The growth of the 16' wide manufactured home across America has given a whole new meaning to the phrase "moving product." As at least 35 states now allow the movement of 16' wides within their borders, eye-opening experiences are being shared about the trials and triumphs of this achievement.
And according to industry experts, "an achievement" it is, since state regulations, regulators, and transportation industry execs had a lot to say about the potential hazards of moving 16 wides on their roadways. Efforts to resolve this issue have strengthened a fragmented industry, and elevated the transportation side of the business -- an area previously taken for granted.
Many states have recognized the economic side of this picture -- increased revenues, new jobs, and more housing options provided by changing existing laws. On the other hand, the North Carolina industry is suffering dramatically, due to their inability to date to gain legislative approval to transport 16 wides(as of November, '96).
For the consumer, the difference between a 14 x 70 manufactured home and a 16 x 80 means 200 to 250 more square feet of living space, said Timothy J. DeWitt, Michigan Manufactured Housing Association Director. When manufacturers started building these larger homes five or six years ago, the additional price to the homebuyer was only several hundred dollars more for significantly more space(perhaps a third bedroom or den). Buyers demand for the product drove other states to reconsider regulations allowing 16 wides.
According to MHI's Manufactured Home Highway Movement Regulations statistics, seven of the 35 states that allow 16 wides also allow 18 wides(as of MHI's 9/95 numbers). Fourteen states presently allow only 14' wides(with Idaho, Nevada, and Utah specifying 16 wide at eaves). Utah lost the battle to allow 16 wides in 1996, but industry leaders are hopeful to win on this issue this year, according to Wayne Call of Bridgerland Homes, with two growing retail sales centers in Logan, Utah. After 10 years of effort, Californiaa's law to allow 16 wides became effective January 1, 1997.
Why such a battle? The major issue has been highway safety. This subject has "never been boring," according to Paul D. Borghesani, transportation advisor to the manufactured housing industry, who cites an exciting mix of a highly regulated transportation industry, an equally regulated housing industry, and the "vagaries of customers, drivers, manufacturers, and retailers."
Borghesani said there is no solid proof to back up the suspected danger of moving 16'wides, and that the manufactured housing industry has adequate information to demonstrate that transport of 16 wides is as safe, if not safer than 14 wides. Unfortunately, the lingering prejudice and tainted image of the old "trailer parks" still exists to cloud the issue.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT INDIVIDUAL STATES GROWING PAINS ON THE ISSUE OF 16 WIDES? E-Mail your request to this Page and we will feature Chapter 2 of this saga. If you have any updates from your state on the subject of 16 wides, please e-mail the author at GrecoWri@aol.com Thanks.
Patricia Greco is a professional writer and marketing
communications consultant to the manufactured housing industry.
Patti is published in the Journal and in the Allen Letter, and is
collaborating with George Allen on the nation wide "resource Packet"
direct mail promotion. Greco Writing creates custom-designed literature
and logos that reflect the upgrade image of the industry.
Greco Writing, 8 Wintergreen Court, Lunenburg, MA 01462 Phone 978-582-0961
