Single-wide or multi-section move
HUD's standards treat the work of joining the sections of a multi-section home as installation work covered in specific subparts.
The difference
Multi-section homes need mate-line gaskets or similar seals against air, water and pests, supplied by the manufacturer.
Multi-section homes need mate-line and column pier supports in addition to frame piers.
Each transportable section carries its own HUD certification label.
Each section moves as its own load; in Texas two sections may share escorts in a convoy within 1,000 feet.
Texas charges installers a $75 reporting fee for a single section home plus $25 for each added section.
Sources: Joining sections; Mate-line seal; Extra mate-line piers; One HUD label per section; Sections moved separately; Fees by section (Texas example)
Width limits by state
Tennessee will not permit a home wider than 16 feet to move.
Arkansas issues no special permit for a home over 18 feet wide, and over 16 feet 6 inches needs an emergency permit.
Oklahoma keeps homes over 18 feet wide off the Interstate System.
Missouri treats loads over 16 feet wide as superloads, which take about two weeks to permit.
Texas requires one escort over 16 feet wide and two over 18 feet.
Sources: TDOT Rules 1680-07-01 (2017); ArDOT permit rules 001.00.14 (Cornell LII copy); OAC 730:50-5-19 (Cornell LII copy); MoDOT Motor Carrier Services FAQ; TxDMV, Escort and Equipment Requirements
Labels on each section
Each section's serial number ends in A, B or C, so paperwork for a double wide lists both halves.
TDHCA's Notice of Installation fee is $75 for a single section or the first section and $25 for each added section.
Sources: HUD, Manufactured Housing HUD Labels (Tags); TDHCA Form 1022, Statement of Ownership Fee Schedule
Joining the sections
The sections of a multi section home must be structurally connected along the mate line, inside and out, to work as one structure.
Once the exterior is closed up, no gaps are allowed between the connected structural members. Before that, gaps up to one inch must be shimmed with lumber and fastened with longer fasteners.
The sealer gasket goes on the ceiling, end wall and floor mate lines before the sections are joined.
Multi section homes with lap siding can ship with no siding on the end walls, with siding and trim loose inside for installation at setup.
Sources: 24 CFR 3285.802; 24 CFR 3285.801
Common questions
Is a double-wide harder to move?
HUD's standards treat the work of joining the sections of a multi-section home as installation work covered in specific subparts.