What is involved in moving a mobile home? How big a truck is required, can anyone do it? Are there legal issues with towing a mobile home (I'm in Eastern Iowa)? Any idea how much it'd cost if I hired it? What should I look for on in a mobile home if I am sure that I will move it as soon as I own it?
2007-03-06 18:45:40 · 19 answers · asked by Bimmer 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
With all due respect, and in noting one other answer about what "Suc**" certainly there are issues.
It should be accomplished by professionas first of all, not some guy down the road that happens to own a new super duty pickup.
Whats involved in the process is to first determine what the mobile sits on. If it happens to be a slab, then the job will be easier for any movers, and slightly less expensive for you. If it's on pier blocks on soil then it may have settled some, and any skirting or landscaping will have to be removed in any case.
Very likely, and depending on the age of the unit, it will need new wheels/tires. I'll assume that the pro will check the condition of the frame/chassis/ and the axle/axles for any degraded issues.
The mobile would be "jacked up" very likely, to add the new wheels. If in fact the mobile still has the TOW apparatus on it, that will have to be checked as well, for strength issues.
A decent pro will advise on permits etc. and you may have to do the leg work, even into multiple townships or counties. It may be that what's either included or added in the expense will be front vehicle and follow vehicle for "WIDE LOAD"
I live in Florida, and here it can run as high as $3000 even for a not too distant move. BTW that would be a single wide. Anything beyond a single wide may increase in cost, and compare to the designation of the mobile, IE: Double Wide/Triple Wide. Your best first step would be to connect with valid Mobile sales orgs.
I admit that moving will likely cause some structural issues. It is after all a box and minor framework, although moving a regular house does the same, in that repairs are usually needed after the fact. The problem with a mobile is in its construction, and usually of lesser materials than a frame or block house.
Now, and still with all due respect. Here in FL, as well as other places, I do and have lived in Mobiles. I've even seen them advertised FREE or CHEAP, "must be moved". Most often they are OLD, and perhaps even if in decent shape, the owner wants it moved to clear the property for another, or to actually "build" on. Also without knowing where you want a mobile moved to,,,Park or Own land, I'd be looking at new or newest and from a place that sells them delivered and set up. They already have the ways and means, plus the warrantee.
Finally. I currently live in one I'm trying to sell. I want to distance myself from a mobile as soon as I can, and I'm in a toasty warm state. Obviously Mobiles are less expensive initially, and the newer ones of some quality as compared to anything older than mid 90's, but they have drawbacks too. Insurance, mortgaging, insulation properties, often inferior roofing. far too much MDF used, less than 2 x 4 stud work, thinner than 1/2 inch drywall if any exists at all, etc. etc.
I also get it though with the thought of actually getting a place to live in for free or cheap, and certainly as that answer said all the utilities have to be considered, then taxes etc.
Personally I wouldn't do it, but I don't know any of your personal details. I wish you well.
Steven Wolf
2007-03-06 23:47:20 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 7⤊ 3⤋
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2016-12-25 23:51:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-08-15 10:11:22 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought and moved a mobile home in TX back in 1993. The first thing to check is if it still has the axles and tires. If it doesn't there will be a rental charge from the mover. Does it still have the tongue and tow hitch? Companies that move mobile homes are licensed and regulated. You can't do it yourself.
Whoever you contract should give a list to prepare for the move. I'll give you some highlights.
Take down any ceiling fans.
Tape or tie all the cabinet doors shut.
Remove any small items that may be in the house.
Make sure you have requested a utility shut-off and final reading on any meters. The movers should disconnect the hook-ups.
If it has a shingled roof, tack a long board on the edge of the roof on the end where the tow hitch is. This will help prevent damage to the roof from wind getting under the shingles.
While you're looking for a mobile home to buy:
Check the frame underneath. It shouldn't be to rusty.
Look at all the ceilings for stains, signs of roof leaks.
Look down the length of the home from the outside. It should be fairly straight.
Look to see if the roof is sagging or buckling.
