If you really want a Jeep, that's a sound reason for going the MH route.
But the dollar comparison makes zero sense, unless you are just trying to manipulate the analysis to get the answer you've already decided on (possibly trying to convince the wife?). If you are going to go with a 10-15yr old MH, why wouldn't you compare to a 10-15yr old pickup? We picked up a 2008 F250 in really good condition last year for $10k...tax, title, everything, so no, you don't need to spend $40-50k on a pickup (or alternatively, if you buy a new MH, you won't get much of one in the price range you mentioned).