Moving a mobile home, often referred to as a manufactured home to meet modern HUD standards, is far more involved than simply towing it yourself. It’s a significant logistical operation, and understanding the costs upfront is crucial for effective planning. This article provides a detailed overview of Mobile Home Transport Costs, helping you navigate the financial aspects of relocating your manufactured home.
Light yellow mobile homes on grass to illustrate the typical expenses associated with relocating a manufactured home
How Much Does Mobile Home Transport Actually Cost?
The price to move a mobile home is variable, hinging primarily on whether you opt for a transport-only service or a full-service move, and the specific size of your mobile home (single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide). A transport-only service generally includes preparing your already move-ready home for towing, securely attaching it to a specialized vehicle, transporting it to your designated new location, and then disconnecting it. This service also typically covers essential permits and basic liability insurance.
In contrast, a full-service move encompasses everything in a transport-only move, but adds the crucial steps of disconnecting all utilities, dismantling skirting and any attached structures at your origin point, and then professionally reconnecting everything at your new site.
Estimated Costs for Moving a Manufactured Home
To give you a general idea, a transport-only move can range from $700 to $3,500. Opting for a full-service move will typically cost considerably more, ranging from $3,000 to $14,000.
According to insights from CostHelper, for distances up to 60 miles, a transport-only move averages:
- Single-wide: $700-$1,000
- Double-wide: $2,000-$2,500
- Triple-wide: $2,600-$3,500
For full-service moves covering the same distance of up to 60 miles, anticipate costs like these:
- Single-wide mobile home: $3,000-$5,000. Remember, full-service includes disconnection, reconnection, and transport.
- Double-wide mobile home: $4,000-$10,000
- Triple-wide mobile home: $10,000-$14,000 or potentially higher.
It’s important to reiterate that these figures are estimates. Your actual mobile home transport cost will depend on numerous specific details of your move.
Decoding the Costs: What’s Included in Mobile Home Transport?
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of moving your mobile home. Understanding these components can help you anticipate expenses and budget effectively:
- Labor Costs: The fees charged by the moving company for their time and expertise.
- Setup Services: Costs for disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, skirting, and other structural elements in a full-service move.
- Moving Materials: Expenses for specialized equipment, towing hardware, tires, and other supplies needed for the transport.
- Home Size: Larger homes (double-wide, triple-wide) require more specialized transport and labor, increasing costs.
- Permits: Fees for necessary transportation and setup permits, which vary by location and distance.
- Location: Geographic location impacts labor rates and permit costs.
- Travel Distance: Longer distances mean higher fuel consumption and more labor hours, significantly affecting the price.
- Local Regulations: Specific local or state regulations can impose extra requirements or fees.
- Transportation Fees: Encompasses per-mile charges for towing vehicles and pilot cars, fuel surcharges, and potential tolls.
Since many of these costs, particularly transportation, are calculated on a per-mile basis, long-distance moves naturally incur higher overall expenses. Moving companies commonly charge around $4-$5.50 per mile for the 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 benchmark, you might expect to pay starting around $1,000 to move a small single-wide home within the same state and for distances up to 60 miles.
Key Factors Influencing Your Mobile Home Moving Costs
The total expense of moving your mobile home is not fixed; it’s influenced by several critical factors specific to your situation:
Move Distance
Shorter moves are inherently less expensive. Transporting a mobile home requires substantial fuel, and movers must travel at slower speeds, especially around turns. Longer distances may also necessitate equipment maintenance like tire replacements, adding to the overall cost.
Mobile Home Dimensions
The physical size of your mobile home is a major determinant of cost. Single-wides are less expensive to move than double-wides due to their smaller size and weight. Overly wide homes might require police escorts or temporary road closures to ensure safe passage, incurring additional charges. Taller homes may also limit route options, potentially increasing mileage and thus, costs.
Mobile Home Weight
Older mobile homes typically weigh between 35 to 40 pounds per square foot, while newer manufactured homes can weigh 45 to 50 pounds per square foot, according to Free Mobile Home Info. For an 800 square foot home, this could mean a weight of up to 40,000 lbs! Heavier homes demand more robust moving equipment and materials, directly increasing your mobile home transport cost.
Permits and Inspections
Moving across county or state lines often necessitates permits for each jurisdiction the home enters or passes through. Reputable movers will assist in securing these permits. Furthermore, a “setup” permit might be required to install your mobile home in a new location. Some states, like Florida, mandate inspections for older mobile homes to ensure safety and code compliance.
