Used Motor Home

Practical Motorhome - Buying a used motorhome 1 BUYING HOLIDAYS HELPLINE Buying a used motorhome We present some expert advice to help you find the best used van that you can afford BUYING USED CHECK LIST We all love to peek inside brand-new top-of-the-range motorhomes, but for many of us they are aspirational and we have to set our sights lower. But you might be surprised by what's on offer for a relatively modest outlay. We've compiled this guide to buying used to show you what you can get for your money, and to steer you clear of pitfalls. There are many great pre-owned motorhomes on the market, and there are a number of things you can do to make sure you get one which is right for you. In the pages which follow, we show you where to view vehicles, how different designs suit different needs, how to find a diamond in the rough, and the financial options available. SET YOURSELF A BUDGET Decide what you can afford and stick to that figure, then you won't be swayed by some of the beautiful but expensive vehicles you're bound to come across. There are plenty of great second-hand vans out there at a reasonable price so be realistic. BUYING PRIVATELY You may find one or two motorhomes to fit the bill in our classified pages, starting on page 178. If you know what you're doing, you can get yourself a bargain here. For instance, you may be able to find a motorcaravanner who's giving up the hobby who will be prepared to throw in all their extras, including an awning, crockery and the like. But when buying privately, you need to take certain precautions: • Make sure you check the seller's credentials. Are you viewing the motorhome at the vendor's house? Check the address in the logbook. • Keep the original advertisement. Legally, the vehicle must be 'as described'. • Take a witness in case the seller misleads you, and the van later proves faulty. • Check the chassis and engine number against the vehicle's log book. • Check the vehicle's history. Call HPI Equifax (01722 422422) to see if any outstanding finance is owed. This service costs about 40. • If you're not mechanically minded, get the van inspected by a professional. The AA offers a two-tierservice: a one-hour inspection and road test; and a full inspection with history check. The cost depends on the size of vehicle. For example, a 2.8-litre Fiat Ducato-based motorhome would cost 145 and 249 for the two different levels of inspection. Phone 0800 085 3007 for details, or go to the website at www.theaa.com . BUYING FROM A DEALER At a large dealership, you will be able to see a large number of second-hand motorhomes in one place. (See our magazine for a nationwide list, and location map.) Buying from a dealer may be a more expensive option than buying privately but you'll get peace of mind because the dealer has a duty to tell you of any problems and the cost of rectifying them, as well as giving the van a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before you collect it. You'll also be offered at least a few months' warranty on used models, which is something you're unlikely to get from a private vendor. See as many different motorhomes as you can before making your decision. You'll soon start to get a feel for what represents good value for money. Also, see our price guide to second-hand motorhomes in the magazine. A number of regional motorhome shows take place around the country throughout the year, and these are attended by dealers and specialist importers. The shows provide a great chance to browse through a vast range of pre-owned vans, and dealers will be able to tell you what else they have in stock so you can decide whether a visit to their premises is worthwhile. If you buy at the show you may also be able to negotiate a sizeable discount. Try to build a relationship with a dealership that is local, or close to, your home address. Then, if problems arise or if you need some general maintenance work carried out, the cost of return visits to their premises shouldn't be too damaging to your wallet. CHOOSING THE RIGHT VEHICLE Consider whether your motorhome will be your only form of transport, or if it will be used exclusively for leisuretime. How many people is the motorhome going to accommodate? Do you want belted passenger seats for all the occupants? If you plan to travel with the kids it's no use having six beds and only four safe passenger seats. And what about storage space? If you plan to spend long periods away from home, will a narrow wardrobe suffice? And, most important; before you buy, make sure that the vehicle will fit onto your drive at home. The more facilities you want in your motorhome, the more it will cost. Flushing toilets, showers and full-sized cookers cost money. Decide whether you'll be more likely to stay at all-singing, all-dancing campsites where you may not need these things, or whether you'd prefer to camp at 'minimum-facility' sites. Have a go at making up the beds yourself and at working the onboard components and electrical control panels for confidence in setting up on site. Consider hiring a motorhome before you buy. This will confirm whether or not motorcaravanning is really for you, and which of the facilities you're likely to need. (For details of hire companies, see our classified pages at the back of the magazine.) BASE VEHICLES One final, important aspect to consider is the type of vehicle on which your motorhome is based. Turbodiesel-engined varieties dominate the market but they offer no advantage in terms of fuel economy, but they do offer lots of torque at low revs, with better performance than standard diesels. Petrol-engined models are less popular these days, but dont instantly dismiss them. They are cheaper to buy than diesels, quieter and perform well. Many second-hand vans will have power steering and some will have automatic gearboxes. And heres a tip for bargain hunters: the best bargains will be those motorhomes built on less desirable base vehicles, such as Renaults Trafic. See our checklist, on page 128, for what to look for and what to avoid. TOP | USED CHECKLIST | SMALL ADS SECTION BUYING Buying new Buying used Small Ads Accessories Dealers HOME TYPES OF MOTORHOME 1. Fixed-roof campers These are essentially people-carriers with camping extras, such as a fold-out bed, cooker and sofa in the back of a light commercial vehicle (LCV). They are rarely affected by height restrictions and feel car-like to drive. They're short on headroom and storage space, though. 2. Elevating-roof campers There are two types of elevating roof: the solid-sided version and the cloth-sided. The solid-sided variety may require you to do more work in folding out the panels, while other vehicles have cloth-sided roofs which are often raised on gas struts. 3. High-top campers High-tops are LCVs with the steel panel roof section replaced by a high, GRP-moulded section bonded to the roof channels. Occasionally, the high-top roof is made of steel, and fitted by the base vehicles original maker, (see below) but this can be noisy in bad weather. 4. Low-profile These are coachbuilt vehicles with no sleeping area above the cab. They offer better fuel economy and handling than over-cab (see below) versions, but are too big to negotiate normal height restrictions, and offer fewer berths. The over-cab space is for storage only. 5. Over-cab coachbuilt A traditional over-cab coachbuilt has much to offer a small family. It has multi-bed choice, thanks to the double bed above the cab. However, its not as good to drive as a smaller van conversion, and its height and size mean it can be tricky to park in built-up areas. 6. A-class Built on a chassis cowl, the body is entirely the work of the motorhome manufacturer. It will have a pull-down bed over the cab, and the seats will usually be fully integrated into the living area. These vehicles can, however, be expensive to buy. 7. Demountables These are popular in the US. The caravan component is removable from the base vehicle (usually a pick-up truck). They have rather less storage space than other types of motorhome, but it is quick and easy to separate the van part from the base vehicle on site. 8. American RVs They have a specially built chassis, powerful engine and automatic transmission as standard, but are expensive to buy and run. RVs have lavishly designed living spaces because buyers in the US spend more time in them than would the average Briton. BUYING HOLIDAYS HELPLINE Contact Practical Motorhome Best viewed in screen resolution 800 x 600 using I.E.4 or Netscape 4 or later.

