Moving a mobile home, also known as a manufactured home, is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and the right professionals. For those considering relocating their home, simply hitching it to a truck is not a viable option. Modern manufactured homes, built to HUD standards, necessitate a specialized approach to transportation. While the process can be complex and costly, understanding the steps and factors involved can make the move smoother and more manageable. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of How To Transport A Mobile Home, covering everything from costs and permits to choosing the right moving company.
Light yellow manufactured homes in a field, illustrating the complexities and considerations involved in mobile home transportation.
Understanding the Costs of Mobile Home Transport
The expense of transporting a mobile home is a primary concern for homeowners. The total cost is largely determined by the level of service you require: transport-only or full-service. Additionally, the size of your mobile home—single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide—will significantly impact the final price.
A transport-only move generally includes preparing your move-ready home for transport, securely attaching it to a towing vehicle, moving it to the designated new location, and detaching it upon arrival. This service typically also encompasses acquiring necessary permits and providing liability insurance.
In contrast, a full-service move offers a more comprehensive solution. It incorporates all aspects of a transport-only move, but also includes disconnecting all utilities, detaching skirting and any attached structures at the original location, and then reconnecting these elements at the new site.
Estimating the Financial Investment: Transporting Your Manufactured Home
To provide a general cost range, a transport-only move can typically range from $700 to $3,500. For a more encompassing full-service move, expect costs to be between $3,000 and $14,000.
According to industry resources, for a transport-only service covering distances up to 60 miles, approximate costs are:
- Single-wide mobile home: $700-$1,000
- Double-wide mobile home: $2,000-$2,500
- Triple-wide mobile home: $2,600-$3,500
Opting for a full-service move within the same 60-mile radius will result in higher costs. For a single-wide mobile home, expect to pay approximately $3,000-$5,000. Moving a double-wide mobile home via full-service can range from $4,000-$10,000, and for triple-wide homes, costs can escalate to $10,000-$14,000 or even more. It’s crucial to remember that these figures are estimates and actual costs can vary.
Key Cost Factors in Mobile Home Transportation
Numerous factors contribute to the overall cost of moving a mobile home. Understanding these elements is crucial for accurate budgeting and planning:
- Labor Costs: The fees associated with the moving crew’s time and expertise are a significant component.
- Setup Services: Full-service moves include disconnection and reconnection of utilities and structures, adding to the total cost.
- Moving Materials: Specialized materials, tools, and equipment are necessary for safely transporting a mobile home.
- Home Size: Larger and wider homes naturally require more resources and specialized handling, increasing costs.
- Permits: The cost of obtaining necessary permits varies depending on local and state regulations.
- Location: Geographic location and accessibility of both the origin and destination sites can influence pricing.
- Travel Distance: Longer distances incur higher fuel and labor costs, directly impacting the total.
- Local Regulations: Varying local ordinances and requirements can add complexity and expenses.
- Transportation Fees: This encompasses charges for towing vehicles, pilot cars, and potential escorts.
Since many of these costs are calculated on a per-mile basis, long-distance moves will inevitably be more expensive. Moving companies typically charge around $4-$5.50 per mile for the primary towing vehicle and approximately $1.50-$1.65 per mile for each pilot car required. These per-mile rates can fluctuate based on current fuel prices and the total distance of the move.
As a general guideline, transporting a small single-wide home within the same state and for distances up to 60 miles can start at approximately $1,000.
Delving Deeper: Factors Influencing Mobile Home Moving Costs
The final cost to move your mobile home is not static and is influenced by several key variables specific to each move.
Distance of Relocation
The distance of the move is a primary cost determinant. Moving a mobile home requires considerable fuel consumption for large towing trucks. Furthermore, transportation speeds are slower, and maneuverability is limited. Longer distances may also necessitate additional equipment maintenance, such as tire replacements, further contributing to expenses.
Dimensions of the Mobile Home
The physical size of your mobile home directly impacts the moving cost. Single-wide homes are generally less expensive to move compared to double-wide homes due to their smaller footprint. Overly wide homes may require police escorts or temporary road closures to ensure safe passage, adding to the overall expense. Similarly, taller homes may have restricted route options, potentially increasing the travel distance and associated costs.
Mobile Home Weight Considerations
Older mobile homes typically weigh between 35 to 40 pounds per square foot, while newer manufactured homes can weigh from 45 to 50 pounds per square foot. For an 800 square foot mobile home, the weight can reach up to 40,000 pounds. Heavier homes require more robust moving equipment and materials, which translates to higher moving costs.
Permits and Inspections Processes
Moving a mobile home across county or state lines often necessitates obtaining permits from each jurisdiction the home enters or passes through. Reputable mobile home movers will assist in securing these permits before the move. Additionally, a “setup” permit may be required for installing the mobile home in a new city. Some states, like Florida, mandate inspections for older mobile homes to ensure they meet safety and code standards before relocation.
