Can an SUV or pickup truck pull a tiny house on wheels?

The tiny home movement is a big deal for those of us who want to balance our love of freedom and travel with cost-effectiveness. One of the biggest advantages of having a tiny home on wheels is the ability to take it somewhere new, whether you're moving to a new plot of land or going on vacation. 

A tiny home on wheels makes it easy to explore new places. If you love to travel, you might wonder whether an SUV has enough power to pull your tiny home or if you'll need a pickup truck.

Many SUVs and pickup trucks can pull tiny homes, but it depends on the specific vehicle and the weight of your home.

Here are the most common questions we receive and our answers! 

How much does the average tiny home on wheels weigh?

Tiny houses on wheels weigh between 2,000 and 16,000 lbs. The average tiny home in the United States weighs roughly 10,000 lbs.

Tiny homes 18 – 20 ft long generally weigh 8,500 to 9,500 lbs, while homes 24 – 28 ft in length generally weigh 11,500 to 13,500 lbs

“Pro tip: At 26’ long, our tiny homes weigh 8,000-12,000 lbs., and we have every home professionally weighed before shipping it to you.”

— Spindrift Homes

We do our best to lighten our homes with frequent research and high-quality lightweight building materials to balance durability and weight. 

How can I weigh my tiny home before traveling?

You'll know the exact weight of any tiny house from Spindrift Homes before it's delivered. However, if you built your home yourself, you'll want to check its weight before you hit the road! 

“Pro tip: Weighing your home on a scale before purchasing a towing vehicle or traveling long distances helps you avoid damaging your car’s transmission.”

— Spindrift Homes

We recommend renting a truck with a high towing capacity to weigh your tiny home if you're unsure what vehicle to buy. 

For instance, a standard RAM 3500 has a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that can tow 18,000 pounds. You might not need to buy a truck that can pull this much weight, but it's better to play it safe and rent something with a high towing capacity to find out. 

We suggest loading your home up with your belongings before weighing or allowing for 500 pounds of wiggle room since additional furniture and belongings can quickly add more weight. Your home's weight including your belongings is called its dry weight.

Once your tiny house is ready to travel, head to your nearest CAT truck scale:

1. Drive over the scale with your home in tow. Make sure your car's front axle is on the first platform and your second axle is on the next, with the axles of your tiny house over on its own platform.

2. Have your house weighed to receive your official certificate of weight, which costs around $10.

3. Drive over the scale again, this time with just your vehicle, to find your car's weight.

4. Subtract the difference, and you'll know the weight of your tiny home!

“Pro tip: Your vehicle’s curb weight can be found on the VIN sticker. This is its weight fully fueled with standard equipment and no upgrades or outfittings.”

— Spindrift Homes

If two vehicles are the same size, could either tow my tiny home? 

Not necessarily! Trucks of the same size can have a huge difference in towing capacity. 

“Pro tip: A vehicle specialized for towing might have double the towing capacity of another truck of the same size or even model.”

— Spindrift Homes

So, why can one half-ton pickup truck have a towing capacity of over 11,000 lbs. while another half-ton can only pull 5,000 lbs? Different engines, transmissions, and towing packages can affect towing capacity. The hitch and weight distribution can also make a difference. 

The same truck might have different towing capacities based on your chosen engine. For instance, an F-150 with a 3.5L V6 can only pull 5,100 lbs, but the same truck with a 3.5L V6 TC can pull more than twice that weight. 

What if I already have a vehicle that can tow my tiny home?

Great question! We have a few suggestions to make driving and parking easier. 

To improve the safety of your vehicle for towing, you might consider adding:

• New brakes or a brake controller

• An upgraded suspension system

• A cooling system for your transmission

• GPS for areas that don't have cell service

• Backup cameras and sensors

• Upgraded side mirrors to help you see around your home

Should I buy an SUV or a pickup truck to pull my tiny home?

Any vehicle with the right towing capacity can pull a tiny house. 