Motor Coaches

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Modeling Services - Fireworks/Special - Spouse/Guest Programs - Hostess Services Venues - Moscone Center - Other Convention Facilities - Special Event Facilities - Conference Centers - Restaurant Banquet Facilities Search Results : Transportation : Bus/Motorcoach Charter Filter your results: Please select a neighborhood All neighborhoods Union Square Fisherman's Wharf South of Market Financial District North Beach Chinatown Castro Mission District Marina District Embarcadero Other San Francisco Neighborhoods East of San Francisco North of San Francisco South of San Francisco Sort by: Featured Partners Name advertisers All Partners Destination Systems Professionally managed transportation services for corporate meetings, convention and associations. Offering equipment and ground support services for airport transfers, shuttles, group tours, technical visits and event transportation. Owner/operator of executive quality vans, mini buses and full size coaches. TCP 7702 B add to my saved trip | map Address: 180 S. Linden Avenue City: South San Francisco,94080 Phone: 650-827-1000 Fax: 650-827-1029 Email: info@dscoach.com Website: www.dscoach.com San Francisco Minibus/SF Minibus Charters and corporate shuttles. Charters within the Bay Area and western region; wine country, Muir Woods, Yosemite, Tahoe and Reno. add to my saved trip | map | special offer Receive a $20.00 discount on booked tours when you use your Visa card. Address: P.O. Box 882374 City: San Francisco,94188 Phone: 415-777-5556 Fax: 415-777-5517 Email: info@sfminibus.com Website: www.sfminibus.com Airline Coach Service (ACS) add to my saved trip | map Address: 863 Malcolm Road City: Burlingame,94010 Phone: 650-697-7733 Fax: 650-697-3389 Email: daniel@acssfo.com Website: www.acssfo.com A Bauer's Limousine and Transportation add to my saved trip | map Address: Pier 27, The Embarcadero City: San Francisco,94111-1038 Phone: 415-522-1212 Fax: Email: welcome@bauerslimo.com Website: www.bauerslimo.com Bonjour Transportation add to my saved trip | map Address: P.O. Box 15669 City: San Francisco,94115 Phone: 415-922-0220 Fax: 415-922-0234 Email: bjtrans@comcast.net Website: www.bjtrans.com Cable Car Charters add to my saved trip | map | special offer Receive $3.00 off our two our tour when you use your Visa card. Tours can be booked both online at www.cablecarcharters.com or at Sabella's on Taylor @ Jefferson Street in Fisherman's Wharf Address: 2830 Geary Boulevard City: San Francisco,94118-3408 Phone: 415-922-2425 Fax: 415-922-1336 Email: sales@cablecarcharters.com Website: www.cablecarcharters.com Coach 21 add to my saved trip | map Address: 1677 Mariposa Street City: San Francisco,94107 Phone: 415-241-0621 Fax: 415-621-4686 Email: bus@coach21.com Website: www.coach21.com Compass Transportation add to my saved trip | map Address: 54 Tanforan Avenue City: South San Francisco,94080 Phone: 650-246-2775 Fax: 650-246-8941 Email: dfinale@supershuttle.net Website: www.supershuttle.net Franciscan Lines/CUSA San Francisco add to my saved trip | map Address: 300 Toland Street City: San Francisco,94124 Phone: 415-642-9400 Fax: 415-642-1500 Email: james.casey@coachusa.us Website: www.coachusa.us MTR Western add to my saved trip | map Address: 605 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 850 City: Seattle,98104 Phone: 206-838-8125 Fax: 206-621-9750 Email: info@mtrwestern.com Website: www.mtrwestern.com Reliant Travel LLC add to my saved trip | map Address: 1901A Poplar Street City: Oakland,94607 Phone: 510-451-5400 Fax: 510-451-1380 Email: reliant_travel@hotmail.com Website: www.relianttravel.com Storer Coachways & Tours add to my saved trip | map Address: 3519 McDonald Avenue City: Modesto,95358 Phone: 209-521-8250 Fax: 209-578-4888 Email: denise@storercoachways.com Website: www.storercoachways.com West Valley Charter Lines, Inc. add to my saved trip | map Address: 240 Cristich Lane City: Campbell,95008 Phone: 408-371-1230 Fax: 408-371-2716 Email: kevin@westvalleycharter.com Website: www.westvalleycharter.com Aboutthe Bureau Careers PrivacyPolicy FAQs Sponsors Contact

Vacation Vehicle

Dollar Rent A Car. Reserve your next rental car through our convenient and secure online car rental reservation center. Tuesday, January 24, 2006 DOLLAR RENT A CAR HOME PAGE Pickup (City) : Location Return (City) : Location Pickup Date : Return Date : Pickup Time : 12 AM 1 AM 2 AM 3 AM 4 AM 5 AM 6 AM 7 AM 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 7 PM 8 PM 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM : 00 15 30 45 Return Time : 12 AM 1 AM 2 AM 3 AM 4 AM 5 AM 6 AM 7 AM 8 AM 9 AM 10 AM 11 AM 12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 7 PM 8 PM 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM : 00 15 30 45 Car Type : Economy Compact Intermediate Intermediate Special Full Size Premium Luxury Convertible Minivan SUV Intermediate ATV Intermediate SUV Full Size SUV Premium Corporate # : Optional : Airline : Select One Aero California Aerolineas Argentinas Aeromexico Air Canada Air France Air Jamaica Air New Zealand Air South Airlines AirTran Airways Airways Int'l Alaska Airlines Alitalia All Nippon Airways Aloha Airlines America West Airlines American Airlines American Trans Air Avianca Bahamasair British Airways BWIA Int'l Carnival Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways Continental Airlines Delta Air Lines El Al Israel Airlines Frontier Airlines Hawaiian Air Lines Iberia Japan Airlines JetBlue Airways JetTrain Kiwi Intentional KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Korean Air LADECO LAN CHILE Lufthansa Mesa Airlines Mexicana de Aviacion Midway Airlines Midwest Express New York Helicopter NorthWest Airlines Philippine Airlines Qantas Airways Reno Air Scandinavian Airlines System Singapore Airlines Southwest Airlines Sun Country Airlines Swissair Thai Airways Transavia Airlines United Airlines US Airways ValuJet Airlines Vanguard Airlines Varig Virgin Atlantic Airways Western Pacific Airlines WestJet Airlines Flight Number : If you have already reserved a vehicle with Dollar, start here. 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Fleetwood RV Download Library

