How to Level a Mobile Home

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Sometimes, homeowners find that there are suddenly cracks in the walls or the windows and doors don't fit just right. In a mobile home, this usually means that something has caused the I-beam used for support to no longer be level, such as underground roots that have rotted and caused the soil to move around. Problems with a level mobile home could also happen from other environmental factors, such as flooding. With a few tools, you can level your mobile home without too many problems.

Steps

1
Remove the skirting (optional on some) from around your home to gain access to the piers on which the supports sit.^{[1]
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2
Begin at the middle of your mobile home to check the level at each pier.^{[2]
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3
Place a long level at the nearest pier to the center and check the bubble in the center of the level; if it is centered, the area is level.
4
Mark any piers that are not level and proceed to the next steps.^{[3]
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5
Attach a plastic tube to a bucket or other container with a capacity of about 5 gallons (19 L).
6
Add water to the container slowly.
7
Ensure that the water in the tube is at the same level as the bottom of the I-beam on the non-level pier. This is your level mark.
8
Place a mobile home jack centered on the pier where it will support the weight of the home.
9
Raise the I-beam to the level of the water level mark and check the mobile home level to ensure that the bubble is in the center of the bubble window.
10
Keep checking the problem areas as you jack up the area, such as doors and windows, to take note of when the problem has been corrected.
11
Use wedges to slide under the beam to support it and keep it level when removing the jack.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

Is it possible to rent a jack, and if so, where?

Community Answer

You can usually rent jacks from equipment rental companies and hardware stores that rent to the public. You are looking for at least a 20-ton hydraulic jack, like in the picture.
Question

How can I straighten layers of brick?

Community Answer

You will need to move the pile to a new location, probably not more than a couple inches down. For example, if the bricks are leaning like this: /, then you would need to move the pile left until it’s slightly propped like this: \. Then, allow the weight of the home to compress the soil. You may have to do this more than once until the ground has compressed enough to allow a hard and level base surface. Once the pile has been straightened, relevel the trailer.
Question

How do I level my mobile home?

Community Answer

You can add bricks or another stable resource under the side of your mobile home that is lower than the other side.

Warnings

Always alert a family member or neighbor that you will be underneath the mobile home just in case there is some equipment failure, such as a slipped jack, which injures you and you need help.

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It is best to work underneath the mobile home when the soil is dry and compact. Loose soil may cause your equipment to slip, which can cause serious injuries.

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In most cases, leveling a mobile home takes 2 people or professionals trained in this type of leveling; however, if you are secure that you can do this yourself, make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions when underneath your mobile home. Ensure that the large mobile home jack is securely balanced and centered at all times before you begin to jack up the parts of your home.

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