Towing Tiny Homes in Idaho: Navigating the Rules for 8.5' vs 10' Wide Trailers
Tiny homes have seen a significant rise in popularity over the years, offering a minimalist lifestyle with the freedom to roam. As you plan to hit the road, it's crucial to understand the towing rules and regulations. In this post, we're focusing on the state of Idaho, where the laws for towing an 8.5-foot wide tiny home differ from those for a 10-foot wide one. Let's break down these differences.
Towing an 8.5-foot Wide Tiny Home
An 8.5-foot wide tiny home falls within the legal width limit of 8 feet 6 inches for trailers in Idaho. This means you can tow your tiny home without needing to obtain a special permit. Here are some key rules that all Ethos Cabin models meet:
Braking System: If your trailer has an unloaded weight of 1,500 lbs, it must have an independent braking system. A breakaway system, which can apply the brakes if the trailer separates from the towing vehicle, is also required.
Hitch: The hitch must be secured to the vehicle's frame. No safety chain is required.
Lighting: Every trailer must have one rear tail lamp, visible from a distance of 500 feet. Trailers weighing 3,000 lbs or less must have two reflectors on the rear and front, one on each side. If your trailer blocks the stoplight of your towing vehicle, it must also have a stoplight.
Mirrors: If your view to the rear is obstructed, you'll need left and right-side mirrors.
Speed Limits: The speed limit for trailers is the same as for passenger cars.
Towing Units: Passenger or pleasure vehicles may tow two units behind them.
Travel Time: Travel is allowed from one half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including weekends, on most routes.
Towing a 10-foot Wide Tiny Home
When your tiny home is 10 feet wide, it exceeds the legal width limit, and you'll need to obtain an oversize permit. Here are the rules for towing a 10-foot wide tiny home in Idaho:
Oversize Permit: This permit is valid for five days and allows travel from one half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, including weekends, on most routes. With appropriate lighting as specified on the permit, travel is allowed 24/7 on most routes.
Permit Limits: The permit allows for a width of up to 16 feet, a height of up to 15 feet 6 inches, and a length of up to 110 feet before the load is considered a "Super Load", which may require additional permits or restrictions.
Signs and Flags: "Oversize Load" signs are required for all overwidth loads. Flags are required on all four corners and extremities of overwidth loads and on rear overhang exceeding 4 feet.
Escorts: If the width of the load exceeds 12 feet, at least one escort is required. However, since your trailer is 10 feet wide, this requirement does not apply to you.
In conclusion, the primary difference in towing an 8.5-foot wide tiny home versus a 10-foot wide one in Idaho is the requirement for an oversize permit for the latter. Always remember to check local laws and regulations before setting off on your journey, as they can vary from state to state. Safe travels and enjoy your tiny home adventure!
