The exterior of the wagon contains laminated oak struts, a T&G planked floor and metal roofing. The wagon is insulated and the exterior wood is finished with teak oil. The interior has oak bead board paneling and the benches, tables, cabinet doors and drawer fronts are solid oak. The wagon can by towed by a truck or other large vehicle and handles well on the highway with speeds up to 70 MPH.

The wagon contains the following appliances:

• 3 burner LP cook stove oven and broiler
• Wood/coal cooking and heating stove
• Sink and exterior shower
• 40 Gallon water tank
• 5.5 cubic feet refrigerator LP
• 12 volt solar panel and lighting
• 2 LP gas lights
• 3 burner LP stove & grill (rear pullout)
• 6 gallon LP hot water heater

Photos courtesy of Kenny Harris

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The Trillium is unique to the fiberglass trailer market in that the company bonds all fiberglass components, uses no wood in the structure, uses closed cell foam ceiling and wall insulation, provides upscale, contemporary interiors and builds each unit to the owner’s specifications. The stylish interior of these trailers is what attracted my attention.

The Trillium is good for an extended trip (or tiny living) as well as for weekend excursions. They weigh between 1,400 and 1,680 pounds unloaded and the prices range from $12,895 to over $20,000 for the 1500 depending on floor plan and options selected.

Several purchasing incentives are available with the Trillium. Through the end of March of 2011, Trillium RV Limited is currently offering free delivery within a 500 mile radius of the manufacturing facility in Temecula, CA or $500 off MSRP. The company also has a referral program where a $250 fee will be paid for any referral that results in the purchase of a Trillium RV 1300 or 1500 within 30 days of referral receipt. A Trillium showroom is located in Irvine, CA and rental locations are also being established across the U.S. and Canada where potential customers can try before they buy.

The Trillium also includes options for:

• Cable TV Hookup
• Pleated Day/Night Window Shades
• Removable Closet Shelves
• Carpeted Lower Storage Compartments
• Awning
• Solar Charging System
• Kitchen Counter Extension
• 12000 BTU LP Furnace
• Microwave Oven

Photos Courtesy of Trillium RV

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

His little “How-To Guide” focuses on how to live a cheaper, lighter existence while still being independent. He discusses van conversions, boondocking, workamping, financial freedom, traveling with pets and children, safety and cleanliness issues, how to choose a vehicle, overcoming your fears, living on a boat, homesteading and working while on the road. He also shows how living a life on a $500 to $1,000 a month budget is possible.

Some of his fellow nomads discuss how they took the leap:

On a fateful day in 2006, I was struck by an idea so powerful that I stood up from my desk, walked to the personnel department and resigned. I would sell my house, the extra cars, all that important “stuff” and live on a boat with my family, and travel the seas as a free man.

Captain Keith of the Kismet

After 22 years of working at the Post Office, I was tired of not being happy with my job or my life and knew I had to do something. I remembered those happy days traveling in the travel trailer and was sure I could be happy again. I already owned my 1983 VW Westphalia, so it was the obvious choice when I decided to downsize. I wasn’t sure exactly how I would do it, or how long I could stand living in a van, but I knew it had to be better than the life I was living. I am delighted to say it has been 2 years now and I have no desire to go back to a more conventional life.

Barb Cotton

Photos courtesy of Cheap RV Living

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The caravans are built from partially recycled timber and meet high quality environmental standards. The insulation is made from wool and the windows and doors have double glazing. A hot water heater and electrical wiring is included.

Most of these caravans are around 215-230 square feet and include a kitchen, a bathroom and sleeping facilities as well as plenty of storage, heating for winter use, outdoor living spaces and lovely details including polished brass port-hole windows. They come fully equipped and can accommodate up to four people. Some are even accessible for the disabled. The units start at €29.800 or $41,000 and take 2-4 months to be completed.

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Today’s Trilliums are built utilizing the original models. So the quality, design, and floor plans are true to the former manufacturing standards. The overall look of the fiberglass body remains the same. Big improvements are in the area of newer, high tech appliances, modern cushion materials, curtains, and exterior graphics. The trailers have the same dimensions, but will weigh a little more. This is due to the addition of more equipment that users have requested in the trailers.

Tom has opened up his design process to include feedback and ideas from Trillium fans. Some of the new ideas include open storage cabinetry, a small bathroom, modern styling and clean lines.

Trillium RV produces two models: the 1300 and the 4500, two floor plans without bathrooms, a four sleeper bunk,  a three sleeper front dinette, and  a bathroom floor plan. The new Trillium has an even higher level of quality control, some degree of customization, and top notch customer service. The trailers are sold directly to the consumer, without a dealer network.

