Resists Lateral Movement

A stabilizer plate is especially important in Florida because of our sandy soil. All anchors for diagonal straps must have one to prevent the anchor from being dragged sideways through the soil towards the frame due to a lateral load on the tie-down strap, such as one caused by hurricane winds. 

    The spade-shape shown in the diagram above is an example of stabilizer plate. Two exceptions to the requirement are when: 1) the anchor is installed diagonally and aligned with the strap, or 2) the strap is vertical.

Must Be “Listed"

    The stabilizer plate must be hot-dip galvanized steel or ABS plastic, with a minimum surface area of 180 square inches, and listed by the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services, Manufactured Housing Section. “Listed” means that it is on their list of components approved for installation in Florida. The plate will have an identification number stamped on it by the manufacturer that matches one on the approved list. Do not assume that a stabilizer plate is Florida-listed because you purchased it at at a store in Florida.

    The plate should be installed with the top flush (exposed) at ground level for an inspector to view. Also, there is a long groove down the center of the plate that the anchor should snug into for it to stay in place and  function properly. Stabilizer plates are not required  at vertical tie-downs that have no diagonal/frame tie attached.

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES:

• Where can I file a complaint if I have problems with my new or used manufactured/mobile home in Florida?

• What are the most common defects in mobile/manufactured home foundation piers?

• How do I determine the age of a very old mobile home?

• What is a "HUD label verification letter" for a mobile/manufactured home?  

• When did a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) become required under a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Is it safe to go under a mobile home? 

• Are older mobile homes unsafe? 

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosed mobile home? 

• Does it make sense to buy an older mobile home and remodel it? 

• Where do I find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on a mobile home? 

• How do I find out how old a mobile home is and who manufactured it?

• What is the right price for a used mobile home?

• How energy efficient is a mobile home?

• When were the first double-wide mobile homes manufactured?

• How can I remove water under my mobile home?

• What's the differences between a trailer, a mobile home, a manufactured home, and a modular home? 

• What is a D-sticker mobile home? 

• What are the tie-down requirements for a mobile home?

• How fireproof is a mobile home?  

• Can I install a mobile home myself?

• What is a Park Model mobile home?  

• Does an addition to a mobile home have to comply with the HUD Code? 

• What walls can I remove in a mobile home?

• What can I do to prevent dampness and mold in my mobile home? 

• How can I tell if a mobile home is well constructed?

• How can I tell the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home?

       Visit our MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES  page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.