Category: Living

Let’s talk about everything you need in a tiny house. Building or buying a tiny house can seem daunting if you do not understand how it works. This post is for those that are self contained. If you are hooked up to power and water than you can set you tiny house up just like a regular house.

This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.

So, here is everything essential you need in a tiny house:

• Water storage
• Tankless water heater or small tanked water heater
• Water pump
• Holding tanks
• Minisplit, most common for A.C. and heat
• Propane (if needed)
• Solar (if needed)

Living in a tiny house can be a lot like living in a regular home but there are some differences. Most of the difference come into play when you are self contained or living off-grid.

My husband and I have been doing this for several years now and I would like to help you understand what makes tiny houses different from a house or RV.

Everything You Need in a Tiny House on Wheels

In this article we will be talking about a tiny house on wheels (THOW), and mostly talking about being off-grid, but you can set up any THOW like this as well. If you are building a tiny house that will have a permanent location and be plugged in than you can build it like a regular house.

Here is a list of some of the essentials needed in a THOW:

• Water storage
• Tankless water heater or small tanked water heater
• Water pump
• Holding tanks
• Minisplit, most common for A.C. and heat
• Propane (if needed)
• Solar (if needed)

These are common things that most people need more information about when building or buying a tiny house. However, a tiny house is a complete home. There are many more requirements for a tiny house like the trailer, siding, roofing, interior walls, etc.

This article is just going to focus on what id different for a normal house; So you know what the things you need to consider when building a THOW over a house. We have had lots of experience with all of these.

Water Storage for a THOW

Water storage is key in a tiny house if you cannot hook up to city water. This is something many people take lightly, but living without enough water can be very difficult, trust me! I have written more information on water storage here.

We have always hauled water. We keep a sufficient size fresh water tank and we have another tank that we use to haul water to our house and fill the tank in the house. Of course we can take the house and fill it up, like an RV, but it is difficult to move your house every week.

Many people only put 40 gallons of fresh water storage in their house, but we find that this only lasts us about 2 days! We recommend going with somewhere around 100 gallons, this will at least be more comfortable.

If you have a larger tank for hauling water that you can store water in, than a smaller tank in your house is not so bad. There are some major pitfalls to this so be careful! It is very difficult to drive a truck around with thousands of pounds of water on the back.

And it is extremely dangerous to drive with a half full tank. You also need to be cautious of it freezing. Please read more about what I wrote on water storage here, if you are not completely sure how to set up your system.

Tankless Water Heaters for a THOW

Most people go with tankless water heaters in their tiny houses. There are two options. You can go with a tankless water heater to a small tanked water heater. The tankless saves room and power, which is a huge bonus is a tiny house but they come cons as well.

You can check out more information on specific water heaters, and our recommended ones here.

Tankless Water Heater Pros:

A tankless water heater saves space, it can be hung right on the wall are barley takes any room. They are relatively the same in the total cost when buying and setting them up as it would be to get a tanked one.

Also, tankless water heaters are MUCH more energy efficient. This is the biggest benefit if you are living off-grid. Tanked water heaters constantly keep water warm, whereas tankless ones only heat water when you are using it.

They are very efficient with power and, unlike most tanked ones, many of them use propane to heat the water, instead of electric. Using propane for heat also saves on your power usage. However, almost all tanked water heaters use LOTS of power constantly.

Tankless Water Heater Cons:

There are a couple of downfalls for tankless water heaters. First of all, you need to buy propane. You can buy one’s that use electric to heat the water, but if you are living off-grid you will probably want to save the power and use propane.

We have found that it uses about a 20 pound tank of propane every 2 months. You can find places that refill your propane tanks, instead of always exchanging them, which is much cheaper. We spend about $11-15 on refiling a tank every couple of months.

The other cons to having a tankless water heater are more trivial. You have to wait for the water to heat up. Although, honestly, this happens very quickly. It takes less time than living in a big house and waiting for the hot water to run through the lines to your faucet.

If you had a tanked water heater in a tiny house than the water would be hot almost instantly, because the lines are so short. A tankless one takes some time to heat up but not that long. However, every time you turn the water off it will get cold again.

This can be a little more irritating. If you turn the water off to shave, then when you turn it on again, it will be warm then cold then hot. Since it is only producing hot water when the water is flowing, it stops heating as soon as you turn it off.

These cons are relatively minimal compared to the benefits that you get with them. That is why most tiny housers use tankless water heaters. If you are living off-gird than the easiest method is a tankless water heater.

Water Pumps for a THOW

Many people do not think about water pumps because city water has pressure. A standard house does not need to pump water, it comes from the city with a lot of pressure. However, if you are using water from a tank you will need a pump to provide the pressure.

Most people building a tiny house use a 3.1 gallon per minute water pump. You can get them in different voltages. A 12 volt water pump is very efficient and is a great option if you are living off-grid or wanting to save power.

Another common option is to get a 120 VAC water pump. These use AC or alternating current instead of DC or direct current. It is less efficient but more common in houses. DC is what’s used in RVs.

It is worth noting that you can also get a 24 or 48 volt water pump, however those are much less common. They are hard to find and more expensive. Check out our recommended water pump options here.