Keep tradeoffs in mind—while a heavy-duty truck might allow you to tow a much larger tiny house, you might pay more in gas.

“Pro tip: The vehicle you use to tow might also be the one you take for quick trips to the grocery store, so consider what size best suits your lifestyle.”

— Spindrift Homes

SUVs for pulling tiny homes:

• Ford Expedition (Expedition Max): The Expedition Max has a towing capacity of up to 9,300 lbs., the highest towing capacity for an SUV.

• Dodge Durango SRT: This car has four-wheel drive and a towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs, depending on your chosen engine.

• Lincoln Navigator (Navigator L): The Navigator has a towing capacity of around 8,700 lbs. but drops to 8,300 lbs. with four-wheel drive.

Pickup trucks for pulling tiny homes:

• Ford F-750: With a towing capacity of 37,000 lbs., the F-750 can haul the heaviest tiny houses across almost any terrain.

• RAM 3500: This truck, commonly used by professional movers, features a towing capacity of 35,100 lbs.

• Ford F-150: This tried-and-true option provides solid mileage and a towing capacity of 13,200 lbs.

Tiny homes on wheels for sale in Bend, Oregon

Tiny homes on wheels give you the freedom to travel, so you can take your house along whenever you're ready to move somewhere new. 

Knowing the weight of your home is critical for choosing a tow vehicle. At Spindrift Homes, we professionally weigh each home before delivery to get you the most accurate weight. 

If you'd like more personalized advice on which vehicle best suits your tiny home and lifestyle, give us a call! We've been where you are, and we're here to help.

How long do tiny homes last?

Tiny houses are durable enough to last for decades.

Tiny homes are trendy right now. But what do they look like in ten years? It’s a valid question—you plan on living here! The durability of a home on wheels might surprise you. 

Whether you plan on a two or ten-year stint in a tiny home, you'll be okay. Well-built tiny houses last for decades.

Do tiny houses degrade faster than traditional ones? 

Some wear and tear are unavoidable for a home of any size. Constant human presence affects every home, especially if you have kids or pets! But is it true that a tiny house degrades faster than a traditional home?

Not necessarily.

When we first looked into tiny houses, the word "durable" wasn't the first descriptor that came to mind. But despite its unassuming size, a tiny home can last as long as a traditional house if it's structurally sound and built with the right materials.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when considering the longevity of your home: 

• How often you move your house

• The type and quality of materials used for your house

• Build quality

• Number and age of occupants

• Climate severity

It's also worth noting that repairs are more cost-effective for tiny homes—220 square feet of flooring is 90% cheaper than the 2,200 you might need for a traditional house!

How can I increase the durability of my tiny house on wheels?

Tiny houses on wheels offer more mobility and freedom than those built on a foundation. Here are a few tips for keeping your home on wheels in great shape.

Moving your home often can increase the risk of damage from bumpy roads or sudden jolts. If you're traveling with your tiny home every couple of months, an annual inspection of insulation systems, water tanks, and piping can help you catch and solve potential concerns to increase your home's lifespan.

The less you move your home, the less stress you place on its structure. Screws and nails are less likely to loosen if you're parked in one place for six months at a time. 

Can climate affect the lifespan of my house?

If you live in a particularly harsh environment, you'll want to take extra care. Keep an eye on the external parts of your house, like wheels, axles, and roofing. 

Here are the most important climate considerations for your tiny home on wheels:

• Hurricanes

• Tornadoes

• Flooding or landslides

• Extreme cold

What features does my house need for durability?

It can be hard to tell which premium features matter for durability and which are optional.

Here are a few necessities for longevity: 

• Premium quality screws (not staples)

• Non-toxic stains, paints, and insulation

• A warranty for material or mechanical defects

• A strong shell and weatherproof house wrap

Homes built with premium quality screws are more structurally sound than those with thin materials stapled together. In addition to choosing durable materials, we also incorporate the use of non-toxic and energy-efficient stains, paints, insulation, and appliances to ensure a healthy, green dwelling you can live in for years. 

