi trailer truck as a tiny DIY home

[radiogugu70]

The other forum only covers buses and vans so i hope this is okay here. Anyway, we're planning to build a tiny house using a semi truck trailer because its cheap, road legal (from what we know), and easier to move than a regular tiny house or mobile home. It lets me avoid code hassles while saving and researching long-term options. I want better insulation than an RV typically offers, and semi trailers are roomy and affordable. The layout will be simple... kitchen, living, a bedroom with a decent emergency exit. Plumbing will be raised for easy winter access, and i want to keep the exterior looking like a regular trailer to avoid theft. I might add a second trailer later for extra space as needed. The goal is a functional, movable, temporary home while I work on bigger plans. Thoughts?

 

[fan.tine]

That actually is a good plan, especially if you're trying to stay mobile and under the radar. Actually, the trailers are built sturdy and give you way more space to play with than an RV.

 

[Alan]

This is a great place to discuss semi-truck homes. And they could be very stealthy depending on how it is configured.

 

[Deleted member 45]

Retired Trucker here, gotta add my 2cents. food service trailers often have a side door. A dry (non refrigerated) trailer will be easier to work as far as insulation, finishing floor, etc.
If your one for tiny space, there are trailers with studio spaces with or without bathroon/kitchen stuff.
However, cost of keeping trailer legal is not what i consider cheap, and recommend looking at uhaul cargo trucks as far as being unnoticable, cheap to keep and more of less blank slate to work with......
If that could work within the boundries of what you want to live in.....

 

[radiogugu70]

That actually is a good plan, especially if you're trying to stay mobile and under the radar. Actually, the trailers are built sturdy and give you way more space to play with than an RV.

Thanks!! It'll our first time, we got the idea from random creators on social media like tiktok..

 

[radiogugu70]

This is a great place to discuss semi-truck homes. And they could be very stealthy depending on how it is configured.

Thanks for confirming!

 

[Deleted member 45]

A Semi 5railer is not really under the radar, they are gov. Agency regulated and somewhat tracked. A Cargo trailer would be much less noticed, and about 10,000 lbs lighter.

 

[radiogugu70]

A Semi 5railer is not really under the radar, they are gov. Agency regulated and somewhat tracked. A Cargo trailer would be much less noticed, and about 10,000 lbs lighter.

This just got me thinking, fair point. Thanks for bringing this up!

 

[Deleted member 45]

Look at cargo trailers that are used by vendors for conventiin/shows and/or festivals. Usually towed with larger motorhome of bus. Often they are 13'6 tall and quite long. And not likely catching the eye of Commercial vehicle enforcement

 

[Deleted member 45]

If it were me......

i see bay windows in front with those hurricane shutters, slideout porch in back.solar panels on roof between venting skylights windows on sides.

 

[radiogugu70]

If it were me...... View attachment 38i see bay windows in front with those hurricane shutters, slideout porch in back.solar panels on roof between venting skylights windows on sides.

Which platform is this from?

 

[Deleted member 45]

Which platform is this from?

The trailer in the pic ?