Every manufactured home sits on some kind of foundation. In Texas, the two systems you see most often are the traditional pier and anchor setup and the runner system. Both are legitimate. They just work differently and hold up differently on North Texas clay.
How pier and anchor works
A pier and anchor foundation uses individual concrete masonry piers stacked on footing pads under the steel I-beams that make up the home's frame. Each pier is set to the right height with shims, and ground anchors tied to straps around the frame resist wind uplift. This is the most common setup in Cooke County and is what most older manufactured homes use.
How a runner system works
A runner system replaces the many individual piers with continuous poured concrete or engineered steel runners under each I-beam. Instead of dozens of point loads, the runner spreads the load along the entire length of the frame. Runners are less common on older homes but appear on some newer setups and on retrofits.
How each handles clay soil movement
Pier and anchor is easier to adjust when the soil moves. Each pier can be reshimmed independently, so a partial releveling only touches the piers that have drifted. Runner systems distribute load better and move less overall, but when they do move they are harder to adjust because you cannot shim just one section.
Wind performance
Both systems can meet HUD wind zone requirements when installed correctly. Pier and anchor relies on the ground anchors and straps. Runners rely on engineered attachment to the frame and to the ground.
Which is right for your home
This is almost always determined by how the home was set originally. Converting from one system to the other is a major job and usually only done during a full foundation replacement or an FHA or VA financing conversion to a permanent foundation. If you are unsure which system you have, a licensed local pro can identify it during a free on-site check. Also see our guide on how often manufactured homes need leveling in North Texas clay.