One of the biggest advantages of a tiny house on wheels is mobility. You can take your home with you when life changes. But moving a tiny house is more complicated than hitching a travel trailer. Weight, width, permits, and proper equipment all matter for a safe and legal move.
How to Move a Tiny House (Towing, Permits & Transport)
Moving a tiny house requires planning for weight limits, towing, permits, and insurance. This guide covers everything you need to relocate safely and legally.
TLDR: Moving a Tiny House
Know your tiny house weight before planning any move
Most finished tiny houses need a one ton truck rated for 12,000+ pound towing
Oversized permits required if wider than 8.5 feet or taller than 13.5 feet
Professional transport costs $3,000 to $10,000 for long distance moves
DIY local moves cost $100 to $500 including fuel and insurance
Foundation type determines if moving is even possible
First Step
Know Your Weight
Use a CAT scale to weigh your loaded tiny house before any move.
Transport rules vary by state. Always verify current regulations before moving.
Moving Your Tiny House Safely
A badly planned move can damage your home, break traffic laws, or even cause accidents. Some tiny house owners have had wheels fail on the highway or discovered their truck could not stop safely on a downhill grade. These problems are preventable with proper preparation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving a tiny house. We will explain weight limits, towing requirements, permit processes, and when to hire professionals. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, this information will help you do it right.
Understanding Tiny House Weight
Your tiny house weight determines what vehicle you need, what permits are required, and how safely you can tow. Most people underestimate how heavy their finished tiny house is. A 24 foot tiny house typically weighs 10,000 to 14,000 pounds fully loaded with belongings.
Empty Shell
5,000-8,000 lbs
Structure only
Finished House
10,000-14,000 lbs
No belongings
Fully Loaded
12,000-16,000 lbs
Ready to live
Trailer Capacity
10,000-15,000 lbs
Typical limit
How to Weigh Your Tiny House
- 1.Find a CAT Scale: Truck stops have CAT scales that weigh your total rig. You can weigh the tow vehicle alone, then together with the tiny house, to calculate actual house weight.
- 2.Check Axle Weights: Scales can measure each axle separately. This tells you if weight is distributed properly. Too much weight on one axle causes handling problems.
- 3.Weigh When Loaded: Weigh with everything you plan to travel with inside. Water tanks full, belongings in place. This is your real transport weight.
- 4.Compare to Trailer Rating: Your trailer has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Never exceed this number. Leave a 10 percent safety margin.
Use Our Calculator
Our weight calculator helps you estimate your tiny house weight based on size, materials, and contents. Use it during planning to choose the right trailer and tow vehicle from the start.
Tow Vehicle Requirements
Your tow vehicle must be rated to handle your tiny house weight. This is not about engine power alone. The truck frame, brakes, transmission cooling, and hitch all need adequate ratings. Most tiny houses require a one ton truck minimum.
| Truck Class | Tow Rating | Max Tiny House | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Ton | 7,000-12,000 lbs | Too light for most | F-150, Ram 1500 |
| Three Quarter Ton | 12,000-17,000 lbs | Small tiny houses only | F-250, Ram 2500 |
| One Ton | 15,000-35,000 lbs | Most tiny houses | F-350, Ram 3500 |
| Commercial | 20,000+ lbs | Large or heavy builds | F-450, F-550 |
Trailer Brakes Required
Every tiny house trailer needs its own brakes. Electric brake controllers in your tow vehicle activate the trailer brakes when you slow down. Without trailer brakes, you cannot stop safely. Most states legally require trailer brakes above 3,000 pounds. Test your brakes before every move.
Hitch and Connection
- •Weight distribution hitches help balance load between truck and trailer axles
- •Safety chains cross under the hitch connection in case the ball fails
- •Breakaway switch activates trailer brakes if trailer separates from truck
- •Gooseneck hitches mount in truck bed for better weight distribution on large trailers
- •Fifth wheel hitches provide the most stability but require specific trailer design
Permits and Legal Requirements
Moving an oversized load requires permits in most cases. Tiny houses often exceed standard trailer width, which triggers permit requirements. Each state you travel through may need its own permit. Plan your route and allow time for permit processing.
| Dimension | Standard Limit | Permit Needed If | Typical Permit Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 8.5 feet | Over 8.5 ft | $25-$100 per state |
| Height | 13.5 feet | Over 13.5 ft | $25-$100 per state |
| Length | 65 feet total | Over state limit | Varies |
| Weight | 80,000 lbs | Over state limit | Varies |
Permit Process
- 1.Measure Your Tiny House: Know exact width including any overhangs, mirrors, or protrusions. Height from ground to highest point. Length of trailer plus tongue.
