The Legacy and Innovation of Fleetwood Homes
Fleetwood Homes is one of America’s most respected manufactured housing brands, with over 70 years of experience building quality, affordable homes since its founding in 1950. If you’re researching manufactured home options, here’s what you need to know about Fleetwood:
| Fleetwood Homes Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1950 |
| Current Brand | Now part of Cavco Homes |
| Homes Built | Nearly 1.5 million customers served |
| Manufacturing Locations | 7 plants across the US (CA, GA, ID, OR, TN, TX, VA) |
| Home Types | Single-wides, Double-wides, The Anthem (HUD-approved duplex) |
| Floor Plans | Over 145 different layouts |
| Size Range | 399 sq ft (park models) to 2,543 sq ft (large homes) |
| Price Range | Varies by model, location and features |
| Notable Recognition | Manufacturer of the Year (2023 & 2024) – Kentucky MHI |
Since 1950, Fleetwood has been surprising families with how much home they can afford. The company began by manufacturing travel trailers before expanding into residential homes, building a reputation for quality construction in factory-controlled environments.
In recent years, Fleetwood unified under the Cavco Homes brand to simplify the homebuying process, though many still know and search for the trusted Fleetwood name. This brand transition combines Fleetwood’s legacy of craftsmanship with Cavco’s industry leadership.
What sets Fleetwood homes apart is their factory-crafted construction process. Unlike site-built homes exposed to weather during construction, Fleetwood homes are built in climate-controlled facilities with specialized equipment and bulk-purchased materials, resulting in less waste, greater efficiency, and often higher quality.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable starter home, a spacious family residence, or even a manufactured duplex like The Anthem (the first nationally available HUD-approved manufactured duplex), Fleetwood offers options designed to provide exceptional value without sacrificing quality.
Why This Guide Matters
The manufactured housing industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, especially in Texas where affordable housing solutions are in high demand. Factory-built homes offer numerous advantages over traditional site-built construction, including cost efficiency, faster build times, and consistent quality control.
For Texas homebuyers, understanding the Fleetwood Homes lineup is particularly important as they represent one of the most established brands in the market with manufacturing facilities strategically located to serve our region. At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we’ve seen increasing interest in these homes from buyers across San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo, and throughout Texas.
As housing costs continue to rise, manufactured homes provide an accessible path to homeownership without sacrificing quality or comfort. This guide will help you steer the Fleetwood lineup, understand what sets them apart, and determine which model might be right for your needs and budget.
Fleetwood Homes: Legacy, Products & Build Quality
When shopping for a manufactured home, three things really matter: who built it, what they offer, and how well they put it together. Fleetwood Homes shines in all three areas, with a story that spans more than 70 years and nearly 1.5 million happy homeowners who’ve trusted them with their American dream.
Fleetwood Homes History & Cavco Transition
The Fleetwood Homes journey began back in 1950, starting with travel trailers before the company realized they could revolutionize how Americans think about housing. The founder had a simple but powerful idea: apply efficient manufacturing techniques to create quality homes that everyday families could actually afford.
As the decades rolled by, Fleetwood grew from a small operation into a true industry pioneer. Today, they craft homes in seven strategically-placed factories across America:
- Riverside, California
- Douglas, Georgia
- Nampa, Idaho
- Woodburn, Oregon
- Lafayette, Tennessee
- Waco, Texas (our home state!)
- Rocky Mount, Virginia
This nationwide presence means Fleetwood Homes can efficiently serve families from coast to coast, including right here in Texas where our team at Manufactured Housing Consultants helps families find their perfect match.
In recent years, Fleetwood joined the Cavco Industries family (Nasdaq CVCO), a respected public company with thousands of dedicated employees. While the official brand name has transitioned to Cavco Homes, many folks still know and search for the Fleetwood name they’ve trusted for generations.
