ceiling fan installation

[Mary]

We have a 1974 double wide in which we'd like to install three ceiling fans in rooms that have nothing on the ceiling now, except the usual ceiling material with seams.
I am not sure what's above the ceiling. There must be boards that a fan could attach to. Can someone reassure me that our future handyperson will be able to find a beam to attach the fan, then run the electric up from an outlet plug and cover the cord up cosmetically?

[Mary]

I think I found just the thing at Ace Hardware (on the Internet site).... a Super Fan Brace kit for $22.99 which can be used in mobile homes and doesn't require attic access!
I am in love with the Internet.....
Has anyone used such a kit successfully?

[Lewis C.]

UHHH NO. The ceiling brace kit will not work. Since mobile homes dont have trusses like regular homes. They have drywall screwed to plywood screwed to 2x2"s screwed to more plywood then the shingles. All that is there is a junction box screwed to the drywall and plywood. You will have to check on that to see how much weight it will hold up. That is if you have fixtures on the ceiling. I had to get a "beefyer" junction box to hold up a fan. Hope this helps you.

[Mary]

Thanks for answering, Lewis. There is nothing on the ceiling, no light, no electrical fixture, etc. Just ceiling.
Are we completely out of luck? Our handyman seemed to think that if he could find a stud (?) or board or something up there he could hold the fan.
Is there such a board up there?

[Lewis C.]

The plywood that the drywall is screwed to will hold a fan. I mean ours does so yours should. I would not go over 25lbs total weight. Hope this helps

[Galen]

It is also possible to install a cross brace between the ceiling "studs", without much damage.Be aware that not all ceilings have plywood in them - some are only drywall.

[Galen]

Odd - haven't been in a MH yet that didn't have some form of ceiling truss..............maybe some of the older ones.......