- 2.Plan Your Route: List every state you will pass through. Note any low bridges, narrow roads, or weight restricted bridges on your path.
- 3.Apply for Permits: Contact each state DOT. Many have online applications. Processing takes 1 to 5 business days. Some states accept other states permits, some do not.
- 4.Follow Permit Rules: Permits often restrict travel to daylight hours. Some require pilot cars. Display permit on windshield as required.
Check Zoning at Your Destination
Before moving, confirm your tiny house will be legal at the new location. Zoning laws vary dramatically and can prevent you from parking a tiny house on wheels.
DIY Towing vs Professional Transport
You can move your tiny house yourself if you have the right equipment and experience towing heavy loads. For long distances or difficult routes, professional transport services offer experience and proper equipment. Here is how the costs compare.
DIY Local Move (Under 100 miles)
Fuel$50-$150
Temporary Insurance$50-$100
Permits (if needed)$0-$100
CAT Scale Weigh$15-$20
Total DIY Local$115-$370
RequiresYour own capable tow vehicle
Professional Long Distance (500+ miles)
Transport Service$2,000-$5,000
Multi-State Permits$200-$500
Pilot Car (if required)$500-$1,500
Insurance CoverageIncluded
Total Professional$2,700-$7,000
IncludesExperienced drivers, proper equipment
DIY Towing
Best for local and short moves
You control the schedule
Lower cost for short distances
Need experience towing heavy loads
Need proper truck and equipment
You handle permits and planning
Best For: Under 200 miles, experienced towers
Professional Transport
Best for long distance
Experienced with oversized loads
Proper insurance coverage
Handle all permits
Commercial equipment
Less stress for you
Best For: Cross country, first time movers
Preparing for the Move
Proper preparation prevents problems during transport. Take time to secure everything, check all connections, and plan your route carefully. Rushing leads to damage or accidents.
Before Moving Day
- Weigh tiny house at CAT scale
- Obtain all required permits
- Plan route avoiding low bridges
- Service trailer brakes and bearings
- Check tire condition and pressure
- Verify insurance coverage
Moving Day Checklist
- Secure all cabinets and drawers
- Remove loose items or pack tightly
- Turn off propane at tank
- Disconnect water and sewer
- Check all lights working
- Test trailer brakes before highway
Practice First
If you have never towed your tiny house, practice in an empty parking lot before hitting the road. Get comfortable with wide turns, backing up, and stopping distance. Tiny houses handle differently than travel trailers due to their height and weight distribution.
How Foundation Type Affects Moving
Your foundation type determines how easily you can move. Tiny houses on wheels are designed for transport. Other foundation types require more work or may not be movable at all.
| Foundation Type | Movable? | How to Move | Moving Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer (THOW) | Yes, designed for it | Tow with truck | $100-$5,000 |
| Skids | Yes, with equipment | Crane to flatbed | $2,000-$10,000 |
| Piers | Difficult | Lift, transport, reinstall | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Concrete Slab | Not practical | Would require rebuilding | N/A |
RV Comparison
- •RVs are lighter and designed for frequent travel
- •Tiny houses are heavier but more durable for living
- •RVs have standard dimensions that fit road limits
- •Tiny houses often need oversized permits Compare tiny house vs RV
Insurance for Moving
Your regular homeowners or renters insurance may not cover your tiny house during transport. Verify coverage before moving and get additional policies if needed. Accidents happen, and a damaged uninsured tiny house could be a financial disaster.
- •RV insurance policies often cover transport if your tiny house is RVIA certified
- •Specialty tiny house insurance is available from some carriers
- •Professional transport companies carry cargo insurance
- •Get written proof of coverage before hiring any transport service
- •Document your tiny house condition with photos before moving
- •Keep receipts for belongings in case of damage claims
Learn About Insurance Options
Proper insurance protects your investment during moves and daily living. Explore your options before your first move.