Mobile homes are pre-manufactured and moved to the owner's lot on wheels.
Skyline Manufactured Housing company is headquartered in Elkart, Indiana, and has manufacturing plants in 10 states. A 1993 or other older mobile home model may be sold independently of its land and relocated to a new lot. The structural data and setup information has not changed and all current manuals and information are valid for 1993 models as of 2011.
Data Plate
The data plate contains important information about your Skyline mobile home. This might be found in the electrical panel of the home, or there might be a label in the electrical panel describing the location of the data plate. The information on the data plate includes the serial number, which is needed whenever the home is sold. It also tells you the model, place and year of manufacture, and wind, roof load and thermal data. This would be the first place to look if you are considering purchasing a used 1993 model.
Zones
All Skyline mobile homes are built for specific climate zones. The climate in which a mobile home is located dictates whether it needs a strong roof for heavy snow, as you might experience in northern states, or a stronger framework to resist high winds, as might be typical in southern states. They are also built to withstand high heat or humidity. The manufacturers do not advise moving a Skyline home to a zone for which it is not rated.
Electrical System and Appliances
All Skyline homes, including 1993 models, are built to use 240/120v electrical power. The electrical circuits are contained in the walls and plumbing and duct work is located inside the floor, and therefore extreme caution must be taken when drilling into the floor or walls when installing telephone or cable. The homes come with a range, refrigerator, washer and drier and homeowners should follow manufacturer's care and use instructions.
Heating and Cooling
1993 Skyline homes came with gas, oil or electric forced air heating systems and an information manual was supplied with every new home. The manufacturers recommend that annual maintenance is performed as follows: clean and replace air and fuel filters, clean and oil the blower motor if indicated by the manufacturer's manual, inspect the flue pipe and roof jack and keep it free of dirt and debris. Skyline homes might not come with an air conditioner.
Water System
The water heater on all Skyline models is equipped with a pressure release valve to prevent damage to the home if it becomes excessively hot or pressurized. In climates where it freezes, all exposed pipes under the home must be insulated with heat tape and insulation to prevent damage. If a Skyline home is vacated for any length of time in freezing conditions, all the water must be drained from the system, including the toilets and hot water heater. The heater must be turned off prior to draining and not turned on again until it is filled with water.
Maintenance
Skyline mobile homes come with vertical siding with caulked joints. In time, the caulk may need to be replaced. The manufacturers recommend a paintable latex caulk applied prior to painting and two coats of acrylic paint on the exterior of the home. The steel frame under the home may corrode in certain conditions, in which case you should paint it with a rust resistant paint. Prevent high humidity in the home by opening the windows and doors in good weather and do not hang wet clothes in the home.
Installation of the Home
All Skyline mobile homes come with detailed installation instructions. The homes must be installed on a prepared site with the recommended footing and pier specifications which may vary according to the size and model of the home. They must also be anchored to the ground as specified. The manufacturers recommended installation parameters for all models can be obtained on their website.
