Mobile home moving equipment for rent makes relocating your home manageable. Key gear includes specialized dollies, hydraulic jacks, and heavy-duty straps for safe and efficient transport. Renting these specialized tools avoids large purchase costs and ensures you have the right equipment for the job.
Moving a mobile home is a big task, and doing it yourself can seem overwhelming. Many people are unsure where to even begin when it comes to the equipment needed. It’s a common frustration because you need very specific tools that aren’t found in your typical toolbox. The good news is, you don’t have to buy this specialized gear. Renting the right equipment is a smart, cost-effective solution.
This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to rent to make your mobile home move as smooth as possible. We’ll cover the essential pieces of equipment, how they work, and what to look for when renting. Get ready to tackle your mobile home move with confidence!
Understanding Mobile Home Moving Equipment
When we talk about moving a mobile home, we’re not talking about a simple driveway maneuver. These structures, while called “mobile,” require significant effort and specialized machinery to relocate safely and effectively. Think of it as a delicate, heavy lift. The equipment available for rent is designed precisely for these challenges:</s
- Safety: Prevents damage to the home and surrounding property.
- Efficiency: Speeds up the moving process significantly.
- Cost-effectiveness: Renting is much cheaper than purchasing these specialized tools.
- Accessibility: Makes DIY relocation a more feasible option for homeowners.
Essential Mobile Home Moving Equipment: What to Rent
To successfully move a mobile home, you’ll need a combination of lifting, stabilizing, and transporting equipment. Each piece plays a crucial role in the overall operation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential gear you should look for when renting:
1. Hydraulic Jacks
Hydraulic jacks are your primary lifting tools. They are designed to lift heavy loads with minimal effort. For mobile homes, you’ll typically need multiple heavy-duty hydraulic jacks to lift the home evenly off its foundation or transport structure. They are operated by pumping a handle, which forces fluid into a cylinder, extending a piston and lifting the load.
- Types: Bottle jacks and frame jacks are common. Frame jacks are often preferred for their stability and wider base when used in mobile home moving.
- Capacity: Ensure the jacks you rent have a sufficient weight capacity for your specific mobile home. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Operation: They require a stable, solid surface to sit on to prevent sinking or tipping.
2. Heavy-Duty Dollies and Rollers
Once the mobile home is lifted, dollies or rollers are used to help it slide or roll along a prepared path or temporary track. These are not your everyday furniture dollies; they are robust machines built to handle immense weight.
- Skates: Sometimes called “skates” or “rollers,” these are placed under the frame or special support beams to allow movement.
- Weight Capacity: Just like jacks, the weight capacity is critical.
- Placement: Proper placement of dollies is essential to distribute weight evenly and prevent stress on the home’s frame.
3. Load Levelers and Stabilizers
These are crucial for maintaining stability during the lift and movement. They help to keep the mobile home level and prevent it from tilting or shifting unexpectedly. They often work in conjunction with hydraulic jacks.
- Purpose: Distribute lifting force evenly and provide lateral support.
- Design: Can include adjustable arms, blocks, or specialized frames.
- Safety Feature: Essential for preventing catastrophic failure during the move.
4. Heavy-Duty Straps and Chains
Once the home is ready for transport (whether by being pulled or placed on a trailer), strong straps and chains are used to secure it. These ensure the home stays in place during transit and doesn’t shift.
- Material: Look for heavy-duty polyester webbing straps or industrial-grade chains.
- Winch Systems: Ratchet or winch-style straps are often used for tightening.
- Attachment Points: Ensure you have secure points on both the mobile home’s frame and the transport vehicle.
5. Specialized Mobile Home Dollies (Self-Propelled Units)
For larger moves or professional movers, self-propelled, heavy-duty dollies are a significant piece of equipment. These units have their own power source and steering capabilities, allowing for precise movement of the entire home unit over short distances, such as within a park or to a new lot.
- Power: Typically hydraulic or electric.
- Maneuverability: Offer precise control over direction and speed.
- Expertise Needed: Often require experienced operators.
6. Support Beams and Structural Bracing
Before lifting, you might need to install additional support beams or braces to reinforce the mobile home’s frame. This is particularly important if the home’s original foundation or chassis has weakened over time. Renting these or acquiring them from your equipment provider is wise.
- Purpose: Strengthen the underlying structure to withstand the forces of lifting and moving.
- Materials: Typically heavy steel beams.
- Installation: Requires careful planning and secure fastening.
7. Leveling Equipment for the New Site
Once the mobile home arrives at its destination, you’ll need equipment to set it up level. This often involves more hydraulic jacks, wedges, and shims.