Fleetwood RV Brochure Download Library Welcome! [sign in to access My Fleetwood] My Fleetwood Luxury Coaches American Heritage American Eagle American Tradition Diesel Coaches Revolution Revolution LE Excursion Providence Discovery Bounder Diesel Expedition Gas Motor Homes Pace Arrow Southwind Bounder Flair Storm Terra Fiesta Mini Motor Homes Tioga Tioga SL Tioga SLX Jamboree Jamboree GT Jamboree GTX Travel Trailers Triumph Pride Terry Prowler Wilderness Mallard Pioneer Pegasus Orbit Toy Haulers GearBox Nitrous Hyperlite RedLine Folding Camping Trailers Destiny Americana Highlander Scorpion Evolution Element Download Library Welcome to the Fleetwood RV Download Library Download information about our recreational vehicles. Fleetwood RV provides two types of product literature: brochure and flyers, both in PDF form. Prefer printed brochures? Request Fleetwood RV literature via mail. Choose a Fleetwood Brand - Choose One - - Luxury Coaches - American Eagle American Heritage American Tradition - Diesel Motor Homes - Bounder Diesel Discovery Excursion Expedition Providence Revolution LE - Gas Motor Homes - Bounder Fiesta Flair Pace Arrow Southwind Storm Terra - Mini Motor Homes - Jamboree Jamboree GT Jamboree GTX Tioga Tioga SL Tioga SLX - Travel Trailers - Mallard Orbit Pegasus Pioneer Prowler Prowler Lynx Terry Terry Dakota Wilderness Wilderness Yukon Pride Prowler Regal AX6 Terry Quantum AX6 Triumph Wilderness Advantage AX6 - Toy Haulers - GearBox Nitrous Hyperlite - Folding Camping Trailers - Americana Destiny Element Evolution Highlander Scorpion FLEETWOOD RV BROCHURES: full color interior and exterior product photography, highlights of key features. FLEETWOOD RV FLYERS: all available floorplans and complete technical specifications. 2006 Fiesta brochure (1 MB) 2006 Fiesta flyer (777 KB) 2005 Fiesta brochure (1 MB) 2005 Fiesta flyer (586 KB) 2004 Fiesta brochure (1.9 MB) 2004 Fiesta flyer (954 KB) 2003 Fiesta flyer (713 KB) 2002 Fiesta brochure (2.1 MB) 2002 Fiesta flyer (158 KB) Fleetwood RV brochures and flyers require Adobe Acrobat Reader . Home | Contact Us | Owners Clubs | Plant Tours | Your Privacy | About this Site Fleetwood RV Store | Fleetwood.com | Employment | Website Feedback

Mobile Home Sales

How to Buy a Manufactured Home Manufactured Housing Institute in Cooperation with The Federal Trade Commission's Office of Consumers & Business Education [Graphic Omitted] [Graphic Omitted] Manufactured Housing Institute 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, Virginia 22202 703-979-6620TABLE OF CONTENTS1. WARRANTIES & OTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THE HOME PURCHASER Federal Construction and Safety Standards The Manufacturer's Warranty The Retailer's Warranty Appliance Warranties2. PLACEMENT & SELECTION OF YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME Placing Your Manufactured Home Placing Your Home on Your Own Land Placing Your Home in a Rental Community Buying a Manufactured Home in a Planned Community Choosing a Manufactured Home Buying a Manufactured Home3. SITE PREPARATION, TRANSPORTATION & HOME INSTALLATION Site Preparation Transporting Your Home Installing Your Home4. INSPECTION OF YOUR NEW MANUFACTURED HOME Installation Inspection General Inspection5. YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME SUMMARY Warranty Protection Placing Your Home Choosing Your Home Installing Your Home Inspecting Your HomeINTRODUCTIONA home is probably the single most important purchase you will make inyour lifetime. In recent years, nearly one-third of all newsingle-family homes bought have been manufactured homes. TheManufactured Housing Institute and the Federal Trade Commission's Officeof Consumer and Business Education developed this booklet to guide youthrough this very critical purchasing decision.If you are thinking about buying a manufactured home, this guide is foryou. It will tell you about manufactured homes and how to go aboutchoosing one that meets your needs and your pocketbook. You will learnhow a home is transported to a site, how the site must be prepared, andhow the home is installed on the site. You also will learn aboutmanufactured home warranty protection. By following the guide'ssuggestions, you should be able to avoid some possible pitfalls whenbuying a manufactured home.The term "manufactured home" was adopted in 1980 by the the UnitedStates Congress to describe a type of house that is constructed in afactory to comply with a building code developed by the Department ofHousing and Urban Development (HUD). In the past, manufactured homeswere called "mobile homes," a term that many people still use. However,"mobile" is no longer an accurate name because fewer than five percentof such homes are ever moved off the owner's original site.WARRANTIES & OTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THE HOME PURCHASERFederal standards and written warranties protect buyers of manufacturedhomes.Every manufactured home now offered for sale has a small red and silverseal that certifies that the home has been inspected during constructionand meets federal home construction and safety standards. Thesestandards were developed to assure a suitable level of performance inevery manufactured home constructed in the U.S. Such standards, togetherwith the manufacturers' warranties, serve to protect you -- the homebuyer.FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDSSince mid-1976, all manufactured homes have been constructed to meet thefederal building standards adopted and administered by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development. This national code iscalled the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.The code regulates manufactured home design and construction, strengthand durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. It alsoprescribes the performance standards for the heating, plumbing, airconditioning, thermal, and electrical systems.The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Actalso requires that you receive a home owner's manual when you buy yourhome. This manual will explain, among other things, what to do ifsomething goes wrong with your home. Some of the important subjectscovered in the home owner's manual include: * general maintenance; * safety (including a fire safety checklist); and * state agencies involved in enforcing the federal manufactured home standards.THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTYWarranties vary among different manufacturers. Ask to see the warrantieson the manufactured homes that interest you and compare them before youbuy. All retailers are required to have copies of the manufacturers'warranties that are offered on the homes they sell, and they will makethem available to you if you ask to see them. By reading the warrantybefore you buy your home, you can make sure the home you buy is coveredby the kind of warranty protection you want.