The Manufactured Housing Forums

Hey Roy,

I recently looked at a 1984 doublewide, 24x40, the data plate indicated the home was manufactured by DARLINGTON ENTERPRISES INC somewhere in GA. I know a lot about mobile homes in GA and ive never heard of this company. Who were/are they? Were they a company who built homes, or is DARLINGTON a brand name? Couldnt find anything on them. Let me know if youve got any info on this company. The home was small with masonite siding, but appeared to be well built and solid.


ALSO,

In what year did NORTH CAROLINA allow 16' wides to be transported on their highways, Im not sure, but i think there was a ban on 16' wides in NC until sometime in the mid 90's. Am I correct on this or not?

Thanks again

LUKAS

Darlington Homes was in Tifton, GA..as I remember...It was a single plant locally owned...Right off I cannot pull the owners name out of my head...but he was well known....Then the name and the building was bought by either Harry Dale or Al wright of the old All American days...(Talked to Al Wright this week...He like I is still at it. He is with Craftmade in Thomasville now..craftmade is now owned by the TY O'Connel family..also of the All American days..)...The last homes built there were very basic..The plant closed for good as Darlington in 1989 or so...

GA history seems to be my specialty...

Oakwood kept 16 wides out of NC for as long as they could...Finally they asked the legislature to change the law..even threatened to leave NC....I think it was 1997 or 1996...If I am wrong by a year or 2..someone will correct me..

Theres a couple of Darlingtons in my area too.(SC)Ones a single and ones a double.Neither one looks to be nothing more then a typical 80's MF home.

Murray, what is the quality of Craftmade? I didn't know they were made in Thomasville - pretty close to us. Craftmade has a floorplan we love - haven't gone any deeper into it yet, however. Will be curious to hear what you know about them!

Pat