This brand unification wasn’t just a corporate decision—it was designed to make your homebuying journey simpler while keeping the exceptional quality that made Fleetwood a household name. As they put it: “Our exceptional homes are now built under the Cavco name.” You can learn more about this brand transition here.
Fleetwood Homes Models: Manufactured vs Park vs RV
Fleetwood Homes offers something for just about everyone, with housing solutions that fit different lifestyles, needs, and budgets.
Their single-wide homes pack a surprising amount of living space into an efficient footprint. Typically 14-18 feet wide and up to 80 feet long, models like the Pure 1666 offer 1,023 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms—plenty of room for a growing family.
For those needing more elbow room, double-wide homes like the Perry model spread out to about 28 feet wide, offering generous layouts with up to 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space. These homes often feature spacious kitchens, master suites, and open floor plans that rival any site-built home.
Innovation is in Fleetwood’s DNA, which is why they created The Anthem—the first nationally available HUD-approved manufactured duplex. This groundbreaking design offers affordable multi-family housing solutions perfect for investors or extended families.
Beyond traditional manufactured homes, Fleetwood produces charming park models starting at just 399 square feet. These cozy retreats like the Gammon and Fussell models are ideal for vacation properties or minimalist living.
And while we focus on housing at Manufactured Housing Consultants, it’s worth noting that Fleetwood’s RV division produces some of America’s favorite motorhomes, from luxurious Class A diesels to versatile Class C models.
| Feature | Manufactured Home | Park Model | Motorhome/RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Permanent residence | Vacation/seasonal | Travel/temporary |
| Size Range | 600-2,543 sq ft | 399-560 sq ft | Varies by class |
| Mobility | Transported once to site | Semi-mobile | Fully mobile |
| Building Code | HUD code | RV code | RVIA standards |
| Price Range | $40,000-$150,000+ | $30,000-$80,000 | $150,000-$675,000+ |
| Lifespan | 30-55+ years | 15-25+ years | 10-20+ years |
| Financing | Home loans available | RV loans | RV loans |
Factory-Crafted Construction Advantage
What truly sets a Fleetwood home apart is how it’s built. While traditional site-built homes face the elements during construction, Fleetwood homes come together in climate-controlled factories—and that makes all the difference.
Think about it: no rain soaking lumber before it’s installed, no humidity warping materials, no construction delays due to weather. As Fleetwood explains: “Weather doesn’t affect the construction schedule or damage building materials before they’re installed.” This controlled environment ensures every home leaves the factory with consistent quality and structural integrity.
The factory setting also allows for remarkable efficiency. Electrical work, plumbing installation, and finishing touches happen simultaneously rather than in sequence, eliminating the scheduling headaches that plague site-built construction. This streamlined approach saves time and money—savings that get passed on to you.
Fleetwood also benefits from serious buying power, purchasing materials in bulk and reducing waste. Their precision cutting and assembly processes use exactly what’s needed, creating less construction waste than traditional building methods. It’s not just cost-effective—it’s better for the environment too.
Then there’s the build science that makes these homes special. Fleetwood’s exclusive Vacu-Bond™ wall construction uses an astonishing 415,000 pounds of vacuum pressure for a full half hour to create extremely strong, perfectly straight walls. Their Powerlock System™ integrates the floor, sidewalls, and roof into a single cohesive structure for long-term durability.
How tough are these homes? After Hurricane Katrina, one Fleetwood homeowner reported that his house survived the devastating storm without damage—a powerful testament to the quality and resilience built into every home.
Quality, Energy Efficiency & Awards
Quality isn’t just a buzzword at Fleetwood Homes—it’s built into every step of their process, from design to delivery. Their homes meet or exceed HUD’s national building codes and federal safety standards, featuring triple-fastened OSB floor decking secured to steel I-beam frames for rock-solid stability. Thermal pane windows come standard on many models, and quality inspections happen throughout the manufacturing process, not just at the end.
