Moving a double-wide mobile home is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. These large manufactured homes are typically 20-36 feet wide and 32-80 feet long, consisting of two separate halves that need to be transported individually. Expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for a full-service move of a double-wide mobile home up to 60 miles.
The transport involves specialized equipment and expertise to ensure the home arrives safely at its new location. Each half of the double-wide travels on its own wheels and chassis, often requiring separate permits and potentially different routes depending on local regulations. Professional movers handle the disconnection of utilities, separation of the two halves, and secure preparation for the journey.
Upon arrival at the new site, the process of reassembling the home begins. This includes aligning and connecting the two halves, reconnecting utilities, and ensuring the home meets local zoning requirements. Proper setup is crucial for the structural integrity and comfort of the mobile home in its new location.
Understanding Mobile Homes
Mobile homes come in various sizes and configurations, built to specific standards. They offer affordable housing options with unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional site-built homes.
Types of Mobile Homes
Single-wide mobile homes typically measure 66 to 90 feet long and 14 to 18 feet wide. They provide 750 to 1,050 square feet of living space. These homes are transported as a single unit.
Double-wide mobile homes are larger, ranging from 20 to 36 feet in width and 32 to 80 feet in length. They offer more spacious interiors, often resembling traditional houses. Double-wides are transported in two separate halves.
Triple-wide mobile homes consist of three sections, providing even more space. They are less common but offer the most room for larger families or those desiring extra living areas.
Manufactured Housing Standards
All mobile homes built after June 15, 1976, must comply with HUD codes. These federal building standards ensure safety, durability, and quality in manufactured homes.
HUD codes regulate construction, strength, transportability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. They cover aspects like electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and structural design.
Manufactured homes are built in controlled factory environments. This process allows for consistent quality and efficient production. Regular inspections during manufacturing ensure adherence to HUD standards.
Mobile homes differ from site-built homes in their construction process and portability. However, modern manufactured homes can offer comparable quality and amenities to traditional houses.
Planning Your Move
Careful planning is essential when transporting a double wide mobile home. The process involves multiple steps and considerations to ensure a smooth relocation.
Determining Your Needs
Assess the specifics of your double wide mobile home before planning the move. Measure the dimensions and weight of each section. These details are crucial for obtaining accurate quotes and necessary permits.
Check the condition of your home’s structure. Reinforce weak areas to prevent damage during transit. Identify any attached fixtures or additions that may need special handling.
Consider the distance of the move. Long-distance relocations require more extensive planning and resources than local moves.
Choosing the Right Time to Move
Select a moving date that aligns with favorable weather conditions. Avoid seasons prone to severe weather in your area. Spring and fall often offer milder conditions ideal for transporting mobile homes.
Book your move well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons. This ensures availability of reputable movers and potentially lower rates.
Plan for potential delays due to permit processing times or unforeseen circumstances. Build a buffer into your schedule to accommodate these possibilities.
Cost Factors
The cost to move a double wide mobile home varies widely based on several factors. Distance is a primary determinant, with long-distance moves costing significantly more than local relocations.
Size and weight of the home impact transportation costs. Larger homes require more resources and specialized equipment, increasing the overall expense.
Additional services like disconnection, reconnection, and setup add to the total cost. Obtain itemized quotes from multiple movers to compare prices accurately.
Permit fees and potential escort requirements contribute to moving costs. Research local regulations to budget for these expenses.
Typical costs for moving a double wide mobile home range from $5,000 to $13,000, depending on distance and services required.
Logistics of Mobile Home Moving
Moving a double-wide mobile home involves complex logistics, including permits, regulations, and transportation procedures. Proper planning and coordination are essential for a successful relocation.
Permits and Compliance
Obtaining the necessary permits is crucial before transporting a double-wide mobile home. Most states require specific moving permits, which can be acquired from the Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Transportation. These permits often have time limits and restrictions on travel days and hours.
Inspections are typically mandatory to ensure the mobile home meets safety standards for transportation. This may include checking the structural integrity, securing loose items, and verifying proper attachment to the transport vehicle.
Some areas require additional permits for oversized loads. Double-wide homes often fall into this category due to their width, necessitating special route planning and escort vehicles.
Navigating Local Regulations and Zoning
Local regulations and zoning laws play a significant role in mobile home relocation. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules governing the placement and transportation of manufactured homes.
Zoning ordinances may restrict where mobile homes can be placed. Some areas have designated mobile home parks, while others allow placement on private property with specific conditions.
It’s essential to research and comply with both the origin and destination location’s regulations. This includes setback requirements, utility connections, and foundation specifications.
Many localities require site plans and inspections before allowing a mobile home to be placed. Working with local authorities early in the planning process can help avoid delays and complications.
Transportation Options and Procedures
Transporting a double-wide mobile home typically involves using specialized trucks and trailers. The home is usually split into two sections for transport and reassembled at the destination.
Professional mobile home movers use hydraulic systems to lift and load each section onto a trailer. Proper securing techniques, including straps and braces, are essential to prevent damage during transit.
Escort vehicles are often required for double-wide transports. These vehicles help navigate traffic and ensure safe passage, especially on narrow roads or through populated areas.
