Bumper Pull Style MiniMotives??
I have had many of requests to know if you could use my plans on a bumper style trailer. My answer of course is yes, you can do anything you like! I think the real question though is how would you do that! 🙂 I m putting together some modified sheets (which I will send to those of you who’ve already bought plans in case you’d like to go that way instead, let’s call it addendum #1). At this point though I would like to get a little feedback to see if there are any big glaring issues in the functionality of this layout…
I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea and if you think it is a functional space. There are several ways I think this same thing can be accomplished, I just happen to like this one best so far. So let’s hear it! Thoughts?
I like it Macy. Looks great and should function very well.
Marcy, your response to the question of modification of your plans, I think requires some caution, mixed with due diligence, when considering the two types of trailer foundations. While not an RV, the towing of a tiny house requires becoming familiar with the characteristics of both, when being towed at highway speeds. I offer the following from the perspective of a commercial driver.
The two types of hitches are bumper pull for a single level trailer, and in the bed hitch of a fifth wheel or gooseneck type of trailer. Chief differences are that the trailer attached on an in the bed hitch is more stable, does not sway or experiences little or no “tail wagging”. Is less affected by cross winds or the wakes of passing big rigs. So when trailering an in the bed hitched trailer, the trailer tacks better, following the travel of the tow vehicle rear wheels, more closely than does the single level trailer.
In addition the affects on the drivers of the two respective towed vehicles will be that the driver with the fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer is more relaxed. This does not mean less vigilance required,, it just means less stress involved. The driver of the bumper hitched vehicle will require two hands on driving, and heightened awareness about what the trailer is doing, and how it is reacting to road conditions.
My comments do not constitute a disagreement with you, I just think a word of caution is in order, when considering the two types of trailer tiny home foundation vehicles.
I have personally towed a twenty-four foot car hauler bumper pull trailer loaded to capacity behind a seventeen foot box van u-haul, from Alaska to Washington State and I can say based on my own personal experience that there is no less stress when using a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer behind a truck. The biggest difference is the budget for the tow package. a fifth wheel set up is a lot more expensive than an anti-sway receiver hitch set up. No matter how much you are towing as long as the vehicle doing the towing is well within its towing capacity, and the trailer being pulled is balanced there is minimal stress while towing, especially when the tow vehicle is equipped with a trailer brake system, and you would certainly want that with the weight of a tiny house.
Joe,
you raise valid points, and present good solid usable information. The intent of my post, was to give those with no experience whatever, some basic information on the two types of hitch mechanisms, because towing a tiny house is a lot different than towing an RV, because of the issues of weight, and lack of aerodynamics. It is up to the individual to do their due diligence on both methodologies, to learn about vehicle capabilities and what the different weight ratings mean. As they become more informed about safety issues, and how to deal with them, through various available technologies, they will not be looking through rose colored glasses. In the RV industry, the discussion between fifth wheel hitch vs. bumper pull trailers is as old as the two types of trailers, and quite honestly there is a lot to be said for both. It boils down to how, when and where, the unit will be used.
I do like what you’ve drawn up for a bumper pull design. My preference is still for the GN design. Part of that is because of my experience hauling hay trailers, horse trailers, and RV trailers that are bumper pull vs. the GN MASSIVE horse trailer we have now. I prefer how it pulls. And I like the bed design of your original design because of that too 🙂
I tend to agree with ya! this can give someone else who prefers the bumper pull style that option though, I hope!
Murphy Bed!
Hi Macy, I just bought the basic plans but didn’t see the modified plans in there. Where can I get those?
Hi Catalina,
The plans are just for the as built house. The trailer attachments would all be the same, for this modified version, you would just have to adjust the framing plan on the front wall to work with your trailer. Are you familiar with SketchUp by chance?
Not too much but willing to learn 🙂