Energy efficiency is another Fleetwood strong point. Many models earn the coveted Energy Star rating, featuring high R-value insulation (typically R-21 in walls and ceilings, R-11 in floors). Low-E vinyl clad thermo-pane windows reduce heat transfer, while programmable thermostats and fiberglass insulated floor duct systems help keep utility bills manageable. Industry research shows manufactured homes like those produced by Fleetwood can use up to 50% less energy than comparable site-built homes—a difference you’ll notice in your monthly bills.
The industry has certainly taken notice of Fleetwood’s commitment to excellence. They’ve received prestigious recognition including Manufacturer of the Year at both the 2023 and 2024 Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute’s Annual Conference. Their sales team has earned accolades too, with Salesperson of the Year recognition in 2023. The company also participates in high-profile industry events like the Innovative Housing Showcase 2024 in Washington.
As part of Cavco Industries, Fleetwood accepts a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Their factory-built approach inherently reduces construction waste and improves energy efficiency, aligning perfectly with modern environmental concerns while providing affordable housing solutions that families can feel good about.
At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we’re proud to offer Fleetwood Homes to our Texas customers. We’ve seen how these quality-built, energy-efficient homes have helped hundreds of families achieve their homeownership dreams without breaking the bank.
Buying, Pricing & Future Innovations
Ready to turn your homeownership dreams into reality? Let’s talk about what matters most – how to actually buy a Fleetwood home, what you can expect to pay, and some exciting innovations that might just make your decision easier.
Popular Floor Plans & Classic Favorites
With over 145 different floor plans, Fleetwood Homes offers something for everyone – from cozy single-wides to spacious family homes. You’re not just buying a house; you’re choosing a living space that feels like it was designed specifically for your lifestyle.
The Perry model has become a family favorite, offering a generous 1,919 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its open concept design makes it perfect for families who love to entertain or simply want to keep an eye on the kids while preparing dinner.
If you’re looking for something more compact but still comfortable, the Pioneer delivers a perfect balance with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,178 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Meanwhile, the Pure 1666 single-wide packs an impressive punch with 1,023 square feet, featuring modern touches like stainless steel appliances and sleek shaker-style cabinets.
There’s something special about Fleetwood’s classic models too. The Festival (or Broadmore, depending on where you lived) holds a special place in manufactured housing history. Steve Lancaster, who founded a popular Facebook group for manufactured housing enthusiasts, puts it perfectly: “I’ve always admired the Festival’s floor plan as an excellent use of space.” With its distinctive wood beams and innovative bathroom design featuring both a garden tub and shower, it was ahead of its time. As Lancaster notes, “If they reissued this exact floor plan today, I would buy one ASAP.”
Today’s shopping experience is even better – you can take 3D virtual tours on their website before visiting us at Manufactured Housing Consultants. When you’re ready to personalize your home, options abound: upgrade to smart panel siding, choose all-vinyl flooring instead of carpet, add ceiling fans, select stainless steel appliance packages, or even include an entertainment center with an electric fireplace. The possibilities are yours to explore!
Warranty, Customer Service & Ownership Experience
Buying a home is a big deal, and Fleetwood Homes understands that your peace of mind matters. Their typical one-year structural warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship, giving you confidence in your investment.
But the support doesn’t end after purchase. With service centers and an extensive dealer network (including us at Manufactured Housing Consultants), help is always within reach. Need an owner’s manual or maintenance information? Their website has you covered.
The real testament to Fleetwood’s quality comes from the nearly 1.5 million satisfied customers who’ve chosen their homes since 1950. We’ve helped countless Texas families find their perfect Fleetwood home, and the feedback is consistently positive. One particularly striking story comes from a Hurricane Katrina survivor whose Fleetwood home remained standing without damage – a powerful demonstration of their durability.
Perhaps most telling is how owners simply refer to their manufactured residences as “home” – no qualifiers needed. As one owner put it, “Families from all walks of life invest in a Fleetwood home.” That’s the highest compliment any housing manufacturer could receive.
