Lifespan of a Mobile Home

[SandyLea]

What is the lifespan of a Mobile home?

I am thinking of purchasing a used Hobile home and wonder how old is too old. I will be purchasing in California.

Thanks for any and all help.

SandyLea

[Ron]

Any MH built before 1976, when HUD standards went into effect, should not be considered. I, personal opinion, would not purchase a MH that is over 10 years old. This has nothing to do with the life span of a MH, but more to do with the HVAC, Water Heater, and Electrical issues. The same issues you find in a stick built older home.

In 11+ hear old MH's, furnace and AC systems lifespans are about over. You are looking at upgrading the furnace blower motors and heating elements, AC compressors, etc. The electrical service may be fine, as long as it is 150 amp service or better, especially with electric heat. Water heaters are also about ready to give up in these older homes.

All of these elements are repairable, but add to the cost of ownership. If you find a used home with these elements already taken care of OR the price you pay will allow you to upgrade these features, then go for it. (Given everything else is okay.)

[Richard Wilde]

My preference would be pre 1976. The HUD Program has all but ruined the construction of these affordable housing units.. 1972 I had a beautiful 12 X 60 Mobile Home, needless to say that one was perfect. I never had to call for repairs. I Had a total of 3 homes, all different mfg's. Non had problems, no repairs were ever needed. Today I'm stuck with a real piece of s--- from Skyline. The sub-flooring is to HUD Code - The material is P A R T I C L E B O A R D .....A real dissaster..... The slightest bit of moisture will cause the material to swell.. Thus you will then have a floor more like that of a roller-coaster . I don't know how my wife and I will ever get out of this glorified mobile house - it is not a home............

[Yvette]

HI There,
I am also from California and I am thinking about buying a mobile home in Sunnyvale (close to San Jose). I will be a first time mobile home buying so I am not experienced, but from what I read a mobile home has a life span of 68 years, but could last a lot longer with proper up keep. I am thinking about buying at least 5 to 10 years old. Are you in Northern California?

[Richard Wilde]

Good luck! My 18 month old Skyline has floors ready to 'fall through' and the manufacturer won't make proper repairs. 30 years - NO WAY You need to go to some other web site to get the truth www.hadd.com go to sub title 'Manufactureed' , also AARP has statistics concerning how much money consumers are spending to make repairs because the manufacturer will not . Good Luck BUYER BEWARE

[sandylea]

Thanks everyone for the replies, they have been most helpful! I am finding newer used mobile homes are hard to find in my area. So may have to go with an older one as money is a factor. But with your information, hopefully I will find a good one. Thanks again. SandyLea