The Manufactured Housing Forums

I bought the books by Randall Eaton. I have narrowed my choice down to Solitaire, Karsten, and Palm Harbor. All three of these homes are highly recommended in the books.

However, on page 29 of the How To Buy book it shows a construction guide. There is a chart with three headings: Quality Construction, Average Construction, and Poor Construction. He says that for a home to be quality construction it should have R-21 in the walls, R-33 in the floors and a minimum of R-38 in the roof.

None of these three manufacturers even come close to that. The Solitaire with a $10,000 upgrade only has R-19 in the walls (I don't know how low it is without the upgrade, they don't say) and R-30 in the roof. The Karsten only has R-14 in the floors. I can't find the R-values for Palm Harbor anywhere in their literature or on their website, but since their standard homes come with 2x4 exterior walls instead of 2x6, I'm quite sure they don't have anywhere close to R-21 in the walls. (I was told by two different Palm Harbor salesmen that 2x6 walls were too expensive and that they were overkill.) In other words, all three manufacturers are in the Poor Construction column when it comes to insulation values.

My question is are there any home manufacturers that have enough insulation to be considered Quality Construction? And why does Randall Eaton recommend these brands if they are all three rated by him as Poor Construction for insualtion values?

I personally don't like Palm Harbor,there over priced for what you get(Hype and BS).Bottom line is select a home with solid framing first.2 by 6 walls and 2 by 8 or better floor joists(all on 16 inch centers).Framing for the roof system is usually a truss system.2 by 4's on 24 centers should be what you're looking for.Stay away from the 2 by 2's.There not as strong if you get into high winds. Add plywood or OSB flooring,upgraded insulation,1/2 inch taped and textured sheetrock walls,porcelean sinks,fiberglass tubs, wooden trim,thermal windows,heat pump and upgraded applicanes.
There are many manufacturers that can give you this.You're gonna pay for it but you'll have a home that will stand the test of time
However,putting it on a rented park lot is not a good idea,It will not hold its value unless you put it on your own land(like any house)