Preparing the Trailer and Me

Preparing the trailer, although difficult, was far easier than preparing myself. When constructing something out in the open there are so many uncontrollable issues with weather, possible tool theft, distractions, critters, insects, water damage, etc. But hey, it was my idea to do it in the natural world.

The learning curve with tools I’ve never used before like compound mitre saws, circular and Skilsaws, drills, building principles, etc. took several weeks of research and will certainly involve lots of trial and error. One builder friend, helping me overcome my lifelong fear of construction accidents gave me a wonderful lesson on construction safety and encouraged me to get in there and just start. (Kind of like the Nike ad, “Just do it!”)

Once I started, it was fun, I couldn’t stop. Now I know what Deek meant; its like a fever, this building, reclaiming, creative process. I’ve reclaimed resources for making art and now, a tiny house.

The tiny house build has been slow as this has been the wettest summer in New England in 30 years. This weather plus the heat-waves of 100 degrees between storms has limited me to a few 3-hour sessions of building, but I am up and at ’em whenever I can.

Trailer Preparation:

1. Remove all the boards, shorten for enclosed rear deck.


2. Reinstall only half of them to conserve weight. (Note I numbered and marked their position so I could match up the threaded screw holes when reinstalling to the struts)


3.  Install jacks and balance trailer, add 2×8 support framing


3. Remove front corner lights and electrical box to accommodate additional bolted bolsters and front structure.


4. Bolt flashed 2×8’s to trailer base


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