Moving a mobile home is a complex undertaking that places enormous stress on a structure designed to be transported once—from the factory to its original site. While these homes are engineered with mobility in mind, years or even decades of settling, weathering, and modifications can compromise their ability to withstand the rigors of transport. A thorough pre-move inspection isn't just recommended; it's essential to avoid costly damage, dangerous situations, and potential refusal of transport by your moving company.

Structural Frame and Chassis Assessment

The steel frame and chassis form your mobile home's backbone, and any weakness here can lead to catastrophic failure during transport. Begin by crawling underneath your home to examine the I-beams, cross-members, and outriggers that support the entire structure. Look for rust, corrosion, or any signs of previous repairs that may have compromised structural integrity.

Pay particular attention to areas where the frame meets the tongue or hitch assembly. These connection points bear tremendous stress during transport, and any cracks, severe rust, or previous damage can cause the frame to separate from the chassis. If you discover rust that flakes away when touched or holes that penetrate through the steel, you'll need professional reinforcement before the home can safely move.

The marriage beam—the main support running down the center of double-wide homes—requires special scrutiny. This beam is designed to be separated for transport and reconnected at the new location, but years of settling can warp or stress this critical component. Any bowing, twisting, or damage to the marriage beam must be addressed before attempting separation.

Axle, Wheel, and Suspension System

Mobile homes that have sat stationary for years often have severely compromised running gear. Inspect each tire for dry rot, cracks, flat spots, or any signs of deterioration. Tires exposed to sunlight and weather for extended periods lose their integrity even if they look acceptable at first glance. Most transport companies require all tires to be replaced on homes that haven't moved in over five years, with costs running $100 to $200 per tire.

Check the wheel bearings by attempting to rock each wheel. Any play or grinding sounds indicate bearing failure, which can lead to wheels seizing or falling off during transport—a dangerous and expensive disaster. Bearings should be repacked or replaced before the move, typically costing $100 to $150 per wheel assembly.

Examine the suspension springs and axle mounting points. Springs that have compressed permanently or show cracks need replacement. The axle mounting brackets should be solid with no evidence of rust-through or previous damage. In states like Florida and Texas, where homes may sit in humid conditions, axle damage is particularly common and requires immediate attention.

Roof and Exterior Integrity

Your roof must be completely sound before transport. Even small leaks can become major problems when highway winds get underneath loose shingles or metal panels. Walk the roof if safely possible, or use binoculars to inspect for missing shingles, damaged metal seams, or any soft spots that indicate underlying rot.

Pay special attention to roof-mounted features like air conditioning units, vents, and skylights. These need to be properly secured or removed before transport, as highway speeds can turn them into dangerous projectiles. Most transporters require AC units to be professionally secured with additional reinforcement or removed entirely for double-wide homes.

Examine all exterior siding for loose panels, damaged sections, or areas where moisture may have penetrated. Vinyl siding that's become brittle with age can tear away during transport, exposing the interior to weather damage. Metal siding should be checked for rust-through or panels that have come loose from their fasteners.

Windows and doors deserve careful inspection. Check that all windows are properly sealed and that glass isn't cracked. During transport, vibrations can cause poorly secured windows to fall out or crack. Exterior doors should close securely and latch properly—doors that don't fit right indicate structural settling that may cause problems when the home is moved.

Interior Wall and Floor Condition

Inside your home, walk every room and look for telltale signs of structural problems. Cracks in walls, especially those running diagonally from corners or around doors and windows, suggest the home has settled significantly and may not handle transport well. Doors that stick or won't close properly, floors that slope noticeably, or ceilings with visible sagging all indicate structural issues requiring professional evaluation.

Check your floors carefully by walking the entire home and noting any soft spots, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and near exterior walls. Soft flooring usually indicates water damage and rot in the subfloor or floor joists. These weakened areas can collapse during transport when subjected to twisting and flexing forces.

Cabinet security is crucial. Open all cabinets and ensure they're solidly attached to walls. Highway vibrations will shake loose anything not properly secured, potentially causing thousands of dollars in interior damage.

Plumbing and Utility Systems

All plumbing connections must be properly disconnected and secured before transport. However, before disconnection, inspect the entire system for existing leaks or weak points. Old galvanized pipes or polybutylene plumbing (common in homes from the 1970s-1990s) may not survive the stress of transport and reconnection.

Drain all water from your system completely, including the water heater, holding tanks, and all supply lines. Water adds tremendous weight and, if lines freeze during winter transport in northern states like Michigan, Minnesota, or Maine, can cause extensive damage. Add RV antifreeze to drains and toilet traps to prevent damage from residual water.

Disconnect propane tanks and have them removed by a qualified technician. Never transport a mobile home with propane tanks attached, as this creates a significant safety hazard. In California and several other states, this is explicitly prohibited by law.

Obtaining Professional Assessment

While homeowners can perform preliminary inspections, hiring a professional mobile home inspector before committing to a move is money well spent. These specialists, who typically charge $300 to $600, can identify problems that untrained eyes miss. They'll provide a detailed report of necessary repairs and can help you understand whether your home is a good candidate for relocation.

Some transport companies offer pre-move inspections, though their standards focus primarily on what's necessary for safe transport rather than protecting your property. An independent inspection gives you leverage to make necessary repairs before signing a transport contract.

State-Specific Considerations

Certain states have specific requirements for mobile homes entering their jurisdiction. California requires homes to meet current energy efficiency standards, potentially necessitating upgrades before or immediately after relocation. Washington prohibits moving homes over 20 years old into certain areas. Florida has strict wind resistance requirements that may require retrofitting older homes with additional tie-down anchors.

Always check your destination state's regulations before committing to a move. Discovering your home doesn't meet requirements after spending thousands on preparation and transport can be financially devastating.

The Cost of Skipping Inspection

The expense of a thorough pre-move inspection and necessary repairs pales in comparison to the cost of disaster. Homes that experience frame failure during transport may be total losses, with no insurance coverage for damage caused by pre-existing conditions. Transport companies typically require you to sign liability waivers, meaning you'll absorb the cost of any damage resulting from your home's poor condition.

Taking the time to properly inspect and prepare your mobile home transforms a risky endeavor into a manageable project, protecting both your investment and your peace of mind.

Is Your Mobile Home Ready for Transport? Key Inspection Steps to Avoid Disaster