We’ve been scouring the web for leads on a heavy duty equipment trailer since about the middle of December (2015). Let me tell you there are no lack of options, but just like making any well thought consumer decision, it can be challenging.

Starting in January, I had a string of correspondence with a guy I found on craigslist who builds custom trailers out of his backyard shop south of Portland. Understandably I had some hesitation about going this route, but it had its advantages too.

One of the challenges that we are facing is that we are going to be building on skids. The idea is that eventually we can pull the house off of the trailer and place it in its permanent home. To do that, we need the floor joists to clear the tires. Most dealer sold equipment trailers don’t accommodate that specific need. They are either too high, or there is not enough clearance from the decking to the top of the fender or wheel well.

So this morning at 7am we rented a U Haul truck and started the 4 and a half hour drive to Molalla, Oregon. Feeling like I needed to have my wits about me for the return trip, Amy made the drive down. And, to say we are inexperienced at driving with a trailer would be an understatement. I’ve driven a 200lb boat trailer a few times, but thats the extent of it.

On top of the idea that we are supporting a (somewhat) local small business, our entire experience with MS Metal Works went over without a hitch. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) And luckily there was in fact a hitch. Mike was finishing up wiring the trailer when we arrived, and entertained all of our questions while he deftly spliced wires and got us all squared away.

With only a few hiccups we arrived back in Port Townsend by about 8pm, and parked it out in front of the School of Woodworking. Drained but somewhat giddy, we’re going to bed knowing that this is really where it all starts.