Walk on every inch of the floors. Check for any spots that feel weak or spongy.
Look under the sinks, under the tub and around the water heater. Look for stains, warped boards and any other signs of water leaks.
Once it's moved you have all your utility hook-ups to deal with. Electric, water, sewer, gas etc. You may or may not be able to do some or all of these yourself. I did my own water, sewer and gas, and contracted the electric and AC hook-up.
The one I bought had been set up on jack stands. The tie downs and anchors were old and needed to be replaced. I had it put on concrete blocks, and bought all new anchors and tie downs. It got moved about 100 miles. By the time all was done, I spent about $3000.
2007-03-07 02:27:22 · answer #4 · answered by bugs280 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the home and the location. Pre 1973 homes are on the weak side but after that HUD took over the oversight and the manufactured homes are built to a more stringent standard than a stick built home. Not the flimsy box that some have stated. I have moved 16x 80's with a one ton pickup not something I would do continuously but it will do it. if you do not have to cross or use any state hi ways I would contact the local jurisdiction and see what they require. In minesota for anything over 10 feet wide you need a lead and chase vehical and 1 million dollar liability. You can most likely handle most of the prep work accept for the A/C unless you have the equipment.And it is leagal for you to do your own set up as long as you follow the setup manual for your home. The anchors can be screwed in by hand. Plumbing and electric have to be to code. For many years the toungs have been bolted on if yours is older the toung may have been cut off and a new one will either have to be bolted or welded on.
2007-03-08 01:15:24 · answer #5 · answered by oreos40 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have some experience in mobile homes, have had a new double wide set up by supposed pro's and purchased a used one that my husband set. Even though they did not do a great job, I suggest hiring a mobile home mover. It is a tremendous amount of work. Steven is right about checking axles, the tongue, etc.
Be wary if the deal sounds too good to be true, in some areas really old mobiles cannot be set up anymore - I think if built before 1976, they did not conform to HUD standards.
2007-03-06 23:58:05 · answer #6 · answered by Pandora 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have moved one myself, it is a pain in the rear, but doing it yourself can save a lot of money. First of all we did have to hire a trucking co. to hook onto and move the home, but we did all the prep and set up ourself.
The trucking co should be responsible for any trip permits or over sized load permits that may be required.
When we moved ours, we first removed all of our belongings out of the home.then we:
1. disconnected the electricity and removed the power lines running into the house.
2. removed the skirting.
3. jack it up and remove the blocks or whatever it is sitting on.
4. disconnected the water and sewer line.
5. checked and fixed all tires. Some times the axles are removed before the skirting is put on so you may need to buy,rent or borrow these.
6. removed all structures attached to the house. porches or decks
6. cleared the runway....remove any item that may be in the way of the mobile homes path to the road.
7. move and reset up your home!!
The cost of moving it will mostly be the trucking expense and the permits that are required( most trucking co. will include that in there final bill) and as far as who can move it, you need a truck that can legally tow the weight of your mobile home and only big rigs will meet this requirement. Good Luck!!
2007-03-07 08:37:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
i live in a mobile home in michigan, and it sucks, if you move one its bound to have cracks in the ceilings and walls after you move it. unless you own the property youll be paying lot rent plus your house payment, some mobile home parks will pay for you to move in there park.you have to hook up sewer, water cable ect. so it may be a week or so before you can move in. i hope i helped you.
2007-03-06 18:56:51 · answer #8 · answered by sally o 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Had one moved twice. First move was fantastic. We hired a mover with a flat front cab small but powerful truck...He was so good at the hook up and hitch and move that to get our money's worth-he put the home in the site then did it again! We did have to tape doors shut and tape over windows and do the teardown...
Second time: Goodbye my home...
2007-03-07 00:39:20 · answer #9 · answered by Patches6 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it takes a 5 tone diesel truck to move a mobile home they are pretty heavy and utilities need be disconnected and it cost a lot to move it
2013-11-07 15:56:02 · answer #10 · answered by Sportaman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