[Graphic Omitted]When you buy your manufactured home, you will receive the manufacturer'swritten warranty from your retailer. The manufacturer's written warrantyusually covers substantial defects in: * workmanship in the structure; * factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical systems; and * factory-installed appliances (these also may be covered by appliance warranties).It is important, however, to understand that the manufacturer's warrantywill not provide coverage for problems resulting from: * lack of proper installation or maintenance; * accidents; * owner's negligence; or * unauthorized repairs.Therefore, to make sure that your home's warranty will be honored,carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing,maintaining, and repairing your home.In many cases, the retailer will perform service under themanufacturer's warranty. However, it is the manufacturer who has thefinal responsibility. Be aware that if the retailer must order partsfrom the manufacturer to make a warranty repair, shipping and deliveryof those parts may affect the amount of time it takes to get service.Before you buy your manufactured home, ask to see the written warrantiesoffered on the homes the retailer sells.Manufacturers warranties cover many, but not all, types of potentialproblems.The answers to the following questions should help you get the kind ofwarranty protection you want: * What warranties come with the manufactured home? You may get warranties from the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturers. * What exactly does each of these warranties cover? What do they not cover? * Do the manufacturer's or retailer's written warranties on the home cover transportation and installation? If not, are installation and transportation covered by separate written warranties? * How long do the warranties last? * How do you get warranty service? * Who will provide service under the warranties? * Where will the warranty service be performed?Consider these important questions about warranty coverage before youdecide which home to buy.Implied warranties are unspoken, unwritten promises created by statelaw.Ask to see all warranties in writing. Make sure you understand whooffers the warranty, who performs the service, and what is and is notcovered before selecting and buying your manufactured home.In addition to any written warranty offered by the manufacturer, you mayhave certain "implied warranties" when you buy a manufactured home. Animplied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise that a product is fitto be sold and used for its intended purposes--for example, that amanufactured home is fit to be sold and lived in. These impliedwarranties protect you even if no written warranty is offered by themanufacturer or retailer. Most states allow sales that exclude impliedwarranties ("as is" sales). However, some states do not permit a sellerto exclude or limit implied warranties. Contact your state or localconsumer protection office to ask about implied warranty protections inyour state. When buying a manufactured house, especially a used one,make sure you know whether it is being sold "as is" -- with no impliedor written warranty.[Graphic Omitted]THE RETAILER'S WARRANTYA retailer may offer a written warranty on a home. Written warrantiesare not alike. But, typically, the retailer's warranty will tell you: * the terms of the warranty; * what you must do to keep the warranty in effect; * what you can reasonably expect from the retailer; and * that the home has been installed according to manufacturer specifications and local regulations.The warranty also will guarantee that the home has a HUD inspection sealand that optional appliances and equipment have been properly installed.Remember, ask to see the retailer's warranty before buying to check onwhat it does and does not cover.You should know that a retailer's warranty will not provide coverage forproblems that arise from: * owner's negligence; * owner's failure to provide proper notice for service; and * unauthorized repairs.[Graphic Omitted]APPLIANCE WARRANTIESThe appliances in your home also will be covered by warranties. In manycases, these warranties, along with use and care manuals, are providedby the individual appliance manufacturers. In addition, some statesrequire that the home manufacturer's warranty cover the appliances thatcome with your home.Read the appliance warranties and note the duration and terms. Inaddition, check instructions in the warranty about how to get service.In most cases, the quickest service can be obtained from the appliancemanufacturer's authorized service centers. Check the use and careinformation on the appliance warranties for a list of such servicecenters or service agents. However, if warranty service is not availablefrom the appliance manufacturer or its servicer, contact your retailerfor assistance. The home manufacturer's warranty, if any, may providewarranty service for your problem.The retailer may offer a written warranty, but not everything will becovered.PLACEMENT & SELECTION OF YOUR MANUFACTURED HOMEManufactured homes offer a wide variety of styles and prices.There is a manufactured home to fit almost every pocketbook. Some modelsare designed for those whose budget limits them to a lower-cost home.Other models have such higher-priced features as cathedral ceilings,formal dining rooms, and woodburning fireplaces. The home can be asingle-section unit or a larger multi-section unit. Multi-section homescome from the factory in two or more parts that are joined at the site.A single-section home comes from the factory as one complete unit. Withmore than 150 companies building manufactured homes in more than 400factories, and with manufactured home sales centers located throughoutthe United States, you have an opportunity to choose from a wide varietyof home styles.PLACING YOUR MANUFACTURED HOMEBefore you select and buy your home, you should decide where it will belocated. There are three basic options you can consider. First, youcould plan to place your manufactured home on land you own or intend tobuy. If you choose this option, you must consider zoning laws,restrictive covenants, and hookup regulations. Such restrictions mayprevent you from placing a manufactured home on a particular piece ofland. Second, you could plan to place your manufactured home on a leasedhomesite in a manufactured housing development, in which case thecompany managing the development will normally take care of theseconsiderations. Third, you could decide to buy a home already on ahomesite in a planned community. Then, of course, you would not be facedwith the typical placement