Unraveling the mysteries of your mobile home’s history? The data plate holds the key. Dive into the world of data plate deciphering for mobile homes, unlocking crucial information about your dwelling’s past. Understanding these plates can shed light on manufacturing details, certifications, and more. Stay tuned to demystify the significance of data plates in mobile home ownership. In this article Data Plate for a Mobile Home we will dive in a discover more about your mobile home.
Understanding Manufactured Home Data Plates
Purpose
Manufactured home data plates play a vital role in conveying essential information about the property. These plates are required by federal manufactured home construction regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Data plates serve as a blueprint for the mobile home, detailing specifics such as the manufacturer’s name, production date, serial number, and details on manufactured housing materials used. This information is crucial for maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
Information Provision
Homeowners can refer to data plates to determine the age and specifications of their mobile homes. Inspectors rely on these plates to verify compliance during assessments. Without accurate data plate information, it becomes challenging to assess the structural integrity and safety features of the property.
Pros:
Easy access to critical details.
Simplifies maintenance and repair processes.
Cons:
Missing or illegible plates can complicate inspections.
Inaccurate information may lead to safety hazards.
Significance
For homeowners, data plates offer peace of mind by ensuring that their homes meet quality standards. Inspectors use this information to guarantee that properties adhere to manufactured housing regulations for safe occupancy.
Data Plate for a Mobile Home & What They Look Like
A data plate is simply a piece of white / yellowish paper inside the mobile home. This paper has an image of the United States on part of the paper. The paper usually measures about 8 1/2 x 11 (a standard paper size) and it looks just like the one pictured below:
So, this is not a title to a manufactured home it just tells about the home itself
Difference Between HUD Code Tag and Data Plate
HUD Code
The HUD code tag is typically found on the exterior of a mobile home, usually near the main electrical panel. It contains vital information such as the manufacturer’s name, the serial number, and the date of manufacture. This tag is required by law for all manufactured homes built after 1976.
Data Plate
On the other hand, the data plate is located inside the mobile home, often in a kitchen cabinet or utility closet. It provides essential details like the model name, dimensions, heating and cooling system specifications, and even information about wind zone rating and snow load capacity.
Homeowners should be aware that while both the HUD code tag and data plate offer crucial information about their mobile homes, they serve different purposes. The HUD code tag focuses more on regulatory compliance and construction standards, while the data plate gives specific details about the home’s features and specifications.
Pros:
HUD Code Tag: Ensures compliance with federal regulations.
Data Plate: Provides detailed information about the mobile home’s features.
Cons:
HUD Code Tag: Limited to regulatory information only.
Data Plate: May not always be easily accessible for homeowners.
Mobile Home Data Plate
When mobile homes are built in the factory these data plates, pictured above, are added to each home. These data plates are present in new singlewide and doublewide mobile homes. Because they are referred to as plates which make them sound like a metal material, they are actually made of a thin piece of paper.
Why are data plates important: VIN or SERIAL numbers
One of the most important parts of information that you will find on this sheet of paper is on the top left corner. So, here you will find who manufactured your mobile home.
You can also find the year of the mobile home and the serial number or VIN number. This data plate is important if you happen to lose the title. If you lose the title the only way to find out the serial number is with this paper. So, it will help you in identifying your home
VIN Number Manufacturer Date
On the top left corner of this data plate it will show the year the home was built. It will give the exact date of manufacture from the company that built the home as well. Many times it will show the year prior to the date that is on your title.
For instance it may say your home was built in 12-05-2007 but your title will state that you have a 2008 home. Sometimes however the date is the same year as the title.
VIN Number Manufacturer Location
The information on the top left will also tell you which manufacturer built your mobile home. It should give the address to the home builder as well. This might come in handy if you can’t find out anything about the home. You can simply Google that manufacturer and contact them to learn more about your home.
This VIN Number Tip Might Save You a Trip
TIP: If you have a data plate in your mobile home snap a picture of it with your cell phone. Then when you visit your local bureau of motor vehicle or secretary of state you will have all the numbers off from this plate.
The VIN or serial number is so long and the typing is so small it is very easy to make a mistake. Even when writing it down you can mess it up. By having a screen shot it makes it simple. You and the person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicle can look directly at the number. Then you can do a mobile home VIN number search.
Vin Number Lookup
These offices can use the serial or VIN number to look up your mobile manufactured home. It will show who the ownership is under. This is the same way you would look up your car, truck or motorcycle.
During the VIN number search you may find that the home is under a different owners name or that the title has been abolished. If this is the case you have some more home work to do.
Locating the Data Plate in Your Mobile Home
Types of Homes
In single-wide mobile homes, the data plate is typically located on the inside of a kitchen cabinet door. For double-wide homes, check inside a bedroom closet or near the electrical box.
Common Hiding Spots
The data plate may be concealed under a sink, behind an access panel, or even in the utility room. Look for it in these areas.
Importance of Knowing
Knowing where the data plate is crucial for obtaining accurate information about your home, such as its manufacturing date and specifications. This information is vital for maintenance and inspection purposes.
Rarely, these papers have been removed from the homeowners because they simply do not know what they are. Someone might have remodeled the mobile home and simply thought that this piece of paper wasn’t important. Many times when homes are being remodeled home owners will paint over these as well.
Data Plate for a Mobile Home: Used Mobile Homes VIN numbers
In a used mobile manufactured home many times the previous owner will leave papers behind in a kitchen drawer that go to the home. Be sure to look through these papers as well to see if the VIN number is on one of these papers.
If you still know where the person who sold you the mobile home lives you might ask them as well about the title. Many times they recall information about the home that can help you.
