Question based on pure curiosity

[Angel]

Why are mobile homes set so high off the ground? I have seen them set up lower but some of them... what is the deal with that?

[Larry]

There is only one height requirement from every manufacturer in the business today. The bottom of the frame (typically) is required to be atleast 12 inches off the ground. This allows a small area in the case of repairs and to assist in the ventilation of the crawl space. If you see homes that are completed high of the ground, it is only because the installer or the retailer perfers them that high.

[rmurray]

Some local laws require 18 inches from the ground to the frame...some crossover air and hear lines are 14 inches and must be off the ground...

18 inches off ground...12 inch I-beam...7 inch floor means at least 37 inches ground to the bottom of the front door...if the ground is level...some sites are such that the actual distance at the door is lower but only because the ground is not level...

Sometimes folks put in a retaining wall instead of skirt and back fill with dirt to give a lower look..

[Mark]

Simply put, crawl space, if it's an off grade build (mobile home or not), then a crawl space is required, I don't know of any area that doesn't require on.. How much depends on local code. Some might only be 18", other 24". If you ever tried to work in 18 or 24" of space, you'll find out even 24" isn't enough
.

[mac]

If you REALLY must have it sitting low, here in the West folks do a "pit-set", essentially excavating down 24" or so and setting the house from that point. I thought about that, but drainage was enough of an issue already, so we backfilled a bit against a block foundation/slab. I've found I like being up a bit.

[helen]

i live in a mobile home, new horizon , 1986 mode, 14x70 which need a lot of work . i am trying to decide if it is worth the time and money to repair or if it would be cheaper in the long run to purchase a new one. the previuos renters had some water leaks that have made the floor buckle and warp and weaken in several spots, and the bathrooms nedd to be redone can you help me. live in n.c.

[Tony]

Hello Helen.
Since your mobile home is an 86' model and in pretty bad shape, you would be hard pressed to find a buyer that would give you very much for it. The market value of older single wide mobile homes (especially metal on metal) is just not there.
Maybe you could find a buyer if you advertised in the local paper but the problem with that is most cities/communities will not accept a mobile home IF it's 10 years or older. This causes a major dilemma in most cases.
A local dealer would probably take it in on trade and sell you another hopefully a larger single 16 X 80. Another way to go is possibly trade it in on a smaller double-wide. Say a 28 X 48. Just make sure you're not getting a cheapie.
Make sure the insulation is installed for your Zone. Here in the midwest it's a Zone 3. Florida is a Zone 1 etc... Also, make sure your new home has the thermal-pane windows that tilt in for easy cleaning... NOT the self storing storm windows. Also, make sure the home has 6'' sidewalls. Another thing to think about is drywall. Most cheaper doubles have wall "panels". Drywall throughout makes for a sturdier home plus cuts down on the noise inside the home.
Some manufactured home dealerships offer a 'designer' series home where you can actually design your own floorplan to suit your individual taste.
Champion Homes is one that comes to mind.
I used to be a Gen. Mgr. for a manufactured home dealership (Patriot Homes) and will try to answer any questions you may have.
Email me and I will do my best for you.
Good luck.
Tony West

[Maria James]

I like to find out the measurements on a manufactured home with 5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, living room/dining room and small/long kitchen.
If it helps, this is the model # 8643LE Magic Manor I read off of it. Also, I think it was built in '99.

Hope you can help, Thanks