concerns.PLACING YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN LANDIf you own or plan to buy land for your manufactured home, there areseveral matters you should consider.Zoning. In cities and suburban areas, and in some semirural areas, youmay face zoning requirements that must be met. In certain areas, theremay be a prohibition against manufactured homes, or certain requirementsregarding their size and exterior appearance. You can find out if thereare any restrictions or requirements by contacting the local community'splanning and land use department. Consult your local telephone directoryfor the office nearest you.Restrictive Covenants. Restrictive covenants are limitations in propertydeeds that control how you can use the land. These may include arequirement that homes be a certain size or a prohibition that lands notbe used for certain purposes. The title search, conducted when you buythe land,may reveal information about such restrictions. Sometimes,however, the restrictions are described in ways that are difficult tounderstand. You may want to check with an experienced real estateattorney to see if there are any restrictive covenants that would keepyou from placing your home on the land you are considering.Utilities. Although a manufactured home comes complete with plumbing,electrical, and heating systems, it must, like all homes, be connectedto electrical,. water, and sewerage facilities. If your site is in awell-developed area, all necessary utilities may be available, subjectto connection charges. Find out exactly what utilities are available andhow much it will cost to connect your home to all utility sources.Contact your local public utilities division for information aboututility services in your area.[Graphic Omitted]Make sure the the applicable zoning laws and the deed on your land willallow a manufactured home to be placed there.[Graphic Omitted]There are a number of important questions to consider when placing yourmanufactured home in a rental community.Electrical Facilities. Electricity is usually available in all areas.But if the area where you plan to live does not have ready access toelectric power, connection could be quite expensive. Check with thelocal power company to find out whether electricity is readilyaccessible.Water Facilities. In many locations, there may not be localgovernment-supplied water lines. If there is no water, you may have todrill a well. Do not assume that all drilling will provide water. Checkwith a local well-drilling company about costs and whether success isguaranteed. Also, check with local health authorities to make certainthere are no problems with the quality of the water in the area.Sewerage Facilities. Many areas still rely on septic tank systemsinstead of a city or county sanitary sewerage system. If you cannotconnect your home to a sewerage system, you must check with localauthorities about installing a septic tank. Properly installed septicsystems can work quite well. But sometimes they cannot be used; forexample, where the soft is not able to absorb the discharged waste. Formore information, contact the local health department or the officeresponsible for granting building permits.PLACING YOUR HOME IN A RENTAL COMMUNITYYou may want to place your home on a leased site in a communityespecially planned for manufactured housing. Placing your home in such acommunity usually involves fewer practical problems.If you are interested in a rental community, visit the ones in the areawhere you wish to live. In addition, some manufactured home retailersmay operate their own rental communities, so you may wish to ask theretailer for information and advice about them. Find out what eachcommunity offers and the differences among them, including the financialaspects, such as rental and installation costs and any miscellaneousservice charges.There also are several questions you will want to ask before decidingupon a particular rental community. * Is a written lease required and, if so, for how long? * What are the charges for utility connections or other services? * Do the community's rules require that it be responsible for installing your home, or can you let your retailer do the job? * What charges will be made for installation? Who will be responsible for ground maintenance, snow removal, refuse collection, street maintenance, and mail? * What are the community's rules and regulations? For example, are pets prohibited? Can you accept and live with such rules? * Are there any special requirements or restrictions when you sell your home? * Are there any provisions to protect you if the owner of the manufactured home community where you lease your homesite sells the property for another purpose? If you must move because of a sale, will the owner help with relocation expenses, or is private or public assistance available?[Graphic Omitted]Buying a home in a planned community is another option to consider.BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOME IN A PLANNED COMMUNITYYou may want to consider another alternative and buy a home that alreadyis located in a planned community. As with a rental community, there arefewer practical problems involved because you do not have to concernyourself about placement.But be sure to check into the costs, services, and rules of any plannedcommunity before you buy. You should consider the matters mentioned onpages 10-11, such as who is responsible for utility connections, ifthere will be any restrictions on resale of your home, and whether youcan live with that community's rules.[Graphic Omitted]Check the community's rules to see if you can live with them.CHOOSING A MANUFACTURED HOMEThere are several matters you may want to consider when choosing a home.How do I want my home to look? You may select from a variety of exteriordesigns, depending upon your taste and your budget. External sidingoptions come in a variety of colors and materials including metal,vinyl, wood, or hardboard. You also may select such outside designfeatures as a bay window, a gable front, or a pitched roof withshingles. Awnings, enclosures around the crawl space, patio covers,decks, and steps also are available.What size home and floor plan do I want or need? Manufactured homes areavailable in a variety of floor plans that include spacious livingrooms, dining rooms, fully equipped kitchens, one or more bedrooms,family rooms, and utility rooms. Depending upon your needs and the sizeof your lot, you can choose a single-section home plan or a largermulti-section design. Homes range in size from 400 to 2500 square feet.