If you’re considering buying a manufactured home—or you already own one and are planning some repairs—you might have heard a rumor: that you can only buy replacement parts and supplies from mobile home dealers. So, is it true? Are manufactured homes built with proprietary components that force you to rely on niche suppliers?

The short answer: not entirely.

Let’s dig into the truth about manufactured home repairs, where you can source parts, and what surprises you might run into along the way.

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Yes, You Can Shop at Big Box Stores… Sometimes

Many homeowners have successfully used supplies from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and other standard hardware stores for repairs and upgrades in their manufactured homes. Plumbing, electrical, paint, flooring—much of it is interchangeable with site-built homes.

But there are exceptions.

The Quirky Components of Older Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes built in the ’70s, ’80s, and even ’90s often used components that differ in size, shape, and configuration from standard residential construction. Some examples include:

  • Water heaters: Mobile home water heaters may require special HUD approval, especially for gas models, and they often need to be convertible between propane and natural gas. Not all home improvement stores carry these.
  • Doors and windows: Interior and exterior doors in manufactured homes are frequently non-standard sizes—shorter, narrower, or thinner than the norm. You may need to special-order replacements or modify the framing.
  • Bathtubs and showers: Commonly smaller than standard, you might need to shop online or at mobile home supply stores for a 54-inch tub instead of the standard 60-inch.
  • Furnaces and HVAC: Down-draft furnaces are typical in manufactured homes, especially when ductwork is located below the floor. While the units may be standard brands (like Goodman), their configuration can differ.
  • Plumbing: Some older homes used polybutylene (gray plastic pipe), which is no longer used due to its tendency to fail. While adapters exist, replacing the entire plumbing system with PEX is often the safer choice.
  • Hardware: Expect Robertson (square-drive) screws and other unique fasteners in older models.

So, Where Do You Buy Replacement Parts?

  • Mobile home parts dealers: These are often the best source for items like skirting, odd-size doors, or specialized HVAC units.
  • Online retailers: Numerous websites cater to manufactured home parts. A quick search will bring up options for anything from replacement windows to plumbing kits.
  • Big box stores: Ideal for common supplies, including paint, electrical supplies, flooring, tools, and standard-size fixtures.
  • Local building supply stores: Especially in regions with a lot of manufactured homes (like Indiana, Florida, or parts of the South and Midwest), some local hardware stores stock compatible parts or have partnerships with nearby manufacturers.

Does This Mean Manufactured Homes Are Harder to Repair?

Not necessarily. As one long-time manufactured homeowner put it: “Anybody who can fix things in a normal house can fix stuff in a trailer.” The key difference is awareness—some parts will be different, and you might need to adapt or special-order.

For newer manufactured homes (built in the last 10–15 years), the difference is shrinking. Many manufacturers now use standard-sized windows, doors, appliances, and materials to simplify construction and reduce costs.

Tips for Manufactured Home Repairs

  • Know your home’s year and manufacturer: This helps when searching for compatible parts or reaching out to suppliers.
  • Check the HUD data plate: Usually located near the electrical panel or in a cabinet, it lists important specs, including the manufacturer and serial number.
  • Take measurements—don’t assume: A “standard” tub or door may not fit your home.
  • Upgrade when possible: If you’re replacing outdated or failing materials, consider upgrading to more durable or readily available options.

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Bottom Line: Don’t Let the Myths Scare You

You don’t have to be locked into buying from one supplier when you own a manufactured home. While some parts might take a little hunting, you can absolutely maintain, repair, and upgrade your home using a mix of mobile home dealers, online shops, and good old-fashioned hardware stores.

Just bring your measurements—and maybe a bit of patience.