Jason wrote to me this morning asking for some clarification on a series of questions. I am not sure if others have these questions too, so I thought I would share both his questions and my answers.
He wrote: “I am curious about the line between the definitions of a RV vs. a Mobile Home. It seems that some municipalities define them separately where-as others do not have any definition for Mobile Homes. Under what conditions do Tiny Homes built on trailers meet these definitions? Is a trailer built home considered an RV as long as it is on wheels? If the wheels are removed and it is set on a foundation or other support structure is it considered a mobile home (or even a “Dwelling” because there is no definition for “Mobile Home” on that municipalities books)? If a trailer tiny home is on a foundation and connected to a septic tank what is it considered then?”
I took a stab at clarifying.
I think RV or Recreational Vehicle covers several different kinds of things, such as motorhomes, snow machines, ATV’s and so on. The Motor home is simply one category of the RV.
I think that a mobile home and motor home are not the same thing. A motor home is built to move around some have motors of their own and others are towed. Whereas, a mobile home is built to be moved to and set on a permanent or semi-permanent location. What I mean is that a mobile home is one of the houses that are brought in already built, they look similar to a trailer but set onto a foundation or a basement. I don’t believe that a mobile home is considered an RV.
Tiny houses on wheels are considered an RV, yes, but I think that the ones that are set on a foundation are not be considered a mobile home because they are not mobile.
Tiny houses that are brought in on a trailer and removed from the wheels and set on a foundation or a slab should be considered pre-fabricated. They don’t differ greatly from my house which was built on site.
Sunshine on my tiny house makes me happy.
If you hook a tiny house up to a septic system or to city infrastructure, it is still a tiny house, but one with modern conveniences.
Do you think that my answers are correct?
Tiny House Ontario 
Hi Laura,
Do you know of a Canadian, or better yet Ontario/Quebec company that makes, or can make flatbed trailers that are well suited to tiny homes?
I know some of the ones in the US, but I would prefer to shop local, and I also do not like the hassle of customs/duty/importing.
Thanks, Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
You know, this is easy! Any company who makes custom trailers can make one for a tiny house. Google your area for your closest custom company and go see them. If you like them and think they will work with you then this is the company for you.
For your part, you need to know what your needs are. Specifically, tiny house trailers need to be suited to the weight that you are planning on putting on them. The absolutely best situation is to extend out to the sides (where the building goes out around the wheels) because these sides will hold the weight of your build. Another thing to be sure of is to know where your plumbing is going so that if you choose to put in a toilet with a holding tank under the trailer or likewise a grey water tank that the steel structure of the trailer will not conflict with any of your drains.
Basically that is it.
As for the WEIGHT… you will have to decide what class of licence you will need to tow it and adjust your trailer size, building size and materials accordingly. This is so that you can stay under the A class licence or need for a huge and heavy vehicle, if you wish.
With very kind regards, best of luck and PLEASE keep in touch or ask any questions that you need to. I am mostly able to get back to messages here within 24 hours. Excepting early December when I will go for surgery.
Also… a little extra thing that I have noticed being done on a couple of tiny houses and for sure what I would do with my wooden deck that is attached to the trailer is to line the part that touches the steel trailer bed with thin plywood and then with the flat steel flashing so that there is a layer of protection against rodents and or wood rot. I would also go ridged or spray for the floor because then you don’t have to worry about any water that drips into your floor while you are building.
Best!
xo L
Looking great…!! The flagstones look so nice.
Thank you!