Various design options for static caravan & park home chassis

There is a simple way to make a timber building comply with the caravan act. This is to build it onto a moveable "mobile home chassis". This sounds quite simple, which it is if done correctly. We can build any of our timber buildings onto any of the chassis below. We actually build them on site which saves a lot on haulage fees. Also it means that access etc isn't an issue either. There is nothing in law to prevent the "caravan" being built on site. You just need to prove that they are moveable in 1 or 2 sections after construction. This could be on wheels or it could be by lifting the sections onto a lorry using a crane. The building doesn't have to have wheels to comply with The Caravan Act.

We offer 3 different types of steel chassis to cover any eventuality. Not every site has nice wide access. Nor a roadway to the site where the chassis or mobile home needs to be. It's not just the width of the chassis that could be a problem when accessing the property. The length can also be an issue. It is not always possible to get a straight through run at the entrance gates. Given that the delivering lorry could be 18m long or or longer. The chassis may well overhang the rear, and there are very few entrances that have that long a clear run up to the gates. Whatever site you have, we have the solution!

 

 

This is the more traditional chassis that most caravans, park homes or mobile homes have. It has a basic steel frame with a tow point and twin axles. Although it does have wheels, these are purely to move the building around on private land. They do not have suspension and are not road legal. We list various sizes on our website but we can make them to any size.

              

 

 

The traditional chassis is generally the one that people think are available. Hortons can offer more variation. The prefabricated chassis are great apart from if access is tight or if the ground is not good. They can easily bog down and make a complete mess whilst trying to get them onto the plot. Delivery of the knock-down chassis is in bite-size parts which then bolt together on site. This type of chassis still has a tow point and twin axles and so fully complies with the Caravan Act. Obviously some parts are relatively heavy and long, but they are not wide. This means that access isn't a problem. Nor an extremely muddy field (for instance) where it and the towing vehicle may bog down until the ground dries out. You just need a hard, flat and level hard-standing and you're fine wherever that happens to be!

 

 

 

Generally, the options above require a very level plot. This may involve a lot of extra, and possibly unnecessary groundwork. We have a 3rd option - our "all terrain" chassis. This has this name because it can be built onto our concrete block plinth system. Thus, there is no need to dig out the high side of the plot in order to have a totally level site. In contrast, we build up piers on the low side, leaving the ground "as is". The chassis in then constructed on top of these piers to form a level platform. Then it is just a case of building the timber building onto this level platform. This chassis has lifting eyes such that a crane can lift it onto a flat bed lorry. Therefore it is compliant with the caravan act.

This is a brief summary excerpt from the caravan act -

The term “caravan” means any structure designed or adapted for human habitation which is capable of being moved from one place to another (whether by being towed, or by being transported on a motor vehicle or trailer).

 

(a) length (exclusive of any drawbar): 65.616 feet (20 metres)

(b) width: 22.309 feet 6.8 metres)

(c) overall height of living accommodation (measured internally from the floor at the lowest level to the ceiling at the highest level): 10.006 feet (3.05 metres)

 

It is easily possible to make any of our log cabins fully transportable with our steel chassis and fully comply with the act - it is a very easy and simple solution.

Painted Chassis (standard option)

Any affected area(s) of the chassis that may be showing signs of oxidization/surface rust, in particular around welded joints and edges should be rubbed down and over coated. Paint is available or alternatively a good rust inhibiting paint such as Hammerite can be used. It is recommended that this inspection and care be carried out annually.

Corner Steadies - require yearly clean and re-greasing to maintain full range of movement.

Wheels and Tyres - Wheels and stubs require annual greasing. Tyres should be supported off the floor and protected from direct sunlight. They should be inspected for pressure and damage prior to moving the home.

Tow Hitch - require annual clean and oiling.

The corrosion warranty does not cover cosmetic anomalies including the appearance of surface rust or white rust.

The warranty covers perforation of the steel components or loss of thickness such that the structural integrity of the unit is compromised.

The anti-corrosion warranty is provided on the basis that the maintenance requirements detailed herein are followed.

Siting

Care must be taken when turning the home, especially on tight corners. If tight corners have been identified, particularly for homes with two or more axles, all efforts must be made to reduce tyre scrubbing forces which may lead to tyre, wheel bearing and axle damage.

Exclusions to Warranty

• Damage caused during manufacture of home.

• Damage caused during siting of home.

• If the chassis is not transported in accordance with chassis manufacturer’s instructions as shown using marked holding down anchor points.

• Any collision, impact or accident caused by customer.

• Warranty invalidated if attempts are made to modify or repair chassis without chassis manufacturer’s written consent.

• Damage caused by abuse, neglect or misuse.

• Cosmetic blemishes (i.e. paint runs) will not give rise to a valid claim.

• Chassis must not be towed in excess of the maximum permitted speed as stated on the wheel.

• Sited not in accordance with NCC Code of Practice 501 guidelines.

• Painted chassis sited within 5 miles as the crow flies from a tidal waterway and or areas with high salinity or industrial pollution.

• Warranty invalidated if the chassis ID plate has been removed or defaced.

• If at any time during its warranty life, the chassis is submerged either completely or partly due to flooding then any subsequent claims will be rejected.

• The appearance of surface oxidization or white rust will not be considered as a claim against the structural warranty.