Trusses

[Travis]

I have noticed that most Manufactured homes are made with 2X2 Trusses. However, most residential homes have been made with 2X4 trusses. What is the difference between these types? Why does MFH use the 2X2 instead of the 2X4? Is this something I should be concerned about?

[JohnnyJ]

Most homes constructed in the county I live in in Alabama have 2X8 trusses. I have
not seen 2X4 trusses used in recent memory.

Manufactured homes varie in the roof department. The only way I know to be sure
of what you get is to look at the manufacturer's spec sheet, or specify what you
want when you buy. I honestly think the roof is the weakest point of construction
on most manufactured homes. I have not seen any that look very impressive.

You can order homes with different roof load strengths. The more pounds per
square foot it will hold, the better. If you have Randy's book, he discusses
this point.

[Travis]

I live out west in Utah and have seen mostly 2X4 trusses and a few 2X8's. However, MFH only does 2X2 trusses and was just wondering what are the differences and how they can get the same load ratings with only 2X2's.
I also tend to agree that the roof system is probably one of the weaker points on these homes and it is something that no one really talks about. Even in Randy's books he doesn't go into a lot of detail about the roof systems. I guess that is what I am looking for. I just want to know more about the trusses and the roof systems other than the load ratings. What else do I need to concern myself with?

Along these lines a big thing is to not have any vent pipes on the front of the roof. Is it possible to have all the vent pipes routed out the back side of the roof?

[jgn]

Vent pipes go from where the source is be it plumbing or heating/water heater. I do see a reason that heat pipes cannot be routed but plumbing pipes should be able to be moved as long as it is a clear passage. You are right in that no one really talks about the roof truss being 2x2 or 2x3 and I would think that would be a topic. With 2x4 you double the weight of the truss system and maybe that is the reason. I would think that with the faltter pitch roofs the load would be pretty high espically in areas that get a lot of snow.