Hey there! If you’ve ever wondered what gives a mobile home its “mobile” abilities, it all comes down to those axles underneath. Mobile home axles are the heavy-duty frames that hold up and transport manufactured homes from one location to another. But what happens when those axles outlive the mobile home itself? Can you sell used mobile home axles? And how much are they actually worth?
This handy guide will give you a crash course on valuing mobile home axles. We’ll look at the key factors that determine axle prices, where to buy and sell used axles, and tips for maximizing your axle value. Whether you’re looking to make some cash from an old set of axles or hunting for budget axles for your next trailer build, you’ll learn the essentials of the mobile home axle market. Let’s get rolling!
What Are Mobile Home Axles?
First up, a quick Mobile Home Axles 101. Mobile home axles are strong, specially-designed frames that bolt underneath manufactured homes. Their key purpose is transporting the home to its destination by attaching to a truck or tractor.
Axles come in single, tandem, or triple configurations depending on the size of the home. A typical axle assembly includes:
- Wheels and tires
- Brakes and brake actuators
- Suspension system with leaf springs
- Bearings and hubs
- Wiring for lights
The two main types of axles are solid beam axles and hollow tube axles. Solid beam axles are heavier duty, while hollow tube axles are more lightweight and affordable. Axle weight ratings generally range from 5,000 to 10,000 lbs per axle. Higher ratings allow an axle to transport heavier homes.
Now that you know the basics of what mobile home axles are, let’s look at the factors that determine their value.
Key Factors That Determine Axle Value
If you’re looking to buy or sell used mobile home axles, the most important question is: how much are they worth? Axle value depends on several key factors:
Age and Condition
Like anything used, age and condition greatly impact value. New axles can cost $1,000-$1,500 or more. Once installed under a home, axles depreciate over time. Axles over 10-15 years old in rough shape may only fetch $200-$400. Well-maintained axles under 5 years old hold value much better.
Closely inspect the overall wear of older axles. Look for rust, cracks, missing or damaged parts, and how freely the wheels spin. Axles that have been continuously exposed to weather will degrade faster.
Brand and Specs
Higher capacity aftermarket brands like Dexter, Al-Ko, and Lippert command a premium over standard OEM axles. For example, a 10,000 lb Dexter axle may sell for $800 vs $500 for a 7,000 lb OEM axle.
Other specs like brake type and suspension also impact pricing. Disc brakes typically add $200+ in value over standard drum brakes.
Solid vs Hollow Axles
As mentioned earlier, solid beam axles are heavier duty than hollow tube axles. A 7,000 lb solid axle will sell for around $700, while a hollow axle of the same rating sells for $400-$500. If maximum load capacity is needed, solid axles are the way to go.
Used vs New Axles
For maximum longevity, purchasing new replacement axles is ideal. But at $1,000 or more per axle, it’s a major investment. Used axles less than 10 years old offer significant savings over new, often 40-60% less. Just be diligent inspecting condition.
Supply and Demand
Like any market, axle prices respond to supply and demand trends. Times of high used inventory or low scrap metal prices can push values down. When good used axles are scarce, sellers can often get top dollar, sometimes near the cost of new axles.
Regional demand also plays a role, with values varying across different geographies. Be sure to research going rates in your local market.
Typical Pricing for Used Mobile Home Axles
To give you a better idea of real-world axle values, here are some average used mobile home axle price ranges:
- 7000 lb axles – $400-$700
- 8000 lb axles – $500-$800
- 10,000 lb axles – $700-$1,000
Axles under 5 years old with brakes can sell for 60-75% of new axle prices. Really old axles from the 1970-80s may only sell for $150-$300.
Solid beam axles command around a $200 premium over hollow tube axles of the same rating. Axles with brakes add $150-$250 in extra value compared to non-braked.
Regional pricing differs too. In areas like Florida and Arizona with high retiree populations, used axles see strong demand, pushing prices upward. In rural Midwest areas with lower costs of living, axles may sell for 20-30% less than coastal markets.
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay Motors provide national price transparency. But also check local mobile home dismantlers, dealers, and salvage yards to compare regional quotes.
Removing and Replacing Mobile Home Axles
Tired of those old noisy axles rattling underneath your home? Ready to upgrade to a higher capacity axle? When it’s time for mobile home axle replacement, here’s what to expect.
DIY or Hire Out?
Removing and replacing axles is definitely a DIY possibility if you’re mechanically handy. But it requires some specialized tools and the ability to properly support the home on jacks during axle removal.
Hiring a mobile home transportation company to swap the axles typically costs around $1,500-$2,000. This route ensures it’s done safely and correctly.
