Can you move a shed on a trailer?

Moving a shed with a trailer is certainly possible for most standard sized sheds if planned and executed properly. When moving a shed on a trailer, there are several key factors to consider such as the shed size and weight, trailer size and weight capacity, permits required, and proper load securement. With ample preparation and safety precautions, relocating a shed via trailer can be done safely and effectively.

Is it possible to move a shed on a trailer?

Yes, it is possible to move most standard sized sheds on a trailer if some basic parameters are met. Small to mid-sized sheds up to about 12′ x 20′ can generally be moved on a standard utility trailer or car trailer with a sufficiently high weight capacity and proper tie downs. Larger sheds may require equipment trailers or commercial moving trailers. The main factors when determining if a shed can be moved on a particular trailer are:

• Shed size and weight – Standard utility trailers can typically accommodate sheds up to about 12′ x 20′ and 8,000 lbs total weight. Larger or heavier sheds may require a bigger trailer.
• Trailer size and capacity – The trailer must be large enough to fully fit the shed and have a weight capacity that exceeds the total load weight.
• Tie downs – The shed must be firmly secured to the trailer at multiple points to prevent shifting during transport.
• Load distribution – The shed should be centered and balanced on the trailer to allow for proper weight distribution on the axles.

As long as the shed is within the trailer’s limits and thoroughly tied down, moving a shed with a properly equipped trailer is often perfectly feasible.

What type of trailer do you need to move a shed?

The type of trailer required to move a shed depends on the shed’s size and weight:

• Small utility trailer – A 5×8 foot utility trailer may work for very small sheds up to about 8×8 feet and a few thousand pounds. Ensure the trailer is rated for the load.
• Larger utility trailer – A 12 to 16 foot utility trailer with tandem or triple axles can accommodate medium sheds up to about 12×16 feet. Look for at least 7,000 lb capacity.
• Equipment trailer – For larger sheds, a 20+ foot deckover, flatbed, or tilt trailer will be needed, with 10,000+ lb capacity.
• Commercial moving trailer – The largest sheds may require a professional moving trailer or semi-trailer and commercial mover.

Always make sure the trailer has a higher weight capacity than the total weight of the shed, equipment, and cargo inside. The trailer must also have enough deck space to fully fit the length and width of the shed.

Trailer Types

Here are some of the most common trailer types used for moving sheds:

Trailer Type	Description
Utility trailer	Light duty trailer with single or tandem axles, for small to medium loads
Equipment trailer	Heavier flatbed or deckover trailer for bulky loads
Tilt trailer	Allows tilting the deck to load equipment
Gooseneck trailer	Heavy hauler trailer with gooseneck hitch
Moving trailer	Long, enclosed trailers for household moves

Is a permit required to move a shed on a trailer?

In most cases, permits will be required to move a shed on a trailer on public roads due to the large size. Common permits include:

• Oversized load – Needed if shed exceeds road width limits. Requires certified pilot car in some states.
• Highway use – May be required for interstate transport for large sheds.
• Local municipal – Local permits may be needed for street use and parking.

Always check your state and local regulations. Generally sheds under 12′ wide may not require permits for local moves, but wider loads will need oversight. Permits help ensure safe transport for oversized shed loads.

Permit Tips

• Apply for permits several weeks in advance of the move date.
• Have details like shed dimensions, trailer specs, and planned route.
• Follow all conditions such as time-of-day restrictions.
• Display any required signage or flags on the shed/trailer.
• Keep the permit documentation accessible during transport.

How do you prepare a shed for moving on a trailer?

To safely and successfully move a shed on a trailer, proper preparation is crucial:

1. Clear the shed – Remove all contents and belongings so just the shed structure remains.
2. Inspect the shed – Check for any damage or defects; repair if needed.
3. Stabilize loose parts – Secure any loose decking, siding, or trim with screws or nails.
4. Disconnect utilities – If connected, disconnect any electrical, plumbing or other links.
5. Prep the site – Clear a path from the shed to the trailer staging area.

Taking these steps ensures the shed is ready for transport and minimizes risk of issues during the move.

Shed Preparation Checklist

• Remove all contents and debris
• Check for damage and make repairs
• Secure loose structural parts
• Turn off power and disconnect fixtures
• Prep trailer staging area
• Gather tools – wrenches, hammer, pry bar, etc.

