AL-KO VT supports sustainable tiny house living
For many years, Paul Lawford dreamed of having a home of his own. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, he decided to make a change. The event manager from Ireland sold his belongings, left his job and built himself a tiny house on wheels. AL-KO VT is supporting him and other individualists in their journey towards a new, contented life.
Key facts about working with Paul Lawford
- Paul Lawford helps people realise their dream of owning their own home.
- Chassis from AL-KO VT ensure stable and long-lasting tiny houses.
- Advantages: modular construction, precise manufacturing, low build height and high stability.
The journey to your own tiny house
2020 was the start of a new chapter for Paul Lawford – but not in the way he had planned. The event manager from Dublin had spent a long time working towards owning his own home. But with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, everything changed for Paul: he was no longer willing to take on large debts to achieve this dream and then spend decades paying them off. Instead, he radically changed his life. In Ireland too, there is a severe housing shortage: high property prices and a lack of social housing make it difficult for many people to own a home.
Paul took matters into his own hands and opted for a sustainable alternative to the overstretched housing market: he built a tiny house himself. To live on wheels, you need a stable foundation – in other words, a suitable chassis. Paul spent a lot of time choosing the right solution. He tested many manufacturers in Ireland but concluded that, for him, their options were not suitable financially or technically.
A recommendation eventually brought Paul to AL-KO VT. Chassis from the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group are the first choice for many tiny house manufacturers. Why? They feature a modular frame concept that allows for different body lengths and customised configurations. Hot-dip galvanised chassis components deliver reliable corrosion protection. Since the dimensional accuracy of the chassis is so precise, the build can be prefabricated to size.
Stable chassis for the tiny house
“I didn’t want to compromise when it came to the chassis – the foundation of my tiny house. That’s why I chose AL-KO VT. Delivery times and price were clearly better than the competition. And AL-KO VT enjoys a high level of trust in the industry,” says Paul Lawford. AL-KO chassis – both the low-loader and the high-loader versions – offer significant advantages thanks to their modular design and precise manufacture. Particularly notable are the low overall height and high stability of the low-loader chassis. These enable optimum use of space and a high level of safety. The chassis can be customised in 600-mm increments. Thanks to this precise dimensioning, Paul was able to start building the tiny house even before the trailer arrived.
Reliable transport thanks to high-quality accessories
Mobility was also very important for Paul when it came to his tiny house. The high-quality AL-KO VT axles and suspension system ensure even weight distribution and thus stable, safe transport. In addition, AL-KO VT provides accessories such as precisely matched heavy-duty support legs, which securely fix the tiny house on the ground and prevent any unwanted movement. The hexagonal rubber suspension axles deliver the appropriate level of driving comfort. The lighting systems and towbars are also of a high standard and contribute to safety on the road. The same applies to the anti-sway coupling AKS, which can be fitted on request.
Fast delivery was also a key concern for Paul when building his first tiny house, particularly at a time when the world had almost ground to a halt. The lead time from ordering the trailer to its arrival was short despite the pandemic – just three months. Working with AL-KO VT guarantees high quality and reliability, which are critical for both building and transporting tiny houses. AL-KO VT provides decades of experience in the manufacture of high-quality chassis components for trailers and innovative manufacturing solutions, ensuring the highest standards and maximum durability. The result: meticulously designed product solutions in every detail.
A sustainable future with AL-KO VT
Following his own positive experience with a tiny house, Paul decided to share his knowledge and bring this sustainable and cost-effective home alternative to a wider audience. He founded his coaching business, Small Change, offering DIY courses in Ireland’s only Eco Village for people looking to make their dream of living in a tiny house come true. “Now that I’ve learned for myself how wonderful tiny house living is, I’m looking forward to sharing my experience in person in dedicated courses,” says Paul Lawford.
With his approach, Paul wants to help people not just to live more sustainably but also to offer an alternative to increasingly unaffordable housing in Ireland. And we at AL-KO VT are delighted to accompany Paul on this journey.
“Quality and individuality are very important to us. The variety and durability of our chassis mean we are able to fulfil our customers’ individual requirements. We are pleased to have supported Paul Lawford on his journey since 2020,” says Paul Phillips, Commercial Manager at AL-KO VT in Ireland.
Once you have signed up, you’ll receive exclusive information about products, new releases, special offers and much more direct to your inbox.