Holding Tanks for a THOW

I have written an entire article about holding tanks here. So I will just cover the basics in this article. If you plan to move your house around or travel, or live in it at all when it is not hooked up to a sewage system, you will need holding tanks.

As I mentioned before, we recommend having 100 gallons of fresh water storage. If this is the case, than you will need a 100 gallons of used water storage. So make sure you have enough space for 200 gallons of storage.

This will be broken down into 30% for black water and 70% for grey water. So you will need a 30 gallon tank for your black water and a 70 gallon tank for your grey water. Unless you have a composting toilet. Than you would want a 100 gallon grey water tank.

Even if you have a compositing toilet and do not need a black water tank you will still need 100 gallons of used water storage so that you cannot over flow your grey tank. If you are staying somewhere permanent than you can set up a french drain for your grey water instead.

Minisplits for a THOW

Minisplits are one of the most commonly used AC systems in tiny houses. Given that a tiny house is so small it is pointless to have something bigger and you cannot run ducting through the walls of a THOW.

We have had experience with several AC units and minisplits, look at out recommend products here.

Minisplits were originally built to have AC in one room of a large building. This allows complete control over the temperature for that room without affecting the rest of the building. This is ideal for conferences.

Given the size of a tiny house, minisplits work perfectly. The only downfall is that they do consume a lot of power. Often times they will use all of our solar power or dip into our batter bank as well.

Of course almost every form of AC uses a lot of power. There are many days that we leave the widows open and just use the fan on our minisplit. It will be warm in the house still, but if there is enough airflow it is not bad and this uses almost no power.

A note on windows in tiny houses. I would just like to mention window placement in your tiny house. Having windows that are right across from each other can cool down the house a lot. Especially over the bed! If you are low on power and it is a hot day, this will be a life saver when you go to sleep!

Propane Usage in a THOW

Many tiny houses use propane for things like their cook top and tankless water heater. Using propane saves electric power. Propane is relatively inexpensive and great for heating. We use about one 20 pound tank every two months.

If you are using propane in your tiny house you will need storage for it and to run gas lines in your house. Your propane storage needs to be kept outside. And you need a cut off switch for each appliance that uses it.

It is also a good idea to have two tanks with a dual tank regulator. This will automatically switch tanks when one runs out of propane. Then you will have time to refill the other one. I have had the last half of my shower cold several times, not highly recommended!

Solar for a THOW

This is a very complex topic that I have a lot more to write about it. Here we will just cover some of the basics that are in THOWs. Not all tiny houses have solar. You can plug into a grid or use a generator. However, we have found that solar is the typically the best option.

After you buy the right solar equipment, you will not have an electricity bill any more. It will end up paying for itself. Plus it gives you the freedom to move about and travel, without worrying about hooking up somewhere.

My husband has done extensive research on solar, checkout everything we recommend here.

For your solar system you will need deep cycle AGM batteries or lithium, an inverter charger, charge controller, combinder box, appropriate size fuses and breakers, and solar panels. This is a lot!

Check out what we have used and what we recommend so you do not have to do all the research and testing yourself.

Where to Put Your Utilities in a THOW

Most THOWs have an utility closet where they keep all of these items. There are a few important factors to keep in mind. These are often only accessible from the outside and they are not well insulated. These can freeze and ruin much of your equipment.

It is best to keep this somewhere closer to the inside where there will be a more regular temperature. Also having better accessibility can be beneficial. We have had to go outside to turn off our inverter when the batteries got to low before.

Also, keep in mind your climate. If you are going to be somewhere cold at all, you need to think about your water lines. If you run your water lines under your house they can freeze much easier.

To keep your water lines warm enough, the house has to say quite toasty in very cold climates. Keep in mind that they are under your house, not well insulated and there is direct airflow under your house on wheels.

With your utilities make sure you have easy access to all of your cut-off valves in case of emergencies. Also, you should keep your water safely protected from your electrical and solar, if not completely separate.

Related Questions

What materials are needed to build a tiny house? Tiny houses are built a lot like regular homes. You can use standard 2 x 4s and 2 x 6s for framing, standard windows, doors, etc. It is not typical to use vinyl siding or shingles. THOWs usually have metal roofs and for siding either use wood or lap siding or board and batten.

What type of toilets are in tiny houses? You can have a regular flush toilet, composting toilet or incinerator toilet in a tiny house. Tiny houses do not usually use RV toilets. If you have a permanent location for your tiny house than most people use a regular flush toilet. And those who live off-grid or travel a lot usually have a composting toilet. I have written an article about toilets in tiny houses here.

This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.

A popular question is what it is like to live in a tiny house, years later. Let’s look more into the durability and living quality of tiny houses.

So, what’s it like living in a tiny house years later? Tiny houses are meant to last 10-15 years with the correct upkeep. They can last 20 years if built properly. But there some important factors that can effect their longevity. The living quality in a tiny house years later shouldn’t change unless your family size has changed.

My husband and I have been living in a tiny house for several years and I would like to give more insight into what it’s like years after going tiny.

