The single-wide mobile home is meant to be moved (hence the mobile in its name) and usually has been transported to it's original location fully or mostly constructed. When moving a single-wide, however, there are certain tips and tricks that will make the whole process go more smoothly so nothing is damaged or lost along the way, or end up costing an exorbitant amount of money. Does this Spark an idea?
Trailer Hitches
Many single-wide mobile homes are left on their trailers or built onto trailers so they can easily be transported. If this is the case with your mobile home and the trailer hitch is still intact, then these homes are light enough that a standard 4x4 truck or sports utility vehicle can move it down a public road by simply attaching the trailer to the hitch. Make sure the tires of the trailer the single wide is built onto are properly aired up, or aren't going to blow along the way to the new location.
This is especially efficient when moving the single-wide to a rural location, as there is less chance of hurting the trailer or someone else's property with an inexperienced driver. If the single-wide is being moved to a more urban location, a moving company may need to be hired to help you move.
Gas, Water and Other Connections
As single-wides aren't longer then 18 feet, then they can be transported to their new location in one piece. The mobile home's gas and water lines must be disconnected before it is moved; failure to do so will damage the home and the lines. Be sure to take all attachments to these lines with you if they are yours, along with the hoses. The connections are usually universal so they can be used at the new location.
Security on the Road
If the single-wide wasn't built onto a trailer, then it will have to be mounted onto one or onto a tractor-trailer for transport. Securing the single-wide to the tractor-trailer itself is essential, but can be done rather inexpensively. Heavy duty ratchet straps should be wrapped around the entire single-wide home and locked into place. The doors and windows of the single-wide should be locked closed so they don't open mid-transport. A chain wrapped in cloth or plastic (so it doesn't scratch the exterior) should be wrapped around the length of the single-wide trailer and attached to the tractor-trailer itself with almost no slack, so there is no possible way for the single-wide to slide off the back of the truck.
Tags: built onto, mobile home, moving single-wide, should wrapped, should wrapped around, single-wide mobile