[Graphic Omitted]Check state laws; they may limit the movement of your home afterinstallation.Can I move my home to another location or even another state? If thereis a chance that you might relocate your home to another state, find outabout state laws covering transportation of manufactured homes. Somestates, particularly eastern states, have certain regulations, such asweight, size, or width limitations, that may prevent you from movingyour home. Before you purchase, check with the appropriate authoritiesin the states through which you may want to transport your home.Of course, if you do move your home you will be faced with extraexpenses. Besides transporting costs, which include licensing fees totake your home through a state, you again will have the cost offoundation construction, installation, and utility hookups.What interior options and features are available? Manufactured homeshave many options and features for a variety of floor plans. You alsocan choose color and quality options for carpets and wall coverings; andyou can choose other features such as custom cabinets, window designs,and wood-burning fireplaces. Some home models and manufacturers offermore custom options than others. Ask your retailer what options areoffered on homes he sells.What appliance packages are available? Most manufactured homes are soldwith a refrigerator and range. But some appliance packages may includemicrowave oven, trash compactor, garbage disposal, washer/dryer, andbuilt-in indoor grill. Central air conditioning also is an option.[Graphic Omitted]Be sure your energy package is designed for the climate zone where yourhome is located.What energy-efficiency options are available? The National ManufacturedHome Construction and Safety Standards require separate energyefficiency levels for the three different temperature zones of theUnited States. However, you may wish to increase your home's energyefficiency. There are a variety of optional energy packages available,such as increased insulation, double- and triple-glazed windows,sheathing products, self-storing storm windows, and "high-efficiency"water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Ask yourretailer about available energy-saving features and their costs. Youespecially should note the "heating certificate," which specifies thetemperature zone for which the home is designed, and the "comfortcooling certificate," which specifies the appropriate central airconditioning system for the home. Both certificates are located on theinside of the home. You should not place your home in a climate zone forwhich it was not designed.[Graphic Omitted]What written warranty coverage is offered on the home, itstransportation, and its installation on the homesite? Nearly allmanufacturers offer a written warranty on the home itself. There are,however, important differences among warranties. For example,manufacturers' warranties may exclude coverage of installation andtransportation (although reliable retailers or contractors usually offerwritten warranties on these services). Although you may never need suchwarranty services, it is a good idea to check the coverage of anywarranties that are offered before you buy.BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOMEMost likely you will buy your home from a retail sales center, althoughtoday, in some states, you also could buy your manufactured home from areal estate agent if the home is already located in a community. Someretail sales centers are owned and operated by a home manufacturingcompany, but most retail businesses are independently owned andoperated. They sell homes built by several manufacturers.You should. use as much care in choosing your retailer as you do inchoosing your home and its features. This is because the retailer willhelp you choose your home and, if you wish, custom order it from thefactory. In addition, the retailer usually will be the one responsiblefor having your home delivered and installed. The retailer also mayarrange for financing and insurance for your home. Finally, after youmove into your home, your retailer often will be the person you contactfor warranty service.One of the best ways to find a reputable retailer is to talk withfriends who live in manufactured homes and get their recommendations.You also might ask them to recommend a home manufacturer. You may wishto contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out if a particularretailer or manufacturer has a record of unsettled or unresolvedcomplaints on file. You also may wish to contact your state manufacturedhome association and request the names and addresses of manufacturers orretailers in your area.Compare warranties offered by various manufacturers and retailers.SITE PREPARATION, TRANSPORTATION & HOME INSTALLATIONProper site preparation and installation are necessary for comfort,durability, and correct functioning of your home.Make sure the transporting company warrants its services in writing.Before your home is installed, you must ensure that the site has beenprepared properly. If you are placing your home on your own land, yourretailer can provide advice on how to prepare the site.If you will be living in a rental community, the community manager willprobably take care of site preparation. Before signing your lease, askabout this and any other costs.SITE PREPARATIONIf you are having your home installed on your own land, you areresponsible for site preparation. However, it is a good idea to ask yourretailer (or whoever is going to install your home and warrant theinstallation) to inspect the site prior to installation to make surethat everything has been prepared properly.Here are some guidelines that must be followed in preparing the site. * The site must be accessible by the truck transporting your home. * The site must be as level as possible. * The precise site area must be cleared of trees, rocks, and any other surface debris. * The soil must be graded and sloped for water runoff. * The soil must be compacted so that the foundation will not sink or shift on loose earth fill.Although you may be able to do some work yourself, such as removingtrees and shrubs, most site-preparation tasks, such as grading andcompacting the soil, require technical expertise. You will need tocontract for expert assistance to ensure that your home is installed onfirm land that adequately drains.TRANSPORTING YOUR HOMEIn most instances, your home will be transported first from the factoryto the retail sales center. At the center, your retailer will use achecklist to make sure your home arrived undamaged, and if any problemoccurred while your home was being transported from the factory, it willbe repaired before delivery to your homesite.If any damage occurs while the home is being transported to your site,the company transporting your home is usually responsible. Therefore,you should check for damage as soon as your home is delivered. If youfind any damage, contact the transporting company immediately.