Manufactured Home Setup Material Buyers’ Guide

How to Determine Soil Density Using a Penetrometer

When installing a manufactured home, it is important to determine the soil density where the footings will be located under the home. This is done by using a soil penetrometer.

Pocket Penetrometer · Part # SOILTEST

Once you have determined the pier load requirements by using the home manufacturer’s setup manual or HUD code 3285, you can now choose the most cost effective footing or pad to set the home. There are many ABS Pads to choose from depending upon the soil and load requirements.

• Square ABS PadsIdeal for steel piers
• Oval ABS PadsIdeal for concrete block piers
• Multi-Pad ConfigurationsFor heavy pier loads

There are a couple of types and several size anchors used when securing down a manufactured home or other building. For dirt installation, you will need to use a torque probe to determine the proper size earth auger anchor needed.

Torque Probe

The Torque Probe is needed to determine the soil classification where the anchor’s helix will be located in the ground. Use the Soil Classification Chart below to see recommended anchors for each soil condition. Once you have determined the proper size anchor from your Torque Probe results, refer to the home manufacturer’s setup manual or HUD code 3285 to choose the proper anchor spacing needed.

Use the chart below to choose the proper earth auger anchor for each soil classification.

* Contact us about additional sizes that may be available

When securing a home, there are several areas that need to be tied down to make the home safe. Now that you have chosen the proper anchors and stabilizing devices, you will need to determine the attachment connectors on the frame or side wall, as well as longitudinal protection and the proper strap lengths. We have several options to choose from.

• Swivel Frame TiePart # OT SC2-7
• J Hook Frame TiePart # OTFT1-6
• Buckle Frame TiePart # OTST1-6

When homes are equipped with pre-installed sidewall and/or longitudinal brackets, you have a couple of choices.

Galvanized Strapping & Crimp Seals

• Longitudinal I-Beam ConnectorsPart # OTLTK · Quick Connector sold separately
• Sidewall BracketPart # OTSWB

Galvanized Split Bolt

5/8″ x 3″ x 5/8″ square shoulder with hexagon head

Part # OT S/B

1. 

   1

   Insert split bolt into anchor head, attach loosely. Pull strap past bolt and cut strap leaving approximately 12″ of strap to wrap onto bolt.

2. 

   2

   Insert the strap end into the slot in bolt until flush with opposite side of bolt.

3. 

   3

   Using a 15/16″ wrench or socket, turn the bolt, winding the strap so that a minimum of four to five complete turns are made and the strap is tensioned so the anchor is firmly against the stabilizing device in direction of pull. All slack must be removed.

4. 

   4

   Hold the bolt under tension while tightening the nut, drawing the head of the bolt into the recess. Continue to tighten the nut until securely fastened.

There are several door/window and perimeter pier support options. Typically perimeter supports use footings installed at or below frost depth. Oliver Technologies offers a few alternative perimeter support options that are not affected by frost heave, making your perimeter support installations fast and easy.

The Adjustable Outrigger has been designed to replace perimeter piers with a maximum working load of 1,740 lbs. Refer to the installation manual or home manufacturer for roof loads, pier loads and location of perimeter piers.

The EZ Pier is another replacement for the conventional perimeter support. It can be used for pier heights up to 39″ and features a 2″ adjustment. The pipe can be cut-to-fit for shorter heights.

• EZ Pier HeadPart # ST-HD
• EZ PierPart # OTPP36

• Hydraulic Jacks
• Jack Plate
• Vapor Barrier
• Lag Bolts & Washer