Moving Material Expenses
Transporting a mobile home requires a range of specialized moving materials, from tools and supplies to tow hitches and tires. A transparent moving company will provide a detailed breakdown of these material costs in their contract.
Setup Service Fees
Opting for full-service movers will incur additional charges beyond basic transportation. These fees cover the labor involved in dismantling and setting up the mobile home. Setup services can include disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, removing and reinstalling porches, foundations (or skirting), and interior features. Reconnecting a double-wide mobile home can range from $1,000 to $5,000. While many movers offer setup services, homeowners might still be responsible for removing skirting and exterior features before the move.
Age and Condition of the Home
The age and overall condition of the mobile home are also considered. Older homes or those in disrepair may require additional time and effort for movers to prepare them for transport, potentially increasing labor costs.
Insurance and Liability Coverage
When using professional movers, liability coverage for the move is essential and often required. It’s also advisable to consider additional insurance to protect your mobile home during transport. If you already have mobile home insurance, verify with your provider whether it covers the home while it’s being transported.
The Advantages of Professional Mobile Home Movers
While attempting a DIY mobile home move might seem cost-saving, it is strongly discouraged. Transporting a mobile home demands the expertise of trained professionals experienced in handling these large structures and navigating oversized loads. Long-distance and interstate moves often require multiple moving teams due to state-specific licensing regulations.
Hiring professional mobile home movers offers significant advantages, despite the cost:
- Permit Acquisition Expertise: Obtaining moving permits can be complex and time-consuming. Professional movers are well-versed in permit requirements and will handle all necessary paperwork, saving you considerable effort and potential delays.
- Safe and Efficient Transportation: Driving a large truck, especially with an oversized mobile home in tow, is challenging and potentially dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Professional movers have the skills and equipment to safely transport your home, particularly over long distances.
- Time and Effort Savings: From managing logistics and potential complications like tire blowouts to coordinating setup services, professional movers handle every aspect of the move, freeing you from stress and allowing for a smoother relocation.
Essential Tips for Mobile Home Transportation
To ensure a successful and less stressful mobile home move, consider these valuable tips:
- Thoroughly Research Moving Companies: When selecting a mobile home moving company, obtain multiple quotes, check references, read online reviews, and verify their insurance coverage to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable provider.
- Account for Add-on Costs: Inform movers about any sheds, decks, or air conditioning units attached to your home, as these will likely incur extra charges. Discuss and budget for additional services like lot cleanup if desired.
- Verify HUD Regulations for Your New Location: Familiarize yourself with the HUD Wind Zone, Roof Load, and Snow Load requirements for your destination, especially if moving to a different region. Ensure your mobile home meets these standards by checking the HUD data plate inside your home.
- Understand Local Legal Requirements: Research local building codes, property age laws, and mobile home community regulations at your new location, as these may differ from your current area.
- Provide Timely Notice: Review your lease agreement and provide written notice to your current mobile home park within the specified timeframe.
- Coordinate Utility Transfers: Contact utility companies at both your current and new locations well in advance to schedule service disconnection and connection, inquiring about deadlines and any associated fees to avoid service interruptions.
- Prepare Your New Site: Ensure your new location is ready to accommodate your mobile home. This might involve clearing the site, leveling the ground, and addressing any necessary landscaping.
- Consider DIY for Cost Savings (Selectively): While DIY mobile home transport is not recommended, you can reduce costs by handling tasks like packing your belongings, sourcing free moving boxes, renting a moving van for personal items, and performing the move of your personal possessions yourself.
- Prepare Your Home for Transport: Secure all doors and windows, consider covering them for added protection, and remove or secure any loose items inside the home to minimize damage during transit. Remember that axles are designed for the home’s weight, not additional belongings.
- Inspect Wheels and Tires: Before the move, ensure wheels and tires are in road-worthy condition, especially if the home has been stationary for a long time. Professional movers typically inspect these components and may include necessary repairs in their quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Home Moving Costs
How much does it generally cost to move a mobile home?
The average cost to move a mobile home can range from $700 to $14,000 or more, depending on factors such as service type, home size, distance, and required permits and services.
Is it necessary to obtain a permit to move a mobile home?
Yes, permits are typically required. A reputable mobile home mover will assist you in obtaining the necessary permits and managing any required inspections.
Can I move my mobile home without professional help?
Moving a mobile home independently is strongly discouraged due to the complexities, safety concerns, and specialized equipment required. For cost savings, consider DIY packing and personal item transport while hiring professionals for the mobile home itself.
Ready to Relocate Your Manufactured Home?
Moving a mobile home is a complex process, but with careful planning and the assistance of experienced professionals, it can be achieved successfully. If your relocation requires temporary storage for your belongings during the move, utilize online tools like Moving.com’s Find Storage Now to locate and compare storage facilities in your area.
