Top Five Manufacturers?

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Everybody,

Can anybody list the top five manufacturers in the US?

Randy Eaton

[R. Wilde]

If you are asking who is the best built, then you will need to look at Palm Harbor, Solitaire, Shult, and Commadore, will be in the upper quality.

[R. Wilde]

P.S. Some of those are standard with PLYWOOD sub-floor - Be sure whatever you get has PLYWOOD, and don't let them tell you that OSB or NOVA DECK are better - unless you like sawdust or wood chips glued together.

[barb]

Think your subject is too broad. Here in Oregon, after considerable research, I'd go with Karsten, Marlette, and Silvercrest; not particularly in that order.

We visited Skyline factory and there is where
we ran across workers cutting floor joists to accommodate large metal coil....scary!

I expect our research to take about a year, we will ultimately (or husband will)visit every factory in the state whose product we consider. It will take time but since old man winter closed in this morning and we are snug in our present home, it seems worth the effort.

For actual popularity in our area, Fleetwood seems to head the list. And since they are the only one coming out with a home with 36"interior doors, we will also visit them at their Woodland, WA plant. I've heard that it builds better than the Woodburn, Oregon factory.

[barb]

Ooops, forgot Palm Harbor, which looks good but pricy. Haven't gotten to their factory,YET!

[R. Wilde]

I was not going to say anything against Skyline - BUT... I just this moment found out that the biggest problem in my MH ( kitchen floor ) was written up on the date the house was delivered to the selling dealer ( Hunter Company dba Summer Hill in Martinsburg, WV. ). I quess this really says something about both the manufacturer and the dealer.......

[Terry]

Take a look at the BonnaVilla Homes of Aurora, Nebraska, Franklin Homes of Russellville, Alabama, Fuqua Homes of Booneville, Mo. and Bend, Oregon, HomeBuilders Northwest of Salem, Oregon, Karsten Homes of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sacramento, and Oregon., Marlette Homes of Hermston, Oregon, Kit Homes of Caldwell, Idaho, Heritage Homes of Wayne, Nebraska. Hallmark Southwest of Loma Linda, California. Solitaire Homes of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Jacobsen Homes of SafetyHarbor, Florida, R-Anell Homes of Denver, North Carolina. These are just some of the best homes in the industry and they go the extra mile in producing the finest HUD manufactured homes on the market.

[R. Wilde]

I totally agree with most of your list of the better HUD MH Mfgrs and have requested a few of them including Solitaire. Most unfortunately I live in WV. Most of the 'housing' built nearby and sold around here comes from PA. I've been hearing some not so good tales of the goings ons with the MH Mfgr taking certain officials to dinner so as to look the other way.
As far as HUD goes: They may be the best we've got; but they are one of the worst US Gov Agencies; Congress can't seem to control them - They ( HUD ) have run the ship a-ground.

[Paul & Judee Anthony]

We are interested in purchasing a double-wide manufactured home in Florida, should be in the summer of 2002. We are deciding between two locations, Lake Wales or Port Charlotte, FL areas.
Want a 2 bedroom, 2 bath (with a garden tub), den, island kitchen and large living-dining room area. Looked at Homes of Merit and Palm Harbor homes, also Jacobsen homes, wondering which is best for the price.
Would appreciate any help you could give in helping us to decide on the home best to buy.
Thank you,
Paul & Judee Anthony

[Karl]

I have never heard of either home. I understand the homes built for Florida climate are cheaper than here up North due to insulation and structural requirements, etc. My recommendations are Fleetwood, Holly Park, and Patriot. I would not recommend Fairmont or Schult. These are just my personal prejudices.