quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
We are not talking new. More like a 1970's version of a single wide.

Most 70's mobile homes were not insulated very well in either the ceiling or the floor and can cost a lot to heat or a/c. My grandparents had one, it's definitely not a house.....floor creaks when you walk and other nuances, but if you don't mind any of that, then go for it.

A 70's single wide may have a particle board floor subbase ( not chip board or wafer board or modern sheathing) , which might not do well with a water leak, or humidity from the outside. Dependant upon how the ground drains if there is skirting this may exacerbate moisture underneath the trailer affecting particle board subflooring. How has the metal roofing been maintained. Seams coated/caulked periodically, entire roof coated and maintained, or just left alone? Mobile homecwiring, panels, plumbing fixtures, plumbing piping of that era is not the same as normal house construction, and typically requires mobile home specific parts etc. Mobile home insurance is typically required, especially if the axles and wheels are still attached. Just some things to look into.

You don't say where this would end up being located, but if it's a four-seasons type area, such as any of the northern states, I'd reconsider.

I toured one some years back that was old, but I don't think 1970's old. It was winter, and several of the window frames leaked, as well as one door frame. There was snow coming in through the holes and accumulating around them. A lot of work just to make it livable.

Unlike standard houses, trailers lose value over time, while your standard home will generally gain value. This should make a 1970's mobile home extremely affordable (read, "cheap to purchase"), but heavy on maintenance. As others have said, though, the repairs should generally be easy to perform yourself, so long as you're in good health.

I lived in mobile homes twice. Once on Horseshoe Lake near Gwinn in my USAF days. The U.P. model had a "winter package" and was cozy warm. Had a sunken living room, too. And the second served as temporary quarters while I was saving to buy a home.
I would do it again.
Have it fully inspected by a mobile home specialist prior to buying.
They have all the problems a standard house has.

This was a 2002 .. we were the first occupants in 2003. "The good old days" ...

Swamp cooler, no AC. Propane Ducane forced air. Two full bathrooms. Under 5 minutes by bicycle for groceries.

Thank you guys. Some great perspective.

Bushpilot, that does make one think. I understand your statement. Makes complete sense. Although our current situation is very modest and works. Nothing like your place.

Woodman, I consider a manufactured home and a single wide of the sixty's and 70's era completely different animals. That one does like like a nice Man. Home. But they go for the 3x or 4x the price of what I am asking about.

I had one on a lot in Mexico Beach, FL years back.

Rented it out for the week when I wasn't there.

are you concerned at all about re-sale? I have heard that can be a problem.

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I'm sitting here by myself in a 1700 sq ft house on .65 acr lot in a nice quite older neighborhood. Cost 200k.
I could have gone to the country, bought land and put MH on it for less.

I mull this around over and over .... I just don't want to be out by myself i guess. I just dont know what i would realy enjoy .....

I lived in two different mobile homes for four years when I was in college. I didn't have much and it was a great experience for learning how to be self reliant. I also decided I would never live anywhere without a basement for protection in a storm and a place to store things. I didn't like waking up in the middle of the night and wondering if the thing was going to fly away during windy weather..

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
We are not talking new. More like a 1970's version of a single wide.

In a former lifetime, I worked for about a year in the mobile home industry. If you are able at all, avoid anything that old. Most were much more narrow, and didn't have the kind of insulation and wiring you would want for your loved ones.

These days you can find one from the '90's for a reasonably cheap amount, buy one 14' wide (or more, if desired), and come out much better for your comfort levels. Ceiling heights will be better, materials and workmanship superior, and insulation alone will likely repay you for the extra cost in short order.

Pointers like dual "I" beam construction, plywood floors (avoid particle board), 16" centered 2x4's in the walls (MANY have thinner boards and walls), and OEM plumbing insulation are all good to look for.

Merely one opinion, and maybe worth what you paid for it.

I delivered mail to a 550 unit mobile home community for ten years. These were full time residences, not vacation homes. Even with care and maintenance these homes deteriorated with time. I would be leery of a home more than five years old.