- Re-leveling: Essential for the home’s structural integrity and comfort.
- Tools: Includes precision jacks, spirit levels, and wooden or composite shims.
Renting vs. Buying: Making the Smart Choice
The decision to rent or buy mobile home moving equipment is usually a no-brainer for most homeowners. Let’s look at why.
The Case for Renting:
- Cost Savings: The primary advantage. Purchasing specialized mobile home moving equipment can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Renting allows you to use the equipment for the duration of your move at a fraction of the cost.
- Storage: Where would you store a set of heavy-duty hydraulic jacks and specialized dollies when you’re not using them? Renting eliminates the storage problem.
- Maintenance: Rental companies maintain their equipment. You get reliable, well-serviced gear without the responsibility of upkeep, repairs, or calibration.
- Access to Latest Technology: Rental companies often update their fleet, meaning you might get access to newer, more efficient, or safer equipment.
- Specific Job Needs: You can rent exactly what you need for your specific move, rather than buying a whole package and having some equipment go unused.
When Buying Might Make Sense (Rarely):
Buying equipment is generally only practical for professional mobile home movers who move multiple homes regularly. For a one-time move, the cost and logistics of owning such specialized gear are prohibitive.
Where to Find Mobile Home Moving Equipment for Rent
Finding the right rental source is key to a successful move. Here are the most common places to look:
1. Specialized Heavy Equipment Rental Companies
These companies focus on renting out machinery for construction, industrial, and specialized transport jobs. They are your best bet for finding truly heavy-duty mobile home moving equipment.
- What to look for: Companies that advertise lifts, jacks, engineered moving systems, or heavy transport solutions.
- Tip: Check their inventory online or call them directly. Be specific about your needs.
2. Some Trailer and RV Dealerships/Rental Services
While less common, some large RV or specialized trailer dealerships might offer related moving equipment rentals, especially if they also deal with manufactured housing. It’s worth checking, particularly if you’re already working with them for transport.
3. Industrial Supply and Tool Rental Shops
Larger, well-stocked tool rental shops might carry some of the more common heavy-duty hydraulic jacks or basic dollies, but they are less likely to have the specialized alignment and transport systems needed for an entire mobile home.
4. Online Rental Marketplaces
Platforms exist where individuals or smaller companies list equipment for rent. You might find options here, but ensure the provider is reputable and the equipment is well-maintained. Always inspect equipment before use.
5. Manufactured Home Dealerships and Installers
Sometimes, the dealership where you purchased your mobile home, or the company that installed it, may offer rental services for moving equipment, or they can recommend reliable rental sources. They know the specific needs for their product.
Key Considerations When Renting Equipment
Renting the right gear is only part of the process. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Weight and Size of Your Mobile Home
This is the most critical factor. Mobile homes vary greatly in size and weight depending on whether they are single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide, and what materials they are made of. You MUST know the approximate weight of your home to rent equipment with adequate capacity.
2. Duration of Rental
Moving a mobile home can take several days or even longer, depending on the distance and complexity. Plan your rental period accordingly. Factor in time for setup, the actual move, and dismantling/setup at the new location. Often, companies offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates.
3. Delivery and Pickup Options
Can the rental company deliver the equipment to your current location and pick it up from your destination? This service can be invaluable, as transporting heavy equipment yourself can be a significant challenge.
4. Insurance and Damage Waivers
Understand the rental company’s policy on insurance and damage waivers. What happens if the equipment is damaged during your rental period? Ensure you are adequately covered or understand your liability.
5. Operator Requirements
Some of the more complex pieces of equipment, like self-propelled dollies or specialized moving systems, may require trained operators. Clarify whether an operator is included in the rental or if you need to hire one separately. For DIY moves, you’ll want equipment that is manageable for someone with basic mechanical aptitude.
6. Rental Agreement and Terms
Read the rental agreement carefully. Pay attention to mileage charges (if applicable for transport), fuel requirements, usage restrictions, and cleaning fees.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Rented Mobile Home Moving Equipment
This is a simplified overview. Always consult the rental company and seek professional advice if needed. Safety is paramount.
Step 1: Site Preparation
Clear the path for moving the mobile home. Remove any obstructions, level the ground as much as possible, and ensure there’s adequate space to maneuver.
- Remove skirting around the home.
- Trim any low-hanging branches or other obstacles.
- Create a smooth, firm surface for rollers or dollies if needed.
Step 2: Securing the Mobile Home
Before lifting, ensure the home is adequately secured internally. This might involve bracing furniture or ensuring internal elements are stable.