Route planning is critical. Transporters must consider road widths, bridge clearances, and weight restrictions. Some routes may require temporary removal of obstacles like traffic signs or utility lines.
Weather conditions can impact transport. Many movers prefer to schedule moves during fair weather to reduce risks associated with wind, rain, or icy conditions.
Choosing Professional Movers
Selecting the right mobile home movers is crucial for a successful double-wide transport. Professional moving companies offer various service options to fit different needs and budgets.
Selecting a Moving Company
Research multiple manufactured home movers in your area. Check their credentials, licenses, and insurance coverage. Read customer reviews and ask for references. Verify their experience with double-wide transports specifically.
Request detailed quotes from at least three companies. Compare pricing, services included, and any additional fees. Be wary of unusually low estimates, as they may indicate subpar service.
Look for mobile home moving companies that are members of professional associations. These affiliations often indicate adherence to industry standards and best practices.
Understanding Service Options
Mobile home movers typically offer two main service types: transport-only and full-service moves. Transport-only moves cover just the hauling of your double-wide. This option is cheaper but requires you to handle disconnection and reconnection.
Full-service moves include disconnection, transport, and setup at the new location. These are more expensive but comprehensive. Some companies also offer additional services like utility connections and skirting installation.
Consider your budget, timeline, and personal capabilities when choosing between options. Full-service moves are often worth the extra cost for their convenience and professional handling.
Ask about the company’s equipment and methods for securing your double-wide during transport. Ensure they use proper tie-downs and follow safety regulations.
Preparing for the Move
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful double-wide mobile home move. Securing your home and gathering the right materials will help ensure a smooth relocation process.
Securing Your Mobile Home
Remove all loose items from the interior and exterior of your double-wide. Secure cabinets, drawers, and appliances with tape or straps to prevent shifting during transport. Disconnect utilities and remove any skirting, awnings, or attached structures. Reinforce windows and doors with plywood or specialized coverings to protect against debris during transit. Check the chassis, axles, and tires for any issues that need addressing before the move.
Consider updating your mobile home insurance policy to cover potential damages during relocation. Some policies may not include coverage for transport, so review your current plan and consider adding liability insurance for the move.
Gathering Necessary Moving Materials
Compile a list of essential moving materials. This typically includes heavy-duty straps, chains, and tie-downs to secure the home sections during transport. Acquire weatherproof tarps to protect exposed areas from the elements. Purchase foam padding or blankets to safeguard corners and protruding parts.
Obtain any required permits for transporting an oversized load. Prepare a toolkit with basic tools for minor repairs or adjustments. Stock up on packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape for interior items. Label everything clearly to facilitate reassembly at the new location.
On Moving Day
Moving day for a double wide mobile home requires careful coordination and attention to detail. Proper preparation and execution are crucial for a smooth transport process.
Final Checks and Coordination
Before the move begins, conduct a thorough inspection of the double wide. Ensure all utilities are disconnected and properly secured. Check that all loose items inside the home are packed or removed. Verify that windows and doors are securely closed and latched.
Coordinate with the moving company to confirm the arrival time and route. Review any special permits or requirements for transporting the home. Make sure all necessary paperwork is in order and easily accessible.
Inspect the exterior of the home for any loose siding, trim, or other components that could come loose during transit. Secure or remove any potentially hazardous items.
Transportation and Escort
The moving company will typically provide a lead vehicle and follow car to escort the double wide during transport. These vehicles help ensure safe passage and warn other drivers of the oversized load.
Be prepared for slow travel speeds, usually around 45-55 mph. The journey may take several hours, depending on the distance and route. Wind zones can impact the transport process, so check weather conditions beforehand.
Stay in communication with the moving team throughout the journey. They may need to make stops to check tie-downs or adjust the load. Be patient and follow their guidance to ensure a safe move.
Upon arrival at the new site, the moving team will position the home and begin the setup process. This may take several hours to complete.
Setting Up at the New Location
The final phase of transporting a double-wide mobile home involves careful setup and adjustment at the new site. This process requires attention to detail and proper procedures to ensure the home is safe, stable, and comfortable.
Inspection and Setup
Upon arrival, a thorough inspection of the double-wide mobile home is crucial. Professionals check for any damage that may have occurred during transport. The two halves of the home are carefully aligned and joined together. This process involves precise leveling and securing of the home to its foundation.
Utility connections are a key part of setup. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems must be properly installed and tested. Local permits and inspections are often required at this stage to ensure compliance with building codes. Setup services typically handle these aspects, coordinating with local authorities as needed.
Adjusting to the New Environment
Once the double-wide is in place, adjustments may be necessary to account for the new location’s climate and terrain. This can include additional insulation, weatherproofing, or modifications to the home’s skirting.
Landscaping and exterior work often follow. This might involve:
- Grading the surrounding land
- Installing proper drainage systems
- Adding steps or decks for entrances
Interior adjustments are also common. Floors may need re-leveling, and walls might require touch-ups where the two halves join. Residents should allow time for the home to “settle” into its new location before making major interior changes.