[Graphic Omitted]If you allow your home to be transported by a company that does notprovide a written transportation warranty, it may be difficult to obtainfree repairs, if any are necessary. Therefore, before you purchase yourhome, make certain that the transporting of your new home is protectedby a written warranty.INSTALLING YOUR HOMEAfter you have chosen the retailer and your home, have complied withlocal building and zoning requirements, have obtained state inspectionswhen necessary, have properly prepared the site, and have gotten goodwarranty protection on the home and its transportation and installation,you are ready to have your home installed on a homesite. This alsorequires. careful attention.[Graphic Omitted]Every manufacturer is required by the federal standards to provideinstructions for installing your home. However, the actual installationtypically is not within the manufacturer's control. Therefore, theinstallation of your manufactured home is not covered by themanufacturer's warranty.These cautions are not designed to worry you, but rather to alert you tothe importance of installation. Hundreds of thousands of manufacturedhomes are installed on sites each year without major problems. Youshould not have problems if your home is installed by a reliableretailer or by a company that specializes in manufactured homeinstallation.Check for damage as soon as you receive your home and report anyproblems to the retailer or transporter as soon as possible.The manufacturer's written warranty on the home usually will not coverproblems that are caused by improper installation.Usually, the retailer will install your home or contract with aprofessional installation crew to do the work. In most cases, the priceof your home will include the cost of installation by such qualifiedprofessionals. Be sure to check this with your retailer before you signthe sales contract. If installation is not included in the price, youmay have to contract with a separate company to install your home. Askyour retailer for the names of such companies.[Graphic Omitted]Clarify in writing what installation services are provided, who isproviding them, and who warrants the work.The retailer should spell out in writing the full scope of installationservices that are included in the price of your home. This should assureyou that everything is covered and that there will be nomisunderstandings about who is responsible for what.Regardless of whether the retailer or a separate company installs yourhome, you should follow several guidelines. * Discuss with the contractor the steps involved in installation so you understand them. * Have the contractor write these steps into the contract. * Ask if there is a written warranty covering your home's installation. If not, then ask to have it put in writing.By following these guidelines, you will know exactly what you are payingfor, how to check your home to see that the work has been done properlyand, equally important, what kind of warranty protection covers eachstep.Installing your home involves six steps. The price of your home usuallyincludes all of these steps. Therefore, ask to see an itemized list inwriting before signing the contract to purchase your home.[Graphic Omitted]1. Transporting Your Home From the Retailer's Sales Center to Your Homesite. As noted earlier, the manufacturer normally is responsible for transporting the home from the factory to the retailer, and the retailer is usually responsible for getting the home to your land. However, if the roads are not adequate or there are obstacles that will make it difficult to get the home to your site, your retailer may be unable to accept responsibility for delivering your home. Be sure to check the route to your homesite for such things as low-hanging tree limbs and loose rocks.[Graphic Omitted]2. Constructing a Foundation for Home Placement. In addition to following the manufacturer's instructions and complying with local law, find out if the institution financing your home (or the rental community in which you place your home) has foundation requirements. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Administration (VA) also have special foundation requirements. Remind your retailer about the kind of financing you are using so that all applicable foundation requirements will be met. If you place your home on your own property, you have the option of choosing from a number of different foundation types. Several types of foundations are available, from concrete slabs to full basements. Remember, local codes reflecting the different climates and soil conditions must be followed. A professional installer will know which foundation codes are required by local law or what is required by your financing institution.3. Leveling Your Home. It is essential that an experienced crew installs your home to assure that it is leveled correctly. Leveling is one of the most important steps in setting up your home. It must be done according to the manufacturer's specifications. If your home is not level on its foundation, the weight of the home will not be distributed evenly. Poor leveling could result in such problems as doors that do not open and close easily or floors or walls that buckle. If any of these problems do occur because your home was not properly leveled, the manufacturer's warranty will not cover the repairs. Remember, the manufacturer's warranty only covers problems resulting from faulty construction. Insist on walking through the home before the installation crew leaves to check for signs that your home may not be level. Guidelines for checking whether your home is level and properly installed are provided on page 21. Leveling is critical and must be performed by a professional crew. Walk through your home before the installation crew leaves to assure that the home is level. After installation has been completed and you have checked out the installed home, it is very important to periodically recheck the leveling of your home. This is important because, over time, such things as foundation supports may settle unevenly and create an un-level condition. Such conditions can, in extreme cases, cause serious damage to the walls and floors. Normally, you should recheck leveling about 60 to 90 days following installation and, perhaps, once a year after that.