A Brief History of Mobile Home Construction Rich Courtney Weatherization Program Specialist

“It takes a sense of humor”

1948 Liberty Three Decker Heated Floor “Comfort Conditioning”

1949 Prairie Schooner Manufacture claims home is 10o cooler Pulling a Prairie Schooner trailer saves between 10 to 25 gallons on long hops

1952 “Happy Home” “Separate Shower & Toilet” “Fully Insulated” “Water Heater” “Johns-Manville Floor Insulation” “Oil or Butane Heat Optional”

Mobile Home with a “Tip Out”

1975 Flamingo “Double Wide”

Manufactures Certificate

Pre 1976 Wall Stud size

Locate and inspect for wiring type, safety and power cable entrance

Water Heater Compartment See any problems? Open controls Exposed wiring Flammable foam insulation close to possible electrical hazards PVC discharge pipe More?

General Construction Features Roof Assembly with Ceiling Walls, Fixtures, Appliances and Wiring Flooring w/Finished Floor Covering 2x6 Framing Main Ductwork Insulation Bellyboard Main I-beams/ Outriggers/Cross Supports Axles/Hitch Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Primary Window Types Jalousie Horizontal Slider Awning Vertical Slider Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Single-Wide and Double-Wide Features Details showing “tie-downs” Foundation Support Piers Illustration courtesy of John Krigger “Marriage Line”

Crossover Duct on a Double-wide A crossover duct connects two complete duct systems. Each supplying conditioned air to each side of the dwelling. Note “Marriage Line” Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Floor joist configuration Longitudinal or lengthwise floor joists Perpendicular or Crosswise floor joists Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Forced Air Furnace Systems Furnaces are typically “down flow” heating units. The furnace connects to the main trunk line of the duct system located in the floor. Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Location of the main trunk line depends on the floor joist configuration Illustration courtesy of John Krigger

Use the information to help direct Weatherization work

Relax at the end of the day after a job well done