How do you load a shed onto a trailer?

When loading a shed onto a trailer, proper techniques and equipment are vital for safety and success:

1. Position trailer – Park trailer in staging area with ramps/gates ready.
2. Lift the shed – Raise shed and place on dollies or rolling jacks.
3. Move to trailer – Carefully roll shed up ramps/into trailer.
4. Center the load – Ensure shed is balanced over the trailer axles.
5. Secure the shed – Use ratchet straps, chains, and anchors to tie down.

Having helpers, ramps, dollies, and winches can make the process much easier. Go slow and be cautious when rolling the shed into position.

Equipment for Loading

• Trailer ramps or gate lift
• Dollies or rolling jacks for the shed
• Winches and pulleys
• Ratchet straps, chains, and anchors
• Bridge planks or tracks
• Pry bars and shovels

How do you secure a shed to a trailer?

Properly securing the shed to the trailer is critical. Some key points include:

• Use anchor points – Attach straps/chains to hard points on trailer and shed frame.
• Diagonal directions – Tie down in multiple diagonal directions for stability.
• No loose items – Ensure everything is tightly secured.
• Load locks – Use blocks, wedges or barriers to prevent sliding.
• Check often – Recheck tiedowns frequently en route.

A combination of heavy ratchet straps, chains, and steel anchors provides the most robust system for keeping the shed from shifting during transport.

Securing Tips

• Use a minimum of 4-6 tie points
• Rate straps for at least double the load weight
• Secure the corners most thoroughly
• Masking tape windows and doors
• Redundant tying with chains and straps

What are important safety tips?

Safety should be the top priority when moving any shed. Some key safety tips include:

• Use spotters – Have people help guide the shed placement
• No riders – Prohibit any riders inside or on the shed during transport
• Vehicle safety – Ensure the tow vehicle is rated for the load
• Inspect route – Drive the route beforehand looking for hazards
• Permits – Obtain any needed permits and follow requirements
• Speed limits – Maintain safe speeds while trailering the load
• Added caution – Extra care on turns and braking

Taking prudent safety steps reduces the risks when moving a shed. Always put safety first.

Key Safety Tips

• Use helpers for loading/unloading
• Tie down the load thoroughly
• Clearly mark overhangs
• Verify legal trailer lighting
• Maintain safe speeds

What are some mistakes to avoid?

Some common mistakes that should be avoided when moving a shed include:

• Overloading the trailer – Exceeding weight capacities risks breakdowns or accidents.
• Inadequate tie-downs – Improperly secured sheds can dangerously shift during transport.
• Not getting permits – Moving oversized sheds without proper permits is illegal.
• Taking corners too quickly – Sheds can tip with sudden sharp turns.
• Following other vehicles closely – Extra stopping distance should be allowed.
• Ignoring low clearances – Ensure adequate clearance of overpasses and trees.
• Incorrect shed placement – Load sheds centered over the axles, not the hitch.

Being aware of these common mistakes will allow steps to be taken to avoid them.

Top Mistakes

1. Overloading the trailer
2. Poor tiedowns
3. No permits when required
4. Driving aggressively
5. Not checking clearances

What should you do after moving a shed?

Once a shed has been transported to its new location, finishing steps should include:

• Carefully unload using ramps or equipment.
• Detach from the trailer and reposition as needed.
• Anchor the shed securely in place.
• Reconnect any utilities like power or water.
• Remove any tape, blocks, or braces.
• Make any final adjustments or improvements.

Taking care of these final items ensures the shed is properly situated and restored to useable condition after the move.

Post-Move Checklist

• Safely unload the shed
• Anchor shed at new location
• Reconnect utilities as needed
• Remove ramps, dollies, straps
• Make repairs from any damage
• Modify as needed for site

Conclusion

Moving a shed with a trailer takes careful planning but can be executed with proper safety steps. Assessing shed size, acquiring permits, using adequate trailers, thoroughly securing the load, driving cautiously, and finishing setup at the new site are all key processes for successfully relocating a shed by trailer. While challenging, moving a shed over the road can definitely be done with the right approach and precautions.