We are planning on buying a new wheelchair accessible 2 section manufactured home and moving it onto farm property. Because the property has a high water table (about 5 feet from surface in extremely wet years), we can't dig a full basement. We would like to dig a shallow basement (crawlspace?) about 3-4 feet deep, so that the home can sit as low to the ground as possible. We would then grade the soil around the house, so we could use a slight ramp for entry, instead of a wheelchair lift. Does anyone have an idea on how we can supply access to the pipes, etc below? Would a bulk head work in one end, or could we cut a trap door in a closet or utility room inside. I am the one who would have to check on the pipes and I'm not keen on crawling through a small door on the outside as I am a plump, middle aged woman. Also, does anyone have ideas on how to keep pipes from freezing? I know about heat tape, but electricity in rural areas can go out in storms. Any other ideas about accessibility in manufactured homes will be appreciated.