Top 10 Manufactured Homes: Best Brands for Affordable Living

We often associate mobile homes with RVs, travailing the open road and stopping at campsites. However, mobile homes have a lot to offer, even the more stationary among us. 

Mobile homes are manufactured homes, made in a factory and transported to a lot. These houses are cost-efficient options that facilitate home-owning for many who couldn’t manage it otherwise.

Buyers don’t need to settle, however. Many companies manufacture mobile homes to high standards and with quality materials. This article examines the top 10 mobile home brands for affordable living. 

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Who Is the Largest Manufacturer of Mobile Homes? 

Clayton Homes is the largest manufacturer of mobile homes. Warren Buffet’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns Clayton Homes, lending it prestige and capital.  

Clayton claimed its title as the largest manufacturer of mobile homes with the help of several subsidiary companies, including:

• Buccaneer Homes
• Cavalier Homes
• Crest Homes
• Giles Industries
• Golden West Homes
• Karsten Company
• Marlette Homes
• Norris Homes
• Schult Homes
• Southern Energy Homes

Clayton produces around 50,000 homes annually. 

What Are the Top 10 Manufactured Homes?

1. Champion Home Builders
2. Skyline
3. Clayton Homes
4. Adventure Homes
5. Deer Valley Homebuilders
6. Tru Homes
7. Fleetwood Homes
8. Tumbleweed Tiny House Company 
9. Palm Harbor Homes
10. Oakcreek Homes

Champion Home Builders

Champion Home Builders began its North American pursuit in 1953. The company started with one facility in Michigan and now has 40 locations. 

Champion is one of the most prolific sellers of manufactured homes, having built over three million as of 2022. 

Champion owes its success to high-quality construction but also variety. The company produces

• Manufactured homes
• Modular homes
• Mobile homes
• Park models
• Commercial modular buildings 

Champion makes affordable homes without sacrificing quality. The plans are customizable, so after you select your model, you can make changes to establish your home as your own. 

Skilled artisans design and construct the houses to meet every standard and certification. Regular inspections ensure the manufactured homes are up to code. 

Skyline

Skyline entered the world of affordable mobile home brands in 1951. The Elkhart, Indiana, company originally made trailers and mobile homes. Over the years, these housing units morphed into modular and manufactured homes.

Skyline homes are affordable and high quality. The company guarantees customers “Skycare,” which is an inspection program ensuring each house meets codes, including

• Drywall inspection
• Interior inspection
• Setup/Installation inspection
• Home detailing
• Systems checks
• Orientations
• Walk-throughs

Skyline’s homes are affordable; however, even a cost-effective house is a significant investment. Many retailers offer rent-to-own options for those of us who may be a little more cash-strapped. 

Some Skyline homes are modifiable. If you are hoping to modify the plans for a personal touch, check to be sure the model allows changes. 

Clayton Homes

Jim Clayton began Clayton Homes in 1956, motivated by the belief that every family should be able to afford a house. The company remains a family affair, run by Jim’s descendants. 

Clayton homes are high-quality and affordable. The company has more than 350 facilities in the United States. Clayton manufactures

• Site built home
• Off-site built homes
• Manufactured homes
• Modular homes
• CrossMod Homes
• Designer Cottages
• PRMVs

Clayton uses reliable brands to complete their homes. Customer-trusted companies featured in Clayton homes include

• Ecobee thermostats
• Smart Comfort furnaces
• DuraCraft cabinetry
• Lux windows
• Kwikset locks
• Shaw floors
• Frigidaire appliances
• Pfister faucets
• Rheem water heaters
• Sherwin Williams paint
• Formica counters

Clayton works hard to ensure its homes are sustainable. Thirty-nine out of 40 of Clayton’s models adhere to Energy Star standards, meaning they use much less energy than standard homes. 

Adventure Homes

Wally Comer, Walt Fuller, and Jerry Henry built Adventure Homes on the foundation of Fleetwood Enterprises. The men rallied a loyal workforce and immediately began producing high-quality, low-cost homes. 

Adventure Homes has won the MHI Excellence in Manufactured Housing Award for seven years straight, between 2016 and 2022. 

Adventure Homes offers a wide array of plans. The company has three series of homes:

• The Nevada Series: The Nevada Series contains ten plans
• The Mojave Series: The Mojave series contains 35 plans
• The Sahara Modular Series: The Sahara Modular series has 17 plans

Adventure homes are highly modifiable. The company builds its homes with up to five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Customers can choose the color of their countertops, molding, cabinets, and grout. 

Deer Valley Homebuilders

Deer Valley Homebuilders launched its first line of houses in 2004. Since then, the company has become one of the most respected names in the industry.

Deer Valley builds its homes using durable, quality materials. The brand has four lines of dwellings:

• Mossy Oak Nativ Living Series: Mossy Oak Nativ Living series contains five plans.
• Deer Valley Series: The Deer Valley Series includes 19 plans.
• Sun Valley Series: The Sun Valley Series has 40 plans. 
• Woodland Series: The Woodland Series contains 29 plans.

Deer Valley Homebuilders exclusively uses number one and number two graded lumber. This top-quality wood ensures a sturdy, long-lasting home. The company partnered with Frigidaire to guarantee each house has the best possible appliances. 

Tru Homes

Tru began selling simple, affordable houses in 2012. Clayton Home Building Group owns Tru, allowing the company cheap access to quality building materials. 

