The Manufactured Housing Forums

I am looking at buying a mid range double wide. I am confused as whether to go with a longitudinal floor system i.e. golden west, or a transverse system i.e. karsten (Oregon plant) karstens Sacremento plant builds longitudinal floors ??!!##?? Golden West brags about their superior steel strength and how hvac is in floor instead of slund underneath. Whats you opinion as I am afraid I will buy the wrong thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Robert

Most MF homes use the transverse method,the two steel I-beams per section run longitudal with steel outriggers that extend to the perimeter of the section,The floor joists are then mountly transverly
on this frame.A complete longitudinal floor system is much more common in something like a great Dane semi trailor. Plywood mounted on a steel longitudinal frame which is very strong.It would depend on the design of the floor in the home you mentioned on weather it would be practical and durable.Unfortunely MF builders have ways of minimizing materials and still getting it to pass code.

so then as a rule of thumb, if the MF manufacturer is trying to cut corners in both designs, which would most likely be the strongest and most durable, longitudinal, or transverse??

Robert

My opinion is transverse...

Most longitudinal floor systems REQUIRE much more perimeter blocking when set...This additional cost usually is as much or more than the cost savings of the floor itself..Check the set up manuals of each home..

Improperly set longitudinal floor systems will have a tendency to cap with the sidewalls settling down over time..I have seen this as much as 2 inches or more..

I would go with the tranverse floor system,At least 2 by 8 floor joists on 16 inch centers.There are millions upon millions of homes in this country with this system.It works.