Mobile homes provide you with top-quality housing, but only when properly maintained. Mobile home living is convenient, but not carefree. Limit your repair needs by selecting your home wisely, setting
up and anchoring it properly, then adhering to a program of periodic preventive maintenance.
The dealer or manufacturer should take care of the unit during its warranty period. If you live in a mobile home park, chances are the park management employs qualified service technicians who can handle your major repair needs. On individual lots, service may not be so readily available. Call the manufacturer about serious repairs.
Consult this book for maintenance and repairs you can perform. But do not delay making repairs to your home or having them made. Procrastination may stretch a minor adjustment or repair into a costly major project. You can allow your mobile home to deteriorate, or you can use it as the base upon which to build and develop an attractive, convenient, and serviceable living environment.

Smoke detectors now are standard equipment for mobile homes. You’ll find these early warning devices on the hallway ceiling outside all sleeping areas. Home fires typically smolder long before they burst into flame. A smoke detector can warn you to evacuate the the unit and call the fire department, sometimes before the fire actually erupts.
However, smoke detectors lose their sensing ability if they’re not kept clean. Remove the filters and wash them every three months— Sooner in dusty regions. Some smoke detectors have silver or gold sensing dots. Clean these monthly with window cleaner. Do not use any type of spray around detectors; it might clog up the sensing devices. Keep your owner’s pamphlet that explains the smoke detector.
If your mobile home does not have a smoke-detecting system, you can install one yourself. Some styles of smoke detectors attach
the ceiling like a light fixture. Get an electrician to do the extra wiring for these. Others plug into any normal ac power outlet. Place the detector itself high on the wall or ceiling just outside your sleeping areas. A set of instructions should explain how to put the detector into operation. Then test it with some heavy cigarette smoke.