Anthem HUD-Approved Duplex & Affordable Housing
Innovation doesn’t stand still at Fleetwood Homes, and The Anthem proves it. As the first nationally available HUD-approved manufactured duplex, this groundbreaking home is changing how we think about affordable housing.
The Anthem meets all of HUD’s stringent safety, construction, and design standards while offering Energy Star-rated 2 and 3 bedroom configurations. It’s brilliant for multi-generational families, creates rental income opportunities, and helps municipalities rapidly deploy quality affordable housing.
Here in Texas, where housing affordability challenges continue to grow, The Anthem represents a practical solution. We’re particularly excited about its potential to help more Texans achieve homeownership or create additional income streams through rental opportunities. You can learn more about The Anthem on their dedicated page.
ESG, Disaster Relief & Community Impact
Fleetwood Homes builds more than just houses – they build communities and hope. When tornados devastated communities, Fleetwood Douglas partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to build and donate 23 homes for victims. This wasn’t just charity; it demonstrated how quickly factory-built homes can provide quality housing during disaster recovery compared to traditional construction methods.
Their commitment to environmental responsibility shines through their manufacturing process, which naturally reduces construction waste. Their homes are designed to use up to 50% less energy than comparable site-built structures, and they work with LEED Certified suppliers including Owens Corning, Greenfiber, National Gypsum, and Shaw.
Beyond building homes, Fleetwood (now part of Cavco) actively participates in industry events like the 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase in Washington, advocating for policies that expand access to affordable housing. Their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives reflect a company that cares about more than just their bottom line.
If you’re ready to explore Fleetwood Homes options for yourself, we’d love to help. At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we guarantee the lowest prices on Fleetwood homes in Texas with delivery anywhere in the state. Whether you’re in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo, or anywhere else in Texas, we’ll help you find the perfect home to fit your needs and budget. You can learn more about everything you should know before buying a Fleetwood home on our dedicated guide.
Conclusion & Next Steps
After exploring the remarkable journey of Fleetwood Homes over the past 70+ years, it’s clear why so many families continue to choose these quality manufactured homes. What began as a small travel trailer company in 1950 has evolved into one of America’s most trusted housing brands, now proudly part of the Cavco family.
The magic of Fleetwood Homes lies in their ability to surprise families with just how much home they can afford. Whether you’re considering a cozy single-wide, a spacious double-wide, or the groundbreaking Anthem duplex, you’re getting decades of manufacturing expertise in every wall, floor, and ceiling.
We at Manufactured Housing Consultants have seen how Texas families light up when touring Fleetwood models. The factory-crafted construction doesn’t just save money—it creates homes that stand up to our Texas weather while keeping utility bills manageable year after year.
Our commitment to you goes beyond just selling homes. As Texas’s leading manufactured home retailer, we pride ourselves on offering the lowest prices in the state on Fleetwood Homes and other quality brands. No matter where you call home in the Lone Star State—from busy San Antonio to coastal Corpus Christi, border-town Laredo to growing New Braunfels—we’ll deliver your dream home right to your property.
What makes us different? We understand that the path to homeownership isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we specialize in helping customers with various credit situations find financing options that work for their unique circumstances. Our transparent pricing means no surprises—just honest value.
Ready to join the nearly 1.5 million satisfied Fleetwood homeowners? The next step is simple—visit one of our welcoming Texas locations or reach out online. Our friendly team will guide you through available models, help you understand your financing options, and answer any questions you might have about the buying process.
We’d love to show you our selection of Fleetwood Homes in person and help you find why so many Texans are choosing manufactured housing as their affordable path to quality homeownership. After all, these aren’t just manufactured homes—they’re the places where families will gather, children will grow, and memories will be made for generations to come.
For more information about your options, check out our guide to the Top Brands of Mobile Homes to Choose and find why Manufactured Housing Consultants is Texas’s trusted partner in affordable homeownership.