Both the 1300 and the 4500 include these features and basic equipment:

1300

• 2,000 lb. maintenance free torsion axle – capacity/GVW
• 13 feet 5 inches in length
• 12 Gauge Heavy Duty Steel Frame
• 20 lb. propane tank
• 45 Amp Power Converter/Battery Charger
• Patio Light
• 4″ High Quality Cushions

4500

• 2,200 lb. maintenance free torsion axle – capacity/GVW
• 15 feet 3 inches in length
• 12 gauge heavy duty steel frame
• 20 lb. propane tank
• 45 amp power converter/battery charger
• Patio light
• 4 inch high quality cushions

Both the 1300 and the 4500 are offered in the Classic Model and the Legend Model. The cost of the 1300 Classic is $11,995 and the 4500 Classic is $13,995. The cost of the 1300 Legend is $13,995 and the 4500 Legend is $15,995. The Legend comes with everything that is included in the Classic plus additional items such as:

• Upgraded refrigerator
• LED reading lights
• Cable TV hookup
• Kitchen counter extension
• Day/Night shades
• MaxxAir roof power vent upgrade

If you are interested in a Trillium, but are not ready to buy, Trillium RV trailers are also offered as rentals.

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Yurts are resilient, adaptable, portable and can be used for parties, exhibitions, as temporary or permanent housing, a hunting or ski lodge, a guest room or as a meditation space. Usually two to four people can assemble a yurt in about half a day.

Each of these companies can craft a custom yurt within a few months and have it delivered to your door. They feature decorated wood frames, traditional felt insulation, decorated canvas walls and the braided horse hair that holds the walls together. Each company also sells colorful, handmade Mongolian furniture that fit well into the yurts.

The North American climate is more humid than the Mongolian climate and therefore these yurts are specially adapted. The white felt is more resistant to humidity than traditional Mongolian felt. It is very dense and guarantees great insulation. The tarps are also specially selected for Northern climates. The wood is dried for an extensive period of time and carved and shaped by artisans in Mongolia.

Mongolians don’t use windows in their homes. In order to respect shape and traditions, but to maximize the light, these yurts include a double french door frame behind the main door and a toono (top dome). Mosquito nets that replace the walls are available on special order. Mongolian yurts can be placed directly on the ground, or on a platform.

Groovyyurts for Sale

4 walls yurt – 16′ diameter: $6335
5 walls yurt – 19′ diameter: $6935
6 walls yurt – 22′ diameter: $7835
7 walls yurt – 26′ diameter: $11900

Groovyyurts is having a spring delivery special until June. They will deliver a demo yurt to your door for $599 or $299 for a new yurt to locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montreal and Ontario. If you purchase furniture at the same time, there is no extra delivery fee and their personal on-site set-up assistance is only $150.

Mongolian Yurts for sale

Travel yurt (11’6″) and (104 sq.ft): $ 2,400

4 wall segment yurt (15’9″ – 17’5″) and (194 – 237 sq.ft): $ 5,900

5 wall segment  yurt (17’7″-21′”2) and (247 – 347 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 10900 | Decorated Yurt $ 13,900

6  wall segment yurt (21’4 – 23’2″) and (357 – 413 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 11900 | Decorated Yurt $ 15,900

8  wall segment yurt (28’1-29’6″) and (610 – 683 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 15900 | Decorated Yurt $ 20,900

10 wall segment yurt (33′-34’5″) and (845 – 931 sq.ft):
Carved Yurt $ 19900 | Decorated Yurt $ 22,900

Mongolian Yurts staff are available to deliver and assemble yurts in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky for a small supplementary charge.

A few yurt symbols and traditions:

You should enter the yurt with your right foot and do not hit the door frame with your body (this brings bad luck inside the yurt). If you do, go back out and come back in.

Orange, the most traditional Mongolian yurt color, symbolizes the sun shining over the grassland.

In Mongolia it is considered impolite to knock on a yurt’s door. You are always welcome in a yurt! To warn of your approach, one usually shouts “attach the dogs!”.

The yurt door usually faces south.

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)

As mentioned on their blog, Aluminum Bliss, Chris and Lani decided to make the Airstream their new home because of its sleek, rounded, aluminum interior and large windows that open up a small space and dispel the feeling of living in a box. The modern furnishings inspire a clean environment and the numerous storage spaces eliminate clutter. Their classic rig also turns a lot of heads.

