Road‑Legal Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)
A concise guide to a Victorian‑typical, road‑legal THOW—covering core features, living benefits, and key compliance points to check before you buy, build, or site a home.
In Victoria, most Tiny Houses on Wheels are treated as caravans/light trailers. When they meet the vehicle standards for trailers (≤4.5 t ATM), they can be registered and towed, giving you flexibility to move, store and site your tiny home—subject to property rules, council local laws, and owner permissions.
What a typical Victorian THOW includes
Road‑legal footprint
Designed to stay within the mainstream envelope for light trailers (up to 2.5 m wide and 4.3 m high) so you can register and tow with a suitable vehicle.
Insulated, durable build
Timber or light‑gauge steel framing with high‑performance insulation, weather‑resistant cladding, and double‑glazed windows for comfort across Victorian seasons.
Engineered trailer base
Braked multi‑axle trailer with VIN and compliance plates, rated to the home’s aggregate trailer mass (ATM), and balanced for safe towing.
Smart small‑space design
Open plan living/kitchen, combined bathroom, loft or ground‑floor bedroom options, built‑in storage, and space for laundry appliances.
Flexible utilities
Mains plug‑in or off‑grid ready (12/24 V systems, solar + battery, gas hot water/cooking, composting or flushing toilet, greywater management).
Compliance‑ready
Designed so the trailer can be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and registered in Victoria when requirements are met.
Why a THOW suits Victorian living
Mobility & flexibility
Relocate seasonally, store between sites, or reposition for renovations. A registered light trailer can be moved without building permits for transport.
Lower ongoing costs
Reduced footprint can mean lower energy use and fewer materials to maintain. Off‑grid setups can further reduce utility bills.
Speed to occupy
Compared with conventional builds, a THOW can be manufactured off‑site, delivered, and made habitable quickly (subject to siting permissions).
Siting options
Where permitted by council local laws or private park rules, THOWs can provide secondary accommodation, studio space, or temporary housing.
Typical Victorian THOW Specs
- Width: up to 2.5 m (including awnings/guards)
- Height: up to 4.3 m
- Trailer length: up to 12.5 m incl. drawbar
- Mass: light trailer (ATM) ≤ 4.5 t
- Braking: braked axles matched to ATM; breakaway where required
- Registration: RAV‑listed trailer + VicRoads registration (when eligible)
Figures reflect mainstream trailer limits, not a design mandate. Verify your exact design with your builder/engineer and current Victorian rules.
Key Victorian compliance points
Mass & dimensions
Design within limits commonly applied across Australia: width up to 2.5 m, height up to 4.3 m, trailer length up to 12.5 m (including drawbar), and comply with overhang rules.
Brakes & roadworthiness
Provide compliant braking matched to ATM (e.g., electric/hydraulic with breakaway as required), road‑worthy running gear, lighting, and safety chains/couplings.
RAV & registration
Under the federal RVS Act, new trailers generally need to be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) before first registration. In Victoria, eligible trailers are then registered via VicRoads.
Siting & local laws
Where you may live or site a THOW depends on council local laws and property permissions. Always seek written confirmation from the relevant authority.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Regulations and standards change; check current VicRoads/Transport Victoria guidance and applicable ADRs/VSB1 before committing.
Common questions
What vehicle do I need to tow a THOW?
Match your tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity and tow‑ball download to the trailer’s ATM and ball load. Stay within the lowest relevant rating.
Do I need a special licence?
Most passenger‑vehicle licences allow towing a light trailer in Victoria, provided you stay within the combination limits and conditions. Driver responsibility and safe loading still apply.
Can I live in a THOW on private land?
Possibly. Councils regulate use and time limits for caravans on private land. Contact the relevant council to confirm what is permitted on a specific property.