I mailed off my second and final payment for my 20′ long tiny home trailer. Since this will be the foundation for Arborion, I have spared no expense having it customized to fit my needs. Starting with the basic 20′ trailer from Tiny Home Builders below, I made several additions, modifications and upgrades. The largest of these is the upgrade of the duel 5,000 lb. axles to duel 7,000 lb. axles. Even though my estimates for the finished Arborion design fell well within the weight allowance of the initial 10,000 lbs. afforded by the standard trailer, I want to be able to add structural reinforcement to the Arborion design as I went without having to count each pound. Also, the more sturdy the trailer, the longer it will hold up. I will not be maxing out the 14,000 lbs. that the trailer will now be rated for, but it does provide some extra strength and security.
Photo by Tiny Home Builders
The trailer comes standard with four inch flanges that run the length of the trailer on both sides. I made these six inch wide flanges and added welded steel supports every two feet. It is important that this flange be reinforced because much of the outer walls of Arborion will be supported by them. The additional two inches of flange on either side will increase the finished interior space to just over seven feet across. When planning out the interior space of a tiny home every inch counts – especially where the interior width is concerned.
Welded supports every two feet under the six inch flange starting from the front of the trailer.
Welded supports every two feet under the six inch flange starting from the back of the trailer.
I’ve been noticing more custom tiny home trailer are making use of a built in water damn over the wheel wells. I added these two inch high fins that will be welded to the wheel wells for just that reason. I feel there is no reason not to make use of these in any custom tiny home trailer as long as you plan ahead for the outer sheathing to fall on the outside of the fins. Also, be sure to leave a gap between the bottom of your sheathing and the top of the wheel wells to prevent wicking.
This fin will prevent water from seeping under the walls at the wheel wells.
Another angle of the wheel well fin.
What did this all cost?
Basic 20′ trailer: $3,200
Upgraded duel 7,000 lb axles: $500
Six inch wide flanges with welded supports: $300
Welded wheel well water brake fins: $200
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Total: $4,200 before Taxes, Registration & Delivery
I have asked for delivery in the first week of December. This will give me about a month to adjust my construction plans (if needed after taking actual trailer measurements) for Arborion before getting my Dad’s help to start building in January 2015.
Verdant Passages 
Your upgrades are great! I thought about getting the 14,000 pound trailer, but ended up buying the 10,000 pound trailer that was recommended in the architectural plans I purchased. My trailer is also 20 feet long.
Sounds like you will be starting your tiny house build before me. I’m looking forward to seeing posts of your progress.
Hello, your blog is excellent and is answering so many of my questions. I see the superior construction detail and carpentry. I am so impressed. I have learned here most of what I’ve been trying to glean from a number of blogs. Your writing, organization, photographs and attention to detail are exactly what I needed. I am just currently playing around with floor plans and researching. This the best blog I’ve encountered thus far !
Thank you so much Kairn for taking the time to share your thoughts on this blog. I am pleased to hear that it has been a help to you. That is the main purpose for its creation. I hope to hear more about your tiny house planing and build. If you have any questions along the way I’d be happy to share what I know.