Trailer vs. Skid: Choosing Your Subframe

A comparison of the two sturdy types of chassis that we build on.

Pictured: Steel Skid Construction & Prep

When you order a prefab cabin or tiny home, the first big decision is what it will sit on. Each foundation structure has its own quirks when it comes to council approvals, transport costs, floor-plan options and even how the building feels inside. Below is a high‑level look at the two most popular foundations: the road‑registrable trailer and the steel skid.

1. Road‑Registrable Trailer - "Tiny House on Wheels"

What it is: A fully welded 2.5m wide chassis with wheels, axles and draw‑bar that meets the Australian Design Rules for caravans. It is built to road-registrable standards and is generally considered a caravan so it can be registered and towed on public roads.

Pros	Why it matters
Generally exempt from building approval	Most councils treat a compliant trailer-built cabin as a caravan, so you avoid lengthy development applications. This can sometimes vary from council to council, so it's still worth double-checking.
Genuine road mobility	Hook up a ute or 4 x 4 and move the cabin like any other caravan. Handy if you lease land, rotate farm‑stay sites or want to be mobile.
Streamlined delivery	The cabin is towed straight to site without the need to load or unload from a truck.

Cons	Why it matters
2.5 m width limit	Floor‑plans must fit inside a 2.5 m-wide envelope, which can feel narrow for larger kitchens, lounges or king beds. Length can extend up to 10m.
Wheels stay on	Although you can cover the wheels, they remain exposed to UV and require occasional tyre checks if you plan to move the cabin.

2. Steel Skid Foundation

What it is: A heavy‑duty, flat steel chassis with temporary wheels, axles and draw‑bar for short-distance handling. The skid is built up to 3.5 metres wide, allowing more flexibility with floor-plans and generous internal space.

Pros	Why it matters
Up to 3.5 m wide	Wider rooms, open plan layouts, larger bathrooms and a more spacious feel.
Flexible floor‑plans	The extra width means fewer hallway pinch points and better furniture placement.
Semi‑permanent look	Once fixed to its steel stumps and with the running gear uninstalled, the cabin sits like a small house, not a caravan.

Cons	Why it matters
Needs transport equipment	The cabin arrives on a flatbed truck. A small tractor or telehandler supplied by the carrier unloads and positions it on site.
Council approval subject to local considerations	Because it is not registerable as a caravan, the council approval element is more of an unknown. We suggest checking local council regulations or checking in with an expert town planner.

Ground fixing

After placement, LevelMaster steel stumps are bolted to the underside of the skid and onto pre‑poured concrete footings. The wheels, axles and draw‑bar can then come off, leaving a low‑maintenance cabin that can still be re‑levelled whenever needed using the adjustment mechanism on the LevelMaster stumps.

3. Quick Comparison

Feature	Trailer Foundation	Steel Skid Foundation
Typical width	Up to 2.5 m	Up to 3.5 m
Length	Up to 10m	Up to 10m
Council pathway	Often DA‑exempt	Treated as moveable dwelling, varies council to council
Transport method	Towed like a caravan	Trucked in, unloaded by supplied tractor
Interior feel	Cosy, narrow‑body layouts	Full‑width rooms, more layout options
Long‑term stance	Wheels stay on, skirting recommended	Wheels removed, house‑like appearance
Ideal for	Nomadic owners, tight access, minimal paperwork	Anyone turned off by tiny house narrowness, spacious farm‑stays, design‑driven projects, long-term living

4. Which One Should You Choose?

Pick a road‑registrable trailer if you:

• Need true mobility or plan to relocate often

• Want the simplest approval path

• Are happy with compact floor‑plans

Pick a steel skid if you:

• Prefer wider rooms and more generous proportions

• Intend the cabin to feel semi‑permanent

• Don’t mind evaluating local building permissions and a slightly higher delivery cost

Next Steps

Choosing the right foundation sets the tone for the whole project. Whether you value mobility or room to move inside, both options deliver a comfortable, stylish cabin that pays its way as a holiday rental or private retreat. Give us a call or submit our Contact Form to ask us a question or get your project started.