AL-KO VT supports sustainable living in the Tiny House
For many years, Paul Lawford dreamed of owning his own home. When the coronavirus pandemic arrived in 2020, he decided it was time for a change. The event manager from Ireland sold his belongings, quit his job and built himself a Tiny House on wheels. AL-KO VT is by his side – and by the side of other individual-living enthusiasts – on their journey to a new, more contented life.
Facts about collaborating with Paul Lawford
- Paul Lawford helps people realise their dream of owning a home.
- The chassis from AL-KO VT provide stable and durable Tiny Houses.
- Benefits: modular design, precision manufacturing, low build height and high stability
The journey to your own Tiny House
2020 marked the start of a new life for Paul Lawford – although not as he had originally planned. For a long time, the event manager from Dublin had worked towards his dream of owning his own home. However, when the coronavirus pandemic struck, everything changed for Paul: he was no longer willing to take on large debts and spend decades repaying them in order to achieve this dream. Instead, he radically changed his life. Like in many places, Ireland is experiencing a severe housing shortage: high property prices and a lack of social housing make it difficult for many to buy their own home.
Paul took matters into his own hands and opted for a sustainable alternative to the overburdened housing market: a self-built Tiny House. Living on wheels requires a stable foundation – in other words, a suitable chassis. Paul took his time choosing the right solution. He tested numerous manufacturers in Ireland, but found that none of them offered a financially or technically suitable solution for his needs.
Through a personal recommendation, Paul became aware of AL-KO VT. The chassis from the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group are the first choice for many Tiny House manufacturers. The reason: they feature a modular frame concept, allowing for different body lengths and customised layouts. The hot-dip galvanised chassis components also ensure reliable corrosion protection. Because the chassis is produced with such precise tolerances, the construction can be pre-built exactly to fit.
Stable chassis for the Tiny House
"When it came to the chassis – the foundation for my Tiny House – I didn’t want to make any compromises. That’s why I chose AL-KO VT. Delivery time and costs were considerably better than with the competition. And AL-KO VT is highly trusted in the sector," says Paul Lawford. The AL-KO chassis, both the low loader and high loader versions, offer distinct benefits thanks to their modular construction and precise manufacturing. Particularly noteworthy are the low build height and the high stability of the low loader chassis. These enable optimal use of space and a high level of safety. The chassis can be individually adapted in 600-mm increments. Thanks to these precise dimensions, Paul was able to construct the Tiny House even before the trailer’s arrival.
Stable transport thanks to high-quality accessories
Mobility was also very important to Paul. The high-quality AL-KO VT axles and suspension system ensure an even weight distribution and, consequently, safe and stable transport. Additionally, AL-KO VT offers accessories such as precisely matched heavy-duty support legs, which securely stabilise the Tiny House and prevent unwanted movement. The hexagonal rubber suspension axles also provide impressive ride comfort. The lighting systems and towbars are also of high quality and therefore contribute to safety while on the road. This also applies to the anti-sway coupling AKS, which can be installed on request.
For his first Tiny House build, Paul was also keen on fast delivery, at a time when the world had almost come to a standstill. The time from ordering the trailer to its arrival was short compared to competitors – just three months, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Working with AL-KO VT is based on high quality and reliability, which are crucial for constructing and transporting Tiny Houses. AL-KO VT offers decades of experience in manufacturing high-quality running gear components for trailers, along with intelligent manufacturing concepts, providing the best foundation for high standards and longevity. The result: well thought-out product solutions down to the finest detail.
A sustainable future with AL-KO VT
After his own positive experience with a Tiny House, Paul decided to share his knowledge and bring this sustainable and cost-effective alternative home ownership closer to other interested parties. This is why he founded his coaching business Small Change, through which he offers workshops at the only eco village in Ireland for people who want to turn their dream of living in their own Tiny House into reality. "Now that I have learned first-hand how wonderful Tiny House living can be, I'm looking forward to passing on my experience in personal courses," says Paul Lawford.
With his approach, Paul wants not only to help people live more sustainably, but also to offer an alternative to the increasingly unaffordable housing options in Ireland. And we at AL-KO VT are delighted to support Paul on this journey.
"Quality and individuality are very important to us. The diversity and durability of our chassis ensure that we can meet our customers’ individual requirements. We are pleased to have accompanied Paul Lawford on his journey since 2020," says Paul Phillips, Commercial Manager at AL-KO VT in Ireland.
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