We also include a one-year limited warranty from the tiny home's delivery date that includes material and craftsmanship defects, mechanical defects, and structural integrity failures.

Weatherproofing your home is essential for keeping your house warm and dry in cooler months. Every home we build is timber-framed with weatherproofing house wrap and subfloor and roofing underlayment. At Spindrift homes, you can also opt for a specialty shell with metal roofing that can withstand harsher weather conditions.

What are your best quick tips for making my house last longer? 

Like your body, your tiny home is more likely to thrive with a little preventative care. 

Here are our short and simple tips:

• Opt for quality materials and builds.

• Don't move your house more than every three months.

• Avoid violent climates or weather when possible.

• Check your roof for potential leaks after strong wind, snow, or hail.

• Check faucets, toilets, and showers every six months for leaks.

• Inspect insulation systems, water tanks, and piping once a year.

• Don't procrastinate minor repairs until they become major problems.

Can I get insurance for my tiny home on wheels?

Absolutely! We recommend our clients look into comprehensive RV and mobile home insurance options for peace of mind. These plans ensure that your home is covered while it's parked or in transit. 

However, it's important to note that there are limitations on which insurance plans you can access—and higher fees—if you built your own tiny house. 

With proper maintenance, your home on wheels can last over 30 years. 

Ultimately, your tiny house is a durable, affordable housing option that can last you a lifetime. Even with wear and tear factored in, a tiny home's reduced heating, cooling, and maintenance costs make upkeep more cost-effective than a traditional house. 

With the right maintenance, repairs, and love, there’s no reason why your home can’t last a lifetime.

Common mistakes to avoid when downsizing to a tiny home

Whether you've chosen a tiny home to reduce your environmental impact, eliminate debt, or finally live a nomadic lifestyle with your home on wheels, you're ready to move! 

Well, almost ready. For a smooth transition, you'll want to know your reasons for downsizing, your goals for your new lifestyle, and how to downsize in a way that leaves you feeling excited and free. 

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when downsizing to a tiny home! 

Mistake one: Not getting clear on your reasons for choosing a tiny home early on

There are plenty of reasons people opt for a tiny home, and no one reason is better than another. Knowing your "why" before you officially downsize can help you clarify your next steps and your specific needs.

Reason to downsize: Financial freedom

At a time when significant student and personal debt is the norm, living in a smaller home can help you live a more financially comfortable life. Tiny home living is transformational for many people since it takes away pressure around housing scarcity and insecurity. 

Contrary to what you might have heard, studies show that Gen Z and millennial generations (ages 18-41) do want to be homeowners. Bankrate's Financial Security survey shows that Americans place a higher value on homeownership than any other indicator of economic stability, including a successful career, owning a car, or earning a college education.

Nearly two-thirds of non-homeowners say affordability is their biggest reason for not buying a house. Student debt hit almost $1.6 trillion in the U.S. by the beginning of 2020, which has made it increasingly difficult for Millennials to compete for buying homes against older generations. 

In April 2022, the median listing home price here in Bend was $775K. That's up 16.6% year-over-year. Even rent prices in Bend have risen to an average of $1,767 a month.

This is where tiny homes come in. Our tiny homes start at 120k. That's a sixth of the cost of other houses in our area. Living in a smaller home also means spending less to heat and cool your home and less on maintenance. A smaller home doesn't mean you'll give up the comforts of a full-sized home. You can still have two queen-sized beds, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a shower — at a much more affordable price.

Reason to downsize: Greener living

Smaller homes are more environmentally friendly. They require fewer materials to build, less energy to heat and cool, and they take up less space than traditional single-family homes.

Did you know that most homeowners spend $400 a month on utilities? Research shows that much of this is due to size, since heating and cooling a smaller space with modern windows and proper insulation costs significantly less than a large home.

One 2020 study of tiny homes in Australia found that tiny homes reduce per-person carbon emissions by 70% over their lifespan compared to a traditional home. 

