Category Archives: Trailer

Flashing Trays

When I received my trailer, I just simply couldn’t handle the idea of laying on the ground for days, drilling up into my trailer to attach the flashing. Call me lazy or call me a genius! You choose.

I do think I spent a bit more money than if I had bought the rolls of metal and installed it from underneath my trailer, but I also believe that I saved time and energy in the long run. I was able to finish my flashing – by myself – in the equivalent of 1-2 days of work, with zero bugs, dirt, and leaves in my hair and no burn marks on my arms and face from metal dropping on me (all things I vividly imagined when trying to come up with an alternative way of installing my flashing). After pondering a while with my dad, I decided to go with the following process.

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Based on the measurements of the joist spaces on my trailer, I sent the below drawings that I created on my computer to three different sheet metal companies. (Always shop around for the cheapest pricing! It’s worth it.)

Subfloor Flashing Sheet Metal Quote Request

Keep in mind that I’m building on a 32′ x 8.5′ trailer, so I had to order a lot of flashing, but my total cost came out to exactly $700 + tax for a total of 60 pieces of 24 gauge galvanized sheet metal, all with two 90 degree bends in them. I included a few extra pieces in my order in case I needed them (I didn’t). I ended up going with OmniDuct and my flashing was delivered to me here in West Sacramento in just a couple days. This is what the flashing pieces looked like when they arrived.

Subfloor Flashing Ordered by Her Tiny Home

Next, I had to customize each piece to fit within the floor joists of my trailer.

To do so, I used the following tools:

  • Tin Snips
  • Metal Shears: I borrowed a pneumatic metal shear (like this one) for this project, so I hooked up to an air compressor. If you don’t have access to an air compressor, I suggest using something like this, but I can’t guarantee how well it will work.
  • Aluminum Tape
  • Tape Measure
  • Sharpie

Subfloor Flashing Tools - Her Tiny Home

I cut all corners at an angle to make space for the welds on the trailer and I had to cut out a couple inches of the bent sections to fit into the side channels as well. I think photos will speak louder than words here, as I have no idea how else to explain what I did ;)

Flashing Modifications - Her Tiny Home

Here’s a quick video of how the smaller pieces went in once I had the modifications done (and my dad woohooing at how easy it was).

Flashing - Her Tiny Home

On the larger, middle sections, I figured out that it was too difficult to bend them into the space, so I cut each one down the middle to fit the left and right sides in separately (this is where the shears came in, so you could technically avoid having to use this tool at all if you order the middle sections in two pieces already, which could also add to the cost from the sheet metal company). Then I just went back with the aluminum tape and taped them together.

Flashing Modification Large Trays - Her Tiny Home

Flashing Large Trays - Her Tiny Home

Flashing Trays Taped - Her Tiny Home

I finished off the flashing process by using the same aluminum tape along the edges, anywhere where there were significant gaps. This was the most time-consuming part of the process.

Flashing Completed - Her Tiny Home

Flashing Completed - Her Tiny Home

That’s it! I’m really happy with how the flashing turned out. It feels really sturdy and by installing my subfloor into the trailer joists, rather than on top of them, I’ve added a few inches of head room in my tiny house as well.

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During the flashing process, my step-brother volunteered his welding skills and added 14 bolts to my trailer for me to anchor to when I do my framing. He also welded 4 jacks under each corner of the trailer for easy use when leveling my home in the future. Thanks, Kev!

Kevin Welding - Her Tiny Home

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Next up, insulation and plywood subfloor.

Not So Tiny Trailer

Thoreau Foundation Quote

Before I placed the order for my tiny house trailer, I spent a lot of time planning and “dreaming” by researching tiny houses online, following the #tinyhouse hashtag on Instagram, pinning tiny home ideas on Pinterest, and watching tiny house shows, films, and YouTube videos. But ordering my trailer really sealed the deal. The trailer is the foundation of a tiny home and it’s really important to know what you want your house to be capable of before you start shopping around.

For me, I had a few requirements that helped me to decide the specs of my trailer. I knew that I wanted to fit two separate bedrooms (with doors) and I don’t want to limit myself as far as customizing the interior of the house. For example, I’d like to tile my bathroom, display a lot of decorations, and store all of our belongings inside the house. The last thing I want is to start building my house and end up wishing I had a couple more feet of space, or a heavier weight limit. I also don’t plan on moving my tiny house very often. I am essentially building a permanent home, with the capability of moving from one location to another, if necessary.

After deciding what my “must haves” were, I contacted Joshua from Tiny House Basics and started in with my questions. He was really helpful, explaining what all the specs meant and what I would need in order to go above and beyond my requirements.

I ended up deciding on a 32 x 8.5 foot trailer with three 7k axles, purchased from Carson Trailers. At this size and weight, I will have to hire someone with a class A license to move my home from location to location. This works for me because I don’t plan to move often.

In the end, my trailer will be the single, most expensive item that I’ll purchase for my house and I have no regrets. Knowing that my foundation is secure and fully capable of doing it’s job is priceless.

Her Tiny Home - Trailer

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Check back soon. Next post will feature my flashing process.