Tru sells houses in 3 of the United States. Every Tru house meets federal codes, ensuring

• Strength
• Durability
• Fire-resistance
• Energy efficiency
• Overall quality

Tru offers 15 different house plans

• Bliss: 765 square feet, two beds, one bath
• Delight: 820 square feet, two beds, two baths
• Elation: 902 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Glory: 1038 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Grand: 1038 square feet, four beds, two baths
• Spectacular: 1140 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Celebration: 1140 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Excitement: 1159 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Satisfaction: 1264 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Marvelous 3: 1475 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Thrill: 1465 square feet, three beds, two baths
• Marvel 4: 1475 square feet, four beds, two baths
• Pride: 1791 square feet, four beds, two baths
• Wonder: 1896 square feet, four beds, two baths
• Triumph: 2001 square feet, five beds, three baths

Fleetwood Homes

Fleetwood Homes helped create the manufactured home industry in 1950. The company started life as a travel trailer company. Fleetwood applied this industry’s knowledge to create a new kind of house.

These pioneers remain among the most reliable and trusted mobile home manufacturers in the United States. Fleetwood has facilities in California, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Each state has its own unique series of floor plans. 

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Tiny houses are a growing phenomenon. The mobile homes appeal to folks with wanderlust and a limited budget. Tiny houses have facilitated homeownership for many who wouldn’t be able to purchase one otherwise. 

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company makes certified green abodes, helping residents maintain a sustainable, comfortable lifestyle without incurring a massive carbon footprint. 

Tumbleweed houses come in four models

• Cypress
• Elm
• Farallon
• Roanoke

The company allows customers to customize their own tiny houses. Buyers begin with one of the base models, then add or subtract features they will or won’t need.

Tumbleweed provides discounts for teachers, first responders, active military, and veterans. The company also offers payment plans, so don’t worry if you don’t have the total price upfront. 

Palm Harbor Homes

Palm Harbor Homes began making mobile and manufactured houses in 1977. The Texas-based company creates a variety of high-quality, durable, and affordable homes. Palm Harbor now has facilities in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.

The company prioritizes environmentally-friendly housing. Palm Harbor offers a range of plan series, including

• Keystone
• Super Saver
• Fiesta
• Vista Ridge
• Palm Harbor
• 400 Series
• American Dream
• 5000 Series
• Siskiyou 

Palm Harbor allows customers to customize their homes. The company provides lending services and insurance to assist buyers in attaining their houses. 

Oak Creek Homes

Oak Creek makes some of the strongest, most durable manufactured homes on the market. The company uses quality materials to ensure the houses last while using the least energy possible.

Every Oak Creek home is up to HUD codes.

Oak Creek makes 78 homes. The company allows buyers to customize their houses, adding and subtracting features to perfect their visions. 

Oak Creek finishes its homes with features from trusted brands, including

• Patrick Industries
• General Electric
• Owens Corning
• Siemens
• Sherwin Williams
• Rheem 

Oak Creek Homes provides a 47-point inspection to ensure your new home is up to code. 

FAQs about Mobile Home Brands

What brand of mobile home is the best quality?

The best quality brand of mobile home is Clayton Homes, as they prioritize energy-efficiency. Other top manufacturers in this field include Palm Harbor Homes, Champion Home Builders, Skyline Homes, Fleetwood Homes, Adventure Homes, and TRU Homes.

Which mobile home manufacturer has the best warranty?

The best warranty for mobile homes is offered by Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, AFC Home Club, The Home Service Club, and American Residential Warranty.

Who is the largest modular home company?

The largest modular home company in the United States is Clayton Homes, although there are several other builders that provide homes with more innovative designs and higher-quality building materials.

What is the largest type of mobile home?

The largest type of mobile home is the triple wide, which provides ample space for large families, individuals with multiple pets, or those who prefer a spacious living environment. Additionally, for those seeking even more room, quadruple wide mobile homes offer similar advantages as triple wides, but on a larger scale.

How many mobile homes are there in the US?

There are approximately 6.7 million manufactured homes in the US as of 2019, whereas the Census Pulse Survey estimates that there will be around 5.2 million mobile homes in 2022.

Who is the largest mobile home manufacturer in the US?

The largest mobile home manufacturer in the US is Clayton Homes, known for their expertise in building manufactured and modular homes. This company is committed to environmentally friendly practices and proudly partners with ENERGY STAR. Undoubtedly, Clayton Homes is one of the leading manufacturers of modular homes in the industry.

How much are most mobile homes?

Most mobile homes have varying costs depending on factors such as region and added amenities. On average, a mobile home can cost around $128,000. Single-wide mobile homes typically average around $87,700, which is approximately $90 per square foot. On the other hand, double-wides have an average cost of $156,300, which is about $61 per square foot. It is important to note that financing options for mobile homes are diverse and numerous.

Is Fleetwood a good mobile home?

Fleetwood is considered a good mobile home by families from all walks of life due to its reputation for constructing high-quality homes, offering them at affordable prices, and providing excellent service and warranty protection.

Is Jessup a good mobile home?

Jessup Housing is indeed a good mobile home as it is a reputable supplier of high-quality manufactured homes that are both stylish and modular. The floor plans offered by Jessup Housing are extensive and come equipped with all the necessary features and amenities to elevate the standards of living.

What is the best month to buy a mobile home?

The best month to buy a mobile home is December, despite the common preference for home shopping and moving during the warm season. This recommendation is based on the consideration of the best purchase price rather than convenience.

Where is the serial number on a Fleetwood mobile home?

The serial number on a Fleetwood mobile home can be found in two locations. Firstly, it is typically located on the data plate inside the home. Additionally, it is marked on the steel frame of the mobile home, specifically on the steel cross member where the hitch is attached for each section of the home.

Final Thoughts on Mobile Home Brands for Affordable Living

Mobile homes help buyers own customized homes. The houses range in size, facilitating families of all sizes. These top ten mobile home brands for affordable living use excellent materials, follow codes and standards, and help people get the homes of their dreams.