Reason to downsize: Exploration with loved ones

Mobile homes have come a long way in the last decade. If the lifestyle of your dreams includes a new stretch of open road and unexplored scenery on the horizon, a tiny house on wheels could be your ticket to happiness.(Try moving a four-bedroom house without breaking a few windows.)

Living in a tiny home also means you and your loved ones will spend more time together. You'll hear about their day and what's on their mind while you cook dinner. You'll spend more time working from home, cuddling in bed, and exploring new places in the outdoors. You might get wrapped up in a game night or stargaze outside in the evening.

Life is short. If spending as much of it as you can with the people you care about, tiny home living is right for you. 

Mistake 2: Throwing everything away 

Whatever your reason for tiny home living, you've likely been daydreaming about your new lifestyle for a while. Making a major lifestyle change can make it tempting to get rid of everything. While too much physical clutter can cause stress, starting all over from scratch can be expensive and overwhelming.

Downsizing isn't just another word for getting rid of everything you own. So, what should you keep or toss? If you're unsure what to do with an item, consider whether or not it will fit into your new lifestyle. Think about your priorities. If it's exploration, you might want to hold onto that mountain bike! On the other hand, selling your bike might be a wise choice if you're moving to save money.

If you're not sure, hold onto it. You can always change your mind later.

Mistake 3: Saying "no" to help

Moving can feel overwhelming, especially when there's a lifestyle change involved. There's no shame in taking a helping hand to help things go smoothly. 

Here are some options you might want to consider.

Home organizing 

A home organizer can help you determine which items should go where in your new tiny home. Home organizers can also help you determine which of your "maybe" belongings to donate or keep. A solid organization plan will ensure you make the most of your smaller space. According to Forbes, the average cost of a home organizer in 2022 is $55/hour.

Moving company

Professional movers know the best way to keep your belongings safe and protected. Moving companies also help with heavy living, which minimizes your risk for injuries. They can also help pack your belongings safely so nothing important gets damaged. They'll also save you time that would otherwise be spent on buying boxes, packing boxes, taping boxes, carrying boxes...

Knowing that your possessions are in safe hands can make a big difference in easing your mind on moving day. Forbes lists the average cost of movers at about $1,400. If that's outside your budget, here's a list of low-income moving assistance programs and resources.

Friends and family

You could also go the Beatles route and get by with a little help from your friends. Remember that what you're asking for isn’t a fun or easy weekend activity. While your true friends and family will roll up their sleeves and help you move with a smile, there are a few common courtesies you can offer.

First, figure out what you need help with. Is it packing boxes? Borrowing their pickup? Loading a moving van? Give your friends as much notice as possible — a week or more — so that they can carve out time to help. You'll also want to provide refreshments, whether that's water, beer, pizza, lemonade, or snacks, to keep everyone happy and hydrated. 

Ultimately, the best way to show how much their help means is to help them move when the time comes. Who knows, you might even get a free pizza out of it!

Interior design ideas for tiny homes

Here are our top interior design tips for your new tiny home!

Tiny home living is a way for millions of us to experience financial and physical freedom. (Did you know that 68% of tiny house owners don't have a mortgage?) Tiny homes can be a creative way for you to get the house of your dreams—without spending a fortune. 

Of course, your new house isn't all sunshine and Instagram likes. You need to live there, and you deserve to love it! We know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out how to fit an entire home's worth of stuff into your new, smaller space without it looking crowded. We've lived it ourselves, and we're here to help! 

Here are our top interior design ideas for tiny homes.

Prioritize function by decluttering

When you're downsizing into a smaller space, you won't have room to keep every item you've accumulated over the years. Before you start thinking about decorating your new home, you'll want to clear out anything that's no longer relevant to the life you'd like to live. 

If you come across something you haven't touched in the last year, it's probably time to get rid of it. (And if you didn't even realize you still had the item in question, it's definitely time to let it go). The purpose of downsizing is to simplify your life, so take only what you need into your new home.

