Can a Pickup Truck Pull a Mobile Home?

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Mobile homes are convenient because they allow you to relocate your home from one neighborhood to another. Towing a mobile home, however, can be costly. You may wonder if a pickup truck will suffice.

There are many different combinations of pickup trucks and mobile homes. When choosing a pickup truck and mobile home rig, you want to make sure they are compatible. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your pickup truck’s towing capacity matches the size of the mobile home.

Are you planning on moving your mobile home? Here are some great pickup suggestions for you.

most pickup trucks will suffice when towing mobile homes

Best Pickup Trucks for Pulling Mobile Homes

In choosing a truck to pull your mobile home, you’ll have to consider the mobile home’s size and the vehicle’s capacity. Some trucks can only tow small mobile homes comfortably, while others can handle bigger mobile houses. Here are some trucks that are ideal for pulling mobile homes.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser is built for off-roading, with a 381 horsepower V8 engine. It can tow any mobile home of up to 8,100 pounds (3,674.1 kg). However, you must replace the brake controller with an aftermath trailer brake controller. The AWD (All Wheel Drive) system of the Toyota Land Cruiser is ideal for muddy roads.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is a sturdy vehicle that can move compact mobile homes. The towing capacity varies with the models and can range from 4,900 to 12,200 pounds (2,222.6-5533.83 kg). The Ford F-150 is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with plenty of horsepower.

Volkswagen Touareg

The Volkswagen Touareg is a rugged off-road vehicle capable of towing a large mobile home. It has a towing capacity of 7,716 and a horsepower of 280. Its 4Motion all-wheel-drive technology evenly distributes its 266 lb-ft (36.78 kg-m) of torque. However, the vehicle’s engine will struggle to climb and descend a slope.

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada boasts an 8,500-pound (3855.54 kg) towing capability. It produces 390 horsepower and 294 lb-ft (40.65 kg-m) of torque. A Driver Package is available as an option. A few unique features are hill-start help, haul mode, a foldable hatch tent (10×10 ft or 3.05×3.05 m), and a great entertainment system. It can transport any mobile home weighing up to 8,500 pounds (3855.54 kg).

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is available in several variants. The towing capability of the 4-cylinder gas-powered Colorados is 3,500 lb (1587.57 kg), which can handle a small mobile home. The diesel (7,700 towing capacity) and V6 (7000 towing capacity) variants are the other two options. The GCM Canyon is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Colorado, with a more attractive interior.

Ford F-450

The Ford F-450 can be used to tow heavy mobile homes. It has a towing capacity of 31,200 lb (14152.082 kg), 440 horsepower, and 860 pound-feet (118.89 kg-m) of torque. This Ford is great, but it can carry heavier homes with modifications on the tires, high-capacity trailer tow packages, and suspension.

Factors To Consider When Using a Truck To Pull a Mobile Home

Mobile houses provide you with the luxury of bringing your home with you. However, before you move your mobile home, you must consider certain factors.

Age

Is your mobile home old enough to withstand the stress of relocation? Get a professional to check your home to ensure that moving it will be safe. If it’s too old to drive, it’s best to leave it alone because some parts can be damaged if you try.

Zoning Laws

Various zones have been clearly defined – wind, thermal, and roof load zones. You need to know whether your mobile home is built for that destination. For instance, if your mobile home coding is built for roof load zones, you won’t be allowed to move to a wind zone because your home will not be able to withstand the strength of a wind storm.

Preparing Your Pickup Truck Before Pulling a Mobile Home

Pulling a mobile home is a tasking job for a tow truck, much less a pickup truck. So before you embark on the adventure, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle has a clean bill of health to avoid breakdowns. Here’s what to do.

  • Fill your tank: As simple as this sounds, you don’t want to run out of fuel on the road. So, ensure you have a full tank before you begin unless you’re moving to the next street.
  • Check the oils: If you’re taking a long trip, the safest thing would be to completely change the oil, especially if you’ve covered some distance after your last oil change. Otherwise, check your oils – the engine, steering, gear oils, and the brake fluid and ensure they’re at a healthy level.
  • Check the coolant: This is another vital fluid that keeps the temperature normal and enables it to run smoothly. You don’t want a frozen or overheating car. Both scenarios pose dangerous implications for your vehicle. 
  • Check your tires: Your tires are just as essential as the other parts. Your tires are prone to wear and tear with usage. So before taking that journey, check the thread level. You’re no longer safe when the thread level is below 1.6 mm (0.063 in). However, it should be much higher, say at least 3 mm (0.118 in) during winter, to maintain friction.
  • Other checks: The wiper, electric system, and air conditioner are also essential parts that need to be in good condition for a comfortable ride.

When You Cannot Use a Pickup Truck

It is illegal to use a pickup truck to pull mobile homes in some places. Your best bet would be to hire a moving company to assist you.

If you booked a full-service move, the business would help you disconnect all utilities and obtain the appropriate clearance. If you choose the transportation-only option, you’ll be responsible for everything. Calling a moving firm is also a good option because tow trucks are insured, and the service providers are professionals at what they do, so you can be sure that your mobile home is safe and secure.

In some places pulling a mobile home with a pickup truck is illegal

Conclusion

You can use a pickup truck to move a mobile home, but this is subject to some considerations, including the truck’s age and capacity, the size of the mobile home, and the laws guiding the zones.

However, if you ever get to use a pickup truck for this task, ensure you conduct routine checks on your vehicle to avoid breakdowns on the road.

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