Maximum Legal Width for Tiny House Trailers
What Tiny House Deck Width Should You Choose? The maximum width allowed on public roads without requiring oversized permits is 8 ft 6 in (102”), excluding tires. Anything wider than 102” will require an oversized permit from each state you travel through. Permit costs typically range from $14 to $50 per day, and some states offer annual wide‑load permits, which simplify repeated moves. Once a trailer exceeds 10 ft in width, many states may enforce additional restrictions like daylight-only travel, route approvals, or escort vehicle requirements. Always check the DOT regulations for each state on your planned route.
Deck-Width Options & Why Wider Is Now More Popular
We offer standard deck widths from 90” to 102”. Builders who plan to move infrequently often choose the 102” deck width, though finishing details like siding and trim will generally push the total width slightly over the legal limit, meaning a permit would be needed for any future transport.
To stay under the 102” overall limit (including finishing), we recommend a deck width of 99” or less — giving you space for sheathing, siding, and trim without triggering permit requirements .
Why 10 ft – 12 ft Wide Models Are Gaining Ground
- At TinyHouseBasics.com, 10 ft and 12 ft wide trailers outsell standard 8 ft 6 in models by about 9 to 1.
- As of 2025, over 95% of trailer orders are 10 ft wide or wider, underscoring how much more practical and appealing extra-wide floor plans have become.
- Customers report that moving from an 8 ft 6 in trailer to a 10 ft model is like going “from coach to first class” providing significantly more living comfort and design flexibility.
- Trailers in the 31 –40 ft length range are especially popular when built in 10 ft or 12 ft widths, delivering spacious layouts ideal for full-time living.
Deck Width and Trailer Options
- Standard deck width: 90”–102”
- Oversized options: 10 ft, 11 ft, or 12 ft wide decks — fully customizable, down to the inch (e.g. 11 ft 10 in to avoid pilot cars) .
- Oversized trailers are available from California, Texas, and Pennsylvania locations, and use custom wide axles — These trailers are available in Deckover, Standard Deck and Drop Axles.
Permit Needs & Moving Oversized Trailers
- Permits are required for widths above 102” and generally cost between $14–$50 per state for loads up to 11 ft 11 in. Crossing state lines often means one permit per state .
- For widths of 12 ft and above, many states require pilot cars or escort vehicles to accompany the load.
- Annual permits may be available in certain states (like California), which can be ideal if you plan to move your trailer multiple times.
- Most customers opt to hire professional movers for loads wider than 10 ft. Typical cost premiums for transporting a wide‑load FULLY BUILT tiny house are around $200–$500 more over a ~500‑mile haul compared to a standard trailer .
| Deck Width | Why Choose It |
|---|---|
| ≤ 99” deck (under 102”) | Travel without permits in most cases; simplified transport if you plan to move regularly. |
| 10’ wide deck | Popular (9× more orders), spacious for everyday living, and versatile for design layouts. Cheap Permit required. |
| 11’–12’ wide deck | Extremely Popular: Maximum interior flexibility, better for full-time tiny living. Cheap Permit required and only requires pilot cars if the trailer is 12ft exactly and wider. |