Once you've identified your favorite belongings that will be coming with you to your tiny home, you have a few options to get rid of the rest in an environmentally friendly way:

Donate to charity

Give something you no longer need to someone who does. Local charities usually accept clothing, shoes, and other household items in good condition.

Have a yard sale

One person's trash is often another's treasure. A yard sale can be a fun way for you and your family to make some extra cash. Toys, books, kids' clothes, and furniture tend to be hits at a garage sale. A yard sale can also be a great way to show your kids that these items are going to someone who's genuinely excited to have them! 

Give belongings with sentimental value to loved ones

It's hard to get rid of anything with sentimental value (even things you don't regularly use) if they hold years of memories. Whether it's a beloved dining table that won't fit in your new home or a musical instrument you haven't touched in years, these can become heirlooms passed from one family member to the next. 

If you have a treasured belonging that's still in great condition, offering it to a family member or friend as a gift can make you feel more comfortable parting with it.

Create "rooms" in your open space

To make the most of minimal square footage in an open-concept space like a tiny home, you can create individuals "rooms" with rugs and furniture. Layering furniture by setting up tall bookcases or high shelves behind a couch can add essential storage space. Layered furniture is an interior design tip that provides a sense of architectural interest. 

Bonus: the height from a taller bookcase draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger space! 

Add an accent wall

If your tiny home feels like it's missing your unique flair, you may need an accent wall. This can be particularly true for families who have just moved and want to make their new space feel welcoming and warm. 

An accent wall can also help you anchor the design of your tiny home. 

Here are a few of our favorite ways to get creative with an accent wall:

• Add a splash of color with striking jewel-tone paint

• Build an accent wall out of reclaimed wood

• Use paint stencils to handcraft a striking pattern

• Switch things up on the fly with peel and stick decals

• Channel your inner artist with an abstract wallpaper mural

• Try a chalkboard wall decal to put the "fun" in functionality

Design vertically

Remember how we said a tall bookcase can draw the eye upward? Designing vertically helps create the illusion of a larger, brighter space. 

While horizontal lines from tables and countertops can give your tiny home a sense of anchored stability, vertical lines can help your home feel more open and expansive.

Vertical storage solutions can also help you maximize space and free up more area on the floor. This gives you more room to spread out (and reduces your chance of tripping over an errant toybox). 

Here are a few quick tips for vertical storage:

• Add shelf organizers to your cabinets

• Hold makeup and other bathroom items in a wall-mounted spice rack

• Consider mounted magazine racks to hold mail, coloring books, or tax information you don't want to lose

• Attach a rail with cups to your wall to store pens or other small items

• Add small hooks in the kitchen for potholders or other light cooking supplies to free up drawer space

• Hang a pegboard to hold aesthetically pleasing supplies (or just ones you know you'll lose often!)

Let light in

Great lighting is essential to creating an inviting home—and sunlight can do wonders for your mental health.

We build our tiny homes with oversized windows so you never feel boxed in. Keeping your windows open during pleasant weather can be a great way to make your space feel larger and increase airflow. However, we live in the High Desert, so we're ready for snow and rain even in June. While you can't keep your windows open daily, you can ensure you don't block them with any furniture to maximize natural light. 

You can take this a step further with mirrors. Mirrors can be placed across from windows to reflect natural light through the rest of your home, creating the illusion of a much larger space. If a standing mirror feels too bulky, you can mount one to your wall or dresser to get a similar effect. 

Interior design ideas for tiny homes

Ultimately, the best way to make your new tiny house feel like home is by incorporating pieces that feel like you, whether that's a favorite piece of art, adding an accent color you love, or bringing your favorite potted plants along for the move. 

What did we miss? Send us a message, and we’ll add it in!

Can I raise my kids in a tiny home?

We often get asked whether it's a good idea to raise a family in a tiny home. 

We won't lie: there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question! 

