Before you order your tiny house trailer, you are probably thinking about which options you may want to add. There’s one small option that can make a big difference in your design: the extended tongue option. For about a $200 upgrade, is it worth it? Let’s talk about it.
The standard length for a trailer tongue is typically 4 feet. The extended tongue adds an extra foot, bringing the total length to 5 feet. This seemingly small change opens up a world of practical benefits.
More Exterior Storage Space
One of the most common reasons people opt for the extended tongue is for added exterior storage. That extra space in the triangular area of the tongue is perfect for essential equipment.
- Propane Tanks: Easily fit your full-size propane tanks without impeding your truck’s turning radius.
- Outdoor AC Unit: Provides a dedicated space for an outdoor air conditioner condenser.
- Storage Shed: You can even custom-build a dedicated storage shed on the tongue for things like a water heater, AC condenser, or other utilities.
This extra foot ensures your stored items are safe and don’t risk hitting the towing vehicle in a sharp turn.
The Most Popular Reason: The Interior Bump Out
The single most popular reason for getting the extended tongue is to accommodate a custom interior bump-out on the front of your tiny house.
A bump-out serves two great purposes:
- Added Interior Space: It’s a fantastic way to maximize square footage.
- Architectural Detail: It breaks up the “boxy” look common to many tiny houses, adding a custom design feature.
While smaller bump-outs like 2ft x 2ft might not require an extended tongue, a more substantial one absolutely does! The most popular size bump out we see is 56 inches wide by 28 inches deep.
Why 56in by 28in?
This specific size is a game-changer because it allows for an interior clear space of 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep. That’s an extra 8 square feet of usable space!
We implemented this exact bump-out on our own 30-foot tiny houses:
- In our Living Room Tiny House, the bump-out in the bathroom is perfectly sized for a washer/dryer unit.
- In our Bedroom Tiny House, it’s also in the bathroom and provides a perfect spot for a custom 4-foot-wide vanity with planned windows above it.
This bump-out creates an excellent architectural detail, adding depth and function to the interior.
The Verdict
For a small investment of about $200, the extended tongue provides valuable exterior utility space and, more importantly, allows you to safely incorporate an interior bump out without compromising your vehicle’s turning radius.
If you plan on getting a bump out, an extended tongue is definitely recommended. But even if you don’t, that extra foot of exterior storage alone makes it a wise investment!