Moving Materials Expenses
Transporting a mobile home requires a range of materials, from basic tools and supplies to specialized tow hitches and tires. Your moving contract should detail the costs associated with these necessary materials.
Setup Service Fees
Opting for a full-service move includes setup services, which will increase the overall cost compared to a transport-only move. These fees cover disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, and dismantling and reassembling features like porches, foundations (or skirting), and interior elements. Reconnecting a double-wide mobile home alone can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Note that even with full-service movers, homeowners might still be responsible for removing skirting and exterior features before transport.
Home Age and Condition
Older mobile homes or those in disrepair may require extra preparation time and modifications before they are roadworthy. This additional labor and material cost will be reflected in the final price.
Insurance and Liability Coverage
When using professional movers, liability coverage for the transport is essential and will be an added cost. Consider also whether your existing mobile home insurance covers damage during transit. Verify with your insurance provider if your policy extends to mobile homes while in transport.
Why Choose Professional Mobile Home Movers?
Moving a mobile home yourself is strongly discouraged. It demands specialized skills, equipment, and experience. Professional mobile home movers are trained in both the structural aspects of preparing and setting up mobile homes and in the safe operation of large transport vehicles. Long-distance or interstate moves often require multiple movers due to state-specific licensing regulations.
While hiring professionals adds to the mobile home transport cost, the benefits are significant:
- Permit Acquisition: Moving companies handle the complex process of obtaining all necessary transport permits, saving you considerable time and potential headaches. They manage everything from local setup permits to state transportation authorizations.
- Expert Transportation: Driving a large truck is challenging enough, let alone when towing an oversized mobile home. Professional drivers possess the expertise to safely transport your home, especially over long distances, minimizing risks to yourself and others.
- Time and Effort Savings: From unexpected tire issues to complex setup procedures, professional movers streamline the entire process, saving you time, energy, and stress. A smooth, hassle-free move is a major advantage of professional services.
Bonus Tips for Mobile Home Relocation
- Thoroughly Research Moving Companies: When selecting a mobile home moving company, compare multiple quotes (most offer free estimates), seek referrals, review online testimonials, and confirm their insurance coverage.
- Account for Add-on Services: Inform movers about any sheds, decks, or AC units attached to your home, as these will likely incur extra charges. Discuss lot cleanup services beforehand if desired, as they are typically an additional cost.
- Verify HUD Regulations at Your New Location: HUD sets national standards for manufactured home construction and safety, including wind zone requirements. Ensure your home meets the wind zone requirements of your new location. Check the HUD data plate inside your home for Wind Zone, Roof Load, and Snow Load information.
- Check Local Legal Requirements: Your new location might have stricter building codes or property age restrictions than your previous one. Mobile home communities often have specific rules and regulations. While movers will address transport legalities, research the specific requirements of your destination.
- Provide Timely Notice: Review your lease agreement and give written notice within the stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties.
- Manage Utility Transfers Carefully: Contact utility companies at both your old and new locations well in advance to schedule service disconnection and connection, inquire about deadlines and fees, and avoid service gaps.
- Prepare Your New Site: Ensure your new mobile home site is ready: clear, leveled, and accessible.
- Consider DIY for Cost Savings (Selectively): While professional transport is essential, you can reduce overall expenses by handling tasks like packing, sourcing free moving boxes, renting a moving van for personal belongings, and even saving on fuel during your personal move.
- Prepare Your Home for Transport: Secure all doors and windows, consider covering them for added protection. Remove or secure all loose items inside the home, as axles are designed for the home’s weight, not additional contents. Decluttering before the move is advisable.
- Inspect Wheels and Tires: If your home has been stationary, wheels and tires might have deteriorated. Professional movers will inspect these and other critical components like chassis and axles before transport. Some movers include necessary repairs in their quotes.
FAQs: Mobile Home Transport Costs
How much should I expect to pay to move a mobile home?
Mobile home transport costs can range broadly from $700 to $14,000 and even higher, depending on factors such as labor, services, home size, distance, and permits.
Do I need permits to move my mobile home?
Yes, permits are typically required. A qualified manufactured home mover should manage all necessary permits and inspections as part of their service.
Is it feasible to move a mobile home without professional help?
Moving a manufactured home on your own is strongly discouraged due to the complexity and risks involved. To save money, consider DIY packing and personal item transport, but rely on professionals for the mobile home move itself.
Ready to Relocate Your Manufactured Home?
If you are planning a mobile home move, you might need temporary storage during the transition. Moving.com’s Find Storage Now tool can help you locate nearby self-storage facilities, compare costs, and find the best option for your needs. Simply enter your zip code or city and state to begin your search.