Chris works out of the trailer using a Verizon MiFi, satellite dish and free campground WiFi. Lani takes care of the Airstream and the blog and awaits the birth of their new baby. They decided on this lifestyle because Chris is able to work from anywhere and it seemed like a good time in their lives to do some traveling. They were tired of be “owned” by their stuff and they craved the open road and a little adventure. After a year or so of traveling in an Airstream, they have a few insights on living the aluminum life:

“We no longer buy too many groceries that sit in our pantry well beyond the expiration date. In fact, we seem to buy more fresh foods and have learned to carefully plan our meals out in advance so as to avoid multiple trips to the store.”

“Our water consumption has decreased tremendously. When you only have a 15 gallon gray water tank, you quickly learn how to use less water when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.  Showers are quick, even when they are in the campground’s bathrooms.  And, laundry…well I’m pretty cheap when it comes to using my quarters so laundry is only done once a week.  And, with less clothing in tow, we’ve learned that some things can be worn awhile before being considered ‘dirty.’”

“We live in 160 square feet so it takes little to heat and power our humble abode. And, we grow tired of refilling our propane tanks so we are pretty stingy with our propane use. Additionally, we recently began converting the few lights in our home to LED.”

They plan on staying on the road indefinitely, or until they get tired of the lifestyle. In the meantime they have this to say about their decision:

“It’s been an incredible lifestyle change and one that will continue with us long after our Airstream journey comes to an end. I enjoy life so much more without the clutter and junk.  Don’t get me wrong, traveling the country and seeing what we’ve seen is amazing but so is this new sense of freedom from being owned and defined by our stuff.”

The 2010 Airstream Sport

Airstream Sport. Photos courtesy of Colonial Airstream.

For a big adventure in a smaller package, I recently saw a 2010 16 foot Airstream Sport for sale and was impressed with the design and layout. In this new model, the full bathroom from the back of the rig has been removed and has been replaced with a double bed. The reduced bathroom is now a wet bath without a sink. There seems to be plenty of storage space around the bed, in the closet and under the dinette. The tow weight is 3,500 pounds, it has a 23 gallon fresh water tank and a 21 gallon combination gray and black water tank. It also has a a 12,000 BTU furnace and an option for AC.

View the Airstream Sport brochure

The Sport is available in four types of decor: Cinnabar, Mochablue, Oatmeal and Sharksfin, and typical of the new Airstream designs, has clean, sleek retro styling. The price for this Airstream is about $35,000.

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)

Courtesy of RoadTrek

Class B’s get better maneuverability than their larger counterparts and usually get better miles per gallon. You don’t need a tow vehicle for a Class B and you can usually park it in a driveway, a small camp spot and a single parking space.

Class B’s are really only large enough to sleep 2 or 3 people, but they can be very versatile. Most of these RVs have driver and passenger seats that swivel, a dining area that converts into a bed, heating and AC, a small kitchen with microwave, stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer and storage, closet space, and sometimes an RV toilet or in-head shower.

Courtesy of RoadTrek

Courtesy of FourWinds

Newer Class B’s are downright luxurious with custom carpeting and cushions, Corian countertops, wood cabinets, flat screen TV/DVD combos with surround sound, patios awnings, slide out pantries, day-night shades, full baths, generators, motorized slide-out rooms, “basement” exterior storage, tow packages, and rear backing cameras.

I’ve seen older Class B’s for sale for about $12,000 to $15,000. Brand new Class B’s can go for $50,000-$100,000.

Courtesy of the Digital Vagabond

Courtesy of the Digital Vagabond

Pat, the Digital Vagabond, lives, works and travels in a 24-foot Chinook Destiny which he says is “…built like a yacht, with high end woodwork and components from bumper to bumper…it is really more motor lounge than motor home”.

Courtesy of Pleasure-Way

Several manufacturers of Class B’s include:

Airstream

Pleasure-Way

FourWinds

RoadTrek

Great West Vans

Additional Information:

Roaming Times

VanTastic Vans

Courtesy of RoadTrek

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)

The reasons for living in your car run the gamut. In college, I knew a few students who lived in their cars so they could afford to go to school, and this article talks about how hard times have forced some people to live in their cars. Jessica Spaulding is doing it..for no apparent reason.

Jessica decided to pursue a life of adventure and has been living in a Prius for past few years. She works about half the year for a public radio station and spends the rest of her time on the road, exploring, writing and photographing her travels.

Jessica Spaulding lives out of her Prius

What I found most interesting about her blog was how she modified her car for living and sleeping. She has also written a few articles on how to live on the road, including:

• Getting comfortable sleeping in “public.”
• Showering
• Modifying your vehicle for comfort
• Saving money
• Staying warm and keeping cool

Whether out of necessity, or to simplify your life, living out of your car seems to be more accepted. More and more information is being posted these days on how to live out of one of the tiniest houses of all.

Her modified Prius

How to Live in Your Car

Car Living

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)

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