Page 28 - The Tiny House Tactical Guide from Green Builder

CHAPTER 04 THE BUILDING SCIENCE OF SMALL

Storm ready. RVs have their
drawbacks, but when monster
storms approach, they’re
PHOTO: FLICKR (CC)
able to roll out quickly,
unlike most tiny homes.

OFF-THE-LOT RVs

VERSUS TINY HOMES

Tiny house enthusiasts often fail to look closely at the good points of RVs.
That’s too bad, because although conventional RVs are limited in some ways, they

have many positive attributes that can be integrated into tiny home systems.

Pro: You can Move Con: Municipal Bias
RVs are designed to travel—If you don’t like your neighborhood, Many cities have rules intended to prevent long-term occupancy
drive to a new one. of RVs. Typically, if you live in an RV more than 14 days per year,
you may get a citation from your city. Tiny homes, if built on a
Pro: Self Contained Systems
RVs don’t require costly infrastructure such as wells, sewage or permanent foundation, may be seen as accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) with no tenure limits on occupancy.
even electric hookups, in some models.
PRO: No Compost Duty CON: Storm and Weather Vulnerability
Much as we like composting toilets, they do require a regular RVs are not made to weather major storm events, although due
commitment and maintenance most people don’t expect. They’re to the fact that they have to withstand driving speeds, most
definitely a better choice for a static tiny house than a rolling are more resilient than manufactured homes. Significantly, the
home. RVs don’t generally offer compost options. popular “bump-outs” on large RVs are especially vulnerable.
They’re not made to handle snow loads or high winds.
PRO: Bug-Out Ready
On the other hand, when inclement weather approaches, RV Con: Septic Duty
owners can quickly pull up jacks and flee at 70 miles per hour You’ll need a dumping station nearby to occasionally dispose of
from whatever the impending menace is. blackwater waste. This may cost a small fee each time.

28 THE TINY HOUSE TACTICAL GUIDE