Building a "tiny house"

swimmer_spe wrote:

JaxDad wrote:
Can it be done? Sure.

Just don’t forget a ‘homemade’ camper or tiny house with plumbing, electric and propane systems won’t be legal anywhere but your own property and likely not even there.

I’ve built several over the years, mostly as deer camps on wheels kind of setups. The above folks are right, it’s VERY easy to get it waaaay overweight.

If you look up the videos on YouTube or such of the construction of a travel trailer you’ll see why they deteriorate or blow apart in a minor accident. Most of the ‘structures’ is 2” x 2” pine, the panelling and siding are structural elements.

The plan is, if I go with this, to have all those things that make it illegal to be rectified so it is legal.

For example, the propane and electrical will be inspected/done by a licensed person.

I am thinking of 2x2s for the structure. Then stick foam in the walls for insulation.

I'm thinking JaxDad was maybe referencing zoning rather than the construction as there are many tiny house builders that run into local zoning restrictions with a small house.

From your statement about the 2x2's and foam, it appears you're not aiming for the typical tiny house where energy efficiency and amenities are all de riguer. That entails at least 2x4 walls and more weight for the amenities.

FWIW, when I restored my old Starcraft which has 1 3/4" stud framing I used extruded foam board in the cavities. I also added in a 1/4" fanfold insulation board that covers the inside of the studs. I also have a 4 mil vapor barrier. Combined with the LOW-e residential slider windows, I can heat the trailer with a 1500 W heater from 25f ambient to 75f inside in a half hour. Trailer is 22' registered but is 19'6" from interior front to back.

Good luck on your project.