Trailer homes, more accurately known as manufactured homes, come in a variety of sizes, but their width is a crucial factor determining their classification and transportation. The standard width for a single-wide trailer home is typically 14 to 18 feet, while double-wide (and sometimes triple-wide) homes can range from 20 to 90 feet in width, depending on the joined sections.
Understanding Manufactured Home Width: A Comprehensive Guide
The width of a manufactured home significantly impacts its layout, livability, and, perhaps most importantly, its transportability. Understanding these dimensions is crucial whether you’re considering purchasing, transporting, or simply learning more about this form of housing. This article provides a detailed exploration of manufactured home widths, covering standard sizes, legal implications, and frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Single-Wide Homes: The Standard Bearer
Single-wide manufactured homes are the most common and the easiest to transport. Their defining characteristic is their single, elongated structure.
- Typical Width Range: As mentioned, single-wide homes generally range from 14 to 18 feet wide. This width limitation is primarily driven by the regulations governing over-the-road transport.
- Interior Dimensions: While the exterior width may be 14-18 feet, the interior living space will be slightly less due to wall thickness. Expect interior widths to be closer to 13-17 feet.
- Length Considerations: While width is a key factor, the length of a single-wide can vary considerably, typically ranging from 60 to 90 feet. This length variation allows for diverse floor plans despite the constrained width.
Double-Wide and Beyond: Expanding the Horizons
Double-wide manufactured homes offer significantly more living space and are formed by joining two single-wide sections together at the installation site.
- Combined Width: The combined width of a double-wide can range from 20 to 40 feet based on the width of the individual sections. They can be up to 90 feet wide depending on the number of modules and design
- Design Flexibility: The increased width allows for more open floor plans, separate living areas, and generally a more conventional residential feel.
- Triple-Wide Homes: While less common, triple-wide manufactured homes exist, offering even greater square footage. These homes can be very large, with widths exceeding 40 feet. They often resemble traditional site-built homes in terms of size and layout.
Importance of Transportation Regulations
The width of a manufactured home is inextricably linked to transportation regulations. Exceeding certain width limits triggers the need for special permits, escorts, and may even restrict travel routes.
- Oversized Load Permits: Homes exceeding the standard width (typically anything over 8.5 feet) require oversized load permits from the state(s) they will be transported through.
- Escort Vehicles: Wider homes may require escort vehicles to guide the transport and ensure safety. These escorts are responsible for alerting other drivers to the oversized load and navigating traffic.
- Route Restrictions: Certain roads and highways may be off-limits to oversized loads due to bridges, tunnels, or other infrastructure limitations. Careful route planning is essential.
FAQs: Addressing Your Questions About Manufactured Home Width
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the dimensions of manufactured homes and related considerations.
FAQ 1: What is the minimum width for a manufactured home?
There isn’t a specific “minimum width” as the classification is generally based on the intended design as transportable rather than a specific dimension. However, homes significantly narrower than 14 feet are rare, as they would severely limit living space.
FAQ 2: Does the listed width of a trailer home include the eaves?
No, the listed width typically refers to the main body of the home. Eaves and other protruding architectural elements are usually not included in the stated width measurements. This distinction is important for transportation planning.
FAQ 3: How does the width affect the cost of transporting a trailer home?
Wider homes are significantly more expensive to transport. The need for oversized load permits, escort vehicles, specialized equipment, and potentially longer routes all contribute to higher transportation costs.
FAQ 4: Are there different width standards for manufactured homes in different states?
While federal standards regulate manufactured home construction, individual states may have varying regulations regarding transportation permits and restrictions based on width. Always check with the relevant state Department of Transportation.
FAQ 5: Can I build an addition to my manufactured home that exceeds the width limit?
Adding an addition is generally permitted, but it will be considered site-built construction and must comply with local building codes and zoning regulations. The width restrictions mainly apply to the transportable unit.
FAQ 6: How do I find out the exact width of a specific manufactured home model?
The manufacturer’s specifications are the most reliable source for the exact width of a particular model. These specifications are typically available in brochures, online, or directly from the manufacturer or dealer.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between a ‘park model’ and a single-wide manufactured home?
Park models, while resembling manufactured homes, are technically classified as recreational vehicles (RVs) and are often smaller, typically around 400 square feet. They are designed for temporary or seasonal use and are built to RV standards, not the HUD code for manufactured homes. Although they are generally 12 feet wide.
FAQ 8: Does the width of my trailer home affect property taxes?
Yes, the size of your manufactured home, including its width, is a factor in determining its assessed value and subsequent property taxes. Larger homes generally have higher assessed values.
FAQ 9: How does the width of a trailer home impact its insurability?
The size, including width, plays a role in determining insurance premiums. Larger homes with more square footage generally have higher replacement costs, leading to higher insurance rates.
FAQ 10: What are the advantages of a wider trailer home?
Wider homes offer several advantages, including more living space, more flexible floor plans, a greater sense of spaciousness, and increased storage capacity. They more closely resemble traditional site-built homes in terms of layout and feel.
FAQ 11: Are there limitations on where I can place a wide trailer home due to its width?
Yes, zoning regulations and setback requirements may restrict where you can place a wider home on a property. Check with your local zoning department to ensure compliance.
FAQ 12: Can the sections of a double-wide home be different widths?
Generally, no. While theoretically possible, the sections of a double-wide home are almost always the same width to ensure a seamless and structurally sound connection when they are joined together.