I use two types of LED lights in my home, the 9-LED "amber" lights and the 30-LED white "task" lights. The amber lights above the desk and in the loft I got on clearance from Lowe's. The task lights everywhere else I got from a midwest chain called "Menards." Both types were sold as 120v AC, but I noticed that the units themselves were 12v DC and that the transformer was in the plug, so I just cut the plug off and wired it up directly to the DC wiring.
If you want to buy one like this already built, Tumbleweed sells them for around $50,000. If you want to buy the plans and build it yourself, Tumbleweed says you should expect to spend about half that - but months of labor. It's possible to get away with spending much less, but you'd have to put a lot of research into your sources.
Super nice! I like the idea of these houses. I'm actually thinking about getting a vintage Spartan mobile and gutting it to make a more bright modern interior. I think the pine wood really makes it look nice, bright and spacious inside.
Jonathan, I was wondering, did you pay tumbleweed tiny house co. for this? or did you just buy the plans. I REALLY want to build one of these houses but, I just feel that 45 grand is just far too much for me. Also, do you get enough solar to power your entire home? I was worried that one would not have enough power to do so :/ hope to hear from you real soon. Thanks
I'm building this myself with Tumbleweed-bought plans. The house isn't even finished - the video was a progress report for my friends. There's a lot left to do!
I only have 3 15-watt panels I got from Harbor Freight for $200. They made MORE than enough power for the lights in summer, but I hooked up the pump and fridge just as winter hit, so I need to charge off of the grid every few days. Michigan winters are notoriously overcast. Don't know how much of a difference summer sun will make.
Thanks! Unfortunately, the fan only runs on AC power, not DC, but as long as I'm plugged in, it should work. I think it helps make it look more like a "home," personally.
@JonathanBellows You can get a DC fan @ Backwoods Solar, I am thinking about building one of these myself and am researching products. How much did your construction run If you do not mind saying?
Tumbleweed says on their site that you can build one yourself for around $24k. Now, I was able to build mine for less than that, but that was still the budget with which I worked and I was prepared to spend that much before starting out. Had I not been prepared for that, I think I would have been in over my head and felt the need to cut too many corners. $24k is a decent number to budget.
The plan is to live there full time, yes. I'd want to either keep it moving or park it on my own land, though. If you're going to build one for a mobile park, you're going to want to check the local building codes to make sure they'll allow it.
I'm building the same one
HariVIyer 2 months ago
That is really cool.
younitehumanity 1 year ago
Where did you get the LED lights from?
sorcerero69 1 year ago
@sorcerero69
I use two types of LED lights in my home, the 9-LED "amber" lights and the 30-LED white "task" lights. The amber lights above the desk and in the loft I got on clearance from Lowe's. The task lights everywhere else I got from a midwest chain called "Menards." Both types were sold as 120v AC, but I noticed that the units themselves were 12v DC and that the transformer was in the plug, so I just cut the plug off and wired it up directly to the DC wiring.
JonathanBellows 1 year ago
could you tell me how much that house costs
mindround 1 year ago
@mindround
If you want to buy one like this already built, Tumbleweed sells them for around $50,000. If you want to buy the plans and build it yourself, Tumbleweed says you should expect to spend about half that - but months of labor. It's possible to get away with spending much less, but you'd have to put a lot of research into your sources.
JonathanBellows 1 year ago
great joB! is there another update to this? i want one too!!! :(
faheemthedream2007 1 year ago
Super nice! I like the idea of these houses. I'm actually thinking about getting a vintage Spartan mobile and gutting it to make a more bright modern interior. I think the pine wood really makes it look nice, bright and spacious inside.
PDXMILO 1 year ago
Jonathan, I was wondering, did you pay tumbleweed tiny house co. for this? or did you just buy the plans. I REALLY want to build one of these houses but, I just feel that 45 grand is just far too much for me. Also, do you get enough solar to power your entire home? I was worried that one would not have enough power to do so :/ hope to hear from you real soon. Thanks
Jeff
scaredelectric 2 years ago
I'm building this myself with Tumbleweed-bought plans. The house isn't even finished - the video was a progress report for my friends. There's a lot left to do!
I only have 3 15-watt panels I got from Harbor Freight for $200. They made MORE than enough power for the lights in summer, but I hooked up the pump and fridge just as winter hit, so I need to charge off of the grid every few days. Michigan winters are notoriously overcast. Don't know how much of a difference summer sun will make.
JonathanBellows 2 years ago
Saw the name from tubleweed co. Seems cool~``
Pleasantly suprised seeing fan installed there... good idea~`
looking forward to its completion.
duhelix 2 years ago
@duhelix
Thanks! Unfortunately, the fan only runs on AC power, not DC, but as long as I'm plugged in, it should work. I think it helps make it look more like a "home," personally.
JonathanBellows 2 years ago
Hi Jonthan, heard that there might be some DC-AC converters, if full time on road desired...
Co-waiting for the final picture. :)
duhelix 2 years ago
@JonathanBellows You can get a DC fan @ Backwoods Solar, I am thinking about building one of these myself and am researching products. How much did your construction run If you do not mind saying?
Chonciceptor 1 year ago
@Chonciceptor
Tumbleweed says on their site that you can build one yourself for around $24k. Now, I was able to build mine for less than that, but that was still the budget with which I worked and I was prepared to spend that much before starting out. Had I not been prepared for that, I think I would have been in over my head and felt the need to cut too many corners. $24k is a decent number to budget.
JonathanBellows 1 year ago
Nice work. Will you be living in it full time.
I have a studio apartment in Cali. And I was thinking about building one and living in a mobile park instead.
Eaglesfaninca 2 years ago
@Eaglesfaninca
The plan is to live there full time, yes. I'd want to either keep it moving or park it on my own land, though. If you're going to build one for a mobile park, you're going to want to check the local building codes to make sure they'll allow it.
JonathanBellows 2 years ago