What is a Single Wide Mobile Home?

A single wide mobile home is a dwelling that was created inside a factory and delivered to a residential home site in a single piece. Every single aspect of the home is manufactured in one centralized warehouse by technicians and laborers, from the ceilings and drywall to the plumbing and electrical wiring. By definition, it normally measures no more than 18 feet (5.5 m) across and 90 feet (27 m) in length. Most single wide mobile homes are also constructed on a trailer with wheels to allow for easy movement from one location to another, and in many cases, the wheels are left in place even after delivery. Once on-site, the single wide mobile home is secured to the ground with bricks or other types of underpinning, but many states do not classify them as permanent structures.

Under normal circumstances, every single aspect of the residence was pre-cut to exact dimensions before arriving at the factory. The construction of a single wide mobile home begins with the actual framework, which is usually a series of puzzle-like pieces that are connected together. Once that is completed, the interior wall assemblies are attached so that electricians and plumbers can begin their installations, and then the exterior walls are secured to the framework. After the roof is lowered into place, workers can begin installing the drywall, flooring, and other cosmetic options. Final assembly steps include the installation of items like cabinets, molding, light switches, and electrical panels.

The creation of single wide mobile homes has actually caused quite a problem for many local governments since up to ten of them can be installed on a single acre. These areas are known as mobile home parks, and legislators in some parts of the world claim that their rapid formations in previous years has led to all kinds of zoning nightmares for schools, hospitals, and emergency response personnel. Since hundreds or even thousands of single wide mobile home units can be implemented across a small area in a relatively short period of time, it can overwhelm local towns and lead to all kinds of unforeseen problems. This is why strict legislation limits the number of single wide mobile homes in many areas throughout the world.

Double wide and triple wide mobile homes are also created for homeowners across the globe, but due to the sheer size of the structures, they are delivered in sections with the final installation completed at the actual home site. Otherwise, they are manufactured exactly in the same manner as a single wide mobile home, and many of them still have the trailer hitches and wheels attached beneath the underpinning. There are also modular homes which are made in a similar fashion, but they are delivered on the back of a truck and installed on a concrete foundation. Once modular homes are installed, they are almost indistinguishable from site-built homes.