Understanding Harrison Manufactured Homes Serial Numbers

Understanding the serial number of a manufactured home is crucial for homeowners, buyers, and industry professionals. This unique identifier provides essential information about the home’s origin, compliance with safety standards, and structural details. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the significance of manufactured home serial numbers, how to locate them, and the valuable insights they offer.

What is a Manufactured Home Serial Number?

A manufactured home serial number, often referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is a unique code assigned to each manufactured home. This number serves multiple purposes:

• Manufacturer Identification: The initial segment of the serial number typically consists of letters representing the manufacturer’s name. For example, “JAC” might denote Jacobsen Homes.

• State of Manufacture: Following the manufacturer’s code, two letters indicate the state where the home was built. For instance, “FL” signifies Florida.

• Serial Number: A series of digits unique to each home, assigned by the manufacturer.

• Section Code: For multi-section homes (e.g., double-wide or triple-wide), a letter such as “A,” “B,” or “C” designates each section. Single-section homes usually lack this code.

Importance of the Serial Number

The serial number is more than just an identifier; it provides insights into:

• Compliance with Safety Standards: Ensures the home meets federal construction and safety regulations.

• Manufacturing Details: Offers information about the builder and the production specifics.

• Resale and Financing: Essential for transactions, refinancing, and obtaining insurance.

Locating the Serial Number

Finding the serial number is essential for verification and documentation. Common locations include:

• Data Plate Inside the Home: This paper label, approximately the size of a standard sheet of paper (8.5″ x 11″), is typically found in areas such as:

  • Inside a kitchen cabinet.

  • In a bedroom closet.

  • Near the electrical panel.

  • Inside a bathroom cabinet door.

  • Inside your water heater closet.

  The data plate contains vital information, including the manufacturer’s details, serial number, date of manufacture, and compliance statements. It also features a map indicating wind zones, snow load, and roof load specifics.

• Stamped on the Steel Frame: The serial number may be stamped onto the foremost cross member of the steel chassis, often near the hitch or drawbar.

• HUD Certification Label (HUD Tag): A metal plate affixed to the exterior of the home, usually on the right back corner. This label includes a unique six-digit number preceded by a three-letter designation identifying the inspection agency.

Understanding the Data Plate

The data plate is a crucial component of a manufactured home, providing comprehensive details such as:

• Manufacturer’s Name and Address: Identifies the builder of the home.

• Serial Number and Model Designation: Unique identifiers for the specific unit.

• Date of Manufacture: Indicates when the home was built.

• Compliance Statement: Confirms adherence to federal construction and safety standards.

• Certification Labels: Lists labels affixed to each transportable section under specific regulations.

• Factory-Installed Equipment: Details major appliances and equipment installed during manufacturing.

• Design Load Information: Includes maps and references for wind zones, snow loads, and roof loads applicable to the home.

  HUD

What to Do If the Data Plate or HUD Tag Is Missing

Losing the data plate or HUD tag can pose challenges, especially during resale, refinancing, or obtaining insurance. If these identifiers are missing:

• Contact the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS): They can issue a Letter of Label Verification if they can locate the necessary historical information.

• Consult Previous Documentation: Review past financing paperwork or contact prior insurance providers who may have recorded the serial number.

• Inspect the Steel Frame: Look for the serial number stamped on the steel chassis, as it might still be intact even if the data plate is missing.

The Role of HUD Tags

The HUD tag, or certification label, is a metal plate affixed to the exterior of the manufactured home. It serves as proof that the home complies with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Key aspects include:

• Dimensions: Approximately 2 inches by 4 inches in size.

• Attachment: Permanently attached to the home using methods that make removal difficult without defacing it.

• Identification: Each label is marked with a unique six-digit number and a three-letter designation identifying the inspection agency.

Performing a Serial Number Lookup

Conducting a serial number lookup can provide valuable information about a manufactured home:

1. Locate the Serial Number: As detailed earlier, find the serial number on the data plate, steel frame, or HUD tag.

2. Understand the Serial Number Format: Recognize the components of the serial number, including the manufacturer code, state abbreviation, unique identifier, and section code.

3. Utilize Online Databases: Several online databases allow you to search and verify manufactured home serial numbers, providing information about the home’s manufacturer, production details, and compliance data.

4. Verify the Information: Ensure that the details obtained match the known information about the home, checking for any discrepancies or red flags.

Benefits of a Serial Number Lookup

Performing a serial number lookup offers several advantages:

• Ensuring Compliance: Verifies that the home meets all relevant safety and construction standards.

• Identifying Recalled Homes: Determines if the home has been subject to any recalls due to safety concerns.

• Assessing Resale Value: Provides insights into the home’s construction details, aiding in accurate valuation.

• Avoiding Fraud: Protects against potential misrepresentation by verifying the authenticity of the home’s details.

Conclusion

Understanding and locating the serial number of a manufactured home is essential for ensuring compliance with safety standards, facilitating transactions, and maintaining accurate records. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or industry professional, familiarizing yourself with the serial number and related identifiers like the data plate and HUD tag can provide invaluable information about the home’s origin, construction, and compliance status.

Comparison Chart: Key Identifiers in Manufactured Homes