The Manufacturer and Where to Find It
The data plate will tell you the manufacturer of the mobile home at the top. This may be important if you want to set your mobile home on a mobile home foundation. Many times manufacturers can give you foundation requirements to pass code.
What Does The Information Mean On These HUD Data Plates
SNOW LOADS: The information on these data plates also illustrates information about the mobile home roof. It will tell you how much snow it can handle. On the illustration below you will see a map of the United States with the numbers 20 PSF, 30 PSF and 40 PSF. This tells you how much snow a roof can handle per square foot. 20 being the weakest and 40 being the strongest.
Building inspectors will refer to this information when the homes are being moved. It tells them if the roof can handle the weather conditions that visit the area. You will want to check with your local building inspectors for your county before you move a mobile home.
You will want to make sure your mobile home meets the criteria required by your local building codes. It is important to check on this before you purchase the home. You do not want to purchase a mobile home only to find out that the home does not meet the building zone criteria.
Data Plate: Wind Zones
The map pictures above also illustrates Wind Zone 1 and Wind Zone 2. Southern mobile homes will also show Wind Zone 3 options. If you live in a hurricane area building inspectors will refer to these numbers to see if they can sustain high winds.
How Many Digits in a Mobile Home VIN Number:
You might have found a set of numbers on your mobile home. Maybe you aren’t sure if this is the actual serial or VIN number. Mobile home VIN number can vary from just a few digits to a long number depending on the manufacturer of the mobile home.
If you do find the data plate again the serial number will be up in the top left corner as pictured below. Here you can see this number only consists of approximately 8 digits. Many times there are numbers and letters mixed together. This will at least give you an example of what a mobile home VIN number looks like:
Again, your best bet would be to take a camera shot of this area of your data plate and take it to your nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicle, your Secretary of State or if you are in Texas visit:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
in the State of Texas almost all information on your mobile home is done online.
Mobile HUD Home Manufacturer Data Plate
The data plate also gives information about the walls of the mobile home. It will tell you if the walls are 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 width. This is important if you live in a hurricane area and it can also help your local building inspectors decide if the home is up to code for that area. One of the key things that you can find on a data sheet is the serial number.
Also you will find the manufacturer of the mobile home and the year the home was built. This might not sound so important but if you do not have the title to the mobile home this can be a key piece of information to help you get that title back!
Data Plate for a Mobile Home: Replacement
If you mobile home doesn’t have a data plate you can contact the Institute for Business Technology and Safety also known as IBTS. You can simply visit their website here. They may be able to help you obtain a copy of your data plate if it is missing. Typically IBTS can give you information on mobile homes that are 1976 and newer. This won’t help if you have a Vintage Mobile Home. Please note that IBTS generally charges for their services to obtain this type of information.
FINAL BONUS TIP: If all else fails you can also try to contact the original factory or company where your mobile home was purchased. Sometimes there are packets of information on your mobile home in a drawer inside your home. If you can located where the home was purchased the company might be able to help you.
Steps to Find a Missing HUD Tag
Verify Compliance
To ensure compliance without the HUD tag, check for other identifying information like serial numbers or manufacturer details.
Look for additional labels, such as the ANSI label, which can also indicate compliance with safety standards.
Contact Manufacturer
Reach out to the manufacturer of the mobile home to request a duplicate HUD tag or any documentation proving compliance.
Manufacturers may have records that can help in verifying the home’s status, even if the physical tag is missing.
Seek Professional Help
Consult with a home inspector or appraiser who specializes in mobile homes to assess compliance and provide documentation.
Professionals in this field can offer expert opinion on the home’s adherence to regulations based on visual inspections and records.
Solutions for a Lost or Missing Data Plate
Replacement Process
If you find yourself in the absence of a data plate for your mobile home, obtaining a replacement is crucial. Contact the manufacturer or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to initiate the replacement process. Provide relevant details such as the home’s serial number and model information.
Documentation Verification
To streamline the process, prepare any documentation related to your mobile home’s purchase, including titles, bills of sale, or insurance documents. This information can help verify ownership and expedite the issuance of a new data plate.
Professional Assistance
Seeking assistance from professionals in the mobile home industry can also be beneficial. They have experience navigating these situations and can guide you through the necessary steps to acquire a replacement data plate efficiently.
Challenges and Implications
The absence of a data plate can pose challenges when selling or refinancing your mobile home. Without this crucial piece of information, proving ownership and obtaining financing may become complicated tasks.
Conclusion
Data plate papers can provide a lot of great information. These papers should be left in the mobile home and not removed. Hopefully if you find that yours are missing this article gave you some ideas on how to replace them.
FAQ’s: Data Plate for a Mobile Home
What is a data plate on a mobile home?
A data plate on a mobile home is a metal or plastic plate that contains essential information about the home, including details about its manufacturer, model, serial number, manufacturing date, and information related to its compliance with building codes and standards.
What is a data plate on a trailer?
A data plate on a trailer serves a similar purpose to that on a mobile home. It provides information about the trailer’s manufacturer, model, serial number, weight capacity, and compliance with safety and manufacturing standards.
What is the difference between HUD plate and data plate?
The main difference between a HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) plate and a data plate is that the HUD plate certifies that a mobile home complies with HUD standards, while the data plate contains specific information about the home, including the manufacturer, model, and serial number. The HUD plate is typically affixed to the exterior of the home, while the data plate is often found inside.
How do you read a data plate on a mobile home?
To read a data plate on a mobile home, locate the plate, typically found inside a kitchen cabinet or closet door. The plate provides information such as the manufacturer’s name, model number, serial number, manufacturing date, and other essential details about the home.