First Impressions of Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide
Mobile homes. They are a common sight across the landscape, providing affordable housing for many. But with that affordability comes certain challenges, especially when it comes to foundation stability. That’s where the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide steps in, promising a solution to common issues like frost heave and skirting problems.
Having spent years dealing with various types of foundations in both temporary and permanent structures, I was keen to get my hands on these outriggers. I manage a small property with several mobile homes, and the constant battle with shifting foundations and damaged skirting was becoming a real headache. Perimeter blocking is outdated, costly, and frankly, a pain.
The outriggers arrived in a surprisingly compact package, considering they’re designed to support a 14-foot-wide home. My initial impression was one of sturdy simplicity. The metal components felt robust, suggesting a solid build quality. Compared to the makeshift solutions I’ve seen used over the years – everything from stacked cinder blocks to rotting wood – these looked like a genuinely professional and engineered solution.
Compared to traditional perimeter blocking, the appeal of an adjustable system that mitigates frost heave is significant. I was also considering some screw-in ground anchors, but the ease of installation and potential for eliminating skirting damage with these outriggers ultimately won me over. Frankly, I was excited at the prospect of potentially eliminating one of the biggest maintenance headaches on the property. My first impression was that they were well thought-out, but the real test would be in the installation and long-term performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide on one of the older mobile homes on my property, a single-wide that was particularly susceptible to movement. Installation was surprisingly straightforward. The adjustable nature of the outriggers made it easy to compensate for the uneven ground surrounding the home.
Working solo, it took me about half a day to install a set of four outriggers, strategically placed along the most vulnerable sections of the foundation. I tested them during a particularly wet week, followed by a sudden cold snap, typical conditions that usually lead to noticeable shifting. Remarkably, the mobile home remained noticeably more stable than in previous years under similar conditions.
One minor issue I encountered was the need for a level surface to properly seat the outriggers against the frame. This required a bit of digging and leveling in a few spots, adding some extra time to the installation. But overall, the process was manageable, and the initial results were promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full winter season with multiple freeze-thaw cycles, the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide have performed admirably. There’s been no noticeable settling or shifting, and the skirting remains intact, free from the bowing and cracking that plagued it in the past. The powder-coated finish shows no signs of rust or corrosion, despite constant exposure to the elements.
Maintenance has been minimal. I periodically check the adjustment points to ensure they remain secure, but so far, there’s been no need for any adjustments. Compared to my previous experiences with perimeter blocking, which required constant patching and re-leveling, these outriggers have been a game-changer. The stability they provide has noticeably improved the overall feeling of solidity in the mobile home.
Breaking Down the Features of Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide
Specifications
The Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide are designed to support mobile homes up to 14 feet wide. They are constructed from heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance.
Their adjustability allows for precise leveling and compensation for uneven ground conditions. This feature is critical in areas prone to frost heave.
These outriggers are intended as a replacement for, and cost less than, traditional perimeter blocking. This can represent a significant cost savings for property owners.
Installation is designed to be easier than perimeter blocking and they eliminate problems with anchor straps and skirting. This simplifies maintenance and prevents future damage.
They are specifically designed to be unaffected by frost heave. This protects the structural integrity of the mobile home.
They eliminate problems with anchor straps and skirting, which contributes to reduced maintenance and aesthetic improvements.
Performance & Functionality
The Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide perform exceptionally well in providing stable support for mobile homes. Their adjustability ensures a level foundation, mitigating the effects of ground movement and frost heave. The elimination of anchor strap and skirting issues is a major advantage, reducing maintenance and improving the overall appearance of the home.
The primary strength of these outriggers is their ability to provide consistent and reliable support over extended periods. A potential area for improvement would be to include clearer installation instructions for different soil types. Despite this minor issue, they significantly exceeded my expectations and have proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide is impressive. The heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated finish inspire confidence in their long-term durability. While they are not particularly lightweight, their weight contributes to their stability and robustness.
The design is straightforward and functional. The adjustment mechanism is easy to use, and there’s a minimal learning curve involved in installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction of the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide suggests they will last for many years. The powder-coated finish provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, even in harsh weather conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only periodic checks of the adjustment points.
Given the materials and construction, I expect these outriggers to last for the lifespan of the mobile home itself with minimal upkeep. In my experience, that’s far superior to traditional blocking methods.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide do not come with any specific accessories. However, they can be used in conjunction with other foundation stabilization products, such as ground anchors for added security in high-wind areas. There are no specific customization options available, as the design is optimized for its intended purpose.
They are compatible with most standard mobile home frames. You may want to consider adding some treated lumber shims for instances where the ground is not perfectly flat.
Pros and Cons of Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide
Pros
- Easy Installation: Significantly easier and faster than traditional perimeter blocking.
- Adjustable Height: Allows for precise leveling on uneven ground, crucial for stability.
- Frost Heave Resistance: Designed to withstand and mitigate the effects of frost heave, protecting the mobile home’s structure.
- Reduced Maintenance: Eliminates issues with anchor straps and skirting, leading to lower long-term maintenance costs.
- Cost-Effective: Replaces and costs less than traditional perimeter blocking.
Cons
- Ground Leveling Required: May require some digging and leveling to ensure proper seating of the outriggers.
- Instructions Could Be More Detailed: Additional instructions for varied soil conditions would be beneficial.
Who Should Buy Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide?
The Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide are perfect for: mobile home owners looking for a more stable and maintenance-free foundation solution; property managers dealing with multiple mobile homes and seeking to reduce maintenance costs; and anyone living in areas prone to frost heave or ground movement.
This product may not be suitable for individuals who are uncomfortable with basic DIY tasks or who have severely compromised mobile home frames requiring extensive structural repairs.
Must-have accessories include a good level, a shovel, and potentially some treated lumber shims for fine-tuning the installation.
Conclusion on Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide
The Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide represent a significant improvement over traditional perimeter blocking for mobile homes. Their ease of installation, adjustability, and resistance to frost heave make them a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a more stable and maintenance-free foundation solution. The price is definitely justified considering the long-term benefits and reduced maintenance costs.
I would definitely recommend these outriggers to anyone looking to improve the stability of their mobile home. These aren’t just metal supports; they’re a smart investment in your property’s longevity and your peace of mind. Take control of your mobile home’s foundation and say goodbye to the headaches of shifting, settling, and damaged skirting – invest in the Tie Down Engineering 59363 Adjustable Outriggers 14′ Wide today.