Parts and Costs
For the axles themselves, you’ll pay:
- $400-$1,000+ per used axle
- $1,000-$1,500+ for new axles
Add in another $300 or so for brake shoes, seals, bearings and other parts replacements. Don’t forget costs for wheel/tire assemblies if needed.
Then factor in either DIY tools/equipment or pro installation labor. All in, expect to spend $1,500-$3,000+ to replace two axles. But gaining peace of mind from new or upgraded axles is worth the investment.
Reusing Mobile Home Axles for Trailers
If that old set of 7,000 lb mobile home axles still has life left, one great way to squeeze value from them is repurposing them for a utility trailer build. Used mobile home axles are commonly reused as economical trailer axles.
There are some important considerations:
- Weight rating – Ensure the axle capacity suits your needs. Measure the fully loaded trailer weight to prevent overloading.
- Registrations and regulations – In many states, mobile home axles can legally be used on trailers. But some regions prohibit it or require modifications. Research your local trailer regulations.
- Modifications – Swapping the mobile home wheels for standard trailer wheels may be required in some areas. Disc brakes also can’t be reused without modification.
- Suspension – The stiff suspension of mobile home axles performs fine for trailers mainly used around home or farm. But for highway use, upgrading to torsion axles improves ride quality.
Overall, repurposing clean, straight axles under 10 years old is a proven way to save major cash over buying new trailer axles. Just be sure to factor in any upgrade costs needed to meet regulations.
Can I Use the Cash I Get for My House to Upgrade My Mobile Home Axles?
Yes, you can use the cash you get for your house to upgrade your mobile home axles. One of the best reasons to sell house is to free up funds for necessary upgrades or improvements to your current living situation. Upgrading your mobile home axles can improve safety and functionality.
Other Factors That Impact Axle Value
We’ve covered the main considerations, but there are a few other variables that can influence mobile home axle value:
Scrap Steel Prices
Axles are constructed from steel, so the base commodity price of steel impacts value. When scrap steel prices decline, it can reduce used axle prices. But higher commodity prices also increase replacement costs for new axles, lifting used axle values.
Demand from Mobile Home Parks
Many mobile home parks impose age limits on homes, ranging from 10 to 30 years old. When old homes don’t meet criteria, owners must remove them. This generates demand from parks buying used axles to install under new replacement homes. Areas with lots of parks see higher axle demand.
Export Markets
Used mobile home axles are frequently exported internationally to developing markets. Local demand factors less into pricing when axles are purchased for export.
Value of Wheels and Tires
The wheel and tire assemblies still hold value after the axles are removed. Sold individually, used mobile home wheels fetch $50-$100 each. Tires in good condition may bring $75-$150. This can help offset axle removal costs.
Repair and Maintenance Costs
Don’t forget maintenance costs associated with used axles. Expect to spend $300 or more replacing brake shoes, wheel seals and bearings. Budget for repairs like welding cracks or replacing damaged suspension parts. These costs impact net profit when flipping axles.
Insurance Considerations
Using used mobile home axles on trailers or vehicles may impact your auto insurance coverage, especially with commercially-rated policies. Contact your insurer to understand if any exclusions or rider policies apply.
Best Practices For Maximizing Axle Value
Ready to cash in your old axles? Here are some pro tips for optimizing mobile home axle value:
Maintain them – Axles kept lubricated and protected from elements hold value much better when sold later on. Don’t let them rust away unused.
Sell locally – Avoiding shipping costs by selling to nearby buyers nets more profit. Mobile home dismantlers or salvage yards may offer quick cash.
Time it right – Monitor market rates regularly. Off-season winter months may have lower demand, while scrap prices peak in summer.
Take good photos – Highlight key selling points like brakes, brand or weight rating. Good photos attract more buyers.
List specs accurately – Provide measurements and capacity specs to establish value. Note any damage or missing parts.
Negotiate fairly – Research fair pricing so you can make and field reasonable offers. Find middle ground if needed.
With the right prep and pricing knowledge, those old axles can roll off your property and into cash for your wallet.
We’ve covered all the bases when it comes to mobile home axle value. The key factors of age, condition, capacity and local market rates primarily determine what axles sell for. With some diligent research, you can optimize pricing and turn unused axles into profit.
Selling when supply is low, scrapping wheels/tires separately, and transporting locally help maximize your returns. For buyers, carefully inspecting condition and understanding replacement costs allows negotiating a fair deal.
Hopefully this breakdown gives you new insight on the mobile home axle market. Now you’ve got the tools to roll those old axles into cash or find the perfect cost-effective axles for your project. Happy trails ahead!