Consider how narrow a single wide is. I have seen walk-in closets that were wider than a single wide. Put some furniture in the home and the space shrinks.

If this will be located in a place that gets heavy snows, a steep roof has to be built over the mobile home.

Another thing to consider is some places have laws regarding moving mobile homes. Hall county, GA where I worked did not allow a MH over eight years old to be moved.

Check zoning regulations. Some townships prohibit older units.

Thanks again guy's. Resell value is something that is a valid consideration. But location is key.

The unit is on a nice lot in a good area. Access to somethings I am looking for. It is an early 80's version. Has an attached carport that was nicely done.
I think it is a bit over priced but not bad.

We helped friends (who were also neighbors) move into an older single wide rental in a park (and a storage unit that was almost as big). They were there for about six months while the husband recovered from an unexpected emergency triple bypass before completing the move to the greater Seattle area. He was a Sea-Tac controller for a while after getting his medical back before retiring.

They didn’t love the place, but it worked for them.

It seems to me like there are a lot of more important things that figure into a living situation: the people, the place, the lifestyle, etc before you get to the actual house. Someone who lives outside and is active may care a lot less about the house than someone who is a couch potato. Someone who entertains a lot may struggle with a smaller space.

It all depends on what is important to you and the missus.

We live in a newer (2004?2005) triple wide on acreage. The initial plan was to get the orchards in and dialed in, then build a “real” house. That was before it got to the point where I can’t wait for the kids to finish school so I only have to drag the lovely bride (probably kicking and screaming) out of Commiefornia, but even without that I can’t imagine building rather than enjoying where we are.

Try renting one for a month as a trial run. You’ll learn some of the challenges.

Side issue is they are as secure as an unlocked convertible generally. Take that combined with location into account.

ORC...mother lives in a very nice single-wide trailer. She had it built about 15 years ago. It's VERY nice and comfortable for her. The only thing I would caution you about a trailer is your neighbors. With all the kindness I can muster in my heart, I don't mean to bash, but it's just a fact of life and the environment/income level which trailer parks attract; they're cheap for a reason. If you can put it on an acre or even 1/2 acre lot, you're golden. But mother is surrounded by "Whiskey Tango" on three sides and the north side faces the street. In addition, the people that owned the "park" were useless and mammary glands on a boar hog. I believe they FINALLY defaulted on their loan and now the bank owns the "park". Guess what...the bank isn't lifting one finger to make repairs or try to maintain anything. Mother has two pot holes in the street right behind her carport. She rolls into them every time she pulls out to go somewhere. I just shake my head...

I say all this not to disparage anyone, but to give you caution. SHOP WISELY for where you're going to set up you home. Remember...you can't pick your family, but you can pick your neighbors.

Thanks erj, This particular situation is not ina a park setting and I would not go that route. No thanks. For the reasons you mention.

This is on an 8000' sq. ft lot. Property sold with the home. Water and elect. is to the trailer. Sewer is via Septic system.
The location is the lure. While the home is in good shape for its age.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Thanks erj, This particular situation is not ina a park setting and I would not go that route. No thanks. For the reasons you mention.

This is on an 8000' sq. ft lot. Property sold with the home. Water and elect. is to the trailer. Sewer is via Septic system.
The location is the lure. While the home is in good shape for its age.

Well, would you buy the lot if the trailer weren't on it? If yes, then buy it. You are buying the lot, essentially. A 1970's trailer has a resale value of about $1000. Trailers have horrible resale value so you could buy a 1990's, 2000's used single wide trailer pretty reasonably if you don't like the 70's one.

to some degree J123, you have to figure in the water, sewer, electrical service and permits. Which could easily run $25k minimum. Probably quite a bit more. Then you have an established landscape. Again, a few thousand at a minimum. The trailer is probably worth $8 to $12k there.
There is another outbuilding. Probably $5k minimum in value. Maybe $8k.