What Is The Difference Between a Mobile Home, Manufactured Home, Trailer and RV?

Confused by the terms “mobile home” and “manufactured home”? You’re not alone. Many people – if not most – still use these two names interchangeably to identify a dwelling on wheels. So what’s the difference? Believe it or not, it all has to do with when they were built. To get into the nitty gritty of the differences between a mobile home and a manufactured home – as well as what defines a trailer and an RV – keep reading.

Background

We can’t discuss mobile homes without touching on their history. Cascade Loans reports that it all began with the invention of the trailer – an unpowered vehicle designed to haul and transport boats, cars and other objects. These trailers were popularized by vacationers and campers in the 1920s, who hitched them to automobiles when traveling.

However, in the 1930s, the Great Depression hit – and consequently, the immediate needs of the American people changed. Given the affordability and availability of trailers, Americans began using them as permanent homes.

Over the years, the use of trailers as permanent homes became more and more popular with working class Americans. BBC notes that by the 1940s and ‘50s, manufacturers were producing large trailers called “double-wides” to meet strong demand from customers. These wider, longer trailers were made of two separate units which formed a larger home. With its change of purpose also came a change in name. By the 1950s, manufacturers had officially renamed these mass produced trailers “mobile homes.”

Then, in the late 1970s, the mobile home industry dramatically upped its standards, thanks in large part to the establishment of the HUD Code in 1976. According to the the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development , these new regulations mandated federal standards for the design, construction and installation of mobile homes to assure quality, durability, safety and affordability. Prior to the HUD Code, standards for mobile homes were not federally regulated. Now, things like electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC systems in each new home were all held to the same high standards.

Name change from “mobile home” to “manufactured home”

Once these new standards were enacted, the industry officially changed the name of these dwellings from “mobile home” to “manufactured home.”

So what does this mean today? It means that if the structure is built after 1976 and meets all federal rules for quality, durability, safety, and affordability, it is technically called a “manufactured home.” If it was built before 1976, it is technically called a “mobile home.” Although, today, many people still use the term “mobile home” – albeit incorrectly – when referring to a manufactured home.

Today’s manufactured homes

Today, manufactured homes remain popular with Americans for a number of reasons – the most obvious being affordability. Manufactured homes are particularly popular among those looking for a low-cost, affordable way to own a home.

In terms of dollar per square foot, these manufactured homes also provide more bang for the buck when compared to site-built homes. In fact, according to the Manufactured Housing Institute , mobile homes in 2015 “cost less than half as much as the estimated $100.65 per square foot for new site-built housing construction.” The organization points out that the average price of a single-wide mobile home is an affordable $45,000. Compare that to the median price of a single family home at $258,300, and you can see the difference.

The advantages of owning a manufactured home today don’t stop with affordability, though. The Manufactured Housing Institute also points out that manufactured homes are “engineered for wind safety and energy efficiency based on the geographic region in which they are sold.” Given that they are secured to the ground by steel anchors, manufactured home owners can rest assured that their homes can withstand the elements.

In addition to being weather resistant, today’s manufactured homes are environmentally sound and provide owners with an eco-friendly lifestyle. In fact, manufactured homes are constructed in a way that yields up to “90 percent less waste and environmental impact than site-built housing,” according to the Manufactured Housing Institute.

So what is an RV?

RVs (short for recreational vehicles) are automotive vehicles that have a home attached to them. According to the DMV , there are multiple classes of RVs.

Class A is a recreational vehicle that is also a motorhome, and includes commercial passenger and school buses that are converted into RVs. The DMV notes that these are generally luxurious “with a solid body, a panoramic front window, berths that convert from living room or dinette areas, and bathroom facilities.” Class B RVs are campervans with raised roofs. The DMV notes that these often have “small kitchens with refrigerators and gas grills.” Larger models are outfitted with a water heater, heat and AC, toilets and shower. Class C vehicles “ are characterized by a distinctive alcove which fits over the truck cab, providing either a double berth for sleeping or, sometimes, an ‘entertainment’ section, with a TV and video games.” Additionally, there are several other types of RVs. The DMV describes these as:

• Truck Campers: “Similar to the C-class vehicles described above, these are smaller RVs, carried in the beds of pickup truck.”
• Pop-up Campers: “Collapsible campers with pull-out berths and tent walls, towed in a compact unit behind a vehicle.”
• Travel Trailers (sometimes called ‘caravans’): “Non-collapsible, light-weight trailers with simple amenities, towed behind a vehicle.”

Ready to make your move?

To find the best moving company to handle the job, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

If you’re planning to downsize to a manufactured home, you may need to rent a stor age unit – at least temporarily. To locate self-storage facilities in your area, use Moving.com’s ‘ Find Storage Now ‘ tool. All you have to do is type in the zip code or your city and state, and click the ‘find storage’ button. Moving.com will pull quotes from the closest self storage unit facilities near your new home, so that you can compare costs and offerings. Best of luck and happy moving!