Step 3: Attaching Support Beams (If Necessary)
If your home’s frame needs reinforcement, install any rented or acquired support beams. These will be primary points for lifting.
Step 4: Lifting the Mobile Home
Carefully position your rented hydraulic jacks and load levelers. Slowly and evenly lift the mobile home off its foundation or transport structure. Ensure all jacks are lifting simultaneously and the home remains level. You can find resources on proper jacking procedures through organizations like the Manufactured Housing Institute, which often compiles best practices and safety guidelines for moving and installing manufactured homes. For instance, their publications sometimes detail the importance of using evenly spaced, capacity-rated jacks.
Step 5: Placing Dollies or Rollers
Once lifted to the required height, slide the heavy-duty dollies or rollers under the reinforced frame or support beams. Distribute the weight evenly.
Step 6: Moving the Mobile Home
This is the most critical phase. Using the dollies, carefully and slowly move the mobile home along its prepared path. If using self-propelled dollies, operate them with extreme caution. If pulling the home with a heavy vehicle, ensure it’s done gradually and with proper hitching and guidance.
You may need to:
- Reposition jacks as the home moves to provide continuous support.
- Use guide ropes or spotters to ensure the home clears any obstacles.
- Continuously monitor for any signs of stress or instability.
Step 7: Lowering the Mobile Home at the New Site
Once at the destination, position the home over its new foundation or support points. Slowly and evenly lower the home using the hydraulic jacks. Ensure it is settling onto its final supports correctly.
Step 8: Leveling and Stabilizing
Use your leveling equipment (more jacks, shims, wedges) to get the home perfectly level. This is crucial for the long-term integrity of the home and for comfortable living. Ensure all stabilizers and support systems are properly engaged.
Step 9: Securing and Finishing
Once level and secured, reattach skirting, connect utilities, and perform any final checks. Return your rented equipment promptly.
Safety First: Critical Precautions for Mobile Home Moving
Mobile home moving is not a DIY project to be taken lightly. Safety must be your absolute priority. Ignoring safety can lead to severe damage to the home, property, and serious injury or worse.
- Never Work Alone: Always have at least two or three people, preferably more, assisting.
- Know Your Home’s Weight: Consult your home’s documentation for its exact weight.
- Inspect ALL Equipment: Before renting and before use, thoroughly check all rented equipment for wear, damage, or leaks.
- Use Proper Jack Stands/Blocks: Never rely solely on hydraulic jacks without additional support like sturdy blocks or jack stands if the home will be in a raised position for an extended period.
- Clear the Area: Keep pets, children, and unauthorized persons far away from the moving operation.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid moving during high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions.
- Understand Load Distribution: If your home has specific load-bearing points, ensure you are lifting and supporting from them.
- Communication is Key: Ensure everyone involved understands their role and communication signals.
- Professional Help: If you are unsure at any point, or if your move is particularly complex (e.g., public roads, steep inclines), hire professional mobile home movers. The cost is often worth the peace of mind and safety. Resources like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides guidelines for manufactured homes, which can indirectly inform best practices for their safe handling and installation.
Common Equipment Rental Scenarios and Solutions
Here are some typical situations and the equipment you’d likely need to rent:
| Scenario | Primary Equipment to Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving a single-wide home a short distance within a park. | Heavy-duty high-capacity hydraulic jacks, load levelers, heavy-duty dollies or skates, possibly a robust tow vehicle if moving it yourself. | Focus on precise, slow movement. Ensure the path is clear and firm. |
| Lifting a mobile home to replace worn-out support piers. | Multiple high-capacity hydraulic jacks (at least 4, ideally more), load levelers, sturdy blocking materials. | Lift evenly to avoid stressing the frame. Ensure stable ground for jacks. |
| Relocating a double-wide home to a new property (requires professional transport company). | The moving company will supply all specialized equipment: heavy dollies, hydraulic systems, specialized tandem axle trailers, lifting frames, winches. | You are typically contracting a service, not renting individual tools. Ensure the company is licensed and insured. |
| Slightly adjusting the level of a home already set up. | Precision hydraulic jacks designed for fine adjustments, shims, wedges. | Requires careful monitoring to avoid over-correction or shifting. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Home Moving Equipment Rental
Q1: How much does it typically cost to rent mobile home moving equipment?
Rental costs vary widely based on the type of equipment, duration of the rental, and the rental company’s location. Basic hydraulic jacks might rent for $50-$150 per day, while a full set of specialized dollies and lifting systems for a larger move