How to Tie Down a Mobile Home

Mobile homes need tie-downs and anchors regardless of what part of the country they are located in, but particularly along the East and Gulf Coast areas as well as the coast of Alaska. Compared to site constructed homes, mobile homes are lighter in weight and have flat sides and ends. Most mobile homes are elevated on piers or foundations. Wind can get under the homes and lift them up and forceful winds blowing over the top can create an uplifting force. Single wide mobile homes need over the top tie-downs and well as tie-downs attached to the frame. Double wide mobile homes require frame and anchor tie-downs. Insurance companies require these tie-downs before they will write coverage in some areas.

Instructions

1

Check the mobile home to be sure it is completely level before starting the installation of anchors and tie-downs.

2

Check the wind zone chart for the area the mobile home is located in. Zone Two, which includes the East Coast from Florida to Maine,and the Gulf Coast, requires from four to seven tie-downs and anchors depending upon the length of the mobile home. Zone One encompasses the balance of the United States and requires two to five anchors and tie-downs.

3

Consult a local building inspector to determine the type of soil where the mobile home is located to determine the length of the anchors. Sandy and loamy soils can require anchors installed into the ground up to five feet. Concrete slabs or foundations must be at least four inches thick for safe anchor attachment.

4

Discuss with the supplier of the anchors and tie downs which type of anchors will be required for your application. Select the correct hook ups for the anchors and tensioning devices required for the zone where your mobile home is located.

5

Locate and mark all underground utilities such as gas and sewer lines and underground cable,phone and electric lines, before beginning installation of anchors.

6

Follow the specific instructions supplied with your anchors to install properly. Anchors used can be an auger type anchor that is screwed into the ground by using a bar to turn the anchor to screw it into the ground. Drive anchors are designed to be pounded into the soil using a large heavy hammer. Dead man anchors are installed by digging a hole with a post hole auger, inserting the anchors and filling the hole with concrete.

7

Attach the tie-downs to the frame of the mobile home and to the ring at the top of the installed anchors. Tighten the tension of the tie-down by turning the turnbuckle on the tie-down. Alternate sides of the mobile home when tightening, and tighten a little at a time until you have equal tension on both sides.

8

Install over the top tie-downs by installing the anchors following guidelines in step six. Run the over the top tie downs (cables) over the roof resting on the roof rafters and down the sides of the mobile home, then attach to the anchors by tightening the turnbuckles. Cushion the cables where they rest on the roof edges with blocks of wood or blocks purchased from the mobile home dealer. Be sure the cables do not interfere with doors or windows on the sides of the home.