Raising kids in a tiny home is attractive to many of us because it encourages a sustainable lifestyle, a close-knit family, and a low cost of living. (Spoiler: we've done it ourselves.) 

When designing a tiny house for your family, there are a few things to consider that can help everyone feel comfortable and happy at home.

Here are our tips for raising a happy, healthy tiny home family! 

Questions to consider

Before building the tiny house of your dreams, you'll want to make sure it suits your family and lifestyle. 

Your tiny home builder can help. Here are a few questions to consider. Sharing your answers with your builder will help you get a realistic idea of what you'll need:

• How many people will be living in your tiny home?

• Do you have any pets?

• Do you have any children under age 2? Do you plan to in the next few years? (You'll want to make sure your tiny home is baby-safe!)

• Where will you or your family retreat to when they need a little privacy?

• How many beds will you need? (Who is willing to share?)

• What are your core values as a family? (Is freedom to travel via a tiny home with wheels critical to you? Is spending time with your family a priority? Do you or your kids love being in nature?)

Design your family's dream home, not just your own

You might have the perfect tiny house layout put together in your head, and that's great! But you'll want to make sure it works with your family's needs, too. 

If your kids are old enough to share their input, you can talk to them about what their dream home might look or feel like. From there, you might try to incorporate at least one idea. For instance, your kids might want a porch to play on, a tub for bathtime, or somewhere cozy where they can cuddle up. 

If they are still very young, they should adapt to tiny house living just fine if you prioritize a layout that provides them with the space and privacy they need to learn and play in comfort.

Here are a few things that can make family living easier in a tiny home:

An oversized sink

Dishes pile up quicker than you think—especially when kids are involved! Make sure you have enough room in your sink to hold everyone's plates, cups, bowls, and high-chair trays. 

A loft (or two)

Privacy is especially important to teens, and it can be hard to establish that in a tiny home if you don't prepare for it in advance.

Lofted areas allow for additional privacy. Many tiny home owners prefer to have both a sleeping loft and a second, smaller loft or nook where you or other family members can decompress and get some space. 

A storage shed

It's not uncommon for kids to grow into (and out of) new hobbies. If you're unsure where you want to store outdoor gear like snowboards and mountain bikes, a storage shed could be the perfect solution. 

A shed can also give you somewhere to stash the hand-me-down clothes and gear your littlest kid doesn't fit in just yet! 

A big closet

You might be surprised by how much space an entire family's clothes and shoes can take up. Choosing a larger closet size than you think you'll need can help everyone stay organized and keep clutter to a minimum. 

A kid-friendly bathroom

A shower will help you save on space, but you or your kids may have a soft spot for bathtime. Ask your family if they have a preference, and ask your builder what's feasible for your tiny home and budget.

You might also want to install water-resistant flooring instead of hardwood in the bathroom. While you probably towel off in the shower, your kids might clamber out still soaking or drop wet towels on the ground. Water-resistant flooring can help your tiny home last longer—and save you from unnecessary stress.

How to keep messes to a minimum

Decide on storage solutions early on. Giving each kid a box or parameters for their belongings can help them foster independence and responsibility. Established storage will also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by clutter. 

Things can get messy in a tiny house, but with a bit of intention and a lot of downsizing, messes can be manageable. Living in a small place means that a quick, thorough clean often takes under 30 minutes.

Tiny living might also help your kids learn to appreciate experiences and relationships over material goods. One of the upsides to living in a tiny home is that you can give your kids more experiences, which are more valuable than an abundance of toys in the long run. 

So, can I raise my kids in a tiny home?

Absolutely. If you're committed to finding solutions that fit your family, tiny home living could be an exciting new adventure for everyone involved. 

Living in a tiny home can foster closeness, encourage outdoor exploration and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and help your kids learn to appreciate the little things. 

If you've been holding off on tiny home living because you have a family, it might be time to move forward with your vision. 

Still not sure if tiny living is right for you? Send us a message, and we'll help you decide if it's a good fit!