[Graphic Omitted] Anchoring your home to the ground should be done by experts.4. Securing Your Home to the Foundation. It is not sufficient merely to place your home on a properly constructed foundation. There are certain minimum requirements that should be met. To ensure that your home does not shift and become damaged, it must be anchored to the ground according to the manufacturer's instructions or as required by local codes. Anchoring should prevent severe winds from damaging your home. Although your home will come with instructions for properly securing it to its foundation, anchoring is not a do-it-yourself project. Talk with your retailer about anchoring, and be sure that your home's installation includes this very necessary step.5. Finishing Your Home. Once your home is secured to the foundation, finishing work may be needed, such as an enclosure around the crawl space or landscaping. If your home is a multi-section, finishing may include applying molding and joining carpet on the interior or completing work on the exterior siding.6. Connecting Your Home to Utilities. Installation services should include connecting your home to the necessary water, electrical, gas, and sewerage lines. If this is not included in your installation price, you will have to contract for these services yourself. Your retailer can tell you how to make arrangements for utility connections. Alternatively, you can obtain the information from the local government agency that oversees building permits. This chapter outlined the process of site preparation, transportation, and installation. The installation guide that comes with your home provides more detailed information. The important point to remember, however, is that although this guide is informative and detailed, it is not designed to enable you to install your home yourself. Leave installation to the professionals.INSPECTION OF YOUR NEW MANUFACTURED HOMEWhen you take possession of your new home, the first thing to do is tocheck it over thoroughly. It is important to discover problems early andreport them to the retailer or the installer within the warranty's timelimits.INSTALLATION INSPECTIONFirst, check to see that your home was installed properly. If you arepresent during installation, ask the installation crew manager to walkthrough your home with you to assist in identifying problems and toanswer your questions.Listed below are some areas you should check to make sure your home wasinstalled properly.Open and close all interior and exterior doors. If a door does not openand close smoothly, it may indicate a need for a minor hinge adjustment,but it also may be a sign that the home is not level. Immediately callthis to the attention of the person responsible for installation.Examine the entire house. Look at the walls, the floors, and theceilings. Be certain that all faucets and appliances work.GENERAL INSPECTIONYou will want to make your inspection of the home in an organized way. Agood strategy is to inspect the outside of your home first and thencheck the interior, carefully going through each room. Manymanufacturers provide a checklist in the owner's manual of items youshould inspect. You should fill out the checklist and return it to themanufacturer as soon as possible.As you make your inspection, jot down on paper every item you thinkrequires service. When you are finished, make copies of the list -- onefor you, one for your retailer, and an extra copy for the manufacturer.It is also a good idea to put the date of your inspection on the list.[Graphic Omitted]Carefully inspect your home for any problems as soon as it is installed;make sure that it is level-check doors, windows, and drawers.YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME SUMMARYThis checklist can help you remember all the points to consider inchoosing, buying, and installing your home.Read and compare all warranties offered on the homes that interest youbefore deciding to buy.The following is a summary of "How to Buy a Manufactured Home." Itprovides you with some questions to ask the retailer or yourself beforemaking your purchase. You can find more information about the questionsbelow by referring to the listed page numbers.WARRANTY PROTECTION * What warranties are offered by the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturers? (pp. 4-7) * Are the warranties in writing? (pp. 4-7) * Do you know what is and is not covered by the warranties? (pp. 4-7) * Who performs the service under the warranties? (pp. 4-7)PLACING YOUR HOME * If you intend to place your home on your own land, are there zoning regulations or restrictive covenants that prohibit the location of a manufactured home? (pp. 8-9) * Are electric, gas, water, and sewerage lines available on your homesite, or will you have to make other arrangements to provide necessary utilities? (pp. 9-10) * If you locate your home in a rental community, who will be responsible for ground maintenance, snow removal, and other such services? (pp. 10-11)CHOOSING YOUR HOME * How do you want your home to look? (p. 12) * What size home and floor plan do you want or need? (pp. 12-13) * Will state laws on transporting oversize loads prevent you from moving your home? (pp. 13-14) * What custom options and features are available? (p. 14) * What appliance packages are available? (p. 14) * What energy-efficiency options are available? (p. 14)INSTALLING YOUR HOME * Will someone inspect your site prior to installation to see that everything has been prepared properly? (p. 16) * Is your site accessible by the trucks transporting your home? (p. 16) * Who will transport your home to the homesite? (pp. 16-17, 18) * Does the transporting company provide a written warranty for any damage that occurs during transporting? (pp. 16-17) * What foundation options are available and required? (p. 19) * Will there be an experienced installation crew to ensure that your home is properly leveled and secured to the foundation? (pp. 19-20) * Will your home need any finishing touches, such as landscaping? (p. 20) * Who is responsible for securing utility connections? (p. 20)[Graphic Omitted]Remember that installation is the key to durability and properfunctioning of your home.INSPECTING YOUR HOME * Have you thoroughly checked over your home, both inside and out? (p. 21) * Do all the doors, windows, and drawers close properly? (p. 21) * Do all appliances and faucets work? (p. 21) * Did you make a list of all problems when you moved in, and did you report them to your retailer and manufacturer? (p. 21)