Shipping Container Tiny House on Wheels

• Michael
  September 17, 2024, 7:45 pm

  I am wondering where the prices are going. A 20ft container for 100k are a way to much. Beside that you need a big truck to tow it because the empty container is very heavy already.
  The floorplan isn’t bad at all when you are living mostly outdoor.
  In principle it’s bedroom and kitchen only. But putting this into the account the deck is to small and uncovered. No sun and rain protection.

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  • Alex
    September 18, 2024, 9:58 am

    Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your thoughts! You bring up some great points. The cost of these container homes can definitely be surprising, especially when you factor in things like high-end finishes, appliances, and the optional solar setup. As for towing, you’re right; a larger vehicle would be necessary to transport it.

    The layout is designed with that indoor/outdoor living vibe in mind, but I see what you mean about the deck. Adding some cover for sun and rain protection would enhance the outdoor space. I appreciate your feedback—it really helps spark ideas for future tiny house designs!

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    • James D.
      September 19, 2024, 2:05 pm

      Most tiny houses require a 3/4 or 1 ton Super Duty truck, unless specifically drsigned to be light weight, but at least this container is already on a trailer.

      Normally, you’d need a crane, separate trailer to put it on, and the truck. The crane being needed to be available at both the start and final destination.

      While high end can easily explain the price but we have to remember the present economy, where the cost of just about everything has continued to rise the last couple of years.

      Though, it’s also because there isn’t a great difference in the price between a 20 and 40 foot container. Mind, not all the costs are only materials but also labor and other requirement for converting a container.

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      • Michael
        September 20, 2024, 7:18 am

        James,
        An empty 20ft shipping container weight already roughly
        4740 lbs which is much more than a a stick or light steel framed empty shell of a comparable size THOW.
        The trailer weight comes on top of it and needs to be added. It needs to be strong as you see 3 axles are needed.
        With interior framing , insulation, furniture and so on you are at the upper end of towable TH. These are 30+
        feet long.
        That’s why you need a six-wheeler for a THOW like this.

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  • James D.
    September 20, 2024, 1:21 pm

    No, I specifically said unless designed to be light weight. Tiny houses built to residential standards are very heavy. A 20′ unit can exceed 8 tons. It’s not only containers you’d see triple axel trailers being used!

    Mind, THOWs will be typically be much taller and a bit wider. Those built in colder climates will also tend to be thicker built.

    While, containers like this don’t have siding, cut outs reduces some of the original mass, and typically have less added to the interior to maximize the more limited space. For less added for the finished product versus a THOW. So, final weight is less different.

    Besides, it doesn’t make much of a difference to the vehicle class you’d need to tow it. Unless you’re into white knuckle risk taking driving while towing, 3/4 ton and greater is the recommended range for towing most tiny houses.

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