Tiny House Durability

Tiny houses are built to last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Of course the durability of your tiny house depends on it’s construction as well. It is best to buy a tiny house from a quality company.

When tiny houses first grew in popularity many people where interested in making some quick money off of this movement. There were several tiny house companies that built low quality tiny homes just for a profit, some of them didn’t even work.

If you look around on the internet you can find some horror stories about tiny house purchases. However, as time has passed and tiny houses have grown in popularity those companies who didn’t produce quality homes have been weeded out.

Those companies have gone out of business or been bought out by a quality company. Almost every tiny house company uses quality builders now. You can still request a tour of their facility.

One quote I read from a tiny houser that stood out to me said, I shouldn’t have bought a tiny house from someone who doesn’t live in a tiny house. Someone who believes in what they build will always produce superior quality.

Specialized Tinys, LLC, is currently the only tiny house company who’s owners actually do live in a tiny house.

Cassandra hui

Specialized Tinys, LLC, is currently the only tiny house company who’s owners actually do live in a tiny house. We started this business so that others could experience the freedom we have. My husband has built three of our own tiny houses and hundreds for other companies.

Most tiny house companies now produce very quality homes, they have a lot more experience than when the hype first started. If you are careful to take care of you tiny house it should last for years to come..

Tiny House Maintenance

Maintaining a tiny house is similar to maintaining a regular home. But there are a few major differences for upkeep on a tiny house to ensure it will last for years to come. This all depends on what type of tiny house you have.

If you have a tiny house on wheels (THOW), you will need to maintain the wheels for travel and when staying somewhere. Before moving the house you will need to be sure the lug nuts are tight, axles are greased, and all your lights work.

You will also need to check the quality of your tires. Be sure they have the proper air pressure, tire tread depth, and no dry rot. When necessary you will need to replace your tires, they are wearable parts.

When you are stopped for a while you will need to keep up with your tires as well. You will need to take the weight off of the wheels by lifting the trailer up on piers and use wheel covers. You do not need to take the wheels off, but you can if you prefer that.

Another major component you need to maintain in a tiny house is wood. Real wood needs to be sealed once every 3-5 years depending on the type of sealant and wood, and the climate you live in.

Many people use real wood for their siding, this will need the regular upkeep. But also, there can be wood inside your house that will also need to be sealed or painted. We actually have a shower made out of wood in our current house. And this we will need to reseal annually.

Additionally, if you have a tiny house that is off-grid there will be more maintenance. You will need to clean your holding tanks annually. And keep up with any solar or your other power source.

Solar is the easiest off-grid system to maintain. Besides cleaning solar panels they don’t require much else. Some people reposition their panels when the seasons change. You also need some keep up with your other solar components.

Keeping your computers clean of dust is important for your system. You also need to be sure the system is running properly. If you use too much power when you’ve had too many cloudy days and your batteries die or get extremely low, you can damage them.

If you have another power source it can require more maintenance. For example, our current house has solar and a wind turbine. A wind turbine needs to be cleaned and checked for cracks, you may even need to grease them depending on what type motor you have.

Tiny House Lifestyle after Years

One concern people have is if they will be happy years after living in a tiny house. I have been living tiny for four years now and I still love it. This answer obviously depends on the individual.

Going tiny is about making room for the things you love and getting rid of the things that get in your way. The more time you have to live the life you love should only make your happier.

Going tiny is about making room for the things you love and getting rid of the things that get in your way.

cassandra hui

Living in a tiny house has given me a closer relationship with my husband and the freedom to live how we want. We went tiny so we could own a home to save money and be able to constantly move. And we have accomplished both of those things.

Of course dealing with the legality of living in a tiny house gets old. But if you have a solid place to keep your tiny house and live in it, than you will not have that stress. Many laws are changing to make living tiny more attainable.

Of course if your family size changes it may be hard to continue to live in your current house. If you need another bedroom you may need a larger house. I think it is important to analyse this as much as possible before going tiny. But sometimes things happen out of your control.

Besides family growth, living in a tiny house years later shouldn’t be any different than when you first move in. You do have to continue to downsize, going through you things regularly and getting rid of anything you don’t need.

We still go through our stuff every six months to a year and downsize. There may be clothes that have holes, or items we just don’t use anymore. It is inevitable that you will collect things along your life, so downsizing is something you will do consistently.

It is much easier if you keep up with this as you go. When I get something I know I won’t use, I get rid of it. When I am organizing my cabinets, I get rid of anything I no longer use. I have honed this skill since I have been living tiny.

I constantly go through my things, the fridge, or anything else. Of course it is much easier when you have less stuff! After all these years of living tiny I have developed and grown in many areas, organizing, being healthier, and more.

The longer I have lived in a tiny house the more I have grown into a better person.

Related Questions

What is the required maintenance for a tiny house? If your tiny house is on wheels, you will need to maintain the tires and check everything before transport. If you have wood in your house you will need to seal it every few years. The type of maintenance your tiny house needs will vary based on how it was built.

How long do tiny houses last? Tiny houses are built to last about 10-15 years, if it is maintained properly. However, as long as you take good care of your home they can last 20 years or more. There are may factors that go into the longevity of a tiny house including the original quality.