The Tiny House Movement: Maximizing Your Travel Tiny House Height
The tiny house movement has gained significant traction over the years, offering a simpler and more eco-friendly way to live. Among the many considerations for those venturing into tiny house living, one crucial factor is the height of the tiny house that can be pulled around on the back of a truck or car. This article delves into the maximum height limitations, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Local Regulations
Local regulations play a pivotal role in determining the height limits for travel tiny houses. It's essential to check with your local Department of Transportation (DOT) or similar regulatory body. They can provide a detailed understanding of the height, width, length, and weight restrictions specific to your area. Some regions may require additional permits for wide loads and/or the presence of a pilot vehicle at the front and rear.
Height Limitations
In Florida, for instance, the maximum height is typically around 13 feet. This is primarily due to overpasses and underpasses that have height restrictions. However, it's important to keep in mind that this can vary depending on your route and the specific locations you plan to travel through. Always err on the side of caution and check multiple routes.
An additional detail to consider is the height of your truck bed. If you're planning to pull a tiny house with a tall interior, you might need to consider using a low boy trailer. Low boy trailers are designed to maximize the interior height of the tiny house, allowing for a taller finished height inside your travel tiny house.
General Guidelines
A common rule of thumb is to subtract the height of your truck bed from the overall height limit. For example, if your truck bed is 48 inches (4 feet) tall and the maximum height limit is 14 feet, your travel tiny house should be no more than 11 feet 8 inches tall (14 - 4 48/12 11.67 feet).
Two important factors to consider when determining the height are the height of the bridges and tunnels you'll be driving under. Generally, the height limit is around 14 feet, but this can vary. Always check the specific height restrictions of any bridge or tunnel you'll be passing through. Your route may require you to adhere to lower height limits.
Conclusion
Maximizing the height of your travel tiny house is crucial for a successful and stress-free living experience, especially if you plan to travel extensively. By understanding and adhering to the height limitations set by your local DOT and specific route requirements, you can ensure that your tiny house remains within safe and legal travel parameters. Whether you're looking to pull a tall tiny house with a low boy trailer or planning to keep your interior height within the limits, it's always wise to conduct thorough research and make informed decisions.
Low Boy Trailers: Maximizing Interior Height
Low boy trailers are specialized trailers designed to maximize the interior height of your travel tiny house. Traditional travel trailers and fifth wheels store their living space above the axles, which limits the interior height. Low boy trailers, on the other hand, store the living space on the axles, making it possible to achieve a taller finished height.
Low boy trailers are ideal for those with taller living spaces in their tiny houses. They are often favored by architects and designers who want to create spacious and luxurious living quarters without compromising on tailgate clearance or overpass height restrictions.
Remember, the key is to balance the height of your tiny house with the practicality of declaring it as a vehicle versus hauling it as a hitch trailer. Exceeding the height limit can result in significant penalties and administrative difficulties.